Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1824-03-10

of the Executive of the United States, on any
claim which might afterwards be presented by
the State to compensation for such services.
Under these circumstances, the power of the
Exec tive of the United States to settle any
portion of this claim, seems to be precluded.
1t seems proper, also, that this claim should
be decided, on full investigation, before the
public, that the principle on which it is deci,
ded, may be thoroughly understood by our
| fellow citizens Of every state, which Can be
done by Congress alone who alone, also,
Possess the power to pass the laws which may
| be necessary to carry such decision into effect.
| In submitting this subject to the calm and
enlightened judgment of Congress, do it
| with peculiar satisfaction, from knowledge
| that you are now placed, by the course of
events, in situation which will enable you
to adopt such measures, as will not only COM
port with the sound principles of our govern
ment, but, likewise, be conducive to other.
the highest interests of our Union. By the
remuneration of the principle maintained by
the then Executive Of Massachusetts,, as has
been done by its present Executive, and both
branches of the Legislature, in the most for
NAL manner, and in accord with the aenti-
ments of the great body of the people, the
| constitution is restored, in a very important
featnre-that connected with the public de-
fence, and IN the most important branch, that
OF the Militia, to its native strength. 1t is
very gratifyi ing to know, that this renuncia-
ton has been produced by the regular, or
derby, and pacific operation of our republican
system, whereby those who were in the right
at the moment of difficulty, and who sustain.
ed the government with great irmness, have
daily gained strength until this result was
accomplished. The points on which you
will have to decide, are, what is fairly due
for the services which were actually render
ed BY what means shall we contribute
most to cement the Union, and give the
greatest support to our most excellent con-
stitution? In seeking each object separately,
we are led to the same result All that can
be claimed by our fellow citizens of Massa-
chusetts is, that the constitutional objection
be waived, and that they be placed on the
same footing with their brethren in the other
states that regarding the services rendered
by the Militia of other states, for which COM
pensation has been made, giving to the rule
the most liberal construction, like compensa-
ton be made for similar services rendered by
the Militia of that state.
have been led to conclude, on great con-
slderation, that the principles of justice, as
well as due regard for the great interests of
our Union, require that this claim, in the ex-
tent proposed, should be acceded to. Essen
tlal service was rendered, in the late war, by
the Militia of Massachusetts, and with the
most patriotic motives. 1t seems Just, there
tore, that they should be compensated for
such services, in like manner with the Mill
tia OF the other States. The Constitutional
dlfflculty did not originate with them, and has
now been removed. 1t COMFORTS with our
system to look to the service rendered, and
to the intention with which it was rendered,
and to award the compensation accordingly,
especially as it may now be done without the
sacrifice ofprinciple. The motive, in this in
stance, is the stronger, because we'll satisfied
am, that, by so doing, we shall give the
most effectual support 10 our Republican in
stitutions. No latent cause of dscontent
will be left behind The great body of the
people will be gratifed and even those who
now survive, who were then in error, cannot
TAIL to see, with interest and satisfaction, this
distressing occurrence thus happily termina-
ted. |, therefore, consider it my duty TO re-
commend it to Congress to make provision for
the settlement of the claim Of Massachusetts,
Tor services rendered in the late war by the
Militia of the State, in conformity with the
rulers which have governed in the settlement
OF the claims for services rendered by the Mi
litia Of the other states.
JAMES MONROE.
Washington, Feb. %, 1924.