I
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Whole No. 4S1.
Tarborough, (Edgecombe County, N. C) Friday, December 13, 1833,
Vol X No. 13.
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MKSSAGR
Of the President of the United States to both
Houses of Congress.
Ft How Ciltzm of the Senate,
and House of licpreserialices:
On your assembling to perform the high trutj wnich the
people of the United States have confided to you, of legisla
ting for their common welfare, it gives me pleasure ro con
gratolale ' op 'he happy condition of our beloved coun
try. By the favor of Divin Providence, health is again re
stored to u: peace reigns within our borders: abundance
crowns the labors of our fields: coimnei ce and domestic in
dustry flourish and increase: and individual happiness re
wards the private virtue and enterprise of our citizens.
Our condition abroad is no loss honorable than it is pros
perous at home. Seeking nothing that is not riht, and de
termined to submit to nothing that is wrong, hut desiring hon
est friendships and liheral intercourse w ith all nations, the U
uited States have sained throughout the woild the confidence
and respect w hich arc due to a policy so just and so conge.
4ial fo the character of the American people and to the spi
rit of their institution.
In bringing to your notice the particular state of our For
eign Affairs, it atioids me high gra' itiniiou to inform von,
that they are in a condition which promises the continuance
of lriendhip with all nations.
With Gieat Britain, tin; interesting question of our North,
eastern boundary remains s'ill undecided A negotiation,
however, upon that subject, has been renewed since the close
of the last Congress; ami a proposition has been suhmit'ed in
the British Government with the view of establishing, in con
formity wdlh tlw resolution of the Senate, the line de.-igna
ted by tin Treaty of 1783. Though no definitive answer has
been received, It may be daily looked for, and 1 entertain a
hope that the overture nny ultimately lead to a satisfactory
adjustment of this important matter.
1 have the satisfaction to inform you that a negotiation,
which, by desire of the IIoue of Representative, was open
ed some years ago with the British Government, tor the erec
tion of lizht houses on the Bahamas, has been successful.
Those works, when completed, together with those which the
I'ni'ed States have constructed on the western side of the
Gulf of Florida, will contribute essentially to the safety of
navigation in that sea. This joint participation in establish
ments interesting to humanity and beneficial to commerce,
is worthy of t vo enlightened nations; and indicates feelings
vhich cannot fail to have a happy influence upon their poli
tical relations. It is gratify ing to the friends of botfi toper
reive that the Intercourse between the two people is becom
ing daily more extensive, and that sentiments of mutual good
will have grown up, befitting their common origin and justi
fying the hope, that by wise counsels on each side, not only
yusettled pjestions may be satisfactorily terminated, but new
uses of misunderstanding prevented.
Notwithstanding that I continue to receive the mol amica
blejssutances from the Government of France, ami tnai in
all other respects the most friendly relations exist between
the United States and that Government, it is to be regretted
that the stipulations of the Convention concluded on the -lib
July, 1831, remain, in some important pails, unfulfilled.
Bv the second article of that Convention it was stipulated
that the sum payable to the United States should he paid at
Paris in six annual instalments into the hands of such per
son or persons, as should be authorised by the Government
of the United States to receive it; and by the same article the
first instalment was payable on the second day of February,
1S33. By the act of Cougress of the 13th July, 1832. it was
made theduty of the Secretary of the Treasury to cause the
several instalments, with the interest thereon, to be received
from the French Government, and transferred to the United
States in such manner as he may deem ffest; and by the sa.ne
act of Congress, the stipulations on the part of the United
States, in the Convention were, in all respect, fulfilled. oi
doubting that a treatv thus made a-:d ratified by the two Gov
ernment, and faithfully executed by the United Slates,
would be promptly complied with by the other parly, and de
siring to avoid the risk and expense of intermediate agencies,
the Secretary of the Treasury deemed il advisable to leceive
ond transfer the first instalment by menus of a dratt upon the
French Minister of F nance. A draft for this purpose was
Bccordincly drawn in favor of the Cashier of the Bank of the
United States, for the amount accruing to the United States
nt of the first instalment, and the interest payable with it.
This bill was not drawn at Washington until five days after
the the instalment was payable at Paris, and was accompa
nied by a special authority from the President authorizing
the Cashier or his assigns to receive the amount. The mode
thus adopted of receiviiio; the instalment was officially made
known to the French Government, by the American Charge
d'Affairs at Paris, pursuant to instruciions from ihe Depart
ment of Stat. The bill, however, though not presented for
payment until the 23d day of March, was not paid, and for the
reason assigned by the French Minister of Finance, that no
appropriation had been made by the French Chambers. It
is not known to me that up to that period, any appropriation
had been required of Ihe Chambers; and, although a commu
nication was subsequently made to tbo Chambers, by direc
tion of the King, recommending that the necessary provision
should be made for carrying tin-Convention inio effect, it was
at an advanced period of the session, and the subject was fi
nely postponed until ihe next meeting of the Chambers.
Notwithstanding, it has been supposed by the French Min
istry, th.it the financial Mipulations of the treaty, cannot be
carried into effect without an appropriation by the Chambers,
it appears tu me "to be not only consistent with the chailerof
France, but due to the character of both Governments as
well as to the rights of our citizens, to treat the convention
m .de and ratified in proper form, as pledging the good faith
of the French Government for its execution, and as imposing
upon e;ich Department an obligation to fulfil it: and I have
received assurances through our Charge d'Aflairs at Paris
and the French Minister Plenipotentiary at Washington, and
more recently through the Minister of the United States at
Paris, that d'ly ha not proceeded fiom any indisposi
tion on the part of the King and hi Ministers to fulfil the
treatv, and that measures wi he presented at the next meet
rug of the Chamber, and with a reasonable hope of success,
to obtain the necessary appropriation.
It is necessary to state, however, that the documents, ex
cept certain lists of vessels captured, condemned or burnt at
sea, proper to facilitate the examination and liquidation of
the leclamations comprised in Ihe stipulation of the Conven
ient and which by the Glh Article France engaged. ? etna-
muntcate to the United Slates by the intermediary of the le
gation, tho' repeatedly applied for by the American Chargt
o'Allaiis, under instructions from this Government, have not
yet been communicated: and this delay, it is apprehended.
, ..... necet;irdy prevent the completion of Ihe duties as-iened
io me uni,,,,,,,,,,,,, vv:;..iu t present prescribed
by lav.
1 he reasons for delaying to commnnicate these documents
have not beo explicitly staled, and this is Ihe more to be re
pretted, as it is not understood that the interposition of the
Chambers is in any munner required for Ihe delivery of those
papers.
Under these circumstances, in a case so important to the
interests of our citizens and to the character of our country,
1 deemed it my duty, however I might respect the general as
surances to which have adverted, no longer to delay the ap
pointment of a Minister Plenipotentiary to Paris, but to des
patch him in season to communicate the result of his appli,
cation to the French Government at an early period of your
session. I accordingly appointed a distinguished citiz.-o for
this purpose, who proceeded on his mission in August last,
and was presented to the King, early in the month of Octo
ber, since which time no despatches have been received from
him. lie is particularly iustructed as to all matters connect
ed with the present posture of affairs, and indulge the hope,
that with the representations he is instructed to make, and
fiom the dispositions manifested by the King and his Minis
ters, in their recent assurances to our Minintwr at Paris, the
subject will be early considered and satisfactorily disposed of
at the next meeting of the Chambers.
As this subject involves important interests and has attract
ed a considerable share of the public attention, I have deem
ed it proper to make this explicit statement of its actual con
dition: ami should I be disappointed in the hope now enter
tained. Ihe subject will be again brought to the notice oi Cou-gter-s
in such manner as the occasion may require.
I he friendly relations which have always been maintained
between Ihe United States and Russia, have been further ex
tended and strengthened by the treaty of navigation and
commerce concluded on lhe6lh of December last, and sanc
tioned by the Senate before the close of its last session. The
ratifications have been since exchanged, the liberal provi
sions of the treaty are now in full force: and, under the en
couragement which they have secured, a flourishing and in
creasing commerce, yielding its benefits to the enterprise of
both nations, aiTurds to each the just recompense of wise
measures, and adds new motives for that mutual friendship
winch the two countries have hitherto cherished towards each
other.
It affords me peculiar satisfaction to state that the Govern
ment of Spain has at length yielded to Ihe justice of the
laiius which have been so long urged in behalf of our citi
zens, and has expressed a willingness to provide an indemni
fication, as soon as the proper amount can be agreed upon.
Upon this latter point, it is probable an understanding hd
taken place between the Minister of the United Stales and
the Spanish Government, before the decease of Ihe late King
of Spam, and, unless that event may have delayed its com
pletion, there is reason to hope that it may be in my power to
announce to yon.eaily in your present session, the conclusion
of a convention upon terms not less favorable than those en
tered into lor similar objects with other nations. That act
o justice would we accord with the character of Spain, and
is one to the United btates from their ancient friend. It
could not fail tu strengthen the eniiments of amity and good
will between the two nations which it so much the with of
the United States to cierish, and so tiuly the interest of both
to maintain.
By the first ection of an act of Congress pased on the 13th
July, 1832, the tonnage duty on Spanish ships arriving from
the ports ol Spain, was limited to the duty payable on Ameri
can vessels in the ports ol Spain previous to the 20th October,
1817, being five cents per ton. That act was intruded to
give effect, on our side, to an arraugeui'-nt made with the
Spanish Government, by which disci iiiiiuating duties of ton.
nage were to be abolished in the ports of the United Stales
and Spain on the vessels of the two nations. Puruant to
that arrangement, which was carried into effect on the pirt
of Spain on Ihe 20th of May, 1632, by a Royal order, da'ed
the 29th April, 1832, American vessels in the ports of Spain
have paid live cents per Ion. which rate of duly is also paid
in those ports by Spanish ships: but, as American vessels par
no tonnage duty in ihe ports of Ihe United States, the duty of
five cents payable in our ports by Spanish vessels under the
act ab..ve mentioned, is really a discriminating duty opera
ling to the disadvantage of Spain. Though no complaint has
y-t been made on the part of Spain, wc are not the less bound
hy the obligations of good faith to remove the discrimination:
(and 1 recommend that ihe act be amended accordingly. As
the Royal order above alluded to includes the Ports of the
Balearic and Canary Islands, as well as those of Spain, il
would seem that the provisions of the act of Congress should
be equally extensive; and that for the repayment of such du
ties as may have been improperly received, an addition
should he made to the sum appropriated at the last session of
Congress for refunding discriminating duties.
As the arrangement referred to, however, did not embrace
the Islands of Cuba ami Porlo Rico, discriminating duties, to
the prejudice of American shipping, continue to be levied
there. From the extent of the commerce carried on between
the United Slates and those Islands, particularly the former,
this discrimination causes serious injury to one of those great
national interests which it has been considered an essential
pait of our policy to cherish, and has given rise to complaints
on the pari of our merchants. Under instt notions given to
our Mi"ister at Madrid, earnest representations ItHve bee.i
mane by him to Ihe Spanish Government upon this subject,
and there is reason to expect, from the frieodly disposition
which is entertaiued towards this country, that a beneficial
change will be produced. The disadvantage, however, to
which our shipping is subjected by the operation of these dis
criminating: duties, requires that they be met by suitable
countervailing duties curing your piesent sesinn: power be
ing at the same time vested in the President to modify or dis
continue them as the discriminating duties on American ves
sels or their cargoes may be modified or discontinued at those
Islands. Intimations hav been iven to the Spanish Govern
ment, that the United States may he obliged to resort to such
measures as are of necessary self defence; and there is no
reason to apprehend that it would b unfavorably received.
The proposed proceeding, if adopted, would not be permit
ted, however, in any degree to induce a relaxation in the ef
forts of our Minister to effect a repeal of this irregularity by
friendly negotiation, and it might serve to give force to his
representations by showing the dangers to which that valua
ble trade is exposed by the obstructions and burthens which
a system of discriminating and countervailing duties neces
sarily pioduces.
The selection and preparation of the Florida archives for
the purpose of being delivered over to the United States, in
conformity with the Royal order, as mentioned in my last
annual message, though in progress, has not yet been com
pleted. This delay has been produced, partly by causes
which were unavoidable, particularly the prevalence of the
cholera at Havana; but measures have been taken which it is
believed will expedite the delivery of those important re
cords. Congress were informed at the opening of the last session,
that "ow ing, as was alleged, to embarrassments in the finan
ces of Portugal consequent upon the civil war in which that
nation was engaged," payment had been made of only one
instalment of the amount which the Portuguese Government
had stipulated to pay for indemnifying our citizens for prop
erty illegally captured in the blockade of Terceira. Since
that time, a postponement for two years, with interest, of Ihe
two remaining instalments, was requested by the Portuguese
Government; and as a consideration, it offered to stipulate
that rice of the United States should be admitted into Portu
gal at the same duties as Brazilian rice. Being satisfied that
no better arrangement could be made, my consent was given,
and a Royal order of the King of Portugal was accordingly
issued on the 1th of February last, for the reduction of the
duty on rice of the United States. It would give me great
pleasure, u, in speaaing 0 that country, in whose prosperity
the United Slates are so much interested, and with whom a
long subsisting, extensive, and mutually advantageous com
mercial intercourse has strengthened the relations of friend
ship, I rwiild anuu'uuce loyou the restoration of its internal
tranquility.
Subsequently to the commencement of ihe last session of
Congress, the final instlm-it j,avble bv Denmark under
the convention of the 23th day of March, 1830, was received.
The commissioners for examining the claims have since ter
minxted their labors, and their awards have been paid at the
Treasury as they have been called for. The justice rendered
to our citizens by that Government is thus compicwd, and a
pledge is thereby afforded for the maintenance of that friend
ly intercourse becoming the relations that the two nations
mutually bear to each oiher.
It is satisfactory to iuform you that the Danish Government
have recently issued an ordinance by which the commerce
with ihe Island of St. Croix is placed on a more liberal foot
ing than heretofore. This change cannot fail to prove bene
ficial t the trade between the United States and that colony,
and the advantages likely to flow from it may lead to great
er relaxations in the colonial systems of other nations..
The ratifications of the cenveution with the King of the
Two Sicilies have been duly exchanged, and the Commission
ers appointed for examining the claims under il, have enter
ed upon the duties assigned to them by law The friendship
that the interests of the two nations require of them being
now established, it may be hoped that each will enjoy the
benefits which a liberal commerce should yield to both.
A treaty of amity and commerce between the United States
and Belgium was concluded during the last winter, and re
ceived the sanction of the Senate; but the exchange of the ra
tifications has been hitherto delayed, in consequence, in the
first instance, of some delay in the reception of the treatv at
Brussels, and, subsequently, of the absence of the Belgian
Minister of Foreign Affriisat the important conferences in
which his Government is engaged at Loudon.
That treaty does but embody those enlarged principles of
friendly policy, which, it is sincerely hoped, will always re
gulate the conduct of the two nations, having such strong
motives to maintain amicable relations towards each other,
and so sincerely desirous to cherish them. I
With all the other European powers with whom the United
States have formed diplomatic relations, and with the Sub '
lime Potte, the best understanding prevails. From all, I
continue to receive assurances of good will towards the Uni
ted States, assurances which it gives me no less pleasure to i
reciprocate than fo receive. With all. the engagements which
have been entered into are fulfilled with good faith on both
sides. Measures have also been taken to enlarge our friendly
relations and extend our commercial intercourse with other
States. The system we have pursued of aiming at no exclu
sive advantages, of dealing with all on terms of fir and e
qual reciprocity, and of adhtriug scrupulously to II our en
gagements, is well calculated to vive snccess to efforts intend
ed to be mutually beneficial
The wars of which the southern part of this continent was,
so long, the theatre, and which were carried on, either by the
mother country against the States which had formerly been
her colonies, or by the States against each other, having ter
minated, and their civil distentions hav ing so far subsided,
as, with few exceptions, no longer to disturb the public tran
quility, it is earnestly hoped those States will be able to em
ploy themselves without interruption in perfecting their in
stitutions, cultivating Ihe arts of peace, and promoting, by
wise councils and able exertions, the public and private
prosperity which their patriotic struggles so well entitle them
to enjoy.
With those States our relations have undergone but little
change during the present year. No re-union having yet la
ken place between the States which composed the republic of
Colombia, our Charge d' Affairs at Bogota has been accredit
ed to the Governmnt of New Grenada, and we have there
fore no diplomatic relations with Venezuela and Equator,
except as they may be included in those heretofore formed
w i It ihe Colombian Republic. It is understood that Repre
sentatives from the three States were about to assemble at
Bogota to confer on the subject of their mutual interests, par
ticularly that of their union; and if ihe result should render
it necessary, measures will be taken on our part to preserve
with each that friendship and those liberal commercial con
nections which it has been the constant desire of the United
States to cultivate with their sister Republics of this hemis
phere. Until the important question of re-uniou shall be set
tled however, the different matters which have been under
discussion between the United States and the republic of Co
lombia or either of the Stales which composed it, are not like
ly to be brought to a satisfactory issue.
In consequence of ihe illness of the Charge d' Affairs ap
pointed to Central America at the last session of Congress,
he was prevented from proceeding on his mission until the
month of October, his hoped, however, that he is by this
time at his post, and that the official intercourse, unfortunate
ly so long interrupted, has been thus renewed on the part of
the two nations so amicably and advantageously connected
by engagements founded on the most enlarged principles of
commercial reciprocity.
It is gratifying to state, that, since my last annual mes
sage, some of the most tmpoitant claims of our fellow citi
zens upon the Government of Brazil have been satisfactorily
adjusted, and a reliance is placed on the friendly disposi
tions manifested by it, that justice will also be done in others.
No new causes of complaint hiive arisen: anil the trade be
tween the two countries flourishes under the encouragement
secured to it by the libeVal provisions of the treaty.
It is cause of regiet, that, owing probably to the civil dis
sentions which have occupied the attention of the Mexican
Government, Ihetim- fixed by the treaty of limits with the
United States for the meeting of the Commissioners to define
the boundaries between the two nations, has been suffered to
expire without the appointment of any Commissioners on the
part of that Government. While the true boundary remains
in doubt by either party, it is difficult to give sflVct to those
measures which are necessary to the protection and quiet of
numerous citizens residing near that frontier. The subject
is one of great solicitude to the United Slates, and will not
fail to receive my earnest attention.
The treaty concluded with Chili and approved by the Sen
ate at its last session, was alsrt ratified by the Chilian Govern
ment, but with certain additional and explanatory articles of
a nalum to have required it to be again submitted to the Sen
ate. The time limited for the exchange of the ratifications,
however, having since expired, the action of both Gqvern
metitson the treaty will again become necessary.
The negotiations commenced with the Argentine Republic
relative to the outrages committed on our vessels engaged in
the fisheries at Ihe Falkland Islands by persons acting under
the color of its authority, a5 well as the other matters in con
troversy between the two Governments have been suspended
by the departure of the Charge d'Affairs fjom Buenos Ayres.
It is understood, however, ih.it a Minister was subsequently
appointed by that Government to renew the negotiation in
the United States, but though daily expected, he has not yet
arrived in this country.
With Peru no treaty has yet been formed, and with Bolivia
no diplomatic intercourse has yet been established. It will
be my endeavor to encourage those sentiments of amity and
that liberal commerce which belong to the relations in which
all the independent States of this continent stand towards
each olher.
1 deem it proper to recommend to yonr notice the revision
of our consular system. This has become an important
branch of the public service, inasmuch as it is intimately con
nected with the preservation of our national character abroad,
w ith the interest of our citizens in foreign countries, with the
regulation and care of our commerce, and w ith the protection
of our seamen. At the close of the last session of Congress I
communicated a report from the Secretary of State upon the
subject, to which I now refer, as containing information w hit!)
may he useful io any inquiries that Congress mav ee? fit r
1 institute with a view to a salutary reform of the system.
It gives me great pleasure to congratulate you upon the
proiperous condition of the finances of the country, as will
appear from the report which the Secretary of the Treasury 4
vv ill in due time lay before you. The receipts into the Trea
sury during the present year will amount to more than thirty
two millions of dollars. The i evenue derived from customs
will, it is believed, be more than twenty-eight millions, and
the public lands will yield about three millions. The expen
ditures within the year for all objects, including $52,572,240
99 on account of the public debt, wid not amount lo twenty,
five million.': and a large balance will remain in the Treasury
after satisfying all the appropriations chargeable on the reve
nue for the present year.
The measures taken by the Secretary of the Treasury will
probably enable him to pay off in the course of the present
year the residue of the exohanged four and a half per cent,
stock, redeemable on the first of January next. It has there
fore been included in the estimated expenditure of this year,
and forms a part of the sum abore stated to have been paid
on account of the public debt. The payment of this stock
will reduce tine whole debt of the United Slates, funded anil
unfunded, to the sum of $4,760,032 03. And as provision
has already been made for the four and a half per cents above
mentioned, hmi charged in the expenses of the present year
the sum last stated is now all Ihut remains of the national
debt; and the revenue of the coming year, together with the
balance now in the Treasury will be sufficient to discharge it
after meeting the current expenses of the Government. Un
der the power given to the Commissioners of the Sinking'
Fund, it will, I have no doubt, be purchased ou favorable
terms within the year.
From this view of the state of the finances and the public
engagements yet to be fulfilled, you will perceive that, if Pro
vidence permits me to meet you at another session, I shall
have the high gratification of announcing to you that the na
tional debt is extinguished. 1 cannot refrain from expressing
the pleasure I feel at the near approach of that desirable
event. The short period of time within which the p..blic
debt will have been discharged is strong evidence of the abun
dant resources of the country and of the prudence and econo
my with which the Government has heretofore been adminis
tered. We have waged two wars, since we became a nation,
with one of the most powerful kingdoms in the world, both
of them undertaken in defence of our dearest rights iiotli
successfully prosecuted and honorably terminated and ma
ny of those who partook in the first struggle, as well as the
second will have lived to see the last item of the debt incur
red m these necessary, but expensive conflicts, faithfully and
houe&tly discharged and we shall have the proud satisfac
tion of bequeathing to the public servants who follow us in
administration of the Government, the rare blessing of a re
venue sufficiently abundant, raised without injustice or op
pression lo our citizens, and unincumbered ith any bur
thens but what they themselves shall think proper to impose
upon it.
The flourishing state of the finances ought not, however, to
encourage os t indulge in a lavish expenditure of the public
treasure. The rtccpis of the present year, do not furnish
ihe test by which we are to estimate the income of the next.
The changes made in ot revenue system by Ihe acts ( Con
gress of 1S32 and 1833. an more especially by the former,
have swelled the receipts of the present year, far beyond the
amount to be expected in future years upon the reduced ta
riff of duties The shortened credits on revenue bonds, and
the cash duties op woollens, w hich were introduced by the net
of 1S32, and took effet t on the 4th of March last, have hto'c
large sums into the Treasury in 1833, which, accordi' t to the
credits formerly given, would not have been payable . nlil
1834, and would have formed a part of the income of that
year. These causes would of themselves produce a great di
minution of the receipts in the year 1834. as compared with
the present one; and they will be still more diminished bv the
reduced rates of duties which take place on the first of Janu
ary next, on some of the most important and productive a ti
des. Upon ihe best estimates that can be made, the receipts
of the next year, with the aid of the unappropriated amount
now in the treasury, will not be much more than sufficient to
meet the cxpnnees of the year, and pay (he small remnant of
the national debt which yet remains unsatisfied I canuot
therefore, recommend to you any alteration in he present
tariff of duties. The rate as now fixed by law on the vannus
articles, was adopted at the last session of Congress, as a mat
ter of compromise, wi:h unusual unanimity, and unless it is
found to produce more than the necessities !' the Government
call for, there would seem to be no reason at this time to jus
tify a change.
But while I forbear to recommend any further reduction of?
the duties, beyond that already provided for by the existing
laws, 1 must earnestly and respectfully press upon Congress
the importance of abstaining from all appropriations which,
are not absolutely required for the public interest, and au
thotized by the powers clearly delegated to the Uuitt d States.
We are beginning a new era in our Government. The na
tional debt, which has so long been a burthen on the Treasu
ry, will be finally discharged in the course of the present year.
.No more money will afterwards he needed than what may
be necessary to meet the ordinary expenses of the Govern
ment. Now, then, is the proper moment to fix our system of
expenditure on firm and durable principles: and I canuot too
strongly urge the necessity of a rigid economy, and an in
flexible determination not to enlarge Ihe income beyond the
real necessities of the Government, and not to increase the
wants of the Government by unnecessary and profuse expen
ditures. If a contrary course should be pursued, it may hap
pen that the revenue of 1S34 will fall short of the demands,
upon it; and after reducing the tariff in order lo lighten the
burthens of the people, and providing f ra still further re
duction to take effect hereafter, it would be much to be de
plored if, at the end of another year, w e h'-uld find ourselves,
obliged to retrace our steps and impose additional taxes to
meet unnecessary expenditures.
It is my duty on this occasion to call your attention to the
destruction of the public building occupied by the Treasury
Department, which happened since the fist adjournmeat of'
Congress. A thorough inquiry imo the causes of this loss
was directed and made at the lime, the result of which will
be duly communicated to you. I take pieasure, however, in
staling here, that by the laudable exertions of the officers of
the Department and many of the citizens of the Disttict, but
few papeis were lost and none that will materially affect the
public interest.
The public convenience requires that another building:
should be erected as soon as practicable, and in providing
for it, it will be advisable lo enlarge in gome manner Ihe ac
commodations for the public officers of the several Depart
ments, ami to authorize the erection of suitable depositories
for the safe keepiog of the public documents and records.
Since Ihe last adjournment of Congress, the Secretary of
the Treasury has directed the money of the United States to.
be deposited in ceitain State Bank designated by hiao, and
he will immediately lay before yor. his reasons for this direc
Hon. I concur ith him entirely in the view he has taken of
the subject, and some months b eiore the removal, 1 urged up-,
on Ihe Department the prop' iety of taking that step. .The
near approach of the day o, w hich the charter will expire, as.
well as Ihe couduct of tl e Bank, appeared to me lo call for
this measure, upon the ,4jjrn considerations of public interest
and public duty. TIu . extent of its misconduct, however, al
though known to be great, was not at that lime fully develo
ped by proof. It ,as not until late in the month of August
that I received fr om tnP Government Directors an official re
port, establish j ,g beyond question, that this great and pow
erful institute ,nhad been actively engaged in attempting to
influence th' j eeCiions of the publie officers by means of its
money; ai ,i ,j,at in violation of the express provisions of ta
charter- '-u ,an by a fo-mal resolution, placed its funds at the
di po ,nion of its President, to be employed in sustaining in?1
Pl'ical power of the Bank. A copy of thi rrsrlo ion i
V ntaii-.ed in the report of the Government Director be-oro
rcfeirv.it IQ'i aiul however the ol.jc may be dissolved l
I (cvn'dnwil onlhtloslfeg )