Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-04-08

uaduced honor and spirit Of The nation, by the
declar alton Of war in 1912. One OF the war
riors whose gallant achievements, during the
war, have Teen recorded in the solemn legisla-
tive .hanks Of his counry; since entrusted with
an arduous commits ion for the Sediment OF
her boundaries, and, when invited by me 10
share in the councils Of he Union, a member
Of the Legislature Of New York. His services
in the De 2artment Of War have also been sat-
isfactory and effective; and he leaves TO his
successor an official reputation which II Will
he praise enough TO him main ain uninpair :
ed
The Attorney General was also All ADOPTED
citizen Of Virginia, no. les, distinguished by
the classical elegance Of lis taste IN literature
than by his profound learning in the laws, and
his commanding eIoquence al The Bar. The
biosrapher Of Patrick Henry; The paint'r OF
manners. and instructor Of moral; At 40 early
period of his life, appointed and commissions
ed by my predecessor. ! deemed myself and
the country fortunate by his continuance In the
same capacity during my term oil ae'vice.-
Educated aud inclining to rigorous coss'rue-
ton Of the extent Of constitutional power; his
professional advice has been the more readily
confded in by me, as its tendencies always were
rather to the Limitation than TO the enlarge
men, Of its exercise; for, in the whole course
of my administration, / have deemed il safer to
abstain from the use OF any questionable aa-
thority. than TO hazard the rncroachmen' OF
power, by assuming, unnecessarily, the decision
of disputed points.
Such. fellow. citizens, have been the sssoci-
ates Of nv official duties in the conduct oil my
administration. Unable to bes;ow upon rhem
any other reward for their faithful and JEALOUS
service 10 their country than this testimonial
OF my gratitude and esteem: il is with pie as
ure. no, inferior to that which receive from
vour friendly estimate Of my own endeavors,
that shall cherish the assurance OF you: ap-
probation extended 20 them
With regard to those apprehensons OF fu-
,ure evil which your soIiciude for the Welfare
Of your country has inspired, 10 looking tor
ward TO the administration Of my successor, II
becomes me perhaps only to say, that hope
they nav proye unfoundrd. To a President
Of the United States, the favor Of the people is
an instrument OF bene6cen, power, more potent
than an imperial seeptre. Blu, it is IN the Tor
tunes Of naiious, and especially in the improve
,k,t shn Ell NJ
their be,efactors must be traced. II is In the
ages OF posterlty this history must be read. II
in the reform Of abuses which have escaped
the vigilance Of my observation. the President
of the United States shall introduce none Of
deeper consequence, and of more alarming
magnitude, shall, myself be ready to miugle
in the voice Of graduation al the deeper pene
,ralion or more efFicien, energy which shall dis
Germ the latent defec, and apply the corrective
remedy. Should the promise of reform itself be
wasted upon Hifes, understandable 10 the eye OF
posterity, or be spen, upon the pulpitations OF
heart between The incumbent and the expectan
lie bene6, and suffer little injury by the change,
That is not plant the root OF which will strike
to The centre, or The stem Of which will ascend
with fragrance 10 the skies. With you my
countrymen, am disposed 10 hope and pray
for the best; to extend to the administration
every reasonable indulgence which thew may
need, and to give them credit for every good
deed they may perform for the promotion of
the general welfare.
Accept gentlemen, for yourselves and those
whom you represent, the respectful saluta'ious
Of your friend and fellow .citizen,
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
Washington, March, llth 1929.
From the National Gazette.