Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-12-08

.espectve writings and discoveries. If an honest
pride might be ndnlced in the reflection that on
the records of that Office already found inveu-
ioas the usefulness of which has scarcely been
ranscendel in the annals of human ingenuity,
would not its EMULATION be allayed by the enquiry
whether the laws have effectively insured to the
Inventors the reward destined to them by the con-
siluiion, even a limited of exclusive right to
| their discoveries
On the 24ih OF December, 1899, it was resolv-
ell by Congress that marble monument should be
erected by the United States, in The Capitol, at the
city OF Washington that the family of General
Washington should be requested to permit his body
20 he deposited under il and that the monument
be so designed as to commemorate the great events
of his military aid political life. In iemiuding
Congress Of this resolution, aud that the monument
contemplated by 1t remains yet without execution,
shall indulge onlythe remarks, that the works in
4 the Capitol are approaching to completion that
u the of the family desired by the resolution
q was requested aud obtained that monument has
been recently erected in this city, NJ the expense of
i the Nation, the remains of another disin-
guished patriot of the Revolution and that
spot has been reserved within the walls where you
are celebrating for the benefit of this and future
ages in which the mortal rersains may be deposited
of him whose spirit hovers you, and listens
with delight TO every act of the Representatives Of
his Nation which can tend 10 eXalt and adorn his
and their country.
The constitution under which you assembled
is charter oflimiled powers. After full and solemn
deliberation upon all or any of the objects, which
urged by irresistible ofmy own duty iav
recommended to your attention, should you come
10 the conclusion, that, how desirable i'll them
/ selves, the enactment of laws for effeciius them
would transcend the powers committed 10 you by
that venerable instrument which all bound TO
support; let consideration inI.uce you assume
H. Of
/ people. But, If the power exercise exclusive
legislation in ali cases whatsoever over the Dis
iric. OF Columbia; If the power TO lay and collect
duties imposts, and excuses pay The debts,
and provide ior'the common defence and general
welfare of the United States; il the power re-
eulate commerce with foreign nations and among
the several States, and with the Indian tribes; fix
the standard of wei h,s measires;o establish post
offices and post roads; declare war; raise and
sup, ort armies provide and mainta in navy; 10
dispose OF and make all needul rules and regulations
respecting the territory other property belosg-
ing to the United States; and make all laws
which shall be necessary and proper for carrying
these powers into execution: If these powers, and
others enumerated in the Constitution, may be Ell
fectuay brought INFO action by laws promoting The
Improvement of A gricuure, CommeIc e, and Manu-
features, the cultivation and encouragement of the
Mechanic and of the elegant Arts, the advance
ment of Literature, and the progress OF the Sciences,
ornamental and profound,--to refrain from exer-
csng them for the benefit OF the People iheinselv es
would be to hide in the earth The talent committed
TO our charge--would be reachery 10 tie most
sacred of trusts.
The spirit of improvement is abroad upon The
earth. 1t stimulates the heart, aud sharpens the
faculties, of fellow citizens alone, but of
the nations Of Europe, and of their rulers. While
dwelling with pleasing satisfaction upon the supe-
rior excellence of political Institutions, let US
he ununindnt th.- IA ,ha
nation blessed with the largest portion of liberty
must, In proportion TO its numbers, be the most
powerful nation upon earth; and that the OF
power by man, is in the moral purposes his Crea-
tor upon condition that il shall be exercised ends
OF benehcence, 10 improve the condition of himself
and his fellow men. While foreign nations, less
blessed with that freedom which is power, than
ourselves, are advancing with gigantic strides in
the career OF public improvement; were we TO
slumber In Incidence, or fold up arms and pro-
claim 10 the orld thai palsied by the will
of our constituents, would it not be TO cast away
the bounties OF Providence, and doom ourselves 10
perpetual nferiority! In the the year now
drawing 10 its close, we have beheld, under the
auspices, and at the expense of one State of this
Union, new University unfolding its portals to
the sons OF science and holding up The torch of hui
man Improvement To eyes thar seek the light. We
have seen, under the persevering and enlightened
enterprise OF another State the waters of our IVES
tern Lakes mingled with those oil the III
interchangeable these have been accomplished in
the compass of few years, by the authority of
single members of our Confederation, can we, the
Representative Authorities of the whole Union,
fall behind fellowserv in the exercise of the
trust committed 10 us for the benefit OF our common
Sovereign, By the accomplishment of works inn
portant to the whole, and 10 which neither the Az
thorty nor The resources of any one State can be
adequateS
Finally fellow citizens, shall await with cheer
ing hope, and faithful cooperation, the result OF
your deliberations; assured that, without encroach-
ing upon the powers reserved 10 the authorities of
the respective States, or to the People, you will,
with due of your obligations to our coun-
try, and OF the high responsibilities weighing upon
yourselves, give efficacy TO the means committed
TO you Tor the common good. And may He who
searches the hearts of the children OF men, prosper
your exertions to the blessings of peace and
promote the highest welfare of or country
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
Washington, Dec. q, 1925.
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In consequence of several paragraphs having ap-
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