Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-12-12

and SIXTY millions Of acres, Of which, on the
first OF January, 1926, about one hundred and
thirty nine millions Of acres had boon surveyed
and little mo. than nineteen millions Of acres
had boon sold. The smount paid into the
Treasury By the purchasers Of the lands sold is
not yot equal TO the sums paid for the whole
~, leaves a small balas co to be refunded 1.-THE
proceeds Of tho sales Of the lands have long
been pledged TO the creditors Of the Nation q
pledge from which we have reason 10 hope that
they will in a very few years be redeemed
The system upon which this great National
interest has been managed was the result oflong,
ANXIOUS. and pcrsevenng deliberation matured
and modified by the progress Of our population
ana the lessons OF experience, it has been hith-
erto cminen,ly successful. More than Ainc-
tenllis of tho lands still remain the common
property of the Union, the apr; oprIaiioa and
disposal of which are sacred trusts in the hands
Of Congress. Or the lands sold, a considerable
part were conveyed under extended credits,
which, in the vicissitudes and fluctuations IN
the value of lands. and OF their produce, became
oppressiycly burdcnsome TO tho purchasers. II
can never be the interest or tho policy ofthe
Nation TO wiring from its own citizens the rca-
sonatle profits of their industry and enterprise,
by hol1ae them to the rigorous import OF disas-
trous engagements. In March, 1921, a deb. of
twenty-two millions of dollars, due by purchas-
crs Of The public lands, had accumulated, which
thoy were unable 20 pay. An act OF Congress,
Of the II of March, 1921, came 20 thoir relief,
and has been succeeded by others ;,hc la,os, he
ing tho act Of the Alb Of May, 1926, Tie in
dul gcnt provisions o! which expired on the 4th
of July last. The effect Of these laws has
been 10 reduce the debt from the p%urchus-
ers, to a remaining balance ofabou, four millions
three hundred thousand dollars due more than
Nh rao III, he &c ,.Itnl, 100 CIR Ia,Is u,thi, I'm
Stale Of Alabama. recommend TO Congress
the revival and continuance, for a further term,
ofthc bencfcont ccomiaodations to the public
dctors, Of that statute, and submit TO their con.
sideration, in the same spirit Of quit the re-
mission, under proper Determinations, of The for
textures of partial payments on account of puf-
chases Of The public lands, 50 fax as TO ALLOW Of
their application TO other payments.
There are various other subjects, Of deep in
tercst 10 the whole Union, which have hereto
fore been recommended to The cor sideraton Of
Congress, as well by. my predecessors, as under
the impression OF The duties devo!ying upon me,
by myself. Among these are the debt, rather
of Justice than gratitude, to the surviving war;
riors of The Revolutionary War ; the extension
OF the Judicial Administration Of tho Federal
Government TO those extensive and important
members Of the Union, which, having risen into
existence since the organization Of tho present
Judiciary establishment, now constitute at lcGst
one third of IFS territory, power, and popula-
ton; the formation of a more effective and uni
form system for the government Of the Militia;
and The moderation, in some form or modlfica-
ton, Of the diversified and often oppressive
codes relating 10 insolvency. Amidst the mall
tiplicity Of topics Of great national concern
ment which may recommend themselves to the
calm and patriotic deliberations of the Legisla-
ture, it may suffice to say, that, on these and
all other measures, which may receive their
sanction, my hearty cooperation will be given,
conformabIy to The duties enjoined upon me. and
under the sense of all the obligations prescribed
by the Constitution.
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
flashing on, December 4, 1927.