The Sun.
London, England, 1818-01-08 00:00:00

onder obtained ; by them alone can the
conoi4eisit.m Ct the li%e, in future, be prevented.
tHif,.r.eittions with the other Powers of Europe
e..perieneed no material change since tine last
Se,i.ot, In our intercourse ‘vith each, (lite at-

tention continues to-be paid to the protection of
nor continerce, and to every other object in which
tl.c United States are interested. A stronl! hope
is entertained, that, by adhering to the maxims of
a just, I candid, and friendly volley, we may long
pr,-serve ainicable relations with all the Powers of
Euriik, on conditions advanta-geutts and honour-
altle to dirt. country.

the 13albary States and the Indian T►ibes
our !).:tefie rulationt, havv been preserved.

lo caiiiug yotir attention to the internal con-
cents of, our country, the view which they exhibit
.
is ireculiarly gratifying. The payments IA heft
113 ye been made into the Treasury chew the very
productive state of the Public Revenue. After sa-
tisfying the HoproPriations made by law for the
support of die Civil Government, and of the Mi-
litary and Naval EStAblishments, embracing suit-
able provision for Fortifications and for the gra-
dual itict ease of the Navy, paying-the Interest of
the Public Debt, and extinguishing more than
eight oen millions of the Principal, within the pre-
sent year, it is estimated that a balance of more
than six millions of thdlars will remain in the
Treasury on the first day of Initial y, applicable to
the current service of the ensuing year.

The payments into the treasury durirn4 the year
01le rhour.and eight hundred and ei:.:ltteen, on ac-
couw of impost acct oiintage, resulting principally
coin duties which have accrued in the resent
ycar, may he fairly estimated at twenty millions
of dollars; internal revenues at two millions five
hundred thousand ; public lands, at one million
five hundred thousand ; bank dividends arid inci-
-d.ital receipts, at five hnudred thousand; mak-
ing, in the whole, twenty-four millions and five
hundred thonsand dollars.

The annual permanent expenditure for the
support of the Civil Government, and of the Army
and Navy, as now established by law, amounts
to eleven millions eight hundred thousand dollars ;
and or the Sinking Fund, to ten millions ; mak-
iog,.lo the whOle, twenty-one millions eight bun-
dis•ti hoosand dollars ; leaving an annual excess
of revenue beyond the expenditure of two millions
seven hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of the
balance estimated to be in the Treasury on the
first day of January, one thousand eight hundred
and eighteen.
In the present state of the Treasury, the whole
of the Louisiana debt may be redeemed in the year
one thousand eight hundred and nineteen ; after
which, if the public debt continues as it now is,
above hoar, there will he annually about five mil-
lions of the Sinking Fund unexpended, until the
year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five,
when the Loan of one thousand eight hundi;ed
and twelve, and the Stork created by funding
Treasury Notes, will be redeemable.
It is also estimated that the 111ississippi Stock
will be discharged during the.year 1819, from the
proceeds of the public lands assigned to that ob-
ject ; after which the receipts from those lands
will annually add•to the public revenue the sum
of one million five hundre:lthousand dollars, mak-
i!,g- the permanent annual revenue amount to
twenty-six millions of dollars, and leaving an
annual excess of revenue, after the year 1819, be-
voad the permanent authorized expenditure, of
more t!!ati four millions of dollors.

tl,c last returns front the Department of
War, the Militia force of the several States may be
estiitt.►ie,l at eight humoire►l timonsand men, infan-
try. artill,!ry, and cavalry. Great part of this
force is armed, and measures are taken to arm time
whole. An improvmment in time organization
and discipline of the Militia is one of time great
ohj:'cts vlmich claims the unretnitted attention of
Coazrc.s.

'fbe regular force amounts nearly to the num-
ber requileci by law, and is semiotic(' along the
Ik!hititic and inland iroutierS.
' Of the naval force, it has been necessary to
tivaintairt strong s(itt,oirons in the Mediterranean,
and in the Gt!l- ut Mexico. _ _ .

F: 61n several of the Indian Tribes inhabiting
rive counlry-, bordering on Lake Erie, purchases
have been made of lands, on conditions very.
Lavourable to the United States, and, as it is
presumed, not less so to the tribes, themselves.—
By these purchases, the Indian title, with mode-
rate reservations, has been etttinguiAted to
the whole of the land within the limits of the
State of Ohio, -and to a great part of that in
the Michigan Territory, and Of the State of in,-
diana. 'Vint». the Cherokee tribe a tract has:
been purchased in the State of Georgia, and
au arrangement made, by which, in exchange for I
lands beyond the 'Mississippi, a great part, if not
the whofe,of the land belonging to thtrti tribe,east7
ward'of that river, in the States of NOrth Carolina,
Geotgia and Tennessee, and in the Alabama terri-
tory; will soil') be acquired. By ,tbese acqui-
sitions, and others that may reasonably be ex-
pected •
,soon to follow, We shall be enabled
to extend our Settlements; from the inha-
bited parts of the state of Ohio along Lake
Elie; into
.the. Michipin territory, and to
.conn:.et, our Settlements by degrees, through
ihe-...ciate of Indiana and the Illinois territory, to
'that of Missoiiri. A similar, and equally advan-
vantagenni effect soon be produced to the
south,,through the whole extent of the states and
territory `which border on the waters emptying
into the M?ssissippi and the Mobile. In this pro-
gress, which, the rig ts of nature demand, and.no-
thing can prevent, marking a .growth rapid .and
gigantic, it is our duty to make necv etiortslor the
preservation, impro-vement, and civilization of the
naive inhabitaw s. The hunter state can exist only
the vest, uncultivated desert:- It yields to,the
Ouse and compact form,-and greater force of
civilized poptilation ; and of right it,ought to yield,.
for the earth was given to mankind to.suiiiiatt the.
gceatest aumber of which it is capable, and no tribe

or people have a right to withhold from the wants
of others more than is necessary for their own sop-
port dild .comfort. It is gratifying to know that the
reservations of laud matte by the Treaties with
the Tribes on Lake Erie, were made with .a view
to individual ownership among them, and to the
cultivation of the soil by all, and that an annual
stipend has been pledged to supply their other
►wants. It wi►l merit the considera.tion of Con-
gress, ►whether otberprovision, not stipulated by
the Treaty, ought to be made for these Tribes;
and fur the•-zitivancernent of the liberal- and hu-
mane policy of the United States towards all ibe
Tribes w►thin our limits, and more particularly
for their improveme►►t in tire arts of civilized life.
Among the advantages incident to these pur-
chases, and to those who have preceded, the se-
curi which limy thereby be afforded to Our in-
land frontiers is peculiarly itopottant. With a
strong barrier, consisting of our own people,
thus planted on the Lakes, the Mississippi and the
Mobile, with the protection to be derived from the
regular force, Indian hostilities, if they do not
alto,;ether cease, will bencelotth lose their terror.
Fortifications in those quarters, to any extent,
will not be necessary, and the expellee attending
then► may he saved A people accustomed to the
use of fire-ar►ns only, as the Indian tribes ate,
will shun even moderate works, which are defend-
ed by cAnnon. Great fortifications will, therefore,
be requisite only, in future, along the coast, and at
some points in the interior, cobnected with it.—
Ot► these will the safety of our towns, and the com-
merce of our great rivers, from the bay of Funds/
to the Mississippi, depend. On these, therefore,
should the utmost attention, skill, and labour, be
bestowed. _ .

A considerable and rapid augmentation in the
va'oe of all the public lands, proceeding from
these and other obvious causes, may bencefore
ward be expected. The difficulties attending
early emigrations will be dissipated even in the
most rento7e parts. Several new States (rave
been admitted into our Union, to the west and
south, and territorial Governments, happily or-
ganized, established over every other portion in
which there is vacant land for sale. In terminat-
ing Indian hostilities, as must soon be done, in a
formidable shape at least, the emigration which
has heretofore been great, will probably en-
crease, and the demand for land, and the aug-
mentation in its value, be in like proportion.---•-
The great increase of our population throughout
the Union will alone produce an important effect,
and io no quarter will it be so sensibly felt as in
those in contemplation. The public lands are a
public stock which ought to be disposed of to
the best advantage for the nation. The nation
should, therefore, derive the profit proceeding
from the continual rise in their value. Every
encouragement shookd be given to the emigrants
consistent with a fair competition between them,
but that competition should operate, in the first
sale, to the advantage of the nation rather than
of individuals. Great capitalists will derive all
the benefit incident to their superior wealth,
under any mode of sale which may be adopted.
Brit, if looking forward to the rise in the value of
the public lands, they should have the oppoitu-
nity of amassing, at a 'low price, vast bodies in
their hands, the profit will accrue to them and
not to the
,public. They would also have the
power, in that degree, to controul the emigration
and settlement in such manner as their opinion
of their respective interests might dictate. I sub-
Wit this subject to the consideration- of Congress,
that such further provision may be made in the
sale of the public lands, with a view to the public
interest, should any he deemed expedient, as in
their judgment may be best adapted to the object.
‘Vhen eve consider the vast extent of territory
within the Uoired Sates, the great amount and
value of its productions, the connections of its
parts, and other circumstances on which their pro-
sperity and happiness depend, we cannot fail to
entertain a high sense of the advantage to be de-
ived front the fat.ility which may he afforded in the
intercourse between them, by means of good roads
and casuals. Never did a country of such vast
extent offer eqol inducements .to improve
ments of this kind, nor ever were consequences
of such magnitude involved in them. As this
subject was acted on by Congress at the last
Session, and there may 'be a disposition to tee-
vive it at the present, I have brought it into_
view, for the . purpose of communicating my
sentiments on a very import ant circumstance
connected with it, with .that freedom and can-
dour which a regard for public interest, anti
a proper respect fur Congress, require. A differ-
ence of opinion has existed, from the first lot-
mation of our constitution to the present time,
among our most eulightened and virtuous citizens,
respecting the. right of Congress to establish such
a system of improvement. Taking into view the
trust with which I ant now hollowed, it would he
improper, after what has Passed, that this discos-
Sion should'he revived, with an uncertainty of my
opinion respecting the right. Disregarding early
impressions, I have bestowed on the subject
all the deliberation which its great importance
and a just sense of my duty, required—and
the result is, a settled conviction in my mind,
that Congress do not possess the right. It is
not contained in any of the _ specified powers
granted to Congress ; nor can 1 consider it inci-
dental to, or a necessary mean, viewed on the
most liberal • scale, for carrying into effect any
of the powers which are specifically granted.—
ln this result, I cannot resist
the obligation which I feel to suggest to Con-
gress the propriety of recommending, to the
States the adopt ion of an amendment to the
Constitution, which shall give to Congress the
right in. questitm. In cases of doubtful con-
struction, especially of such vital interest, it
comports with the nature and origin of our in-
stitutions, and will contribute much to pre-
serve them to apply to our constituents for an
explicit grant of the power. We may confi-
dently rely, that if it appears to their satisfac-
tion that the' power is necessary it wi=t always be
granted. In this case I cm happy to observe, that
experience has afforded the most ample proof of
its utility, and that the benign spirit of concilia-
tion and harmony which now manifests itsejf
throtighout our Union, promises to such a recom-
mendation the most prompt and favourable result.
think plover to suggest, also, ,in case this

sure is adopted, that it fie recommended to the,
States to include, -in the amendment sought, a
right in Congress to institute, likewise, seminaries
of learning, for the all-importa,nt purpose of
diffusing knowledge 'among our fellow-citizens
throughout the United States.
Our manufactories will require the continued
attention of Congress. The-capital employed hi
them is considerable, and the knowledge ac-
quired in the machinery and fabric of all the most
useful manufactures is of great value. Their pre-
servation, which depends on due encouragement,
is connected with the high interests of the nation.
Although the progress of the public build-
ings has been as favourable as circumstances
have permitted, it is to be regretted that the
Capitol is not yet in a state to receive you.—
There is good cause to presume that the two
wings, the only parts as yet commenced, will be.
prepared for that purpose at the next Session.—
The time seems now to have arrived, when this
subject may be deemed worthy the attention of
Congress, on a scale. adequate to national pur-
poses. The completion of the middle building-
will be necessary to the convenient accommo-
dation of Congress, of the Committees, and
various offices belonging to it. It is evi-
dent that the other public buildings are
altogether insufficient for the accommoda-
tion of the several executive depaitments,
some of whom are much crowded, and even sub-.
jected to the necessity of obtaining it in private
buildings, at some distance from the bead of the
department, and with inconvenience to. the ma-
nAgyment of the public business. Most nations
have taken an interest and'a pride in the improve-
ment and ornament of their metropolis, and none
were more conspicuous in that respect than the
ancient. .Republics. The policy which dictated
the establishment of a
.permanent residence for
the National Government, and the spirit in
which it was commenced, and has been pro-.
secuted, shew that such improvement was
thought worthy the attention of this nation.—
Its central position, between the northern and
southern extremes of our Union, amt its approach
to the west, at the head of a great navigable river,
which interlocks. with the western waters, prove
the wisdom of the councils which established it,
Nothing appears to be more reasonable riol pro-
'per, than that convenient accommodAt ions should
be provided on a well digested pliii,-for.the heads
of the several departments, and for the Attorney-
, General ; andit is believed that the public ground
• in the city, applied to those objects, will be found
amply sufficient. I. submit this subject to the
consideration of Congress, that such further pro-
vision may be' made in it, as to them may seem

proper.
In contemplating the happy situation of the
United States, our attention is drawn, with pe-
tallier interest, to the Surviving oflieers and sol-
diers of our revolutionary army', who so eminently
contributed, by their services, tti lay its founda-
tion. Most of those very meritorious citizens
have paid the debt of nature, and gone to repose.
It is believed that among the survivors there are
some not provided for by existing law., . who are
reduced to indigence, and even to real distress.—
These men have a claim ;on the, gratitude of their
country, and it will do honour to their country
to provide for them. The lapse of a few years
more, and the opportunity sill be for ever-lost :
indeed, so long already has been the interval, that•
the number to be benefited by any provision which
may he madeovill not be great.
It appearing in a satisfactory manner that the
revenue arising from imposts and tonnage, and
from the sale of the public lands, will he fully
adequate to the support of. the civil government,
of the present military and naval establishments,
' including. the annual augmentation at the latter,
to the extent- provided for ; to the payment of the
interests on the public debt, and to the extin-
guishment of it at the times authorised, without
the aid of the internal .taxes; I consider it my
duty to recommend to Congress their repeal. To
impose taxes, when the public exigencies require
them, is an obligation of the most sacred charac-
ter, especially with a free people.. The faithful
fulfilment of it is among the highest proofs of
their virtue, and capacity for self-government.—
To dispense with taxes, when it may be done with
perfect safety, is equally the duty of their Repre-
seutatives. In this instance we have the satisfac-
tion to know that they were imposed when the
demand was imperious, and have been. sustained
with exemplary fidelity. I have to add, that, how-
ever gratifying it may be to me, regarding the
prosperous at.d happy condition of our country,
to recommend the repeal of these taxes at this
time, 1 shall nevertheless be attentive to events,
and should any future emergency occur, be not less
prompt to suggest such measures and burthetts as
may theta be requisite and proper.
JAMES MONROE.
Washington, Dec. 2, 1817. •