Alexandria daily gazette, commercial & political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1808-1812, 1808-11-09

will secure to them peace and the progress
ofcivilization undisturbed by practices hos
tile to both.
The accounts of the receipts and expen-
ditures during the year ending on the thir-
tieth day of September last, being not yet
made up, a correct statement will hereafter
be transmitted from the treasury. In the
mean time it's ascertained that the receipts
have amounted to near eighteen millions of
| of dollars, which with the eight millions
and an half in the treasury at the beginning
of the year, have enabled us, after meeting
the current demands, and interest incurred,
to pay two millions three hundred thousand
/ dollarsof the principal of our funded debt,
and left us in the treasury on that day near
fourteen millions Of dollsrs. Of these, five
millions three hundred and fifty thousand
dollars will be necessary to pay what will be
due on the first day of January next, which
will complete the reimbursement OF the s
per cent. stock. These payments, with
those made in the six years and anhalf pre-
ceding, viii have extinguished thirty three
millions FIVE hundred and eighty thousand
dollars of the principal of the funded debt,
being the whole which could be paid or pur-
chased within the limits of the law and of
our contracts, and the amount of principal
thus discharged will have liberated the re-
venue from about two millions of dollars Of
interest, and added that sum annually to the
dispesable surplus.
The probable accumulation Of the surplus
ses OF revenue beyond what can be applied to
the payment of the public debt, whenever
the freedom and safety of our commerce
shall berestored, merits the consideration
ofCongress. Shall il lie unproductive III
the public vaults I? Shall the revenue be
reduced or shall it not rather be approprl-
ated to the improvements Of roads, canals,
rivers, education, and other great tonndati-
ons Of prosperity and union, uader the pow
ers which Congress may already possess, or
such anlendment of the constitution as may
be approved by the states While uncer-.
tain OF the course of things the time may be
,advantagso1sly employed in obtaining the
powers necessary for a system OF improve
ment, should that be thought best.
Ayail;ng navseF of this, the last occasion
which viii occur of addressing the two hou-
ses of legislature at their meeting, cannot
omit Tie expression of my sincere graft
tude, for the repeated proofs OF conf
dence manifested to me, By themselves
and their predecessors since my call to
the administrators, and the many mdul-
gencies experienced at their hands,
The same grateful acknowledgements are
due to my fellow citizens generally, whoss
support has been my great encouragement
snn.ler all embarrassment. In the trailsac-
ton of their business cannot have escaped
error. Il is incident to our imperfect ma
ture. But may say with truth my errors
have been of the understanding, not OF IN
tent;on, aad that the advancement Of their
RIGHTS and interests has been the constant
motive FOR every measure. On these con-
siderations | solicit their indulgence. Look
ing forward with anxiety to their future
aestinies, trust that III their steady cha
racter. unshaken BY difficulties, in their love
of liberty, obedience to law, and support
o. the public authorities, see a sure qua
rantee OF the pernancnce OF our republic;
and retiring from the charge Of their affairs,
/ carry with me the consolation OF a hrm
persuasion that Heaven has IN store tor our
beloved country, long ages to come OF pros
perity and happiness.
TIL JEFFERSON.
November s, 1903.
NyTSCFIL ANXIOUS EXTRACTS.