Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1841-06-12
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE,
To the Senate and House Of Re pre- sentativ,
of the United states


spective halls of legislation under a
proclamation bearing the signature of
the illustrious citizen who was so lately
called by the direct suflrages of the peo-
pie to the discharge Of the important
functions Of their chief executive office.
Upon the expiration Of single month
from the day Of his installation, he has
paid the great debt Of nature, leaving
behind him a name associated with the
recollection Of numerous benefits con-
ferred upon the country during long
life Of patriotic devotion. With this
public bereavement are connected o.
ther considerations which will not E.
scape the attention of Congress. The
preparations necessary for his removal
to the seat to Government in view of a
residence of four years must have de-
voved upon the late President heavy
expenditures, which, if permitted to
burden the limited resources Of his pri-
vate fortune, may tend seriously to the
embarrassment of his surviving family;
and it is therefore respectfully submit
ted to Congress whether the ordinary
principles of justice would not dictate
the propriety of its legislative interposi-
ton. By the provisions Of the funda-
mental law, the powers and duties of
the high station to which he was elect
ed have devolved upon me, and in the
dispositions of the representatives Of the
States and of the people will be found
to great extent solution Of the pro-
blem to which our institutions are for
the first time subjected.
In entering upon the duties of this Of
fee, did not feel that it would be be-
coming in me to disturb what had been
ordered by my lamented predecessor.
Whatever, therefore, may have been
my opinion, originally, as to the pro-
priety Of convening Congress at so ear
ly day from that of its late adjourn
ment, | found new and n controlling
inducement not to interfere with the
patriotic desires Of the late President, in
the novelty Of the situation in which |
was SO Unexpectedly placed. My first
wish under such circumstances would
necessarily have been to have called TO
my aid, in the administration Of public
affairs, the combined wisdom of the
two Houses of Congress, in order TO
take their counsel and advice as 10 the
best mode of extricating the Govern
ment and the country from the cmbar-
rassments weighing heavily on both. |
am then most happy in finding myself
so soon after my accession to the Pre-
sidency, surrounded by the immediate
representatives Of the States and peo,
pie.
No important changes having taker
place in our foreign relations since the
last session Of Congress, it is not deem
cd necessary on this occasion to 90 into
detailed statement in regard to them
| am happy to say that see nothing tC
destroy the hope of being able 10 pre-
serve peace.
The ratification Of the treaty will
Portugal has been duly exchanged be
tween the two governments. This Go
vernment has not been inattentive to thu
interests of those of our citizens wh'
have claims on the Government O
Spain, founded on express treaty sti
puatons, and hope is INDUCED tina
= the representations which have beeI
!, made TO that Government on this sub
ject, may lead ere long to beneficial re
, suits.
A correspondence has taken place be
q tween the Secretary of State and th
Minister of Her Britanic Majesty, ac
credited to this Government, on the sub
iect Of Alexander McLeod's indictmer
- and Imprisonment, copies of which ar
. herewith communicated to Congress.
- In addition to what appears fror
these papers, it may be proper to stat
!. that Alexander Mcleod has been hear
:, by the Supreme Court of the State {
New York, on his motion TO be dlschal
ged from Imprisonment, and that the dc
cision of that Court has not as yet bee
OF pronounced.
as The Secretary Of State has addresse
ne to me paper upon two subjects, intel
D. esting to the commerce of the countr,
's which will receive my consideTatio
and which have the honor 10 comm,
"a nicate to Congress.
Al Al So far as it depends on the course
" this Government, our relations of got
Will and friendship will be sedulous
cultivated with all nations. The trv
American policy will be found TO co
A.. sist in the exercise Of spirit of just
to be manifested in the discharge of |