The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-12-05

consideration the attempt may originate.
II Is more than just 10 the banks TO say, that, in
the late emergency, most OF them FIRMLY resisted the
strongest temptations 10 extend their paper issues
when apparently sustained in suspension OF specie
payments by public opinion, even though in some
cases invited by legislative enacimens' 10 ms
honorable course, aided by the resistance Of the Ge
neral Government, acting IN obedience 10 the consi-
luion and laws OF the United States, TO the intro
duciion Of an irredeemable paper medium, may be
attributed, In great degree, The speedy restoration
Of our currency 10 sound state, and the business of
the country 10 its wonied prosperity The banks
have but to continue in the same safe course, and be
content in their appropriate sphere 10 avoid al M
derive from II all The protection and benefits which
II besiows on other Stale establishments on the peo
pie OF the States, and on the States themselves In
this their true position they cannot but secure the
confidence and good will Of The people and the Go
veTDment, which they can only lose when, leapiDg
from their legitimate sphere they attempt control
the Legislation of the country and perver the opera
tions of The Government to their own purposes.
Our experience under the act passed at The last
session. 10 grant presumption rights TO settlers on the
public lands has as YET been limited TO enable us
10 pronounce with safety upon the efficacy Of It's pro-
visions 10 carry out the wise and liberal policy OF the
Government in that respect. There is however, the
best reason 10 anticipate favorable results from It's
operation. The recommendations formerly sub
mtted TO you in respect 10 graduation OF the price
Of the public lands remain 10 be finally acted upon
Having found no reason to change the views then
expressed, your attention TO them is again respect
fully requested
Every proper exertion has been made, and will be
continued, 10 carry out the wishes of Congress in
relation TO The tobacco trade, as indicated in the
veral resolutions of the House of Representatives
and the legislation OF the two branches. A favora-
Bile impression has, trust been made in the differ
ent foreign countries TO which particular attention
has been directed, and although we cannot hope for
an early change in heir policy In many of them
convenient and large revenue is derived from mo-
nopoles in the fabrication and sale OF this article
il aFa iptnr ~
people where they are established and the revenue
derived from them may be less nIuriously and with
equal facility obtained from another and liberal
system of administration we cannot doubt that our
efforts Will be eventually crowned with success if
persisted IN with temperate frmnesS and sustained
by prudent legislation.
In recommending TO Congress the adoption of the
necessary provisions, this session for taking the
next census, or enumeration Of The inhabitants or the
United States the suggestion presents itself whether
The scope OF the measure might not be usefully ex-
tended by causing TO embrace authentic statistical
returns Of the great Interests specially intrusted TO-
or necessarily affected by The Legislation OF Con-
gresS.
The accompanying report of the Secretary Of
War presents satisfactory account OF The state of
the army and of the several branches of the public
service conhded 10 the superintendence OF that
officer.
The law increasing and organizing the military
establishment of the United States, has been nearly
carried into effect, and the army has been extern
son.
would again call TO your notice the subjects con-
neced with and essential 10 the military deiences Of
the country, which were submitted to you al the last
session; but which were not acted upon, as is sup
posed for want Of time. The most important of
them is the organization of the militia on the mari
time and inland frontiers. This measure is deemed
important as il is believed that il will furnish an
effective volunteer force in aid of the regular army,
and may form the basis for general system Of orga
nizaton for the entire militia Of the United States.
The erection of a national foundry and gunpowder
mandatory, and one for making small arms the
latter TO be situated at some point west of the Allie
CLANCY mountains, all appear TO be Of sufficient i'm
portance to be again urged upon your attention.
The plan proposed by the Secretary Of War for
the distribution Of the forces OF the United States in
time Of peace is well calculated TO promote regular-
ty and economy in the fiscal administration of the
service 10 preserve the discipline of the troops and
to render them available for the maintenance Of the
peace and tranquility of the country. With this
view, likewise, | recommend the adoption of the
plan presented by that officer for the defence OF The
western frontier. The preservation Of the lives and
property of fellow citizens who settled upon
na border country as well as The existence o. o lns
want of preparation TO rush on their own destruc-
ton and attack the white settlements all seem 10
quire that this subject should be acted upon without
delay, and the War Department authorized to place
that country in state Of complete defence against
any assault from the numerous and warlike tribes
which are congregated on that border.
IL AFFORDS me sincere pleasure 10 be able to ap
prize you of the entire removal of the Cherokee
nation of Indians to their new homes west of the
Mississippi. The measures authorized by Congress
al its last session with view to the long standing
controversy with them have had the happieSt eff
fects. BY an agreement concluded with them by the
commanding general in that country, who has per-
formed the duties assigned TO him on the occasion
with commendable energy and humanity, their re-
mova has been principally under the conduct of
their own chiefs, and they have emigrated without
any apparent reluctance.
The successful accomplishment of this important
object; the removal Also Of the entire Creek nation,
with the exception of small number of fugitives
amongst the SeminoleS in Florida; the progress
already made towards speedy completion of the re-
mova of the Chickasaws, the Choctaws, the Poua-
watamies, the Otawas, and the Chppewas, with The
extensive purchases of Indian lands during the pre-
sent year, have rendered the speedy and successful
result of the long established policy of the Govern
ment upon the subject of Indian affairs entirely
tain. The occasion is, therefore, deemed proper
one TO place this policy in such a point of view as
will exonerate the Government of the United States
from the undeserved reproach which has been cast
upon il through several successive administrations.
That mixed occupancy of The same territory, by
the white and red man, is incompatible with the
safety or happiness of either is position in respect
which there has long since ceased to be room for
a difference of opinion. Reason and experience
have alike demonstrated its impraclicability. The
bitter fruits of every attempt heretofore to overcome
the barriers interposed by nature, have only been
destruction both physical and moral, TO the lndian
dangerous conflicts Of authority between the Fede-
raj and State Governments; and derlment to the
individual prosperity OF The citizen as wen as % ,ne
general Improvement Of the country. The remedial
policy, the principles of which were settled more
than thirty years ago. under the administration OF
Mr. Jefferson, consists in extinction, Tor lar con,
sderation of the title to all the lands still occupied
by the Indians within the States and Territories OF
the United States; their removal to country west
ofihe Mississippi much more extensive, and better
adnped 10 their condition than that which they then
resided The guarantee TO them by the United States,