Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-12-18
THE MESSAGE,

THE MESSAGE.
We have the pleasure of laying before our
readers Mr.. Van Buren's valedictory message to
the two houses of Congress. We say raledictory
as we presume he will not attempt to initiate
his ''llusrious predecessor" in the matter of
farewell blessing. 1t is cool dispassionate doc
ument, betraying no irritation or fault-fndng,
and there is not the remotest allusion to the re-
cent election, or to the fact that he is about to
retire from the chair of state. No one would
imagine even from the tone of the message that
MI Van Buren's political course was nearly run,
or that contest, scarcely equalled in the history
OF the country, had just terminated. But, with
the most stocal indifference, he wraps his mantle
about him, and sits himself quietly down to bdc
the hour of his doom. This studied Indifference
Or in other words, contempt Of the popular
wll-however convenient it may be to the mere
politician, in an emergency but lily COMFORTS
with the frank, enlarged, and liberal spirit that
ought to characterize the chief magistrate and it
but too clearly indicates the true caliber of the
man, while it bespcaks, in no oquivoca terms,
the deep modification it was intended 10 hide
When the embryo sub.treasury was first shad-
owed before the American people, the fact that a
single state, by an indirect expression of the
popular will, had indicated disposition to sus-
tan il, was deemed Of sufficient Importance to
demand special mention in communication to
Congress; but now, after that measure has been
deliberately passed upon by the whole country
when nineteen Of the twenty-sx states,by major
ties never so large, have condemned both it, and
ITS author-the fact is passed over in contemptu-
Gus silence, while the obnoxious measure is per-
tinaciousy adhered to, and Congress beseeched
to lash it upon the people, in spite of their
lamentations! Let those who have rested their
faith in Mr.. Van Duren's professions Of regard
for the popular will reconcile these facts. Let
them contrast this course, with that prompt re-
eognition OF the popular voice, on mere questions
of policy-that ingenious frankncss, which so
pre-eminently characterizcs the true republican
and then say how much we have erred in
representing him as hollow hearted protendcr
who from the habit of moulding and shaping
public sentiment to suit his particular views
had learned to regard it with most sovereign
contempt, when egitimately expressed.
So far as the language of the message is con-
rerncd, it is both respectful and digniicd, ant
presents the affairs Of the country in concise
and clear manner. The following synopsis
embraces it's leading features.
The tone of the Message is generally loc'
foco. 1t commences with stating Z at the ma
ton has avoided interference with the affairs O
other countries, and by correct dealing has &C
quired an honorable standing among the nations
of the earth, most of whom seek our alliance
Nothing since the adjournment has occurred t
disturb the harmony between lis and other ma
tons. The northern boundary difficulties hav
been under discussion, only interrupted by tn
British minister referring to his government &c
further instructions. Hopes are expressed tia
the whole will be speedily settled. The thrc
commissioners appointed by THIS governmer
to view the disputed territory, will probabl
throw new light on the subject. 1t is probab
that after some further investigation, the who
will be referred to some friendly power.
Treaties have been made with Belgium, III
GLIDING the settlement of some old question:
with Hanover and Portugal, and our relation
remain good with all the other European power
A commissioner is now in Germany on the su
ject of the tobacco trade.
The claims on Mexico are under negotiate
The treaty with Brazil will expire in DeceI
Der, lS4l. Chill has agreed to indemnify t
owners of the Macedonian, (lsl9) and 9th
claims are being pressed.
The line between Texas and this count
will be settled next season.
The sound % condition of the national fin;
res is referred to with triumph.
The distribution of the surplus revenue
the reduction of the tariff nerfered with
public treasury greatly; yet all demands III
been promptly met, only four and hall 'n'l
of treasury notes being now out.
The government is complmented for m;
tanning the standard of currency.
The Indebtedness of the States to fore
movers is mentioned as a reason why the
IONS of other nations may have nerlered v
nur domestic concerns The government o'
nothing abroad and is only responsible fo
small sum, borrowed for some part OF inc
trict of Columbia. TO keep clear OF u
mortifying positions, the action OF goverm'
must be kept within bounds, and close econ
must be consulted. Economy, It is stated
been adopted since 1888, and the only exit
Sinary expenditures have been those come