The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1837-09-06

sight oil the ends Tor which u was created, and the
powers with which is clothed il established
give security US all in lawful and honorable pur-
suits under the lasting safeguard Of republican insttu-
lions. Ii not intended TO confer special favors
individuals, any classes OF them to create sys
tens Of agriculture, manufactures, or trade or TO en-
gage in them, either separately in connection with
individual citizens or organized associations If It's
operations be directed for the benefit OF any one
Glass; equivalent favors must in justice, be extended
the rest and the attempt 10 besow such favors with
equal hand to select those who should most de-
serve them world never be successful
All communities are apt to look to Government for
too much. Even in our own country, where its powers
and duties strictly limited, we are prone to do
especially periods Of sudden embarrassment and dis
tress. But this ought to be. The trainers Of our
excellent constitution and the people who approved it
with calm and sagacious elaboration, acted at the time
on 4 sounder principle They wisely Judged that the
less Government inereres with private pursuits, the
better for the general prosperity II not its legitimate
object to make rich, to repair by direct grants
Of money legislation in favor Of particular pursuits,
losses not incurred 10 the public service. This would
be, substantially, to the property Of for the
benefit of others But its real duty that duty the per-
Torrance Of which makes good Government the most
precious Of human blessings, is TO enact and enforce
system Of general laws commensurate with but OK
ceedng the objects Of its establishment and leave
every citizen and every interest to reap, under its be-
ngn protection, the rewards Of virtue industry, and pru
dence.
cannot doubt that this as all similar OCCASIONS
the Federal Government will find its agency con-
ducyc the security ard happinessj OF the people,
when limited to the exercise Of It's conceded powers In
never assuming, even for well meant object, such
powers not designed to be conferred upon it,
shall in reality do most for the general welfare To
avoid every unnecessary interference with the pursuits
of the citizen, will result in benefit than TO adopt
measures which could only assist limited interests, and
eagerly but perhaps naturally sought for under the
pressure Of temporary circumstances. II, therefore,
refrain from suggesting to Congress any specific plan for
regulating the exchanges Of the country, relieving
camille endorsements, interfering with the ordinary
operations Of foreign domestic commerce, it is from
conviction that such not within the
stitutonal province Of the General Government and
that their adoption would promote the real and per-
manent welfare Of those they might be designed to
aid
The difficulties and distresses Of the times, though
unquestionably great limited in their extent, and
be regarded affecting the permanent prosperity
OF the nation. Arising, great degree, from the
transactions Of foreign and domestic commerce. it is
upon them that they have chiefly fallen. The great
agricultural interest has, many parts Of the country,
suffered comparatively little and If Providence in
tended TO display the muni6cence Of its goodness at the
moment Of greatest need, and in direct contrast
the evils occasioned by the waywardness Of man, we
have been blessed throughout extended territory,
with Of general health and of uncommon fruit
fulness. The proceeds Of our great staples will
furnish the means of lquidatng debts at home and
abroad and contribute equally the revival of COM
mercia activity and the restoration Of commercial
credit The banks, established avowedy for its sup
port, deriving their profits from it, and resting under
obligations it which be overlooked will feel
at the necessity and justice Of uniting their
gies with those OF the mercantile interest The suspen
sion OF specie payments at such time, and under such
circumstances have lately witnessed, could not
be other than temporary measure; and we
y in believing that the period must arrive when
all that solvent will redeem their gold and
silver Dealings abroad naturally depend on resources
and prosperity at home II the debt Of merchants
has accumulated or their credit is impaired these are
fluctuations always incident to extensive exravagant
mercantile Transactions But the ultimate security Of
such obligations does not admit OF question. They
guaranteed by the OF country the fruits of
whose industry afford abundant OF ample liqui-
dalton, and by the evident interest Of every merchant
to sustain credit hitherto high by promptly applying
these means for its preservation.
deeply regret that events have occurred which re-
quire me to ask your consideration Of such serious
topics. | could have wished that, in making my first
communication to the assembled representatives Of my
country had nothing TO devil upon but the history of
her unaloyed prosperity. Since 1t otherwise
only feel more deeply the responsibility of the respective
trusts that have been con6ded to us, and, under
the pressure of difficulties, unite in invoking the gui-
dance and aid Of the Supreme Ruler of Nations and in
laboring with jealous resolution to overcome the diff
fculties by which we environed
is under such circumstances, high qualification to
know, by long experience, that for people to
spoken with safety for the trial OF whose patriotism
emergency is severe, and who de-
ser public functionary honestly laboring for the
public good. It Just that they should receive,
without delay any aid in their embarrassments which
your deliberations can afford. Coming directly from
the midst of them, and knowing the Of events
every section OF our country from you may best be
learnt well the extent and nature Of these embauass
ments, as the most desirable Of relief.
am aware, however, that il is not proper to detain
you at present longer than may be demanded by the
special objects for which you convened To them,
therefore, have confined my communication; and, be-
evng 1t will not be your own wish to extend your
deliberations beyond them, reserve till the usual pc
Rod Of your annual meeting, that general information
the state Of the Union which the constitution requires
me to give.
NJ. VAN BUREN,
WASHINGTON, September 4th, 1887
Mr.. HAAlER moved that the Message lie on the
table, and that 10000 extra copies, with the accompa
nying documents be printed for the Of the House.
Mr.. OWENS moved 10000 copies, which was
accepted as modification Of the motion by Mr. Ha-
Mr.. ROBERTSON, of Pa. asked whether any per-
son was authorized TO execute the printing
Mr., HAMER was not, he replied, able to say.
Mr.. WHITTLESEY, Of Ohio, moved that 10000
copies be printed and remarked that prior the year
1929 1t customary to print only 5000 copies of any
document. He had hoped, that coming here, as he
did, in consequence Of the pecuniary endorsements
OF the country we should put stop to all unnecessary
expenses II well known to ALL that before half of
the copies ordered by would be received from the
public printer, this message would have been publish
ed in every newspaper in the Union, and universally
disseminated He, therefore, asked for division of the
question.
The question being divided, the motion to lay the
Message the table agreed to, and the question
being then on printing 10000 extra copies,
Mr., OWENS asked the yeas and nays which were
ordered and were, Yeas lis, Nays 100 So the
ton agreed to-
REPORT ON THE FINANCES.