Massachusetts spy and Worcester advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1823-1825, 1825-03-16
WHOLE NO. 271I.

warriors OF the Revolution the regular armed
force has been reduced, and its constitution
revised and perfected; the accountability for
the expenditures of public monies has been
made more effective the F1oridas have been
Peaceably acquired, and cur boundary has
been extended to the Pacific ocean the In
| dependence of the Southern nations Of this
hemisphere has been recognized, and recon-
mended, by example and by counsel, to tho
Fotentates q Europe progress has been made
10 the defence ofthe country, by Notifications
and the increase Of the navy--towards the eff
fectual suppression of the African traffic ia
| siaVes--ln al!uripg the aboriginal hunters of
| our land to the cultivation of the soil and Of
the mnd-in exploring the interior regions Of
the Union, and in preparing, by scientific re-
searches and surveys, for the further applica-
ton OF our national resources to the internal
Improvement of our country.
In this BRET outline of the promise and per-
tormance of my immediate predecessor, tho
line of duty, for his successor. is clearly de.
fineated. To pursue to their contamination
those purposes of improvement in our common
condition, instituted or recommended by him,
VIII embrace the whole sphere of my obIiga-
TONS. 10 the topic of internal improvement,
emphaticallJ urged by him at his Inauguration,
l recur with peculiar satisfaction. 1t is that
from which ] am convinced that the unborn
millions of our posterity, who are in future
ages to people this continent, will derive their
most fervent gratitude to the founders OF the
union; that in which the bene6cent action of
us Government will be most deeply felt and
acknowledged. The magn;fcence and splen-
dour of their public works are among the i'm
pershable glories of the ancient republics.
The roads Il aqueducts of Rome have been the
admiration of all after ages, and have surviv-
ed, thousands of years, after all her conquests
have been swallowed up in despotism, or be-
come the spoil of barbarians. Some diversity
of opinion has prevailed with regard to the
powers of Congress for legislation upon objects
of this nature. The most respectful Difference
is due to doubts originating in pure patriotism,
and sustained by ven<fated authority. But
nearly twenty years have passed since the con-
strGction Of the first National Road was COM
menced. The authority for its construction
was then unqucstioned. To how many thou
sands of our countrymen has it proved bene-
fit? To what single individual has il ever
proved an injurys Repeated liberal and cam
did discussions IN the Legislature have concis
ated the sentiments, and approxima ed the o.
pinions of enlightened minds, upon the ques-
ton OF constitutional power. | cannot but
hope that, by the same process of friendly, pa
tent, and persevering deliberations, all consti-
tutional objections will ultimately be removed
The extent and limitation otthe powers of the
General Government, in relation to this trans
cendently important interest, will be settled
and acknowledged, to the common satisfaction
of all and every speculative scru, lie will be
solved by practical public blessing.
Roll "A xrstb
peculiar circumstances of the recent election,
which have resulted in afTordng me the oppor-
tunity of addressing YOU at this time. You
have beard the exposition OF the principles
which will direct me in the fulhlment OF the
high and solemn trust imposed upon me in this
station. Less possessed Of your confidence, in
advance, than any Of my predecessors, am
deeply conscious of the prospect that shall
stand, more and oftener, in need OF your indul-
gence. Intentions, upright and pure heart
devoted to the welfare OF our country, and the
unceasing application Of all the faculties allot-
ted TO me, TO her service, are all the pledges
that | can give for the faithful performance of
the arduons duties | am to undertake. To the
guidance Of the Legislative Councils; TO the
assistance Of the Executive and subordinate
departments to the friendly cooperation Of
the respective State governments; to the can
did and liberal support of the people, so far as
ii may be deserved by honest industry e. zeal,
| shall look for whs tever success may attend
my public service: and knowing that, except
the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh
but in vain, fervent supplications for his IA
your, to his oveHuing Providence ] commit,
with humble but fearless confidence, my own
fate, and the future destinies of my country.