The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1843-12-14

come among US TIC parlake o. the blessing
OF our Tree Institutions, and 10 aid by the
labor to swell the current OF our wealth
and power.
1t is due to every consideration of pub
lie policy that the lakes and rivers of ih'
West should receive all such attention a
the hands Of Congress as the Constitution
will enable it to bestow. Works in ia.
vorabe and proper situations on the lakes
would be found to be as indispensable
necess airy ia case OF war to carry on safe
and successful naval operations, as forii.
cations on the Atlantic sea, board. The
appropriation made by the last Congress
for the improvement of the navigation Of
the Mississippi river, has been diligently
and efficiently applied.
cannot close this communication, gen.
llemen, without recommending TO your
most favorable consideration, the interests
of this District Appointed by the Con-
stitution its exclusive Legislators, and form
ing in this particular the only anomaly in
our system of Governm ent, of the Legis-
laive body being elected by others than
those for whose advantage they are to leg
islate, yon will feel superadded obliga-
ton to look well into their condition, and
to leave no cause for complaint or regret
The Seat Of Government of our associa-
tea Republics cannot but be regarded as
worthy of your paternal care.
In connection with its other Interests,
as well as those of the whole country,
recommend that at your present session
you adopt such measures, in order to car
ry into effect the Smithsonian bequest, as
in yonr judgment will be best calculated
10 consummato the liberal intent of the
testator.
When, under dispensation of Divine
Providence, | succeeded to the Presiden.
tial office, the state of public aflirs was
embarrassing and critical. To add 10 the
irritation consequent upon long stand
ing controversy with one Of the most pow
crful nations of modern times, involving
not only questions of boundary which, un.
der the most favorable circumstances, are
always embarrassing. but at the same
time important and high principles of
maritime law-border controversies be-
tween the citizens aud subjects of the two
countries had engendered state of feel
ing and conduct which threatened the
most calamitous consequences.
The hazards incident to this state of
things were great v heightened by the ar
rest and imprisonment OF subject of
Great Britain, who, acting as it was al
legged as part of military force, had
aided in the commission of an act viola.
tive Of the territorial jurisdiction of the U.
States, and involving the murder of a citi.
zen of the State OF New York. A large
amount Of claims against the government
of Mexico remained unaJjusted, and war
of several years continuance with the
savage tribes of Florida still prevailed, at
tended with the desc ation of large por-
ton of that beautiful territory, and with
The sacrifice of many valuable lives.
To increase the embarrassment of the
individual and State credit
had been nearly stricken down, and con-
Iidence in the General Government was
80 much impaired tina. loans of a small
amount could only be negotiated at con-
siderable sacrifice. AS necessary con,
sequence OF the blight which had fallen on
commerce and mechanical industry, the
ships Of the one were thrown of employ
nent, and The operations of the other had
been greatly diminished. Owing to the
OF the currency, exchanges be-
:ween different parts of the country had
become ruinously high, and trade had 10
depend on deprecated paper currency
n conducting It's transactions.
shall De permitted to congratulate the
country that, under an overriding Provi-
ience peace was preserved without a sacri'
ice ofthe National honor; the war in Flor
da was bro't to speedy termination ; a
arge portion of the claims on Mexico
lave been fully adjndicated and are in a
course of payment, while justice has been
endereG 10 US in other matters by other |
nations confidence between man and man
5 in a great measure restored, and the
,redit of this Government fully and per-
ectIv re-estabIshed. Commerce is be-
omng more and more extended in its
operations, and manufacturing and me-
hanical industry once more reap the rec
wards Of skill and labor honestly applied.
The operations of trade rest on a sound
currency, and the rates Of exchange are
educed to their lowest amount. In this
of things have felt it to be my
Iuty TO bring to your favorable consider
'tion matters OF great interest in their
present and ultimate results, and the only
Iesire which feel in connection with the
uture is, and will continue to be, to leave |
he country prosperous, and its institutions
JOHN TY LER.
Washington. December, 1913.
GENERAL INTELLIGENCE.
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