The Massachusetts spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1821-1823, 1822-12-11
MESSAGE.

AOllONtfta
MESSAGE.
Feuosc- Citisens Of the SenGte
and House Of Representatives.
Many causes unite to make your present
meeting peculiarly interesting to our constitu-
ents. The operation Of our laws, on the va
rious subjects to which they apply, with the
amendments which they occasionally require,
imposes, annually. an important duty on the
Representatives of a free people. Our sys-
ten has happily advanced to such maturity,
that am not aware that your cares, in that
respect. will be augmented. Other causes
exist which are highly interesting to the whole
civilized world, and to no portion Of it more
so, in certain views, than to the United States.
OF these causes, and of their bearing on the
interests of our Union, shall communicate
the sentiments which | have formel, with
that freedom which sense of duty dictates.
1t is proper, however, to invite your attention,
In the first instance, to those concerns respect
ing which legislative provision is thought to
be particularly urgent.
On the Oath Of June last, convention of
navigation and commerce was concluded, in
this city, between the United States and
France. by ministers duly authorized for the
purpose. The sanction of the Executive
having been given to this convention, under
conviction that. taking all its stipulations
into view, 1t rested essentially on basis of
reciprocal and equal advantage, deemed it
my duty, in compliance with the authority
vested 10 the Executive by the second sec
ton of the act of the last session, Of the 9th
Of May, concerning navigation, to suspend,
hy proclamation, until the end of the next
1F fho 0f fb@ Art
entitled 6 An Act to impose new tonnage
duty on French ships and vessels, and for
other purposes,n and to suspend, likewise, all
other duties on French vessels, or the goods
imported in them, which exceeded the duties
on American vessels. and on similar goods i'm
ported in them. shall submit this conven-
ton forthwith to the Senate, for its advice and
consent as to the ratification.
Since your last session, the prohibition
which had been imposed on the commerce
between the United States and the British
colonies in the West-Lndies and on this con-
tinent, has likewise been removed. Satisfac-
tory evidence having been adduced, that the
ports of those colonies had been opened TO
the vessels of the United States by an Act of
the British Parliament, bearing date on the
24th of June last, on the conditions specified
therein, deemed it proper, in compliance
with the provision of the first section of the
Act of the last session above recited, to de-
clare, by proclamation, bearing date on the
Oath of August last, that the ports of the
United States should thenceforward, and I'M
til the end of the next session of Congress,
be open to the vessels of Great Britain en-
ployed in that trade, under the limitation
specified in that proclamation.
A doubt was entertained whether the Act
Of Congress applied TO the British colonies on
this continent, as well as to those in the
West-Indies but, as the Act of Parliament
opened the intercourse equally with both,
apd i vas the psnfsat PtsRtop Of GonSE aes
States, that the provisions OF the Act of Par
lament should be met, in equal extent, on
the part Of the United States, and as also the
Act of Congress was supposed to vest in the
President some discretion in the execution of
it, thought it advisable to give it CORES
ponding construction.
Should the constitutional sanction Of the
Senate be given to the ratification of the con.
vention with France, legislative provision will
be necessary TO carry it fully into effect, as it
likewise will be to continue in force, On such
conditions as may be deemed just and proper,
the intercourse which has been opened be-
tween the United States and the British col
onies. Every light in the possession of the
Executive, will, in due time, be communicated
on both subjects.
Resting essentially on basis Of reciprocal
and equal advantage, it has been the object
OF the Executive, in transactions with other
powers, TO meet the propositions of each with
a liberal spirit, believing that thereby the in
terest Of our country would be most efectu-
ally promoted. This course has been sys-
tematically pursued IN the late occurrences
with France and Great-Britain, and in strict
accord with the views of the legislature. A
Q nident hope is entertained, that, by the
arrangement thus commenced with each, all
differences respecting navigation and COM
merce with the dominions in question, will be
adjusted, and a solid foundation be laid for an
active aud permanent intercourse, which will
prove equally advantageous 10 both parties.
The decision of his Imperial Majesty, the
Emperour of Russia, on the question submit
ted to him by the United States and Great
Britain, concerning the construction of the
FIRST article of the treaty of Client, has been
received. A convention has since been con-
cluded, between the parties, under the medi-
alton of his Imperial Majesty, to prescribe
the mode by which that article shah be car
ried into effect, in conformity with that de-
cision. shall submit this convention to the
Senate for its advice and consent, as to the
ratification, and, If obtained, shall mmedi-
ately bring the subject before Congress, for
such provisions as may require the interposi-
ton of the Legislature.
In compliance with an Act of the last ses-
sion, territorial government has been estab-
Eshed in Florida, on the principles of our sys-
tenn. By this act, the inhabitants are secured
in the full enjoyment of their rights and lib
critics, and to admission INTO the Union, with