Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-12-15

desire, which We do not possess, or which is
not within our reach. Blessed with govern
ments the happiest which the world ever
knew, with no distinct orders in society, or d.
vided interests in any portion of the vast terri
tory over which their dominion extends, we
have every motive to cling together which can
animate virtuous and enlightened people.
The great object is to preserve those blessings,
and to hand them down to our latest posterity.
Our experience ought to satisfy US that our
progress, under the most correct and provident
policy, will not be exempt from danger. Our
| institutions form an important epoch in the
history of the civilized world. On their pres
erVation, and in their utmost purity, every
thing will depend. Extending, as our interests
do, to every part of the inhabited globe, and
to every sea, to which our citizens are carried
by their industry and enterprise, to which
they are invited by the wants of others and
have right to go, we must either protect
them in the enjoyment of their rights, or a.
bandon them, in certain events, to waste and
desolation. Our attitude is highly interesting,
as relates to other powers, and particularly to
our Southern neighbors. We have duties to
perform, with respect to all, to which we must
be faithful.-To every kind of danger we
should pay the most vigilant and unceasing at
tentlon; remove the cause where it may be
practicable, and be prepared to meet it when
| inevitable.
Against foreign danger the policy of the
| government seems to be already settled. The
events of the late war admonished us to make
our maritime frontier impregnable, by well
digested chain of Notifications, and to give eff
fcient protection to our commerce by augment
ing our Navy to a certain extent, which has
been steadily pursued, and which it is incum-
bent upon us to complete as soon as circum-
stances will permit. In the event of war, it is
on the maritime frontier that we shall be as
sailed. 1t is in that quarter, therefore, that
we should be prepared to meet the attack. 1t
is there that our whole force will be called in
to action to prevent the destruction of our
towns, and the desolation and pillage of the
interior. To give full effect to this policy
great improvements will be indispensable. Ac-
cess to those works, by every practicable COM
municatlon, should be made easy, and in ev-
cry direction. The intercourse also, between
every part of our Union, should be promoted
and facilitated by the exercise of those pow
ers which may comport with faithful regard
to the great principles of our Constitution.
With respect to internal causes, those great
principles point out, with equal certainty, the
policy to be pursued. Resting on the people,
as our governments do, State and National,
with well defined powers, it is of the highest
Importance that they severally keep within
the limits prescribed to them. Fulfilling that
sacred duty, it is of equal Importance that the
movement between them be harmonious, and,
IN case OF any disagreement, should such ever
occur, calm appeal be made to the people.
and that their voice be heard and promptly O.
beyed. But governments being instituted for
the common good, we cannot fail to prosper,
while those who made them are attentive tc
the conduct of their representatives, and con-
troll their measures. In the pursuit of these
great objects, let a generous spirit and nation.
al views and feelings be INDUCED, and let ev.
cry part recolect that, by cherishing that spir.
1t, and improving the condition of the others
In what relates to their welfare, the genera
interest will not only be promoted, but the To-
cal advantages reciprocated by all.
| cannot conclude this communication, thu
last of the kind which shall have to make
without recollecting, with great sensibility anc
heartfelt gratitude, the many instances of thu
public confidence, and the generous support
which have received from my fellow citizen
in the various trusts with which have been
honored. Having commenced my service il
early youth, and continued it since with few
and short intervals, have witnessed the grea
difficulties to which our Union has been ex
posed, and admired the virtue and courage
with which they were surmounted. From thu
present prosperous and happy state, deriv
ed qualification which | cannot express
That these blessings may be preserved and per
petuated, will be the object of my fervent ant
unceasing prayers to the Supreme Ruler of tn
Universe.
JAMES MONROE.
Washington, Dec. Z, 1924.