APPENDIX

TO THE REGISTER OF DEBATES IN CONGRESS.

TWENTY-SECOND CONGRESS-FIRST SESSION.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

a country productive of every material for ship-building, and every commodity for gainful commerce, and filled

To both Houses of Congress, at the commencement of with a population active, intelligent, well informed, and the first session of the twenty-second Congress.

Fellow-citizens of the Senate

and House of Representatives:

fearless of danger. These advantages are not neglected; and an impulse has lately been given to commercial enterprise, which fills our ship-yards with new constructions, encourages all the arts and branches of industry connected with them, crowds the wharves of our cities with vessels, and covers the most distant seas with our canvas.

The representation of the people has been renewed for the twenty-second time since the constitution they formed has been in force. For near half a century the Chief Magistrates who have been successively chosen, have Let us be grateful for these blessings to the beneficent made their annual communications of the state of the Being who has conferred them, and who suffers us to nation to its representatives. Generally, these communi- indulge a reasonable hope of their continuance and excations have been of the most gratifying nature, testifying tension, while we neglect not the means by which they an advance in all the improvements of social, and all the may be preserved. If we may dare to judge of His securities of political life. But frequently, and justly, future designs by the manner in which His past favors as you have been called on to be grateful for the bounties have been bestowed, He has made our national prosperity of Providence, at few periods have they been more to depend on the preservation of our liberties--our naabundantly or extensively bestowed than at the present-tional force on our Federal Union-and our individual rarely, if ever, have we had greater reason to congratulate happiness on the maintenance of our State rights and wise each other on the continued and increasing prosperity of our beloved country. Agriculture, the first and most important occupation of man, has compensated the labors of the husbandman with plentiful crops of all the varied products of our extensive country. Manufactures have been established, in which the funds of the capitalist find a profitable investment, and which give employment and subsistence to a numerous and increasing body of industrious and dexterous mechanics. The laborer is rewarded by high wages, in the construc-high place in their respect. tion of works of internal improvement, which are extending with unprecedented rapidity. Science is steadily penetrating the recesses of nature, and disclosing her secrets, while the ingenuity of free minds is subjecting the elements to the power of man, and making each new conquest auxiliary to his comfort. By our mails, whose speed is regularly increased, and whose routes are every year extended, the communication of public intelligence and private business is rendered frequent and safe-the intercourse between distant cities, which it formerly required weeks to accomplish, is now effected in a few days and, in the construction of railroads, and the application of steam power, we have a reasonable prospect that the extreme parts of our country will be so much approximated, and those most isolated by the obstacles of nature rendered so accessible, as to remove an apprehension, sometimes entertained, that the great extent of the Union would endanger its permanent existence.

institutions. If we are prosperous at home, and respected abroad, it is because we are free, united, industrious, and obedient to the laws. While we continue so, we shall, by the blessing of Heaven, go on in the happy career we have begun, and which has brought us, in the short period of our political existence, from a population of three to thirteen millions-from thirteen separate colonies to twenty-four United States-from weakness to strength-from a rank scarcely marked in the scale of nations to a

If, from the satisfactory view of our agriculture, manufactures, and internal improvements, we turn to the state of our navigation and trade with foreign nations, and between the States, we shall scarcely find less cause for gratulation. A beneficent Providence has provided, for their exercise and encouragement, an extensive coast indented by capacious bays, noble rivers, inland scas, with VOL. VIII.-ɑ

This last advantage is one that has resulted, in a great degree, from the principles which have guided our intercourse with foreign Powers since we have assumed an equal station among them; and hence the annual account which the Executive renders to the country, of the manner in which that branch of his duties has been fulfilled, proves instructive and salutary.

The pacific and wise policy of our Government kept us in a state of neutrality during the wars that have, at different periods since our political existence, been carried on by other Powers; but this policy, while it gave activity and extent to our commerce, exposed it in the same proportion to injuries from the belligerent nations. Hence have arisen claims of indemnity for those injuries. England, France, Spain, Holland, Sweden, Denmark, Naples, and lately Portugal, had all, in a greater or less degree, infringed our neutral rights. Demands for reparation were made upon all. They have had in all, and continue to have in some cases, a leading influence on the nature of our relations with the Powers on whom they were made.

Of the claims upon England it is unnecessary to speak, further than to say that the state of things to which their prosecution and denial gave rise, has been succeeded by arrangements, productive of mutual good feeling and amicable relations between the two countries, which it is

22d CoNG. 1st SESS.]

Message of the President at the opening of the Session.

hoped will not be interrupted. One of these arrange- United States and Great Britain, the increasing intercourse ments is that relating to the colonial trade, which was between their citizens, and the rapid obliteration of uncommunicated to Congress at the last session; and, al- friendly prejudices to which former events naturally gave though the short period during which it has been in force rise, concurred to present this as a fit period for renewing will not enable me to form an accurate judgment of its our endeavors to provide against the recurrence of causes operation, there is every reason to believe that it will of irritation, which, in the event of war between Great prove highly beneficial. The trade thereby authorized Britain and any other Power, would inevitably endanger has employed, to the 30th September last, upwards of our peace. Animated by the sincerest desire to avoid 30,000 tons of American, and 15,000 tons of foreign ship- such a state of things, and peacefully to secure, under all ping in the outward voyages; and, in the inward, nearly possible circumstances, the rights and honor of the coun an equal amount of American, and 20,000 only of foreign try, I have given such instructions to the minister lately tonnage. Advantages, too, have resulted to our agricul- sent to the court of London, as will evince that desire; tural interests from the state of the trade between Canada and, if met by a correspondent disposition, which we and our territories and States bordering on the St. cannot doubt, will put an end to causes of collision, which, Lawrence and the lakes, which may prove more than without advantage to either, tend to estrange from each equivalent to the loss sustained by the discrimination made other two nations who have every motive to preserve, to favor the trade of the Northern colonies with the West not only peace, but an intercourse of the most amicable

Indies.

nature.

After our transition from the state of colonies to that of In my message at the opening of the last session of an independent nation, many points were found necessary Congress, I expressed a confident hope that the justice of to be settled between us and Great Britain. Among them our claims upon France, urged as they were with persewas the demarcation of boundaries, not described with verance and signal ability by our minister there, would sufficient precision in the treaty of peace. Some of the finally be acknowledged. This hope has been realized. lines that divide the States and territories of the United A treaty has been signed, which will immediately be laid States from the British provinces, have been definitively before the Senate for its approbation; and which, confixed. That, however, which separates us from the pro-taining stipulations that require legislative acts, must have vinces of Canada and New Brunswick to the North and the concurrence of both Houses before it can be carried the East, was still in dispute when I came into office. But into effect. By it, the French Government engage to I found arrangements made for its settlement, over which pay a sum which, if not quite equal to that which may be I had no control. The commissioners who had been ap- found due to our citizens, will yet, it is believed, under all pointed under the provisions of the treaty of Ghent, circumstances, be deemed satisfactory by those interested. having been unable to agree, a convention was made with The offer of a gross sum, instead of the satisfaction of Great Britain by my immediate predecessor in office, with each individual claim, was accepted, because the only the advice and consent of the Senate, by which it was alternatives were a rigorous exaction of the whole amount agreed that the points of difference which have arisen stated to be due on each claim, which might, in some inin the settlement of the boundary line between the Ame- stances, be exaggerated by design, in others overrated rican and British dominions, as described in the fifth through error, and which, therefore, it would have been article of the treaty of Ghent, shall be referred, as therein both ungracious and unjust to have insisted on, or a setprovided, to some friendly sovereign or State, who shall tlement by a mixed commission, to which the French be invited to investigate, and make a decision upon such negotiators were very averse, and which experience in points of difference" and the King of the Netherlands other cases had shown to be dilatory, and often wholly having, by the late President and his Britannic Majesty, inadequate to the end. A comparatively small sum is been designated as such friendly sovereign, it became my stipulated on our part, to go to the extinction of all claims duty to carry, with good faith, the agreement, so made, by French citizens on our Government; and a reduction of into full effect. To this end I caused all the measures to duties on our cotton and their wines has been agreed on, be taken which were necessary to a full exposition of our as a consideration for the renunciation of an important case to the sovereign arbiter; and nominated as minister claim for commercial privileges, under the construction plenipotentiary to his court, a distinguished citizen of the they gave to the treaty for the cession of Louisiana. State most interested in the question, and who had been Should this treaty receive the proper sanction, a source one of the agents previously employed for settling the of irritation will be stopped, that has, for so many years, controversy. On the 10th day of January last, his Ma- in some degree alienated from each other two nations who, jesty the King of the Netherlands delivered to the pleni- from interest as well as the remembrance of early associa potentiaries of the United States, and of Great Britain, tions, ought to cherish the most friendly relations an his written opinion on the case referred to him. The encouragement will be given for perseverance in the papers in relation to the subject will be communicated, demands of justice, by this new proof, that, if steadily by a special message, to the proper branch of the Go- pursued, they will be listened to-and admonition will be vernment, with the perfect confidence that its wisdom offered to those Powers, if any, which may be inclined to will adopt such measures as will secure an amicable settle-evade them, that they will never be abandoned. Above ment of the controversy, without infringing any constitu- all, a just confidence will be inspired in our fellow-cititional right of the States immediately interested. zens, that their Government will exert all the powers with It affords me satisfaction to inform you that suggestions, which they have invested it, in support of their just claims made by my direction to the chargé d'affaires of his Bri- upon foreign nations; at the same time that the frank ac tannic Majesty to this Government, have had their desired knowledgment and provision for the payment of those effect in producing the release of certain American citi- which were addressed to our equity, although unsupportzens who were imprisoned for setting up the authority of ed by legal proof, affords a practical illustration of our the State of Maine at a place in the disputed territory submission to the divine rule of doing to others what we under the actual jurisdiction of his Britannic Majesty. desire they should do unto us. From this, and the assurances I have received of the Sweden and Denmark having made compensation for desire of the local authorities to avoid any cause of colli- the irregularities committed by their vessels, or in their sion, I have the best hopes that a good understanding will ports, to the perfect satisfaction of the parties concerned, be kept up until it is confirmed by the final disposition of and having renewed the treaties of commerce entered into the subject. with them, our political and commercial relations with The amicable relations which now subsist between the those Powers continue to be on the most friendly footing.

Message of the President at the opening of the Session.

[22d CoNG. 1st SESS.

With Spain, our differences up to the 22d of February, missioned for that purpose will place before him the just 1819, were settled by the treaty of Washington of that claims of our injured citizens in such a light as will enable date; but, at a subsequent period, our commerce with the me, before your adjournment, to announce that they have States formerly colonies of Spain, on the continent of been adjusted and secured. Precise instructions, to the America, was annoyed and frequently interrupted by her effect of bringing the negotiation to a speedy issue, have public and private armed ships. They captured many of been given, and will be obeyed. Our vessels prosecuting a lawful commerce, and sold them In the late blockade of Terceira, some of the Portuand their cargoes; and at one time, to our demands for guese fleet captured several of our vessels, and committed restoration and indemnity, opposed the allegation, that other excesses, for which reparation was demanded; and they were taken in the violation of a blockade of all the I was on the point of despatching an armed force, to preports of those States. This blockade was declaratory vent any recurrence of a similar violence, and protect our only, and the inadequacy of the force to maintain it was citizens in the prosecution of their lawful commerce, so manifest, that this allegation was varied to a charge of when official assurances, on which I relied, made the sailtrade in contraband of war. This, in its turn, was also ing of the ships unnecessary. Since that period, frequent found untenable; and the minister whom I sent with in-promises have been made that full indemnity shall be structions to press for the reparation that was due to our given for the injuries inflicted and the losses sustained. In injured fellow-citizens, has transmitted an answer to his the performance, there has been some, perhaps unavoidademand, by which the captures are declared to have been ble, delay; but I have the fullest confidence that my earnest legal, and are justified because the independence of the desire that this business may at once be closed, which our States of America never having been acknowledged by minister has been instructed strongly to express, will very Spain, she had a right to prohibit trade with them under soon be gratified. I have the better ground for this hope, her old colonial laws. This ground of defence was con- from the evidence of a friendly disposition which that tradictory, not only to those which had been formerly al- Government has shown by an actual reduction in the duty leged, but to the uniform practice and established laws of on rice, the produce of our Southern States, authorizing nations; and had been abandoned by Spain herself in the the anticipation that this important article of our export convention which granted indemnity to British subjects will soon be admitted on the same footing with that profor captures made at the same time, under the same cir-duced by the most favored nation. cumstances, and for the same allegations with those of With the other Powers of Europe, we have fortunately which we complain. had no cause of discussions for the redress of injuries. I however indulge the hope that further reflection will With the Empire of the Russias, our political connexion lead to other views, and feel confident that when his is of the most friendly, and our commercial of the most Catholic Majesty shall be convinced of the justice of the liberal kind. We enjoy the advantages of navigation and claim, his desire to preserve friendly relations between the trade, given to the most favored nation; but it has not yet two countries, which it is my earnest endeavor to main-suited their policy, or perhaps has not been found conve tain, will induce him to accede to our demand. I have nient from other considerations, to give stability and recitherefore despatched a special messenger with instruc- procity to those privileges, by a commercial treaty. The tions to our minister to bring the case once more to his ill health of the minister last year charged with making a consideration; to the end that if, which I cannot bring my-proposition for that arrangement, did not permit him to self to believe, the same decision, that cannot but be remain at St. Petersburg; and the attention of that Godeemed an unfriendly denial of justice, should be persist-vernment, during the whole of the period since his deed in, the matter may, before your adjournment, be laid parture, having been occupied by the war in which it was before you, the constitutional judges of what is proper to be done when negotiation for redress of injury fails.

engaged, we have been assured that nothing could have been effected by his presence. A minister will soon be nominated, as well to effect this important object, as to keep up the relations of amity and good understanding of which we have received so many assurances and proofs from his Imperial Majesty and the Emperor his prede cessor.

The conclusion of a treaty for indemnity with France seemed to present a favorable opportunity to renew our claims of a similar nature on other Powers, and particularly in the case of those upon Naples, more especially as, in the course of former negotiations with that Power, our failure to induce France to render us justice was used as The treaty with Austria is opening to us an important an argument against us. The desires of the merchants trade with the hereditary dominions of the Emperor, the vawho were the principal sufferers, have therefore been ac-lue of which has been hitherto little known, and of course ceded to, and a mission has been instituted for the special not sufficiently appreciated. While our commerce finds purpose of obtaining for them a reparation already too an entrance into the South of Germany by means of this long delayed. This measure having been resolved on, it treaty, those we have formed with the Hanseatic towns and was put in execution without waiting for the meeting of Prussia, and others now in negotiation, will open that vast Congress, because the state of Europe created an appre-country to the enterprising spirit of our merchants on the hension of events that might have rendered our applica- North; a country abounding in all the materials for a mu tion ineffectual. tually beneficial commerce, filled with enlightened and Our demands upon the Government of the Two Sici- industrious inhabitants, holding an important place in the lies are of a peculiar nature. The injuries on which they politics of Europe, and to which we owe so many valuable are founded are not denied, nor are the atrocity and per-citizens. The ratification of the treaty with the Porte fidy under which those injuries were perpetrated attempt- was sent to be exchanged by the gentleman appointed our ed to be extenuated. The sole ground on which indem-chargé d'affaires to that court. Some difficulties occurred nity has been refused is the alleged illegality of the tenure on his arrival; but at the date of his last official despatch, by which the monarch who made the seizures held his he supposed they had been obviated, and that there was crown. This defence, always unfounded in any principle every prospect of the exchange being speedily effected. of the law of nations-now universally abandoned, even This finishes the connected view I have thought it proby those Powers upon whom the responsibility for acts of per to give of our political and commercial relations in past rulers bore the most heavily, will unquestionably be Europe. Every effort in my power will be continued to given up by his Sicilian Majesty, whose counsels will re-strengthen and extend them by treaties founded on prin. ceive an impulse from that high sense of honor and regard ciples of the most perfect reciprocity of interest, neither to justice which are said to characterize him; and I feel asking nor conceding any exclusive advantage, but liberatthe fullest confidence that the talents of the citizen com-ing, as far as it lies in my power, the activity and industry

22d CoNG. 1st SESS.]

Message of the President at the opening of the Session.

of our fellow-citizens from the shackles which foreign restrictions may impose,

I should have placed Buenos Ayres on the list of South American Powers, in respect to which nothing of importTo China and the East Indies, our commerce çontinues ance affecting us was to be communicated, but for occurin its usual extent, and with increased facilities, which the rences which have lately taken place at the Falkland credit and capital of our merchants afford, by substituting Islands, in which the name of that republic has been used bills for payments in specie. A daring outrage having to cover with a show of authority acts injurious to our been committed in those seas by the plunder of one of our commerce, and to the property and liberty of our fellowmerchantmen engaged in the pepper trade at a port in citizens. In the course of the present year, one of our Sumatra, and the piratical perpetrators belonging to tribes vessels engaged in the pursuit of a trade which we have in such a state of society that the usual course of proceeding between civilized nations could not be pursued, I forthwith despatched a frigate with orders to require immediate satisfaction for the injury, and indemnity to the sufferers.

always enjoyed without molestation, has been captured by a band acting, as they pretend, under the authority of the Government of Buenos Ayres. I have therefore given orders for the despatch of an armed vessel, to join our squadron in those seas, and aid in affording all lawful pro Few changes have taken place in our connexions with tection to our trade which shall be necessary; and shall, the independent States of America since my last commu- without delay, send a minister to inquire into the nature nication to Congress. The ratification of a commercial of the circumstances, and also of the claim, if any, that is treaty with the United Republics of Mexico has been for set up by that Government to those islands. In the mean some time under deliberation in their Congress, but was time, I submit the case to the consideration of Congress, still undecided at the date of our last despatches. The to the end that they may clothe the Executive with such unhappy civil commotions that have prevailed there, were authority and means as they may deem necessary for proundoubtedly the cause of the delay; but as the Govern-viding a force adequate to the complete protection of our ment is now said to be tranquillized, we may hope soon to fellow-citizens fishing and trading in those seas. receive the ratification of the treaty, and an arrangement| This rapid sketch of our foreign relations, it is hoped, for the demarcation of the boundaries between us. In fellow-citizens, may be of some use in so much of your the mean time, an important trade has been opened, with legislation as may bear on that important subject; while it mutual benefit, from St. Louis, in the State of Missouri, by caravans, to the interior provinces of Mexico. This commerce is protected in its progress through the Indian countries by the troops of the United States, which have been permitted to escort the caravans beyond our boundaries to the settled part of the Mexican territory.

affords to the country at large a source of high gratifica tion in the contemplation of our political and commercial connexion with the rest of the world. At peace with allhaving subjects of future difference with few, and those susceptible of easy adjustment-extending our commerce gradually on all sides, and on none by any but the most From Central America I have received assurances of liberal and mutually beneficial means—we may, by the blessthe most friendly kind, and a gratifying application for ing of Providence, hope for all that national prosperity our good offices to remove a supposed indisposition to- which can be derived from an intercourse with foreign na wards that Government in a neighboring State: this appli- tions, guided by those eternal principles of justice and cation was immediately and successfully complied with. reciprocal good will which are binding as well upon States They gave us also the pleasing intelligence that differen-as the individuals of whom they are composed. ces which had prevailed in their internal affairs had been I have great satisfaction in making this statement of our peaceably adjusted. Our treaty with this republic con-affairs, because the course of our national policy enables tinues to be faithfully observed, and promises a great and me to do it without any indiscreet exposure of what in beneficial commerce between the two countries; a com- other Governments is usually concealed from the people. merce of the greatest importance, if the magnificent project of a ship canal through the dominions of that State, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, now in serious contemplation, shall be executed,

Having none but a straightforward, open course to pur sue-guided by a single principle that will bear the strongest light-we have happily no political combinations to form, no alliances to entangle us, no complicated interests I have great satisfaction in communicating the success to consult; and in subjecting all we have done to the conwhich has attended the exertions of our minister in Co-sideration of our citizens, and to the inspection of the lombia to procure a very considerable reduction in the du- world, we give no advantage to other nations, and lay ties on our flour in that republic. Indemnity, also, has ourselves open to no injury.

been stipulated for injuries received by our merchants It may not be improper to add, that, to preserve this from illegal seizures; and renewed assurances are given state of things, and give confidence to the world in the that the treaty between the two countries shall be faith-integrity of our designs, all our consular and diplomatic fully observed. agents are strictly enjoined to examine well every cause Chili and Peru seem to be still threatened with civil of complaint preferred by our citizens; and, while they commotions; and, until they shall be settled, disorders urge with proper earnestness those that are well founded, may naturally be apprehended, requiring the constant pre- to countenance none that are unreasonable or unjust, and sence of a naval force in the Pacific Ocean, to protect our to enjoin on our merchants and navigators the strictest fisheries and guard our commerce. obedience to the laws of the countries to which they reThe disturbances that took place in the Empire of Bra-sort, and a course of conduct in their dealings that may zil, previously to, and immediately consequent upon, the support the character of our nation, and render us respectabdication of the late Emperor, necessarily suspended any ed abroad.

effectual application for the redress of some past injuries Connected with this subject, I must recommend a revi suffered by our citizens from that Government, while sal of our consular laws. Defects and omissions have been they have been the cause of others, in which all foreign-discovered in their operation, that ought to be remedied ers seem to have participated, Instructions have been and supplied. For your further information on this subgiven to our minister there, to press for indemnity due for ject, I have directed a report to be made by the Secreta losses occasioned by these irregularities, and to take care ry of State, which I shall hereafter submit to your consi that our fellow-citizens shall enjoy all the privileges stipu-deration. lated in their favor, by the treaty lately made between the The internal peace and security of our confederated two Powers; all which, the good intelligence that pre- States is the next principal object of the General Govern vails between our minister at Rio Janeiro and the regency ment. Time and experience have proved that the abode gives us the best reason to expect. of the native Indian within their limits is dangerous to ther

1

Message of the President at the opening of the Session.

[22d CONG. 1st SESS.

peace, and injurious to himself. In accordance with my received in the present year will not fall short of twentyrecommendation at a former session of Congress, an ap- seven million seven hundred thousand dollars; and the propriation of half a million of dollars was made to aid the expenditures for all objects other than the public debt voluntary removal of the various tribes beyond the limits will not exceed fourteen million seven hundred thousand. of the States. At the last session I had the happiness to The payment on account of the principal and interest of announce that the Chickasaws and Choctaws had accepted the debt, during the year, will exceed sixteen millions and the generous offer of the Government, and agreed to re- a half of dollars: a greater sum than has been applied to move beyond the Mississippi river, by which the whole of that object, out of the revenue, in any year since the the State of Mississippi and the western part of Alabama enlargement of the sinking fund, except the two years will be freed from Indian occupancy, and opened to a following immediately thereafter. The amount which will civilized population. The treaties with these tribes are have been applied to the public debt from the 4th of in a course of execution, and their removal, it is hoped, | March, 1829, to the 1st of January next, which is less than will be completed in the course of 1832, three years since the administration has been placed in my

Government.

At the request of the authorities of Georgia, the regis-hands, will exceed forty millions of dollars. tration of Cherokee Indians for emigration has been re- From the large importations of the present year, it may sumed, and it is confidently expected that one-half, if not be safely estimated that the revenue which will be receivtwo-thirds of that tribe, will follow the wise example of ed into the treasury from that source during the next year, their more westerly brethren. Those who prefer remain- with the aid of that received from the public lands, will ing at their present homes will hereafter be governed by considerably exceed the amount of the receipts of the prethe laws of Georgia, as all her citizens are, and cease to sent year; and it is believed that with the means which be the objects of peculiar care on the part of the General the Government will have at its disposal, from various sources, which will be fully stated by the proper departDuring the present year, the attention of the Government, the whole of the public debt may be extinguished, ment has been particularly directed to those tribes in the either by redemption or purchase, within the four years powerful and growing State of Ohio, where considerable of my administration. We shall then exhibit the rare extracts of the finest lands were still occupied by the abori- ample of a great nation, abounding in all the means of hapginal proprietors. Treaties, either absolute or condition-piness and security, altogether free from debt. The confidence with which the extinguishment of the al, have been made, extinguishing the whole Indian title to the reservations in that State; and the time is not dis- public debt may be anticipated, presents an opportunity tant, it is hoped, when Ohio will be no longer embarrass- for carrying into effect more fully the policy in relation to ed with the Indian population. The same measure will import duties, which has been recommended in my forA modification of the tariff, which shall be extended to Indiana, as soon as there is reason to anti-mer messages. produce a reduction of our revenue to the wants of GoIt is confidently believed that perseverance for a few vernment, and an adjustment of the duties on imports, with years in the present policy of the Government will extin-a view to equal justice in relation to all our national' integuish the Indian title to all lands lying within the States rests, and to the counteraction of foreign policy, so far as composing our Federal Union, and remove beyond their it may be injurious to those interests, is deemed to be one limits every Indian who is not willing to submit to their of the principal objects which demand the consideration laws. Thus will all conflicting claims to jurisdiction be- of the present Congress. Justice to the interests of the tween the States and the Indian tribes be put to rest. It merchant as well as the manufacturer requires that mais pleasing to reflect, that results so beneficial, not only to terial reductions in the import duties be prospective: and the States immediately concerned, but to the harmony of unless the present Congress shall dispose of the subject, the Union, will have been accomplished, by measures the proposed reductions cannot properly be made to take equally advantageous to the Indians. What the native effect at the period when the necessity for the revenue It is, therefore, Savages become when surrounded by a dense population, arising from present rates shall cease. and by mixing with the whites, may be seen in the mise-desirable that arrangements be adopted at your present rable remnants of a few Eastern tribes, deprived of poli- session, to relieve the people from unnecessary taxation, tical and civil rights, forbidden to make contracts, and after the extinguishment of the public debt. subjected to guardians, dragging out a wretched exist- ercise of that spirit of concession and conciliation which ence, without excitement, without hope, and almost with- has distinguished the friends of our Union in all great out thought. emergencies, it is believed that this objectmay be effec ed without injury to any national interest.

cipate success.

In the ex

But the removal of the Indians beyond the limits and jurisdiction of the States does not place them beyond the In my annual message of December, 1829, I had the reach of philanthropic aid and christian instruction. On honor to recommend the adoption of a more liberal polithe contrary, those whom philanthropy or religion may cy than that which then prevailed towards unfortunate induce to live among them in their new abode, will be debtors to the Government; and I deem it my duty again more free in the exercise of their benevolent functions, to invite your attention to this subject.

than if they had remained within the limits of the States, Actuated by similar views, Congress at their last session embarrassed by their internal regulations. Now subject passed an act for the relief of certain insolvent debtors of to no control but the superintending agency of the Gene- the United States; but the provisions of that law have not ral Government, exercised with the sole view of preserv-been deemed such as were adequate to that relief to this ing peace, they may proceed unmolested in the interest-unfortunate class of our fellow-citizens, which may be ing experiment of gradually advancing a community of safely extended to them. The points in which the law American Indians from barbarism to the habits and enjoy-appears to be defective will be particularly communicated ments of civilized life. by the Secretary of the Treasury: and I take pleasure in

Among the happiest effects of the improved relations of recommending such an extension of its provisions as will our republic, has been an increase of trade, producing a unfetter the enterprise of a valuable portion of our citicorresponding increase of revenue, beyond the most san-zens, and restore to them the means of usefulness to themguine anticipations of the Treasury Department. selves and the community. While deliberating upon this The state of the public finances will be fully shown by subject, I would also recommend to your consideration the Secretary of the Treasury, in the report which he will the propriety of so modifying the laws for enforcing the presently lay before you. I will here, however, congra- payment of debts, due either to the public or to individutulate you upon their prosperous condition. The revenue als suing in the courts of the United States, as to restrict