The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1838-12-05
MESSAGE
s,1ao,c- Citixsas efths Senate
and House Of Representatives:
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE U. STATES
TO rHE rwo houses OF CONGRESS.

:
assemble for The pertor nance OF your official duties
Though the ancipaiions ofan abundant harvest have
not every where been realized, yet on the whole, the
labors ofthe husbandman rewarded with bountt-
full return; industry prospers in its various channels
of business and enterprise; general health again pre-
walls through our vast diversity OF climate nothing
threatens, from abroad the continuance OF external
peace; nor has any thing at home impaired The
strength Of those fraernal and domestic ties which
constitute the only guaranty 10 the success and per-
manency Of our happy Unien, and which, formed IN
the hour of peril, have hitherto been honorabiy sus-
tanned through every vicssilude in our national az
fairs These blessings, which evince the care and
benefcence Of Providence, call for our devout and
fervent gratitude.
bounlies bestowed by the same muni6cent hand, and
more exclusively our own.
The present year closes the first half century OF
our federal Institutions; and our sys,em-difering
from all others in the Acknowledged, practical,
and unlimited operation which IL has for SO long
period given to the sovereignty of The people-has
now been fully tested by experience
The constitution devised BY our forefathers as the
frame work and bond OF that system, then untred,
has become settled form OF government; not only
preserving and protecting the great principles upon
which it was founded, but wonderfully promoting
individual happiness and private interests. Though
subject TO change and entire revocation, whenever
deemed inadequate TO allthese purposes yet such is
the wisdom Of its construction and so stable has been
the public sentiment thai il remains unaltered ex-
cept in matters of detail comparatively unimportant.
IL has proved amply sufficient for the various emer-
gencies. incident to our condition as nation. A
formidable foreign war; agitating collisions between
domestic and in some respects, rival sovereignties;
temptations 10 interfere in the intestine commolions
OF neighboring countries the dangerous influences
that arise in periods of excessive prosperiy and the
anti-republican tendencies OF associated wealth.
these with other trials not less formidable have all
been encountered, and thus far successfully re-
sisted.
twas reserved for the American Union to test the
advantages OF Government entirely dependent
A Iha ,pl
experience has shown that il beneicent in prac-
tce as II is just in theory Each successive change
made in our local institutions has contributed 10 ex
tend the right OF suffrage has increased the direct
influence OF the mass Of the community given greater
freedom to individual exeron, and restricted more
and more, the powers OF Government; yet the intel
lgence, prudence, and patriotism OF the people have
kept pace with this augmented reSponS biy. In no
country has education been SO widely ditfused Do
nestle peace has nowhere solargely reigned The
close bonds Of social intercourse have in no instance
prevailed with such harmony over space SO vast.
All forms OF religion have united for the first lime
to difuse charity and piety because for the first time
in The history of nations, all have been totally un-
trammelled, and absolutely free. The deepest re-
cesses OF the wilderness have been penetrated yet,
instead OF the rudeness in the social condition
quent upon such adventures elsewhere, numerous
communities have sprung mp, already unrpalled in
prosperity, general intelligence internal tranquility
and the wisdom OF their political institutions inter-
nal Improvement the fruit Of individual enterprI e.
losteIea by The protection of the States has added
new links to the confederation and fresh rewards IN
provident industry. Doubtful questions Of domestic
policy have been quietly settled BY mutual forbear-
ance; and agriculture, commerce and mapufac-
lures, minister to each other, Taxation and public
debt, the burdens which bear so heavily upon all
olher countries, have pressed with comparative
liShtness upon U.S. Without one entangling alliance
our friendship is priced BY every nation; and the
rights oil our citizens every where respected be-
cause they are known to be guarded by united, SEN
sitive, and watchiul people
To this practical operation of our institutions SO
evident and successful We owe that increased attach
ment to them which is among the most cheering ex-
holllons OF popular sentiment, and will prove their
best security in time TO come against foreign or do
nestle assault.
This review Of the results of our institutions for
hall century, without exciting a spirit of vain ex-
ulta'ion should serve TO impress upon us the great
principles from which they have sprung; constant
and direct supervision by the people over every pub
lie measure strict forbearance on The part of the Go
Vernment from exercising any doubtful or disputed
powers; and cautious abstinence from all inter-
terence with concerns which properly belong and
are best left to State regulations and individual enter
prise
Full information of the state of our foreign affairs
having been recently, on two different occasions,
submitted to Congress, l deem il necessary now to
bring 10 your notice only such events have subse-
queny occurred or are of such importance as TO re-
quire particular attention.
The most amicable dispositions continue Ia h, ey
hibed by all the nations with whom the Govern
ment and citizens ofthe United States have an habi-
ual intercourse. At The date of my last annual mes
sage, Mexico was the only nation which could not
De Included IN SO gratifying reference 10 foreign
relations.
am happy 10 be able to inform you that an
advance has been made towards the adjustment of
our difficulties with that Republic and the res,ora-
ton oil The customary good feeling between The two
nations. This important change has been effected
by conciliatory negotiations that have resulted in
the conclusion OF treaty between the two Govern
ments, which, when ratified, will refer to The arbi-
friendly he n
trover>y between us growing out of injuries indi-
viduals There is, at present, also, reason believe
that an equitable settlement OF all disputed points
VIII De attained without further difficulty unneces-
sary delay and thus authorize The free resumption
oil diplomatic intercourse with our sister Republic
nm respect TO the northeastern boundary of the
United States, official correspondence between this
Government and that of Great Britain has passed since
that communicated TO Congress towards the close of
their last session The oer negotiate a convention
Tor the appointment OF joint commIsson of survey and
exploration, am, however, assured will be met by Her
Males,vs Government in conciaory and friendly sp.
IT. ana Instructions to enable the British Minister here
TO conclude such arrangement, will be transmitted 10
nun without needless delay. II is hoped and expected
mat these instructions will be Of liberal character and
na' TINS negotiation, IT successful will prove 10 he an
important step towards the satisfactory and final adjust
ment OF the controversy
i had hoped that the resnect FIR Tho law. ,,a u,
Tor the peace and honor OF their own country which h,
ever characterized the citizens of the United States
"ou" nave prevented any portion OF them from using
any means 70 promote insurecon IN the TERRITORY of a
power which we are at peace, and with which the United
states are deslrons OF maintaining the most rendly re
la'ions. regret deeply, however to be obco,, :, m
FORM you that this has not been the case Inform,,o
mas oeen gwen to me- derived from official and other
souees' ,nat many citizens Of the United States have
asoe'eu together to make hostile ncursons from our
territory INTO Canada, and and and ahe nsurrcc,io,
there, IN violation Of the ohligations .,d - ~ ~
United States, and in open disregard Of ,ho;, o,,n d