Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-12-07
its unavoidable d.f;ciencies. As now in

us unavoidable dehclenCles, as now IN
exercise, have added yearly cumula-
tive weight TO the considerations pre-
sentedby him as persuasive to the mea-
sure; and in recommending it to your
deliberations, am happy to have the
influence of his high authority, in aid
OF the undoubting convictions of my
own experience.
The laws relating to the administra-
ton Of the Patent Office are deserving
OF much consideration, and, perhaps,
susceptible of some improvement -
The grant Of power to regulate the ac-
ton of Congress on this subject, has
specified both the end TO be attained,
and the means by which it is to be ef-
ttc,ed. To promote the progress Of
science and useful arts by securing for
limited times 10 authors and inventors
the exclusive right TO their respective
writings and discoveries. Ifan honest
pride might be INDUCED in the reaec-
ton, that on the records Of that Office
are already found inventions the use
iulness of which has scarcely been tran
scended in the annals Of human inge-
nuity, would not its exultation be allay-
ed by the inquiry, whether the laws
have effectively insured to the inven-
tors the reward destined to them by
the Constitution, even a limited term
of exclusive right to their discoveries
On the oath of December, 1899, it
was resolved by Congress that mar
bic monument should be erected by the
United Siatesjn the Capitol, at the CT.
ty Of Washington; that the family Of
GeneralWas hington should be request.
ed to permit his body to be deposited
under it; and that the monument be so
designed, as to commemorate the great
events of bis military and political life.
In reminding Congress OF this resolu-
ton, and that the monument contem-
plated by it remains yet without execu-
ton, l shall indulge only the remarks,
that the works in the Capitol are ap-
preaching to completion: That the con-
sent of the family desired by the reso-
luton was requested and obtained:
That monument has been recently e.
rected in this city, at the expense of
the Nation, over the remains OF ano-
ther distinguished Patriot Of the Revo-
ton; and that spot has been reserved
within the spot where you are delibe-
rating for the benefit Of this and future
ages, in which the mortal remains may
be deposited Of him whose spirit ho-
vers over you, and listens with delight
to every act Of the Representatives OF
his Nation which can tend to exalt and
adorn his and their Country
The Constitution under which you
are assembled is charter Of limited
powers; after full and solemn deliber-
alton upon all or any of the objects,
which, urged by an irresistible sense Of
my own duty, have recommended TO
your attention, should you come to the
conclusion, that, however desirable in
themselves, the enactment OF laws for
effecting them, would transcend the
powers committed to you by that VEN
cradle instrument which we are all
bound to support; let no consideration
induce you to assume the exercise OF
powers not granted to you BY the Peo-
pie. But II the power to exercise ex-
elusive legislation in all cases whatso-
ever over the District of Columbia; if
the power TO lay and collect taxes, du-
ties, imposts, and excuses; 10 pay the
debts, and provide for the common de-
fence and general welfare Of the United
States; if the power to regulate COM
merce with foreign nations and among
the several States, and with the Indian
Tribes; to fix the standard OF weights
and measures; to establish post-offices
and post-roads; to declare war; to raise
and support armies; to provid: and.
maintain Navy; to dispose OF and
make all needfuI rules and regulations
respecting the Territory or other pro-
perty belonging to the U. States; and to
make all laws which shall be necessary
* proper for carrying these powers into
execution; If these powers and others
enumerated in the Constitution may be
effectually brough. into action by laws
promoting the improvement OF Agri-
culture, Commerce, and Manufactures
the cultivation and encouragement OF
the Mechanic and of the elegant Arts,
the advancement Of Literature, and the
progress Of he Sciences, ornamental
and profound, to refrain from exerci-
sing them for the benefit Of the People
themselves, would be to hide in the
earth The talent committed to our
cbarce-would be treachery to the
most sacred of trusts
The split Improvement is abroad
upon the earth 1t stimulates the heart,
and sharpens the faculties, not OF our
fellow-citizens alone, but OF the ma
tons of Europe, and their rulers
While dwelling with pleasing satistac.
ton upon the superior excellence OF
our political Institutions, let US not be
unmindful that Liberty is Power, that
the nation blessed with the largest por-