Star.
London, England, 1820-01-07 00:00:00

MEETING OF THE AMERICAN CONGRESS.

rguslDENrs MESSAGE.
We have the satisfaction of laying before our
Readers to-day, the account so anxiously expected, of
the Meeting of the American Congress, with a full
and correct Copy of the PRESIDENT'S Message.
The hiembets of Congress assembled in their re-
spective Chambers at the Capitol, on Monday, De-
cember 6. In the Senate the proceedings were con-
fined to the appointment of some Standing Com-
mittees, and other matters of regulation. In the
House of Representatives an election took place for
the office of Speaker, when Mr. CLAY, of Kentucky,
was re-chosen, by a majority of 147, out of 155 votes.
—Mr. CLAY, in his Address of Thanks, observed,
that, « during the Session which was about to open,
there was every reason to anticipate that the matters,
Which the House would be required to consider and
decide, would possess the highest degree of interest."
The Message of the PRESIDENT to both Houses
was communicved next day, Tuesday, the fith of
December. As to all the world, except Spain, the
Message is of a decidedly amicable description;
but, in regard to that country, it announces distinctly,
that between submitting to the cession of the Flotidas
and appealing to force of arms, it has no alternative.
FERDINAND, while refusing to ratify the Treaty of
Cession entered into by his Plenipotentiary, Don
ONIs, intimate,:, that he would send out a Special
Ambassador to America, to ask an explanation of
certain points, a satisfactory solution of which might
probably lead to the ratification at present refused.
The PRESIDENT suggests, that there can be no
harm in waiting till this Ambassador arrives ; but as
there can be no doubt (so he contends) that every
thing can be satisfactorily explained, as. it must be
manifest to all the world that FERDINAND ought to
have ratified 'the Treaty, he recommends to Con-
gress, in the meantime, to consider and act upon
the Treaty, as if it had actually been ratified, and to
pass an Act accordingly, giving the Executive a dis-
cretional power to take possession of the Floridas,
whenever it thinks proper. Should therefore thiS re-
commendation be acted on by Congress, of wtrich
we see no reason to entertain any doubt, FERDINAND
may spare himself the trouble of sending out any
new Ambassador.

The American Executive has previously determined
that it cannot be in the wrong—that nothing can be
asked of it, which it cannot explain—it has resolved,
in short, to have the Floridas, at all hazards ; and
Spain has only to consider whether it is in the power

of her arms to keep it from them !
Not the least curious piece of information contained
in the PRESIDENT'S Speech, is the fact that most of
the European Cabinets who have been appealed to
on the subject, have given opinions in favour of the
ratification of the Treaty ; and, by communicating
their sentiments to PERDINAND,.wouId seem to have

even urged his acquiescence. Great Britain is parti-

cularly mentioned, as having given its sanction to
the measure, a circumstance which chews; what
is indeed no novelty, that the Ministry and the Pub-
lic of Great Britain often differ strangely as to
what are the real interests of .the country. All
that has been said as to our occupation of Cuba, must
now, of course, be 'regarded as rumour.
But we shall not longer detain our Readers from
the Message itself. It is in the following terms :
" Fellow- Citizens of the Senate, and of the House
rf Representatives!
,g The Public Buildings being advanced to a stage
to afford accommodation for Congress, I offer you my
[ .
sincere congratulations on the recommencement of
[ your duties in the Capitol.
" In bringing to view the incidents most deserving
attention, which have occurred since last Cession, I
regret to h'ave to state, that several of our principal
citiis have suffered by sickness; that an unusual

drought has prevailed in the Middle and Western
States ; and that a derangement has been felt in some'
of our monied institutions, which has proportionably
affected their credit. I ain happy, however, to have
it in my power to assure you, that the health of our,
cities is now completely restored; that the produce
of the year, though less abundant than usual, will

'not only be amply sufficient for home consumptiion, I
but afford a large surplus for the supply of the
wants of other nations ; and that the derangement in
the circulating paper medium, by being left to those
remedies which its obvious causes suggested, and the
good sense and virtue of our fellow-citizens supplied,
has diminished.

Having informed Congress, on the 27th of Fe-
bruary last, that a Treaty of Amity, Settlement, and
Limits, had been concluded in this City, between the
United States and Spain, and ratified by the compe-
tent Authorities of the former, full confidence was
entertained that it would have been ratified by his
Catholic Majesty, with equal promptitude, and alike
earnest desire to terminate, on the conditions of that
Treaty, the differences which had so long existed be-
tween the two countries. Every view which the sub-
ject admittedof was thought to have justified this
conclusion. Great losses had been sustained by citi-
zens of the United States, from Spanish cruizers,
more than twenty years before, which had not been
redressed. These losses had been acknowledged aiid
provided for by a Treaty, as far sack as the year
1802, which, although concluded at Madrid; was
not then ratified by the Government of Spain, nor
since, until the last year, when it was suspended by

the late. Treaty; a more sltiStctory provis;ort to 1.,c.1!:
parties, as was presumei, having been mAde ihr
them. Other differences had arisen in this long ir.•
terval, affecting their highest interests, which, were
likewise provided for by this last Treaty. The Treaty
itself was formed on great consider2eon, an:l a
thorough knowledge of all circumstances, the SuVect
matter of every article having been for year; irn:ler
discussion, and repeated references having beca M2Je
by the Minister of Spain to his Govemtnel.t, on the
points respecting which the greatest difference rio;;i.
nion prevailed. It 'was formed by a Minister daily
authorised for the purpose, who had represented his
Government in the • United States, and been em.-
ploy el in this long protracted negotiation several
years, and who, it is not denied, kept strictly within
the letter of his instructions.

" The faith of Spain was therefore pledged, under
circumstances of peculiar force and solemnity, for its
ratification. On the part of the United States, this
Treaty was evidently acceded to in a spirit of conci-
liation and cbncession. The indemnity for injuries
and losses, so long before sustained, and now again
acknowledged and provided for, was to be paid by
them, without becoming a:charge on the Treasury of
Spain. For territory ceded by Spain, other terri-
tory, of great value, to which cur claim was believed
to be well founded, was ceded by the United States,
and in a quarter more interesting toiler. Th's cession
was nevertheless received, as the means of indemni-
fying our citizens, in a considerable sum, the rresu riled
amount of their losses. Other considerations, of great
weight, urged the cestion of this territory by Spain.
It was surrounded by the territories of the United
States on every side, except onthat of the ocean. Spain
had lost her, authority over it, and, falling into the
hands of adventurers -connected with the savages, it
was made the nicans of unceasing annoyance and in-
jury to our Union, in snarly of its most essential in-
terests. By this cession, then, Spain ceded a terri-
tory, in reality, of no value to her, and obtained con-
cessions of the highest importance, by the settlement
of long standing differences with the United States,
affecting their respective claims and limits, and like-
wise relieved herself from the obligations of a Treaty
relating to it, which she had failed to fulfil, and alto
from the responsibility incident to the most flagrant
and pernicious abuses of her rights, where she could.
not support her authority.
" It being known that the Treaty was formed un-
der these circumstances, not a doubt was entertained
that his Catholic Majesty would have ratified it, with-
out delay. I regret to have to state, that this Icason-
able expectation has been disappointed ; that the
Treaty was not ratified within the time stipulated,
and has not'since been- ratified.' As it. is important
that the-nature and character of this unexpected oc-
currence should be distinctly understood, I think it
my duty to communicate to you all the facts and
circumstances in my possession, relating to it.
" Anxious to prevent all future disagreement with
Spain, by giving the most prompt effect to the Treaty
which had .been thus concluded, and particularly by
the establishment of a Government in Florida, which'
shOuld preserve order there, the Minister of the Uni-
ted States, who had been recently appointed to his
Catholic Majesty, and to whom the ratification; by
his Government, had been committed, to be tx-
changed for that of Spain, was insttucted to transmit
the latter to the Department of State, as soon as ob-
tained, by a public ship subjected to his order far the
purpose. Unexpected delay occurring in the ratifi-
cation, by Spain, 'he requested to be informed of the
cause. It was stated, in reply, that the great import-
ance of the subject, and a desire to obtain explana-
tions on certain points, which were not specified, had
produced the delay, and that an Envoy would be
dispatched to the United States, to obtain ,such ex-
planations of this Government. The Minister of the
United States offered to give full explanation on any
point, on which it might be desired ; which propoial
was declined; Having communicated this result to
the Department of State, in August last, he was in-
stroded, notwithstanding the disappointment and
surprise which it produced, to inform the Govern-
ment of Spain, that, if the Treaty should be ratified,
and transmitted here at any time before the meeting
of Congress, it would be received, and have the same
effect as if it had been ratified in due time.

" This order was executed: the authOriied erlrn.
munication was made to the Gorernment of Spain,
.and 'by its answer, which has just been received, we
are officially made acquainted, for the first time, with
the causes which have prevented the ratification of
the Treaty by his Catholic Majesty. It is alleged by
the Minister of Spain, that this Government had at,
tempted to alter one of the principal articles of the
Treaty, by a declaration, which the Minister of the
United States had been ordered to present, when be
should deliver the ratification by his Government.
exchange for that of Spain, and of which he gave
notice, explanatory of the scare in which that article
was understood. It is further alleged, that this Go-
vernment had recently tolerated, or protected, an eons
pedition from the United States, against the Province
of Texas. These two imputed acts are stated as the
reasons which have induced his Catholic Majesty to
withhold his ratification from the Treaty, to obtain
explanations respecting which it is repeated that an
Envoy would be forthwith dispatched to the United
States. Ilow far these allegations will justify the
couchict of the Governmeat of Spain, will appear on

• •
View of the following facts, and the evidence which
tar:ports them :
It will be seen by the documents transmitted
herewizh, that the declaration mentioned, relates to
a clause in the eighth Article, concerning. certain
grants of land, recently made by his Catholic Ma-
jetv, in Florida, which, it was understood, had con-
veyed all the lands, which till then had been un.
granted. It NV 5 the intention of the parties to annul
these latter grants, and that clause was drawn for
that ex press purpose, and for none other. The date
ot those gay •-ts was unknown, but it was understood
to 3,1,- posterior to that inserted in the Article : in-
nlust be obvious to all, that, it that provision
:a the Treaty had not the effect of annulling these
;: would he altogether nugatory. Immedi-
:.tely afttr the neat>, was concluded and ratified by
litis Government, an intimation was received that
t:-tese grans were of an anterior date to that fixed on
by the Treaty, and that they would not, of course,
be afFected by it. The mere possibility of such a
case, so inconsistent with the intention of the parties,
and the meaning of the Article, induced this Govern-
ment to demand an ex lanation on the subject, which
was immediately granted, and which corresponds
sv'th this statement. With respect. to the c ther act
allet;ed, that this Government had tolerated or pro-
tected an expedition against Texas, it is utterly with-
out foundation. Every discountenance has, inva-
riably, been given to every such attempt within the
limits of the United States, as is fully evinced by the
acts of the Government, awl the proceedings of the
Conrts. There being cause, however, to apprehend,
in tie course of the last summer, that some adven-
turers entertained views of the kind suggested, the
attention of the Constituted Authorities, in that quar-
ter, was immediately drawn to them, and it is known
that the ..oject, whatever it might Le, has utterly
failed.

These facts will, it is presumed, satisfy every im-
partial mind, that the Government of Spain had no
iastifiable cause for declining to ratify the Treaty.—
.e Treaty, concluded in conformity With instructions
isobligatory, in good faith, in all its stipulations, ac
cording to the true intent and meaning of the arties.
Each party is bound to ratify it. If either could set
it aside, without the consent of the other, the; e would
be no longer any rules applicable to such transac-
tions, between Nations. By this proceeding, the Go-
vernment of Spain has rendered to the United States
a new and very serious injury. It has been stated
that a Minister would be sent, to ask certain expla-
nations of this Government. But, if such were de-
sired, why were they not asked within the time limited
tor the ratification ? Is it contemplated to open a
new negociation respecting any of. the Articles or
conditions of the Treaty ? If that we, e done, to
what consequences might it not lead ? At what time,
and in what manner, would a new negociation ter-
minate ? By this proceeding, Spain has formed a
relation between the two countries which will justify
any measures on the part of the United States, which
a strong sense of injury, and a proper regard for the
rights and interests of the Nation, may dictate. In the
course to be pursued, these objects should be con-
stantly held in view, and have their due weight. Our
National honour must be maintained, and a new and
a distinguished proof be afforded, of that regard for
astice and moderation which has invariably govern-
e' the councils of this free People.
" It must be obvious to all, that if the United States
had been desirous of making conquests, or had been
even willing to aggrandize themselves in that way,
they could have had no inducement to form this
Treaty. They would have much cause for gratula-
tion at the course which has been pursued by Spain.
An ample iicld for ambition is open before them.
But such a career is not consistent with the principles
cf their Government nor the interests of the Nation.
From a full view of all circumstances, it is sub-
rnated to the consideration of Con gress,whether it will
rat be proper for the United States to carry the con-
ditions of the Treaty into effect, in the same manner
as if it had been ratified by Spain, claiming on their
part all its advantages, and yielding to Spain all those
secured to her? By pursuing tills course, we shall
rest on the sacred ground of right, sanctioned in the
most solemn manner by Spain herself, by a Treaty
which she was bound to ratify ; for refusing to do
which she must incur the censure of other nations,
en those most friendly to her ; while, by confining
(-I;e:elves within that limit, we cannot fail to obtain
-.eel!' well-merited approbation. We must have peace
er. a frontier where we have been so long disturbed ;
ear citizens must be indemnified for losses so long
since sustained, and for which indemnity has been so
v.:..;astly withheld from them. Accomplishing these
grew: objects, we obtain all that is desirable.
" But his Catholic Majesty has twice dechtrel his
.'.rumination to send a Minister to the United States,
1/4o ask explanations on certain points, and to give
them, reseecting his delay to ratify the 'neat:.—
'hell we.act, by taking the ceded territory, and pro-
ceeding to execute the other conditions of the Treaty,
leinre this Minister arrives and is heard ? This is a
ease which forms a strong appeal to the candour, the
magnanimity, and honour of this People. Much is
e.iie to courtesy, between nations. By a short delay
''e shall lose nothing ; for, resting on:the ground of
remutable truth and justice, we cannot be diverted
feen our purpose. It ought to be presumed, that
?;'.e txplanations which may be given to the Minister
'. ill be satisfactory, and produce the desired

result. In -any event, the delay,' for 'the purpose
mentioned, being a further manifestation of the sin-
cere desire to terminate, in the most friendly manner,
all differences with Spain, cannot fail to be duly ap-
ptecialed by his Catholic Majesty, as well as by other
Pow crs. It is submitted, therefore, hether it will
not be proper to make the law proposed for carrying
the conditions of the Treaty into effect, should it be
adopted, contingent—to suspend its operation upon
die responsibility of the Executive, in such manner
as to afford an opportunity for such friendly expla-
nations as may be desired, during the present Session
of Congress.
" I communicate to Congress a copy of the Treaty,
and of the instructions to the Minister of the United
States, at Madrid, resiecting it; of. his correspon-
dence with the Minister of Spain,, and of such other
documents as may be necessary to give a full view
of the subject.
• " In the course which the Spanish Government
have, on this occasion, thought proper to pursue, it
is satisfactory to know, that they have not been coun-
tenanced by any other European Power, On the
contrary, the opinion and wishes, both of France and
Great Britain, have not been withheld, either from
the United States or from Spain, and have been un-
equivocal in favour of the ratification. There is also
reason to believe, that the sentiments of the Imperial
Government of Russia have been the same, and.that
they have also been made known to the Cabinet of
Madrid.

" In the civil war existing between Spain and the
Spanish Provinces in- this hemisphere, the greatest
care has been taken to enforce the laws intended to
pre,erve an impartial neutrality. Ourports have con-
tinued to be equally open to both parties, and on the
I same conditions, and our citizens have been equally
restrained from interfering in favour of-either to the
prejudice of the other. The progress of the war,
however, has operated manifestly in.favour of the
Colonies. Buenos Ayres still maintains, unshaken,
the independence which it declared in 1816, and has
enjoyed since 1810. Like success has also lately at-
tended Chili, :tad the Provinces north of the La Plata,
bordering on it, and likewise Venezuela.
" This contest has, from its commencement, been
very interesting to other Powers, and to none more
so thaa the I:l;itedStates. A virtuous People may,
and v.-ill confine themselves, within the limits of a
sti ict neutrality ; but it is not in their power to be-
hold
a conflict so vitally important to their neigh!.
bours, without the sensibility and sympathy which
naturally belong to such a case. It has been the
steady purpose of this Government, to prevent that
feeling leading to exce,s; and it is vet y gratifying to'
have it in my power to state, that so strong has been
the sense, throughout the whole community, of what
wa, Jae to the character and obligations of the Na-
tion, that few examples of a contrary kind have oc-
curred. The distance of the Colonies from the pa-
rent country, and the great extent of their population
and resources, gave them a6fantages which, it was
anticipated, at a very early perioa, it would bediffi-
cult for Spain to surmount. The steadiness, con-
sistency, and success, with which they have pursued
their object,:as evinced, more particularly, by the un-
disturbed sovereignty which Buenos Ayres has so
long enjoyed, evidently give them a strong claim to
the favourable consideration of other nations.

" These sentiments on the part of the United States,
have not been withheld from other Powers, with whom
it is desirable to act in concert. Should it become
manifest to the world, that the efforts of Spain to
subdue those Provinces, will be fruitless, it may be
presumed that the Spanish Government itself will
give up the contest. In producing such a detern-4%
nation, it cannot be doubted that the opinion of
friendly Powers, who have taken no part in the con-
troversy, will have their merited influence.
" It is of the highest importance to our national
character, and indispensable to the morality of our
Citizens, that all violations of our neutrality should
be prevented. No do6r should be left open for the
evasion of our laws; no opportunity afforded to any
who may be disposed to take advantage of it, to com-
promit the interest or honour of the nation. It is
submitted, thei efore, to the consideration of Congress,
whether it may not be advisable to revise the laws,
with a view to this desirable result ?

,‘ It is submitted, also, whether it may not be ad-
visable to designate, by 12w, the several ports or
places along the coast, at which, only, foreign ships
of war and privateers may be admitted? The diffi.
cuity of sustaining the regulations of our Commerce,
and of other important interests, from abuse, with.
cut such designation, furnishes a strong motive for
Liiis measure. _

" At tic time of the negotiation for the renewal of
the Commercial Convention between the United
States and Greatßritain, a hope had been entertained
that an Article might have been agreed upon, mu-
tually sati:factory to both countries, regulating,
upon principles of justice and reciprocity, the corn-
merci4l intercourse between the United States and
the British possessions, as well in the West Indies as
upon the Continent of North America. The Pleni-
potentiaries of the two Governments, not having
been able to come to an agreement on this important
interest, those of the United States reserved for the
consideration of this Government the proposals which
had been presented to them as the ultimate offer on
eic tart of the British Government, and which they

~; ;.,»,
.~ - ..

4!71M

were not authorised to accept. Pa their transmission'
here, they were examined with due deliberation, the
result of which was, anew effort to me6t The views
of the British Government. The Minister of the
United States *as instructed to make a further pro—
posal, which has not been accepted. It was; how-
ever, declined in an amicable manner. I recommend
to the Consideration of Congress, whether further
prohibitory provisions, in the laws relating to this in-
tncourse, may not be expedient. It is seetsfwith in-
terest, that although it has nut been pradicable, as
yet, to agree in any arrangement of this important
branch of their commerce, such is the disposition of
the parties, that each will view any regulations,
which the other may make respecting it, in the most
friendly light.
" By the sth Article of the Convention, concluded
on the 20th October, 1818, it was stipulated that the
differences which had arisen between the two Govern-
ments, with regard to the true intent and meaning of
the sth Article of the Treaty of Ghent, in relation to
the carrying away, by Britbh Officers, of slaves from
the United States, after the exchange of the Ratifica-
tions of the Treaty of Peace, should be referred to the
decision of some friendly Sovereign or State, to be
named for that purpose. The Minister of the United
States has been instructed to name to the British Go-
vernment a foreign Sovereign, the common friend to
both parties,• for the decision of this question. The
answer of that Government to the proposal, when re-
ceived, will indicate the further measures to be pur-
sued on the part of the United States.
" Although the pecuniary embarrassments which
affected various parts of the Union during. the latter
part of the preceding year, have, during the present,
been considerably augmented, and still continue to
exist ; the receipts into the Treasury, on the Oth of
SepteMber last, have amounted to 19,000,000 dollars.
After defraying the current expenses of the Govern-
ment, including the interest and reimbursement of the
Public Debt, payable to that period, amounting to
18.200,000 doll:irs, there remained in the Treasury
on that -day more than 2,500,000 dollars, which,
with the sums receivable during the remainder of the
year, will exceed the current demands upon the Trea-
sury for the same reriod.

• •

The causes which have tended to diminish the
public receipts, could not fail to have a correspond-
ing effect upon the Revenue, which has accrued upon
imposts and tonnage, during the three first quarters
of the prosent year. It is, howeser, ascertained that
the duties which have been secured; during that pe-
riod, exceed eighteen millions of dollars ; and those
of the whole year will, probably, amount to twenty-
three millions of dollars.

" For the probablel_receipts of the next year, I refer
you to 'the statements which will be transmitted
from the Treasury, which will enable you to judge
whether further provision be necessary.
" The great reduction in the price of the princi-
pal articles of domestic growth, which has occurred,
during the present year, and the consequent fall in
the price of labour, apparently so favourable to the
success of domestic manufactures, have not shielded
them against other causes adverse to their prospe-
rity. The pecuniary embarrassments, which have se
deeply affected the commercial interests of the na,
tion, have been no less adverse to our manufacturing
establishments, in several sections of the Union.

" The great reduction of the Currency, which the
Banks have been constrained to make, in order to
continue specie payments, and the vitiated' -character
of it where such reductions have not been attempted,
instead of placing within the reach of these establish-
ments the pecuniary aid necessary to avail themselves
of the advantages resulting from the reduction of the
prices of the raw materials and of labour, have corn-
pelled the Banks to a ithdraw from them a portion of
the capital heretofore advanced to them. That aid,
which has been refused by the Banks, has not been ob-
tained from other sources, owing to the loss of indivi-
dual confidence, from the failures which have recently
occurred in some of our principal commercial cities.
" An additional cause of the depression of these
establishments, may probably be found in the pecu-
niary embarrassments which have recently affected
those countries, with which our Commerce has been
principally prosecuted.
" Their manufactures, for the want of a ready or
profitable market at home, have been shipped by the
Manufacturers to the United States, and, in many in-
stances, sold at a price below their current value at
the place of manufacture. Although this practice
may, from its nature, be considered temporary or con-
tingent, it is not on that account less injurious in its,
effects. Uniformity in the demand and price of an ar-
ticle, is highly desirable to the domestic manufacturer.

" -It is deemed of greit importance to give encou-
ragement to our domestic Manufacturers. In what
manner the evils adverted to may be remedied, and
how fur it may be practicable, in other respects, to
afford to them further encouragement, paying due
regard to all the other great iptetests of the Nation,
is submitted to the tvisdom of Congress.

The survey of the coast for the establishment of
fortifications, is now nearly completed, and conii-
derable progress has been made in the collection of
• I
materials for the construction of fortifications in the
Gulph of Mexico and in the Chesapeake Bay. The
works on the eastern bank Of the Potomac, below
Alexandria, and on the Peapatch, in the.Delaivare,
are much advancrA; and it is expected that the forti-

• •

•

•
.ficatiames NarrOws, in the harbia..iii)f New York,
will be comPeted in the present year.
t, To derive all thi adiantaei contemplated flom
these fortifications, it was necessary that :they-Should
be judicioUsly potted and constructed with a vieW to .
permanence. The progress hithettii has, therefore,
.been slow; but as thediffitulties, in parti herewfore
the least explored .and known, are surroottnteil, it
will, in future, be more rapid. As Icon as the sot-
-
vey of the coast is comp!:ted, which, it is expected,
will be done early in the next spfing, the Engineers
I employed in it will proceed t,.) examine, for like Put-
poses, the Northern and North-Western frontiers.
" The troops intended to occupy a station at the
mouth of the Bt. Peter's, on the Mississippi, have
established themselves there; and those which were
ordered • to the mouth of the Yellow Stone, on the
Missouri, have ascended that river to thC Council
Blufs,• whore they will remain until next, Spring,
.when they will proceed to the place of their destina-
tion. I have the satisfaction to state, that this mea-
sure has been executed in amity with the Indian
tribes, and that it promises to produce, in regard to
them, all the advantages which were contemplated
by it.,--,Much progress has likexi-e been made in the
construction of ships of svar, and in the collection of
timber and other materials for. ship-buildinl;. It is
not doubted that our Navy will soon be augmented
to the number, and placed, in as respects, on the
footing, provided for by law.
44 The Board, consisting cf Engineers and Naval
Officers, have not yet made their anal report of sites
for two naval depots, as instructed according to the
Resolutions of March 18th and A prili2Oth,lBlB, but
they have examined the coast therein designated, and
their report is expected in the next month.
" For the protection of our commerce intheXe-
diterranean, along the southern Atianti: coast, in the
Pacific and Indian Oceans, it has been found neces-
sary to maintain a strong naval force, which it seems
proper for the present to continue.

" There is much reason to believe, that if any por-
tion of the squadron heretofore stationed in the Medi-
tetranean should be withdrawn, our intercourse with
the Powers bordering on that sea would be much in-
terrupted, if not altogether destroyed. Such, too,
has been the growth of a spirit of piracy; in the other
quarters mentioned, by adventurers from every coun-
try, in abuse of the friendly flags which they have
assumed, that not to protect our commerce there,
would be to abandon it as a prey to their rapacity.
" Due attention has likewise been paid to the sup-
pression of the Slave Trade, in compliance with a
Law of the last Session. Orders have been given to
the Commanders of all our public ships •to seize
all vessels navigated under our flig, engaged
in that trade, and to bring them in, to be pro-
ceeded against in the manner prescribed by that
law. It is hoped that these vigorous mea,ures, sup-
ported by like acts by other nations, will soon termi-
nate a commerce so disgraceful to the civilized world.

" In the 'execution of the duty imposed by these
acts, and of high trust tonnected with it. it is with
deep regret I have to state the loss which has been
sustained by the death' of Commodore Perry. His
gallantry, in a brilliant exploit, •in the last War,
added to the renown of his country. His 'death is
deplOred as a national raisCortur.e.