Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE, AND

OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed on an efficient establishment, has been so often, and ardently expressed, that I shall but barely recal the subject to your view on the present occasion; at the same time that I shall submit to your enquiry, whether our harbours are yet suffici. ently secured.

The situation in which I now stand, for the last time, in the midst of the Representatives of the People of the United States, naturally recals the period when the administration of the present form of government commenced; and I cannot omit the occasion to congratulate you, and my country, on the success of the experiment; nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and Sovereign Arbiter of nations, that his Providential care may still be extended to the United States; that the virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved; and that the government, which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties, may be perpetual.

UNITED STATES, 7th December, 1796.

G. WASHING TON,

ANSIVER OF THE SENATE.

WE thank you, Sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure of the existing situation of our country; and we sincerely join in sentiments of gratitude to an overruling Providence, for the distinguished share of public prosperity, and private happiness,

which the people of the United States so peculiarly enjoy.

We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted from the adoption of measures (which you have successfully carried into effect) to preserve peace, cultivate friendship, and promote civilization, amongst the Indian tribes, on the western frontiers ; feelings of humanity, and the most solid political interests, equally encourage the continuance of this system.

We observe with pleasure, that the delivery of the military posts, lately occupied by the British forces, within the territory of the United States, was made with cordiality, and promptitude, as soon as circumstances would admit; and that the other provisions of our treaties with Great Britain and Spain, that were objects of eventual arrangement, are about being carried into effect, with entire harmony and good faith.

The unfortunate, but unavoidable difficulties, that opposed a timely compliance with the terms of the Algerine treaty, are much to be lamented; as they may occasion a temporary suspension of the advantages to be derived, from a solid peace with that power, and a perfect security from its predatory warfare; at the same time, the lively impressions that affected the public mind, on the redemption of our captive fellow citizens, afford the most laudable incentive to our exertions, to remove the remaining obstacles,

We perfectly coincide with you in opinion that the importance of our commerce demands a naval force for its protection against foreign insult and depredation, and our solicitude to attain that object will be always proportionate to its magnitude..

The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain useful manufactures, by the intervention of legislative aid and protection, and the encourage

ment due to agriculture, by the creation of boards, (composed of intelligent individuals) to patronise this primary pursuit of society, are subjects which will readily engage our most serious attention.

A national university may be converted to the most useful purposes.-The science of legislation, being so essentially dependant on the endowments of the mind, the public interests must receive effectual aid from the general diffusion of knowledge; and the United States will assume a more dignified station, among the nations of the earth, by the successful cultivation of the higher branches of literature.

A military academy may be likewise rendered equally important. To aid and direct the physical force of the nation, by cherishing a military spirit, enforcing a proper sense of discipline, and inculcating a scientific system of tactics, is consonant to the soundest maxims of public policy: connected with, and supported by such an establishment, a well regulated militia, constituting the natural defence of the country, would prove the most effectual, as well as economical, preservative of peace.

We cannot but consider with serious apprehensions, the inadequate compensations of the public officers, especially of those in the more important stations. It is not only a violation of the spirit of a public contract, but is an evil so extensive in its operations, and so destructive in its consequences, that we trust it will receive the most pointed legislative attention.

We sincerely lament, that whilst the conduct of the United States has been uniformly impressed with the character of equity, moderation, and love of peace, in maintainance of all their foreign relationships, our trade should be so harrassed by the cruisers, and agents of the republic of France throughout the extensive departments of the West Indies.

Whilst we are confident that no cause of complaint exists, that could authorise an interruption of our

tranquility, or disengage that republic from the bonds of amity, cemented by the faith of treaties, we cannot but express our deepest regrets that official communications have been made to you, indicating a more serious disturbance of our commerce. Although we cherish the expectation, that a sense of justice, and a consideration of our mutual interests, will moderate their councils; we are not unmindful of the situation in which events may place us, nor unprepared to adopt that system of conduct which is compatible with the dignity of a respectable nation, and necessity may compel us to pursue.

We cordially acquiesce in the reflection that the United States under the operation of the federal government, have experienced a most rapid aggrandizement and prosperity, as well political as com

mercial.

Whilst contemplating the causes that produce this auspicious result, we must acknowledge the excellence of the constitutional system and the wisdom of the legislative provisions;-but we should be deficient in gratitude and justice, did we not attribute a great portion of these advantages to the virtue, firmness and talents of your administration; which have been conspicuously displayed in the most trying times, and on the most critical occasions. It is, therefore, with the sincerest regret, that we now receive an official notification of your intentions to retire from the public employments of your country.

When we review the various scenes of your public life, so long and so successfully, devoted to the most arduous services, civil and military;—as well, during the struggles of the American revolution, as the convulsive periods of a recent date, we cannot look forward to your retirement, without our warmest affections and most anxious regards accompanying you; and without mingling with our fellow-citizens at large, the sincerest wishes for your personal happiness, that sensibility and attachment can express.

The most effectual consolation that can offer for the loss we are about to sustain, arises from the animating reflection, that the influence of your example will extend to your successors, and the United States thus continue to enjoy an able, upright, and energetic administration.

JOHN ADAMS, Vice-President of the United
States, and President of the Senate.

THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY.

GENTLEMEN,

IT affords me a great satisfaction, to find in your address, a concurrence in sentiment with me, on the various topics which I presented for your information and deliberation; and that the latter will receive from you, an attention proportioned to their respective importance.

For the notice you take of my public services, civil and military, and your kind wishes for my personal happiness, I beg you to accept my cordial thanks. Those services, and greater, had I possessed ability to render them, were due to the unanimous calls of my country; and its approbation is my abundant

reward.

When contemplating the period of my retirement, I saw virtuous and enlightened men, among whom I relied on the discernment and patriotism of my fellow-citizens, to make the proper choice of a succes. sor: Men who would require no influential example to ensure to the United States "an able, upright and energetic administration." To such men, I shall cheerfully yield the palm of genius and talents, to serve our common country; but at the same time, I hope I may be be indulged in expressing the consoling reflection (which consciousness suggests) and to

« AnteriorContinuar »