Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-06

Il
Of the Second Session of the Nineteeh'h eone 'e's
IN ~, Senate and House of Representatives OF the
Tinted STATES
Fellow Citizens Of the Senate
ri of,he House of Representatives:
Ths assrmblage of the Representatives OF
49,. Irn;on in both Houses Of Congress at this
t;r,e occurs under circumstances calling for
th,. renewed homage of our grateful acknow-
ledo,fents to the Giver Of all Good. With the
execution incidental to the most fellcitous con-
d;tion of human existence, we continue TO be
hiphly favored in all the elements which con-
tr;bute to Individual comfort and to national
nrosnerity. In the survey OF our extensive
Country. we have generally to observe abodes
of health and regions of plenty. In our civil
and poIitical relations, we have peace without,
and tranquility within, our borders. We are,
as neonle. Increasing with undated rapldlty
IN nopulation. wealth and national resources
and. whatever differences OF opinion exist a.
none us, with regard to the moae anu 'ne
means by which we shall turn the oeheioeheo
of Heaven to the improvement OF our own In -,
dition. there is yet spirit amma'ihs No "i'
which will not suffer the oouhties u ro.i
dence to be showered upon us In vaih' ou. WI.
rsce;ve them with grateful hearts, and apply
them with unwearled hahuS, " 'o az
ment of the general good
OF the subjects recommended to the consl-
derat;on of CONGRESS- at their last Session, some
were then defnitively acted upon others lett
unfinished, but partially matured, Will recur TO
your attention, without needing renewal oil
notice from me. The purpose OF TINS commu-
nieation will be, to present to your view the
general aspect of our public affairs at TINS mo-
ment and the measures which have been taken
20 carry into effect the intentions OF the Legls-
Iature as signifed by the laws then and hereto
fore enacted. .
Tn our intercourse with the other nations OF
the earth. we have still the happiness OF enjoy
ing peace and general good UNDERSTANDING
qualified, however, in several important hstan-
ces. by collisions Of interest, and by unsatish-
ed claims of justice, to the settlement OF "nleh
81. constitutional interposition of the legisla-
tive authority may become uitinateiy lhdlsPen-
sable. g
By the decease Of the Emperor Alexander OF
Russia. which occurred cotemporaneously with
the commencement of the last Session OF Con
cress the United States have been deprived oil
q long tried. steady and faithful friend. Born
70 the inheritance Of absolute power, ana tram
ed in the school of adversely, from which no
roxyer ON earth. however absolute, is exempt,
that monarch. from his youth, had been taught
TO feel the force aud value OF public opinion,
and to be sensible that the interests OF ms own
government would best be promoted oy a
frank and friendly intercourse with TINS rePuo7
lie, as those of his people would be advanced
by liberal commercial intercourse Win our
country. A candid and confidential interchange
ofsentiments between him and the Government
of the United States, upon the affairs OF South
ern America, took place at period not long
preceding his demise, and contributed to NIX
that course of policy which left to the other go
vernments of Europe no alternative out that
of sooner or later recognizing the lndepeno-
ence of our southern neighbors, OF which the
example had. by the United States, already
been get. The ordinary diplomatic communl-
cations between his successor, the Emperor
Nicholas. and the United States, have suffered
some interruption BY the illness, departure ana
subsequent decease OF his minister residing
here, who enjoyed, as he merlted, the entire
confidence of his new sovereign, as ne hao EN-
inently responded to that OF his predecessor
But we have had the most satisfactory assuran-
ces. that the sentiments ofthe reigning Emperor
towards the United States, are altogether con-
formable to those which had so long and con-
stantlv animated his imperial brother; and we
have reason to hope that they will serve TO &C.
ment that harmony and good understanding
between the two nations, which, founded In
coneenial interests, cannot but result In the adj
vancement of the welfare and prosperity oil
both.
Our relations of Commerce and Navigation
with France are, by the operation OF the Con
vention of oath June, 1922, with that natlon,
in state of gradual and progressive improve
ment. Convinced by all our experience, no
less than by the principles OF fair and liberal
reciprocity which the United States have con-
stantly rendered to all the nations OF the earth
as the rule of commercial intercourse, which
they would universally prefer, that fair and e.
quail competition is most conducive to the in
terests of both parties, the United States, IN
the negotiation of that Convention, earnestly
contended for mutual remuneration OF dlscrl-
minating duties and charges In the ports OF the
two countries. Unable to obtain the immedi-
ate recognition Of this principle in Its fuil e1-
tent, after reducing the duties OF discrlmlna-
ton, SO far as it was found attainable, 1t was
agreed that, at the expiration OF two years
from the lst of October, 1922, when the Con-
yention was to go into effect, unless notice OF
six months on either side should be given to
the other, that the Convention itself must ter