Alexandria gazette, commercial and political. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1812-1817, 1815-10-23
Cow Smiths Speech,
Gentlemenpf the Council,
M SF4er, aud

Gealsntenf the q, Of Representatives J,
! It has passed the Almighty, since
1.-THE last sesbn of the Legislature, to re-
Lnoye by deA our beloved and respect
led fellow ciEens, the Lieut.. Governor
Iof the state, 40 those who have been
associated VIII him in the 4...,,s u ON
1cial duties. I'D have witnessed his de-
Iyation 10 fbbsst Interests of his coun-
ltry. to the Community at large who have
ienioyed the uits Of his talents and yl lI
tues. any attlpt to describe the extent
fof eur loss mbt seem as unnecessary AZ
lit would be Inayailing. Cut down in
lthe midst OF lis usefulness, he has left
us due example Of private worth and
public vi.tae,such as becomes those OF
Ian enlighteneI people. The Legislature,
II am persuade, will be disposed to pay
la suitable tridte of respect to the memo
Try Of SO Distinguished an officer OF the
government.
The genera tranquility OF our country
since the lastneeting Of assembly, calls
for our deyouf Acknowledgements OF the
Divine GOODNESS, especially when were
feet upon the distress and bloedshed
with which, during the sane period, O.
Their nations have been afflicted We
have had occasion indeed to be humble
Under the fiowns of heaven, in the unu-
sual and destructive tempests, which
have recently; and extensively visitedour
shores. in other respects, our return to
the various employinents of peace, las
hitherto been as prosperous, as our late
multiplied embarrassments, could be sup
posed admit. It was not to have BEEN
expected that the pursuits of commerce,
after long interruption, and amidst the
efthe civilized world, should
resume at once their former activity.
But the prospects are favorable, tn,
indications of general peace in Europe.
and what's equally satisfactory, the more
enlarged views Dfthe subject which seem
10 be entertained on tbs side OF the at
Iantic. afford much reason to hope that
maritime enterprize will ere long receive
its .roper encouragement and reward.
III now appears to be generally admitted,
that commerce is not only to be tole-
rated. but that If ID even to be protected
bv the gradual establishment of a compe-
tent naval fcyce. A disposition in the
American people. thus to recur to the
sarliest policy of their government, is as
gratifying TO the feelings of patriotism,
as it IS auspcioas 70 the national Well
fare. We have sAid grounds for believ-
ing that a steady adherence to that tried
system, would rapidly reduce our pre-
sent urthens, and would accomplish. at
no distant period, the views of the illus
trious founders of the republic,in elevat-
ing It to an lllriyalled state Of neral and
political greatness.
we look to the councils of the union
to realize those hopes. But it should be
remembered that the prosperity of the
nation cannot be fully attained without
the instrunentality OF retrospective state
They are the immediate
guardians of the public morals, and 81
al those valuable interests which are
upon personal security and
social order. On the several state au-
liberties therefore we are principally "a
rely for the sound internal policy, with.
|ouf which the exterior grandeur OF any
nation, in whatever it may consist, IS
|aot a splendid covering OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
|or 2of despotism. The duties resulting
from trust Of this magnitude, need but
|be mentioned. They will be found how
lever not SO much in swelling the numbei
of statutes, as ingiying them a whole
some and vigorous execution.-T0 pos
|sess the power of enacting laws involves
lao absolute necessity of displaying it
lin community already well organized,
the wisdom tf lis legislature will be dis
covered in preserving stable ordes, o.
things, rather than in multiplying new
regulations. To maintain nevertheless
| the several departments of government
lin their Incorporation, toremedy the e.
wis WHICH experience may have .discIos-
led. and in al word, to provide for the
lchanges incident to all human affairs,
| will Numerically demand the occasional
land discreet exercise of the Legislative
authority.
Iconducting lie military force ofthe state
was sabmittd to the consideration OF the
Legislature i the last session. A report
upon the syItem generally will doubtless
lie laid befoR you, in pursuance Of q re-
solution thin adopted. In whatever
form the subject may be presented, you