The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1809-05-31
FeiicsD Gnzens ofthe Senate, and
cffhc House ef Representatives.


vourabic changein our foreign relations the
critical state Of which induced a session Of
Congress at this period.
In consequence of the provisions Of the act
interdicting the commercial intercourse with
Great Britain and France, our ministers at
London and Paris were, without delay, In
structed to let it be understood BY the French
and British governments, that the authority
vested in the executive, to renew CONNER
cial intercourse with their respective nations,
would be exercised in the case specified by
that act.
Soon after these instructions were dcpatch-
cd, it was found that the British government,
anticipating, from early proceedings of Con-
gress at their last session, the state of our
laws, which has had the effect of placing the
two bclligerent powers on footing OF equal
restrictions, and relying on the conciliatory
disposition of the United States, had trar.s-
mitted to their legation here, provisional in
structions, not only to offer satisfaction for
the attack on the frigate Chesapeake, and to
make known the determination OF his Britain
nick majesty, to send an envoy extraordinary
with powers to conclude a treaty on all points
between the two countries; but moreover, to
signify his willingncssin the mean time to
withdraw his orders in council, in the persua-
sion that the intercourse with Great Britain
would be renewed ON the part of the United
States.
The steps of the British government led
to the correspondence and the proclamation
now laid before you by virtue of which, the
commerce between the two countries will be
renewable after the tenth day of June noxt.
Whilst take pleasure in doing justice to
the counsels of his Britannica majesty, which,
no longer adhcring to the policy which made
an abandonment by France, Of her decrccs, a
prerequisite to revocation of the British or
ders, have substituted the amicablc course
which has issued thus happily, | cannot do
less than refer to the proposal heretofore
made on the part of the United States, en-
bracing like restoration Of the suspended
commerce, as proof of the spirit of accom-
modation which has at no time been intermit
ted, and to the result which now calls for our
congratulations, as corroborating the princi-
Piles by which the publick councils have been
guided during period of the most trying en-
barrassments
The discontinuance Of the British orders as
they respect the United States, having been
thus arranged, a communication of the event
has been forwarded in one of our publick
vessels, to our Minister Plenipotentiary at
Paris; with instructions to avail himself of
the important addition thereby made, to the
considerations which press on the justice OF
the French government revocation of its
DEGREES or such modification OF them, as
they shall cease to violate the neutral com.
merce of the United States.
/. The revision of our commercial laws, pro-
per to adapt them to the arrangement which
has taken place with Great Britain, will
doubtless engage the early attention of Con-
grcss 1t will be worthy, at the same time,
of their just and providcnt care, t6 make such
further alterations in the laws, as will more
especially protect and foster the several
branches of manufacture which have been re-
Gently instituted or extended by the lauduable
exertions of our citizens.
1t will rest with the Judgment Of Congress
to decide how far the change in our external
prospects may authorise any notifications of
the laws relating to the army and navy cstab-
lishments.
The works of defence for our seaport towns
and harbours have proceeded with as much
activity, as the season of the year and other
circumstances would admit. 1t is necessary,
however, to state, that the appropriations hi
therto made being found to be deficient, a fur
ther provision will claim the early considera-
tion of Congress.
| The whole Of the eight per cent. stock re-
naming due by the Y. States s,amouHting to five
| millions three hundred thousand dollars, had
! been reimbursed on the last day Of the year
| 1903. And on the first day of April last,
/ the sum In the treasury exceeded nine and a
half millions of dollars.--This, together with
/ the receiDts of the current wear on account
of former revenue bonds, will probably be
nearly, if not altogether sufficient to dcfray
the expences of the year.-But the suspcn-
SION of exports and the consequent decrease
/ ofimportations, during the last twelve months
will necessarily cause great diminution in
the receipts of the year 1910. After that
year, should our foreign relations be undis
turbcd, the revenue will again be more thar