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BELLEFONTE, CENTRE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, PRINTED BY THOMAS J. PETRIKIN.
Y Vol. VII WEDNESDAY, December 17. 1823. on
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me rv coe The commissioners under the sixth and se-jthe republic of GLili will sail in a few days [ern post, apprehending that be hostile spirit
— £102 S662 ETRY TRL RE 4 1A) EY "vent articles of the weaty of Ghent, having suc-|4n culy appointment will also be made to).he Ricarees would extend to other tribes in that
12S afl Jk a od) cessluby closed their labours in relation 10. the dexico, A Minister has boon tecsived from |juarter, and that thereby the lives. the .
MESSAGE.
WasurxgroN, DECEMBER 2, 1823.
This duy, at 12 o’clock the President of the
Usited States transmitted to both houses of
Wongress, by the hands ol his private secretary,
the following
| RIT GC
MESSAGE.
: Fellow Citizens of the Senate,
g: } and House of Representatives:
| Many important subjects will claim your at-
tention during the present session, of which J
3 :
shall endeavor to give, in aid of your delibera-
tiots, ajust idea io this communication. Iun
dertake this duty with diffidence, from the vast
extent of the interests on which 1 have to treat,
and of thel great importance to every portion
of our union. [enter on it with zeal, trom a
thorough conviction that theirs never was a pe:
riod, jhe the establishment of our revolution,
“
-
when, rezacd. ng the condition of the civil zed
“wold and RE bearing of U8, thee was gieate
necessity for devotion in the public servants to
their respective duties, or for virtue, patriotism,
and union, in our constituents. :
Meeting in you a new congress, I deem it
proper to present this view of public affairs in
greater detail itban might otherwise be necessary
I do it, however, with peculiar satisfaction, from
a knowledge that, in this respect, 1 shali comply
more fully with the sound principles of our gov
ernment. The people being with us exclusively
the sovereion, it is indispensible that full infor
mation be lzid before them on ail important sub-
jects to enable them to exercise that high pow-
er with complete effect. If kept in the dark,
they must be incompetent to it, We are all
lable to error, and those who are engaged In
the managemest of public affairs, are more sub
ject to excitement, and to be led astray by their
particular interests and passions, than the grea’
body of our constituents, who, living at home,
ir the pursuit of their ordinary avocations, are
calm bot deeply interested spectators of eveuts,
and of the conduct of those who are parties to
them. To the people, every department of
tlic govern , and every individual in each,
are responsible 3 and the more full their iofor
mativn, the better they con judge of the wisdom
ol the policy pursued, and of the conduct of eacl.
in regard to it. From their dispassionate judge
ment, much aid may always be obtained, while
their approbation wiil frm the greatest iucen
tive, and most gratifying reward; for virtuous
actions, and the dread of their censure the best
security against the abuse of their “confidence.
"Their iotercsis, in all vital questions, are the
same; and the bond by sentiment, as well as
by interest, will be proportionably strengthened
as they are better informed of the real state of
public affairs, especially in difficult conjunc.
tures. It 18 by such koowledge that local pre-
judices and jealousies ave surmounted, and thas
a national policy, extending Us fostering care
and proicction to all the great interests of ow
union, is formed and stead ly adhered to.
A precise knowledge ol our relations with for.
eign powers, as respects our negotiations and
tiansaction with each, is thought to be particu-
larly necessary. Lqually necessary is it, that
we should form a just estimate of our tvesour-
ces, revenue, and progress in every Kind of
improvement, connected with the national pros-
perity and public defence. Itis by rendering
Justice to other nations, that we may expect it
from them. It is by our ability to resent inju-
(
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Colombia, aud the other governments have been
informed that Ministers, or Diplomatic Agents
of interior grade, would be received from each,
accordingly as they might prefer the one or the
other,
The Minister appsinted to Spain proceeded,
sixth, have proceeded to the discharge of those
relating to the seventh. Their progress in the
extensive survey required for the performance
of their duties, justifies the presumption that it
will be completed in the ensuing year.
The negotiation which had been long depend-
ing with the French government on several Im- json aficr his appointment, for Cadiz, the resi.
portant subjects, and particularly for a just in-lgence of the Sovereigi, to whom he was agcred:
demnity for losses sustained in the late wars by ljied, In approaching that port, the frigate
the citizens of the United States, under unjusti-\y hich conveyed him was warned off by the SL.
fiable seizures and confiscations of their ProP-imaader of the French squadron, by which it
erty, has pot, as yeat, had the desired effect. yas blockaded, and not permitted 10 enter, al-
As this claim rests on the same principle with though apprized, by the captain of the frigate,
others which have been admitted by the Frenchlof the publie character of the person whom he
government, it is not perceived on what §15t had on board, the landing of whom was the sole
ground it can be rejecied. A minister will be object of his proposed entry. This act, being
immediately appointed to proceed to Trance, coi sidered an intringement of the rights of am-
and resume the negotiation on this and other bassadors, and of nations, will form a just cause
subjects which may arise between the two, na- of complaint, to the government of France, a-
hOB. 'gainsi the officer by whem it was committed.
At the proposal of the Russian imperial gov-
ernment, made through the minister ofthe em-
|
peror, residing here, a full power and instructions that were enter
been: t:ansmitted to the minister of the(the last session of Congress, Gn the first ofl sartance that it be 4
A
ave
interests of the two nations on the north
coast of this continent. A similar proposal had
been made by his imperial majesty to the gov-
ernment of Great Britain, which has likewise
been acceded to. The government of the Unit.
ed States has been desirous, by this friendiy pro-
ceeding, of manifesting the great value which
they have invariably attached to the friendship
of the emperor, and their solicitude to cultivate
the best understanding with his government. In
the discussions to which this interest has given
rise, and 1 the arrangement by which they may
terminate, the occasion has been judged proper,
for asserting, as a principle in which the rights
and interests of the United States are involved,
that the American continents, by the tree and
independent condition which they have assumed
and maintain, are henceforth not to be consider-
ed as subjects for future colonization by any
European powers,
Since the close of the last session of congress
the commissioners and arbitrators for ascertain-
ing and determining the amount of indemnifica-
tion which may he due to the citizens of the Uni-
ted States under the decision of his imperial
majes'y the emperor of Rassia, in conformity
to the convention concluded at St. Petersburgh,
on the 12th of July, 1822, have assembled in
this city,and organized themselves asa board
for the performance of the duties assigned to
them by that treaty, The commission consti-
tuted under the eleventh article of the treaty of
the 22d. of February, 1819, between the United
States and Spain, is also in session here; and,
as the term of three years limited by the treaty,
for the execution of the trust, will expire before
the period of the next regular meeting of con-
gress, the attention of the legislature will be
drawn to the measures which may be necessary
to accomplish the objects for which the com
mission was instituted,
In compliance with a resolution of the house
of representatives, adopted at their last session,
instructions have been given to all the ministers
of the United Siates,uccredited to the powers of
Lurope and America, to propose the proscrip.
tion of the African slave trade, by classing it un-
der the denomination, and inflicting on its per-
petrators the punishment ol piracy. Should this
proposal be acceded to, it 1s not doubted that
this odious and criminal practice will be prompt.
ly and cntirely suppressed. It is earnestly hop-
ed that it will. be acceded to, from the fiim be-
licf that it is the most effectual expedient that
ries and redress wrongs, that we may avoid
them.
The conimissioners under the fifth article of
he treaty of Ghent, having disagreed in their
opinions respecting that portion of the bounda-
ry between ihe territories of the United States
anil of Great Britain, the estabiishment of which
had bern submitted to them, have made theiv
respective reporie, in compliance with that ar-
ticie, that ihe sams might be re/crred to the de-
cision of a iviend!ly power. Tt being man: fest,
however, that it would be ¢ ficult, if not impos.
sible, {or any power to periorm that office with-
out great deiny and much inconvenience to it-
sclf,a proposai has been made by this govern-
ment, and acceded to by (hat of Great Britain,
to endeaver to establish that boundary by ami-
cable negotiation. lt appearing from long ex-
- Ppetience, that no satisfactory arrangement could
be formed of the commercial intercourse be-
tween the United States and the British colo-
nics in this hemisphere, by legislative acts,
while each party pursved its own course, with.
out agreement or concert with the other, a pro-
posal has been made to the British government
to regu'ate this commerca by treaty, as it has
been to arrange, in like manner, the just clans
of the citizens of the United States, inhabiting
the states and territories bordering on the lakes
and \ vers which empty inte the S
to the
his
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ny
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, naFIgAioN of that river 10 the ocean.
‘or these anc Line bya iia
Fe rihcse anc other objects of high importance
to the interests of hoth part
ie8, a negotiation has
been opene
with the British goyern
whichy it 18 hoped will have a satisfactory re-
t. Lawrences aud th
can be adopted for the purpose.
At the commencement of the recent war
between France and Spain, it was declared by
the French-goveroment, that it would grant no
{commissions to privateers, and that neither the
commerce of Spain herself, nor of neutral na:
tions, should be molested by the naval force of
France, except in the breach of a lawful block-
ade. This declaration, which appears to bave
‘been faithfully carried into effect, concurring
with principles proclaimed and cherished in the
United States, from the first establishment of
independence, suggested by the hope that thé
time had arrived when the proposal for adopt.
ing it as a permanent and invariable rule, in all
future maritime wars, might meet the favorable
consideration of the great lluropean powers.
Instructions have according'y been given to our
ministers with France, Russia and Great Brit
tain, to make those proposals to their respective
governments ; and when the friends of hu
manity reflect on the essential amelioration te
the condition of the human race which would
result from the abolition of private war on the
sea, and on the great facility by which it might
be accomplished, requiring only the consent of
a tew sovereigns, an earnest hope is ¥ndulged
thatthese overtures will meet with an attention
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animated by the spirit in which they were made,
west |
The actual condition of the public finances,
more than realizes the favorable anticipations
wo the Missous, and the peace of the ry
would be endangered, took immediate m
ares to check the evil
Witha detachment of the regiment stationed
at the Bluffs, he successtully attacked the R
aree village, and itis hoped that such an m=
pression is made on them, as well ason other
tribes on the Missouri, as will prevent a recur-
rence of future hostility. 0 ae
The report of the Secretary of War, which is
herewith transmitted, will exhibit, in greater de-
tail, the condition of the Department
in its various branches, and the progress which
has been made in its administration, dutivg” the
three first quarters of the year, : vk
I transmit a return of the militia of the several
states, according to the last reports which have
been made by the proper officers of each, to the
Department of War. By reference to this re=
turn it will be seen that itisnot complete, al- ©
though great exertions have been made to make
it so.—As the defence, and even the libarties
tained of it at the opening of
Iniged States at St. Petersburg, to arrange, byJanuary there was a bailancg in the treasary of
amicable Ee righis and 4,257,427 dollars, 5 “time
to the thirtieth of Septem
amounted to upwards of sixteen millions one
hundred thousand doliars, and the expenditures
to eleven millions tour hundred thousand doi-
lers. During the fourth quarter of the year, i
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it,
is estimated, that the receipts will at least equal
the expenditures, and that there will remain in|
the treasury on the first of January next a sur.
plus of nearly nine millions of dollars.
On the 1st of January 1825, a large amount’
of war debt, and a part of the Revolutionary’
debt, become redeemable, anouvally,
until the
car eighteen hundred and thirty-five.
'
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1
It is be |
lieved, however, that if the United States re-
main at peace, the whole of that debt may be
redeemed by the ordinary revenues of those
years during that period, under the provision of
the act’of March third, eighteen hundred and
seventeen, creating the sinking fund ; and
that case, the only part of the debt that will re-
main, after the year 1835, will be the seven
millions of five per cent, s'ock subscribed to
the Bank of the United States, and ths three
per. cent revolutionary debt, amounting to thir.
teen millions two bundred and ninety six thou-
sand and ninety-nine dollars and six cents,
both of which are redeemable at the pleasure
of the government.
The state of the army in 1's organization and
discipline, has been gradually improving for
several years, and has now attained a high de-
gree of perfection, The military disburse-
ments have been regularly made, and the ac-
Counts regularly and promptly rendered for
settlement. The supplies, of various descrip.
tions, have been of good quality, and regu’arly
issued at all the posts. A system of economy
and accountability has been introduced into
every branch of the service, which admits of
little additional improvement. This desirable
state has been attained by the act re-organiz
ing the staff of the army, passed on the 14th
of April 1818.
The monies appropriated for fortifications
have been regularly and economically applied,
and all the works advanced as rapidly as the
amount appropriated would admit. Three im-
portant works will be completed in the course
of this year; that is, Fort Washington, Fort
Delaware, and (he Fort at the Rigolets in Liouis-
ata.
The Board of Engineers, and the Topograph-
ical corps, have been in constant and active
service in surveying the coast, and projecting
the works necessary for its defence.
The military academy has attzined a degree
of perfection in its discipline and instruction,
equal, as it is believed, to any institution of its
kind in any country.
The money appropriated for the use of the
Ordinance Department, has been regularly and
economically applied. The fabrication of arms
at the pationa) armories, and by contract with
the department, has been gradually improving
in quality and cheapness. It is believed that
their quality is now suchas to admit of little
improvement,
The completion of the fortifications renders
it necessary that there should be a suitable ap-
propriation for the purpose of fabricating the
cannon and carriages necessary for those works.
Under the appropriation of five thousand
dollars for exploring the western waters for the
lccution of a scite for a Western Armory, a
nel M’Ree, colonel Lee, and captain Talcott
who have been engaged in exploring the coun
try. They have pot yet reported the result o
their labors, but it is believed that they will
be prepared to do it, at an early part of the ses-
sion of congress. ;
During the month of June last, General
Ashley and his party, who were trading under
3
at they will ultimately be successtul.
a license from the government, were attacked
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ber, the receip's!
‘tention of Congress,
commission was constituted, consisting of colo.’
men's shortly afterwards
The ministers who were appointed to the by the Ricarees, while peaceably trading with
epublics of Colombia and Buenos Ayres, du-{Indians at their request. Several ofthe party
ving the Jast session of Congress, proceeded were kilied and wounded and their property
to their destinations. Offiaken or destroyed. fo
‘their arrival there, official intelligence li2s not] Colonel Leavenworth, who commanded Fort
yet beenreceived, The minister appointed tof Atkinson, at the Council Biufls, the most west.
n
0
fast ii
of the country must depend, in times of imminent
‘danger, on the militia, it is of the highest im-
Il organized, armed, an
isciplined throughput the U
of the a shews
made during the three first quarie
present year by the application of the =
propriated for arming militia, Much diffi-
culty is found in distributing the arms accord- |
ing to the act of congress providing for ir,
from the failyre of the proper Deparimeots in
many of the states to yazke regular’ returns.
The act of May the 12th, 1820, provides
that the system of tactics aud regulations ofthe
various corps of the reguiar army shell be ex-
tended to the militia. This act has been very
imperfectly executed, from the want of uniform=
ity in the orgauization of the militia; proceeds
ing from the defects of the system itself, and es~
pecially in its application to that main arm of
public defence. It is thought that this impori=
ant subject, in all its branches, merits the ate
3d
tha
Ms
| The report of the Secretary of the Navy,
‘which is now communicated, furnishes an ac
count of the administration of that Deparimeng
for the three first quarters of the present year,
‘with the progress made #0 augmenting the
‘Navy, and the manner in which the vessels im
commission have been employed, PRE
The usual force has been mzintained in the |
Mediterranean Sea, the Pacific Ocean, and
along the Atlantic coast, and has afforded the
necessary protection to our commerce in those
seas. %
In the West Indies and the Gulph of Mexi-
co, our naval force has been augmented, by the
addition of several smali vessels, provided by
the ¢« act authorising an additional naval force
for the sappression of piracy,” passed by Cone
gress at their last scssion. ‘That armament
has been eminently successful in the accome=
plishment of its objact, The piracies, by which
ur commerce in the neighborhood of the Isle
aud of Cuba had been afll cted, have been re-
pressed, and the confidence of gur merchants in
a great measure restored,
The patriotic zeal and enterprise of commo-
dore Porter, to whom the command of the expe- |
dition was confided, bas been {ully seconded by
the officers and men under bis command. And |
in reflecting with high satisfaction on the hone
orable manner in which they have sustained the
repuacon of their country and the navy, tha
entiment is alloyed only by a concern, that in
the fulfilment of that ardous szrvice, the diseas~
¢s incident to the season and tothe climate in
which it was discharged, hare deprived ihe nas.
ion of many useful lives; andamong thera seva |
sral officers of great promise. i
In the month of August a very malisnant fea
ver made its appearance at Thompson's stand,
which threatened the destruction of sur sation |
there, Many perished ; and (he commanding
officer was severely attacked. Uticeriaip as to
his fate, and knowing thetmost of the medical
officers had been rendered incapable of dis- |
charging their duties, it was thought expedient
‘0 send to that pest an officer of rank and exe |
perience, with several skilful surgeons to age
certain the origm ofthe fever, and the pr |
bility of its recurrence there in future seasons s
to furnish every assistance to those who were |
suffering ; and, if practicable, to avoid the neces:
sity of abandoning so important a station,
fi ‘ommodore Rodgers, witha promptitude which
«lid him honor, cheerful
and has dischar
from his skill
crfully accepted that trust,
ged it in the manner anticipated |
and patriotism. Before his apri-
val, commodore Porter, vith the greater part ;
of tbe squadron, had removed from the island,
land returned to the United States inconsequence.
of the prevailing sickness. Much useful infore.
mation has, however, heen obtained, as to the
state of the island, and great relief afforded to
those who had been necessarily left there,
Although our expedition, co-operating w
an invigorated administration of the povernme
of the Istand of Cuba, 20d with the correspon
ing active exettions cfa British naval {opce
the same seas, which almost entirely destroy
the unlicensed practices from thor Island.
success colour exertions has not been e
effectual to suppress the same crime,
other pretences and colors,
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