Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-12-05

sage:
To{Ae Senate and ouse of Representatives.
of the United States.
Fello,c Ciiiscns Of the Senate,
and of the House Of Representatives:
A revolution of the Seasons has nearly been
completed since the Representatives OF the
People and States of this Union were last as
sembled at this place, to deliberate and to act
upon the common important interests OF their
constituents. In that interval, the never
slumbering eve of wise and beneticent Pro-
violence has continued its guardian care over
the welfare Of our beloved country. The
blessing of health has continued generally
to prevail throughout the land. The blessing
of peace with our brethren of the human race,
has b en- enioyedwithout interruption; inter
nal quiet has left our felow-citizens in the full
enjoyment of all their rights, and in the free
exercise of all their faculties, to pursue the
impulse of their nature, and the obligation OF
their duty, in the improvement OF their own
condition. The productions OF the soil, the
exchanges Of commerce, the vivifying labors
of human industry, have combined to minge
in our cup portion Of enjoyment as large and
liberal as the indulgence of heaven has per-
haps ever granted to the imperfect state OF
man upon earth; aud as the purest OF human
felicity consists in its participation with Others
IT is no small addition to the sum OF our ma
.ional happiness, at this time, that peace and
prosperity prevail to degree seldom expe-
rienced over the whole habitable globe; pre-
senting, though as yet withpainful exceptions,
foretaste of that blessed period of promise,
when the lion shall lie down with the lamb,
and wars shall be no more. To preserve, to
improve, and to perpetuate the sources, and
10 direct, in their most effective channels, the
streams which contribute to the public veal,
is the purpose for which government was IN
stituted. Objects of deep Importance to the
welfare of the Union are constantly recurring,
10 demand the attention of the Federal Lee
gislature; and they call with accumulated IN
terest, at the first meeting of the two Houses,
after ~ eir periodical renovation. represent
10 their consideration from time to time, sub
,ects in which the interests OF the nation are
most deeply involves, and for the regulation
of which the legislative will is alone compe-
tent, is a duty prescribed by the Constitution,
TO the performance of which the tipst meet
ing of the new Congress is period eminent
" appropriate, and which it is now my pur-
pose TO discharge.
Our relations of friendship with the other
Nations of the earth, political and commercial,
have been preserved unin,paired; and the OPP
portunities to improve them have been cult
waited with anxious and unrsmltting attention.
A negotiation upon subjects of high and dell-
cate interest with the government OF Great
Britain, has terminated In the adjustment Oh
some of the questions at issue upon satlsfac-
tori serms, and the postponement OF others
for future discussion and agreement, The
purposes of the Convention concluded at St
Petersburg, on the 10th day OF July, lS22,
under the mediation Of the late Emperor
Alexander, have been carried into effect, by
a-subsequent Convention concluded at Lon
don on the 18th of November, 1895, the ra-
ti6cations of which were exchanged at that
place on the 9th day of February last.
copy of the Proclamation issued on the nine
teenth day of March last, publishing this
Convention, is herewith communicated to
Congress The sum of twelve hundred and
four thousand nine hundred and sixty dollars,
therein stipulated to be paid to the claimants
of indemnity under the first Article OF the
Treaty of Client, has been duly received,
and the Commission instituted conformably
to the act of Congress of the second OF March
last. for the distribution of the indemnify to
the persons entitled to receive it, are now in
session, and approaching the contamination OF
their labors. This final disposal OF one oil
the most painful topics of collision between
the United States and Great Britain, not only
affords an occasion of graduation to ourselves,
but has had the happiest effect in promoting
a friendly disposition, and in softening aspe-
rites upon other objects of discussion. Nor
ought it to pass without the tribute OF frank
and cordial acknowledgment of the msgna-
nimity with which an honorable nation, by
sthe reparation of their own wrongs, achieves
"a triumph more glorious than any held oil
blood can ever bestow.
The Conventions of Sd July, 1915, and of
Goth October, ISIS, Twill expire BY their own Ii
imitation on the goth of October, 1898. These
have regulated the direct commercial inter-
conrse hetveen the United States and Great