American watchman and Delaware advertiser. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1822-1828, 1826-01-13

Of the State be instructed to defend at the public ex
pense the innocent posscssors against any sun tha
NAV be brought. Ifeel assured that whatever may
occur in the case or grow out Of these proceedings
you will always save them harmless"
"The people Of the United States have confer
red honor upon themselves by rendering honor due
to that distinguished friend of the human race,
General Lafayette, during his suspicious visit TO
This country. While We are thus attentive to the
powerful claims and grateful for the distinguished
services Of the living hero. let US not be unnindiul
OF the Illustrious dead. Capt McDonough disn'
gushed himself during the last war BY capturing
British feet on the waters Of this state, and al
most perilous and eventful period, protected our
frontiers against invasion and covered himself With
immortal glory. This state, greatly TO its honor,
has noticed him favorably in different ways The
local government of the city OF New York has,
with characteristic good feeling and public spirit
evnced the highest respect for him when living
and which was sienally manifested after his death
have on another occasion publicly and officially
expressed my sense OF his merits, oil his services
and of his demands on the public gratitude; and as
nothing has since occurred to change my opinion
now consider it incumbent on me to propose The
erection OF monumental memorial, illustrative OF
the deep impre ssons which his heroic services have
made upon The people of this state
On the occasion it may not be improper TO pre-
sent TO your notice the case OF the orphan children
OF Robert Fulton. That great mechanlcian, alter
having perfected the most useful invention OF the
age, departed this life, leaving nothing 10 his chill
dren but an il!ustrious name and his interest in
grant OF this state. Deprived OF the benefits OF
that grant, they are thiown almost destitute on the
world. Justice, equity, magnanimity and benevo
ence speak loudly in their favor; and it is now 10
your power by a recognition of the services and
claims OF that benefactor OF the world to rescue.
far as you are concerned, republican governments
from standing reproach.
II is advisable for you to turn your attention to
the serious accidents which have occurred in the
navigation BY steam boats, and TO the dangers TO
which they are exposed from the absence OF fixed
rule in relation TO their passing each other. The
application of the law Of the road to steam boats
and the adoption Of judicious precautionary mea
for the safety of travellers whether by land
by water, are subjects well worthy of your atten.
ton.
The protection which this state has always al
orded to red brethren, reflects honor human
ity. Several OF them have, greatly to their benefit,
removed TO their recently acquired territory IN the
vicinity of Lake Michigan, while others manifest an
intention to remain in their present possessions.
regret to state that the St. Regis Indians have been
convulsed by party spirit, which has produced con
tested elections for trustees, and difficulties in the
payment Of their annuities.
beg leave to refer you to the recommendations
which had the honor to present to the legislature
at the last session, and which not conclusvely
acted on, and particularly to the amendments pro
posed to the constitution respecting the elective
franchise and the choice of Justices OF the peace
by the people.
While it is our imperative duty to support the
national government in all its constitutional func
tons and patriotic demonstrations, we are equally
md ~ 81 -
thorltles OF the state. The one is intimately blen |
ded with our power and safety, and the other is |
Identified with the preservation Of free government.
lhey are component and essential parts OF the same
magnificent system, and the pillars can never be de-
stroyed Without subyersion Of the whole edi6ce
have thus, fellow citizens, in obedience TO the
mandate of the constitution communicated the con.
dtlon OF The state and recommended such matters
to you as have Judged expedient. II may be pro-
per to observe, that as intend to shrink from no
Just responsibility and mean to be explicitly under
stood by our constituents and their
have not clothed my recommendation in ambigu-
ous phrases and general terms, but have been as
precise, as specific, and detailed as full and com
prehensive view Of the subject submitted, requires
and am fully persuaded that in pursuing this course
which every public servant owes to the source of all
legitimate authority, the Of the understanding
Will meet with that liberal reception which is due to
inc purity OF the motives.-The same impressive
relative to the honor the dignity the
tranquility and the prosperity of the state which in
luceu me at The last session to incucate Cancellation
and harmony and the union of all heads, all hearts
ana all hands in favor of the best interests OF our
country, exist still in undimnishcd force. The
moderation and good feelings which now SO gene
raiy prevail are the harbingers of better state Of
hings, which must eventually terminate in the re-
toraon OF that character and that just share Of in
iuence which have been greatly impaired BY our in
es,ne divisions. And assure you that nothing
Will afford me higher satisfaction than 10 furnish in
my own conduct practical illustration Of the salu
larry and predomnating influence of tbeae hipb and
considerations.
DF yNIJ,-r Cr INrroNr