American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1822-12-06

the Department Of States
Fellow iizens Of the Senate and
House of Representatives..
Many causes unite to make your present meeungI
peculiarly interesting to our constituents. 4 ne oP
Grafton of laws the various subjects to when
they apply, with the amendments which they occa'
sionally require, imposes, annually an importantly
duty on the Representatives OF tree people. OUR
system has happily advanced TO such maturity, that
am not aware that your cares in that respect, VIII
be augmented Other causes exist which are highly
interesting to the whole civilized world, and to mol
portion OF il more So in certain views than to theI
United States. OF these causes, and OF their bear
ing on the interests OF our Union, shall commu-
nicate the sentiments which have formed, with
that freedom which sense OF duty dictates Ii is
proper, however, to invite your attention, in the
first instance to those concerns respecting which
legislative provision is thought to be particularly
urgent.
On the cath Of June last, a convention OF nayi-
cation and commerce 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 slipulaons
into view, i. rested essentially basis OF recipro
cal and equal advantage, deemed il my duty, in
compliance with the authority vested in the Execu-
tive by the second section OF the OF the last SEES
sion, Of the 9th May, concerning navigation, TO sus
pend by proclamation until the end of the next
session of Congress the operation of the act enti
tled"An actlo impose new tonnage duty on French
ships and vessels, and iof other purposes" and to
suspend likewise oil other duties on French vessels,
or the goods imported in them, which exceeded the
duties on American vessels, and on similar goods
imported in them. | shall submit this convention
forthwith, to the senate, Tor 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
Indies, and this continent has likewise been
emoyed. Satisfactory evidence having been addu
ced that the ports Of those colonies had been opened
the vessels Of the United States, by an act OF
the British Parliament; bearing date the Gath OF
June last, on the conditions specified therein, |
deemed il proper, in compliance with the provision
OF the first section Of The act of the last session
above recited 10 declare By proclamation, bearing
date the 24th Of August last, that the ports OF
the United States should thenceiorward aud until
the end OF the next session of Congress, be open
p the vessels OF Great Britain employed in that
trade, under he limitation specified in tina, procla
nation
A doubt was entertained whether the act Of Con-
gress applied to he British colonies on this CONT
nent as well as 10 those in the West Indies; but as
Is with both, and il was the manifest intention Of
Cong,e .s. a. well as he obvious policy Of the Uni
ted Saes that The provisions Of the act OF Parlia
ment sh0 I'D met 70 equal extent on The part Of
the United ota,es and as also The act OF Congress
was supposed q yest in The President some discre-
tion in the esecu ION Of H. thought il advisable 10
give il a corresponding construction.
Should the constitutional sanction OF the Senate
be given to the ratification Ct the convention with
France, Legislative provisions will be necessary 10
carry it fully into effect as i likewise will be 70
continue in force. or such conditions as may be dee
med Just aud proper, he Intercourse which has been
opened between he United otates and the BRUSH
colonies. Every light IN the posse ssion Of the Exc
cutlve, 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 Exc
Cutige. ~ transactions with other powers, 10 meet
the propositions Of each with liberal spirit belle
wing hat thereby the interests OF our country would
BE most efectually promoted. This course has
been Systematically pursued in the late occurrences
with France and Grea Britain, and il strict accord
with thu views Of he legislature A confident hone
is entertained. that, BY he arrangement thus com.
menced with each, all diff ences respecting nayga
ton and commerce with the domlnions in question
will be adjusted. and solid foundation be laG for
an active and permanent intercourse, which will
prove equally advantageous to both parties
The decision OF His Imperial Majesty the EN-
peror Of Russia, on the question submitted 10 him
by the United States and Great Britain concerning
the construction of the first Article Of The Treaty
Of Client has been received. Convention has
since been concluded between The parties under the
mediation Of His Impeoal Majesty, to prescribe
the mode by which that Article stall be carried into
effect. in conformity With that decision ! shall
submit this Convention 10 TIE Senate to- its advice
ard consent as TO the ratification. and if obtained
shall Immediately bring tie suoJec before Congress
fur such provisions as nay require the nerpustion
lof he Legislature.
In compliance with sn Act Of the last Session.
Territorial Government has been established II Flo
rda, on the principles Of our system By this act