Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-12-05
IYaskino!ton. Dcccmker 2

the United States transmitted to boil, Hou-
seS ofCongress, the following Message,
by Mr.. ToDD, his Secretary
Fei'oc- Citizens ofthc Senate,
and Of the House IF Representatives..
IN reviewing the present state of our
country, our attention cannot be withheld
from the effect produced by peculiar sea-
sons, which have very generally impaired
the annual gifts of the earth, and threaten
scarcity lii particular districts. Such,
however, is the variety of soils, of eli
mates, and of the products, within our
extensive limits, that the aggregate re-
sources for subsistence, are more than
sufficient for the aggregate wants. And
as far as an economy of consumption
more than usual may be necessary, our
thankfulness is due to Providence. for
what is far more than a compensation,
in the remarkable health which has dis
tinguished the present year.
Amidst the advantages which have sue
ceeded the peace of Europe, and that of
the United States with Great Britain, in
general invigoration of industry among
us, and in the extension of our conmercc,
the value of which is more and more dis
closing itself to commercial nations, il is
to be regretted that depression is expe-
rIenced by particular branches of GU: ma
nufactures, and by portion of our navi-
CATION. As the first proceeds, iii an es-
sential degree, from an excess of imported
merchandise, which carries check, init
own tendency, the cause, in It's present
extent, cannot be ofvery long duration.
The evil will not, however, be viewed by
Congress, without recollection, that
manufacturing establishments, II suffered
TO sink too low, or anguish too long, NAV
not revive, after the causes shall have
ceased; and that, in the vicissitudes of
human affairs, situations may recur, in
which dependence on foreign sources,
for indispensable supplies may be among
the most serious embarrassments.
The depressed state OF our navigation
is TO be aScribed, in material degree, to
its exclusion from the colonial parts ofthe
nation most extensively connected with
us III commerce, and from the indirect
operation ofthat exclusion.
Previous TO the late convention at Lon
don, between the United States 81 Great
Britain, the relativesta ofthe navigation
laws of the two countries, growing out of
the treaty of 1894, mad given to the Brit
ish navigation material advantage over
the American, III the intercourse between
the American ports and the British ports
IN Europe. The convention of London
equaliZed the laws of the two countries,
relating TO those ports; leaving the inter
course between our ports and the ports of
the British colonies, subject, as before,
TO the respective regulations of the par
ties. The British government, enforcing
now, regulations which prohibit a trade
between its colonies q the United States
i'll American vessels, whilst they permit a
trade iii British vessels, the American
navigation loses accordingly and the
loss is augmented by the advantage which
is given TO the British competition over
the American i'll the navigation be-
tween our ports and British ports in
Europe, by the circuitous voyages, enjoy
ed by the one, and not enjoyed by the
other.
The reasonableness of the rule of reel
procity, applied to one branch of the com
mercial intercourse, has been pressed on
our part, as equally applicable TO both
branches: but it is ascertained, that the
British Cabinet declines all negotiation
on the subject; with disavowal, howe
yer, of any disposition TO view, in an un-
friendly light, whatever countervailing re.
guiatlons the United States may oppose
to regulations of which they complain.
on the course, which, under these cir
cumstances, is prescribed by joint re-
gard TO the amicable relations between the
two nations, and to the asst interests of
the United States.
have the satisfaction to state, gener-
ally, tlatwc remain in amiiy with foreign
powers.
An occurrence has, indeed, taken place
in the Gulf of Mexico, which If sanction
ed by the Spanish government, may make
an exception as to that power. Accord
ing TO the report of our naval commander.
on that station, one of our public armed
vessels was attacked by an oyerDowcrino
force, under Spanish commander. anc
the American flag, with the officers and
crew, Insuited, IN q manner calling fol
prompt reparaiion. This has been de
manded. In the mean time, frigate aut
smaller vessel of war have been ordered
into that Gulf, for the protection of on
commerce. 1t would be improper TO O
NIT, that the representative of his Cafho
lie Majesty, in the United States, lost II,
time in giving the strongest assurances
that no hostile order could have erranatc,
irom.hls government, and that il will b
as ready TO do, as TO expect. wbafeve
the nature of the case, and the friendl
relations OF the two countries, shall b
found to require.
The posture of our affairs with Alpier.
at the present moment, is not known.
The Dcy, drawing protests from oiscum
stances, for which the United States ,yc7
not answerable, addressed a letter to thi
government, declaring the treaty last COZ