RUSSIA. The Russian Court will spend the ensuing winter at Moscow. Major General Count Van Tuyl has been appointed ambassador from the Emperor of Russia to the United States of America, in the place of M. DaschThe Russian koff, and is on his way thither. General Yermoloff has gone on a mission to Persia This envoy has carried with him, plans, letters, and reports, sent to Bonaparte at the time of his invasion of Russia, and found in his abandoned carriages after his retreat, which had convinced Napoleon that an expedition to India was practicable; and it is said to be an ascertained fact, that if he could have compelled Russia to make such a peace as he wished, he had resolved to send a Russian and French force on that expedition. A deputation from the nobles of Courland has presented a resolution for the abolition of personal servitude among the peasants of that province, for which they have requested the confirmation of the Emperor. The nobles of Esthonia were amongst the first of those of the Empire who had given last year the noble example of the abolition of slavery. The barvest throughout the Empire is represented to be very abundant, and the weather serene. TURKEY. The apprehension of a war between Russia and Turkey, has been removed by intelligence from Semlin, stating that the Porte had ordered the Servian commandant, Richta, who put Czerny Georges to death, to be delivered up to the Russians. ASIA. British subjects. From 60 to 70,000 persons TUNIS. Two Tunisian vessels captured, in July and August, several Hamburgh vessels, the crews of which were thrown into prison. A demand was made by the captain of his Britannic Majesty's frigate Myrmidon, for the surrender of the Hamburghers, which the Bashaw declined doing until the arrival of certain ships that had been captured by his cruisers, but detained by the British government. The demand was made by the British officer on the ground that the vessels were captured within the British waters, and it was accompanied by a call upon the Bashaw to enjoin upon his corsairs not to cruise henceforth in those waters. The fact was denied by the Bashaw, and the injunction would therefore be useless In consequence of this evasion, the British consul called upon the Bashaw for a categorical note, which was immediately given, but the purport of which is not stated. AMERICA. SPANISH AMERICA. Venezuela. Both Guyanas are now occupied by the forces of the Independents. In abandoning these territories the royalists left behind great quantities both of warlike supplies and articles of commerce. The richest booty, however, was taken by the naval force of the patriots, which captured from the enemy twenty-one sail of vessels, most of them brigs. The prospects of the independents in Caraccas are also bright. Letters from Guyana of the 21st to the 29th of September state, that "General Zaraza, with two thousand horse, is on the other side of the way to Orituco; General Bermudez, with two thousand infantry, one hundred dragoons, and four field pieces, is about setting out to incorporate his forces with those of the former, and occupy Calahozo and San Carlos, where they must be joined by general Paez with two thousand horse. General Monagas is ordered to take possession of Barcelona with his brigade and three hundred infantry. The remaining body of the army, commanded by the general in chief Simon de Bolivar, is preparing to march immediately; the squadron and two thousand warriors will be left to protect this province. By next December the tri-coloured flag will be seen waving triumphantly in Caraccas, and every single spot occupied by the Royalists will be freed by the liberating army." East Florida. men On the 19th and 20th of November nine were elected representatives of the people of Amelia, for the purpose of constituting a provincial government; they were to hold their session on the 1st of December. Since the administration of affairs fell into the hands of Aury, things have taken a turn unfavourable to the wholesome regulation of society, and from the proximity of Amelia Island to the United States of America, it has excited the attention of that nation, and it is said that troops are moving to that quarter by the order of its government. BRITISH AMERICA. Canada. Mr. Miles Macdonald. governor of Lord Selkirk's colony at Hudson's Bay, is expected at Montreal to meet his trial on the charges which have been preferred against him by the agents of the North-West Company. News from Quebec, under date of the 24th November, states that the winter had fairly set in, and that the last vessel that would sail this season left that place the day before. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Messrs. Rodney, Graham, and Bla d, have been appointed commissioners to the SouthAmerican provinces, and, with Mr. Brackenridge, secretary to the mission. have embarked on board the Congress frigate, Captain Sinclair, to proceed immediately to their place of destination. PROCEEDINGS OF CONGRESS. On Monday, December 1st, being the day appointed by the constitution for the meeting of Congress, the members of both branches assembled at the capitol, and both houses were duly organized. Mr. Gaillard took the chair as President of the Senate, pro tempore. Mr. Clay was chosen, by a large majority, Speaker of the House of Representatives. A committee was appointed, on the part of each house, jointly to wait on the president of the United States, to inform him of their organization. SENATE. Tuesday, December 2d. At 12 o'clock, this day, the following message was transmitted by the President of the United States to both houses of Congress, by his secretary, Mr. Joseph Jones Monroe. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. Fellow-Citizens of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives, At no period of our political existence, had we So much cause to felicitate ourselves at the prosperous and happy condition of our country.The abundant fruits of the earth have filled it with plenty. An extensive and profitable commerce has greatly augmented our revenue.The public credit has attained an extraordinary elevation. Our preparations for defence, in case of future wars, from which, by the experience of all nations, we ought not to expect to be exempted, are advancing, under a well digested system, with all the dispatch which so important a work will admit. Our free government, founded on the interests and affections of the people, has gained, and is daily gaining strength. Local jealousies are rapidly yielding to more generous, enlarged, and enlightened views of national policy. For advantages so numerous and highly important, it is our duty to unite in grateful acknowledgments to that omnipotent Being from whom they are derived, and in unceasing prayer that he will endow us with virtue and strength to maintain and hand them down, in their utmost purity, to our latest posterity. I have the satisfaction to inform you, that an arrangement, which had been cominenced by my predecessor, with the British government, for the reduction of the naval force, by Great Britain and the United States, on the lakes, has been concluded: by which it is provided, that neither party shall keep in service, on Lake Champlain, more than one vessel; on Lake Ontario more than one; and on Lake Erie, and the upper lakes, more than two; to be armed, each with one cannon only; and that all the other armed vessels, of both parties, of which an exact list is interchanged, shall be dismantled. It is also in its duty, to the internal purposes of each party; agreed, that the force retained shall be restricted, and that the arrangement shall remain in force until six months shall have expired after notice given by one of the parties to the other of its desire that it should terminate. By this arrange. is of still greater importance, the danger of collment, useless expense, on both sides, and, what sion, between armed vessels, in those inland waters, which was great, is prevented. I have the satisfaction also to state, that the commissioners, under the fourth article of the treaty of Ghent, to whom it was referred to decide, to which party the several islands in the Bay one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, of Passamaquoddy belonged under the treaty of have agreed in a report, by which all the islands in the possession of each party before the late war, have been decreed to it. The commissioners acting under the other articles of the treaty of Ghent, for the settlement of boundaries, have also been engaged in the discharge of their re spective duties, but have not yet completed them. The difference which arose between the two goof the United States to take and cure fish on the vernments under that treaty, respecting the right coast of the British provinces north of our limits, which had been secured by the treaty of one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three, is still in negotiation. The proposition made by this government, to extend to the colonies of Great Britain the principle of the convention of London, by which the commerce between the ports of the United States and British ports in Europe, had been placed on a footing of equality, has been declined by the British government. This subject having been thus amicably discussed he tween the two governments, and it appearing that the British government is unwilling to depart from its present regulations, it remaius for congress to decide whether they will make any other regulations, in consequence thereof, for the protection and improvement of our navigation. The negotiation with Spain, for spoliations on our commerce, and the settlement of boundaries, remains, essentially, in the state it held by the communications that were made to congress by my predecessor. It has been evidently the policy of the Spanish government to keep the ne gotiation suspended, and in this the United States have acquiesced, from an amicable disposition towards Spain, and in the expectation that her government would, from a sense of justice, finally accede to such an arrangement as would be equal between the parties. A disposition has been lately shown by the Spanish government to move in the negotiation, which has been met by this government, and, should the conciliatory and friendly policy, which has invariably guided our councils, be reciprocated, a just and satisfactory arrangement may be expected. It is proper, however, to remark, that no provosition has yet been made, from which such a result can be presumed. It was anticipated, at an early stage, that the contest between Spain and the colonies would become highly interesting to the United States.-It was natural that our citizens should sympathize in events which affected their neighbours.-It seemed probable also, that the prosecution of the conflict along our coast, and in contiguous countries, would occasionally interrupt our commerce, and otherwise affect the persons and property of our citizens. These anticipations have been realized. Such injuries have been received from persons acting under the authority of both the parties, and for which redress has, in most instances, been withheld. Through every stage of the conflict, the United States have maintained an impartial neutrality, giving aid to neither of the parties in men, money, ships, or munitions of war. They have regarded the contest, not in -the light of an ordinary insurrection or rebellion, but as a civil war between parties nearly equal, having, as to neutral powers, equal rights. Our ports have been open to both, and every article, the fruit of our soil, or of the industry of our citizens, which either was permitted to take, has been equally free to the other. Should the colonies establish their independence, it is proper now to state, that this government neither seeks, nor would accept, from them, any advantage, in commerce or otherwise, which will not be equally open to all other nations. The colonies will, in that event, become independent states, free from any obligation to, or connexion with us which it may not then be their interest to form on the basis of a fair reciprocity. In the summer of the present year an expedition was set on foot against East-Florida, by persons claiming to act under the authority of some of the colonies, who took possession of Amelia Island, at the mouth of the St. Mary's river, near the boundary of the State of Georgia. As this province lies eastward of the Mississippi, and is bounded by the United States and the ocean on every side, and has been a subject of negotiation with the government of Spain, as an indemnity for losses by spoliation, or in exchange for territory of equal value westward of the Mississippi, a fact well known to the world, it excited surprise that any countenance should be given to this measure by any of the colonies. As it would be difficult to reconcile it with the friendly relations existing between the United States and the colonies, a doubt was entertained whether it had been authorized by them, or any of them. This doubt has gained strength, by the circumstances which have unfolded themselves in the prosecution of the enterprise, which have marked it as a mere private unauthorized adventure. Projected and commenced with an incompetent force, reliance seems to have been placed on what might be drawn, in defiance of our laws, from within our limits; and of late, as their resources have failed, it has assumed a more marked character of unfriendliness to us; the island being made a channel for the illicit introduction of slaves from Africa into the United States, an asylum for fugitive slaves from the neighbouring States, and a port for smuggling of every kind. A similar establishment was made, at an earlier period, by persons of the same description, in the Gulph of Mexico, at a place called Galveston, within the limits of the United States, as we contend, under the cession of Louisiana. This enterprise has been marked, in a more signal manner, by all the objectionable circumstances VOL. II.-No. III. 28 which characterized the other, and more particularly by the equipment of privateers which have annoyed our commerce, and by smuggling. These establishments, if ever sanctioned by any authority whatever, which is not believed, have abused their trust, and forfeited all claim to consideration. A just regard for the rights and interests of the United States required that they should be suppressed; and orders have accordingly issued to that effect. The imperious considerations which produced this measure will be explained to the parties whom it may, in any degree, concern. To obtain correct information on every subject in which the United States are interested; to inspire just sentiments, in all persons in authority, on either side, of our friendly disposition, so far as it may comport with an impartial neutrality; and to secure proper respect to our commerce in every port and from every flag, it has been thought proper to send a ship of war, with three distinguished citizens, along the southern coast, with instruction to touch at such ports as they may find most expedient for these purposes.—With the existing authorities, with those in the possession of, and exercising the sovereignty, must the communication be held; from them alone can redress for past injuries, committed by persons acting under them, he obtained; by them alone can the commission of the like, in future, be prevented. Our relations with the other powers of Europe have experienced no essential change since the last session. In our intercourse with each, due attention continues to be paid to the protection of our commerce, and to every other object in which the United States are interested. A strong hope is entertained, that, by adhering to the maxims of a just, a candid, and friendly policy, we may long preserve amicable relations with all the powers of Europe, on conditions advantageous and honourable to our country. With the Barbary states and Indian tribes our pacific relations have been preserved. In calling your attention to the internal concerns of our country, the view which they exhibit is peculiarly gratifying. The payments which have been made into the treasury show the very productive state of the public revenue. After satisfying the appropriations made by law for the support of the civil government, and of the military and na al establishments embracing suitable provision for fortifications and for the gradual increase of the navy, paying the interest of the public debt, and extinguishing more than eighteen millions of the principal, within the present year, it is estimated that a balance of more than six millions of dollars will remain in the treasury on the first day of January, applicable to the current service of the ensuing year. The payments into the treasury during the year one thousand eight hundred and eighteen, on account of imposts and tonnage, resulting principally from duties which have accrued in the present year, may be fairly estimated at twenty millions of dollars; internal revenues, at two millions five hundred thousand; public lands, at one million five hundred thousand; bank dividends and incidental receipts, at five hundred thousand; making, in the whole, twenty-four mil lions and five hundred thousand dollars. The annual permanent expenditure for the support of the civil government, and of the army and navy, as now established by law, amounts to eleven millions eight hundred thousand dollars; and for the sinking fund, to ten millions; making in the whole twenty-one mil lions eight hundred thousand dollars; leaving an annual excess of revenue beyond the expenditure of two millions seven hundred thousand dollars, exclusive of the balance estimated to be In the treasury on the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. In the present state of the treasury, the whole of the Louisiana debt may be redeemed in the year one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, after which, if the public debt continues as it now is, above par, there will be annually about five millions of the sinking fund unexpended, until the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-five, when the loan of one thousand eight hundred and twelve, and the stock created by funding treasury notes, will be redeemable. It is also estimated that the Mississippi stock will be discharged during the year one thousand eight hundred and nineteen from the proceeds of the public lands assigned to that object; after which the receipts from those lands will annually add to the public revenue the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars, making the permanent annual revenue amount to twenty-six millions of dollars, and leaving an annual excess of revenue, after the year one thousand eight hundred and nineteen, beyond the permanent authorized expenditure, of more than four millions of dollars. By the last returns from the department of war, the militia force of the several States may be estimated at eight hundred thousand men, infantry, artillery, and cavalry. Great part of this force is armed, and measures are taken to arm the whole. An improvement in the organization and discipline of the militia is one of the great objects which claims the unremitted attention of Congress. The regular force amounts nearly to the numher required by law, and is stationed along the Atlantic and inland frontiers. Of the naval force, it has been necessary to maintain strong squadrons in the Mediterranean, and in the Gulf of Mexico. From several of the Indian tribes inhabiting the country bordering on Lake Erie, purchases have been made of lands, on conditions very favourable to the United States, and it is presumed, not less so to the tribes themselves. By these purchases, the Indian title, with moderate reservations, has been extinguished to the whole of the land within the limits of the state of Ohio, and to a great part of that in the Michigan territory and of the State of Indiana. From the Cherokee tribe a tract has been purchased, in the State of Georgia, and an arrangement made, by which, in exchange for lands beyond the Mississippi, a great part, if not the whole of the tand belonging to that tribe, eastward of that river, in the States of North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, and in the Alabama Territory, will soon be acquired. By these acquisitions, and others, that may reasonably be expected soon to follow, we shall be enabled to extend our settlements from the inhabited parts of the state of Ohio, along Lake Erie, into the Michigan territory; and to connect our settlements by degrees, through the State of Indiana and the Illinois territory, to that of Missouri. A similar, and equally advantageous effect will soon be produced to the south through the whole extent of the states and territory which border on the waters emptying into the Mississippi and the Mobile. In this progress, which the rights of nature demand, and nothing can prevent, marking a growth rapid and gigantic, it is our duty to make new efforts for the preservation, improvement, and civilization of the native inhabitants. The hunter state can exist only in the vast, uncultivated desert. It yields to the more dense and compact form, and greater force, of civilized population; and of right it ought to yield, for the earth was given to mankind to support the greatest number of which it is capable, and no tribe or people have a right to withhold from the wants of others more than is necessary for their own support and comfort. It is gratifying to know, that the reservations of land made by the treaties with the tribes on Lake Erie, were made with a view to individual ownership among them, and to the cultivation of the soil by all, and that an annual stipend has been pledged to supply their other wants. It will merit the consideration of Congress, whether other provision, not stipulated by the treaty, ought to be made for these tribes, and for the advancement of the liberal and humane policy of the United States towards all the tribes within our limits, and more particularly for their improvement in the arts of civilized life. Among the advantages incident to these purchases, and to those which have preceded, the security which may thereby be afforded to our inland frontiers is peculiarly important. With a strong barrier, consisting of our own people, thus planted on the Lakes, the Mississippi and the Mobile, with the protection to be derived from the regular force, Indian hostilities, if they do not altogether cease, will henceforth lose their terror. Fortifications in those quarters, to any extent, will not be necessary, and the expense attending them may be saved. A people accus tomed to the use of fire-arms only, as the Indian tribes are, will shun even moderate works which are defended by cannon. Great fortifications will, therefore, be requisite only, in future, along the coast, and at some points in the interior, connected with it. On these will the safety of our towns, and the commerce of our great rivers, from the Bay of Fundy to the Mississippi, depend. On these, therefore, should the utmost at tention, skill, and labour, be bestowed. A considerable and rapid augmentation in the value of all the public fands, proceeding from these and other obvious causes, may hencefor ward be expected. The difficulties attending early emigrations, will be dissipated even in the Several new states have most remote parts. been admitted into our Union, to the west and south, and territorial governments, happily or ganized, established over every other portion in which there is vacant land for sale. In terminating Indian hostilities, as must soon be done, in a formidable shape at least, the emigration which has heretofore been great, will probably encrease, and the demand for land, and the aug mentation in its value, be in proportion. The great increase of our population throughout the Union will alone produce an important effect, and in no quarter will it be so sensibly felt as those in contemplation. The public lands are a public stock, which ought to be disposed of to the best advantage for the nation. The nation should, therefore, derive the profit proceeding from the continual rise in their value. Every encouragement should be given to the emigrants, consistent with a fair competition between them; but that competition should operate, in the first sale, to the advantage of the nation rather than of individuals. Great capitalists will derive all the benefit incident to their superior wealth, under any mode of sale which may be adopted. But if, looking forward to the rise in the value of the public lands, they should have the opportunity of amassing, at a low price, vast bodies in their hands, the profit will accrue to them, and not to the public. They will also have the power, in that degree, to control the emigration and settlement in such manner as their opinion of their respective interests might dictate. I submit this subject to the consideration of Congress, that such further provision may be made in the sale of the public lands, with a view to the public interest, should any be deemed expedient, as in their judgment may be best adapted to the object. When we consider the vast extent of territory within the United States, the great amount and value of its productions, the connexion of its parts, and other circumstances, on which their prosperity and happiness depend, we cannot fail to entertain a high sense of the advantage to be derived from the facility which may be afforded in the intercourse between them, by means of good roads and canals. Never did a country of such vast extent offer equal inducements to improvements of this kind, nor ever were consequences of such magnitude involved in them. As this subject was acted on by Congress at the last session, and there may be a disposition to revive it at the present, I have brought it into view, for the purpose of communicating my sentiments on a very important circumstance connected with it, with that freedom and candour which a regard for the public interest, and a proper respect for Congress, require. A difference of opinion has existed, from the first formation of our constitution to the present time, among our most enlight ened and virtuous citizens, respecting the right of Congress to establish such a system of improvement. Taking into view the trust with which I am now honoured, it would be improper, after what has passed, that this discussion should be revived, with an uncertainty of my opinion respect ing the right. Disregarding early impressions, I have bestowed on the subject all the deliberation which its great importance, and a just sense of my duty, required, and the result is, a settled conviction in my mind, that Congress do not possess the right. It is not contained in any of the specified powers granted to Congress; nor can I consider it incidental to, or a necessary mean, viewed on the most liberal scale, for carrying into effect any of the powers which are specifically granted. In communicating this result, I cannot resist the obligation which I feel to suggest to Congress the propriety of recommending to the States the adoption of an amendment to the constitution which shall give to Congress the right in question. In cases of doubtful construction, especially of such vital interest, it comports with the nature and origin of our institutions, and will contribute much to preserve them, to apply to our constituents for an explicit grant of the power. We may confidently rely, that if it appears to their satisfaction, t at the power is necessary, it will always be grant d. In this case I am happy to observe, that experience has afforded the most ample proof of its utility, and that the benign spirit of conciliation and harmony, which now manifests itself throughout our union, promises to such a recommendation the most prompt and favourable result. I think proper to suggest, also, in case this measure is adopted, that it be recommended to the States to include, in the amendment sought, a right in Congress to institute, likewise, seminaries of learning, for the all-important purpose of diffusing knowledge among our fellow citizens throughout the United States. Our manufactories will require the continued attention of Congress. The capital employed in them is considerable, and the knowledge acquired in the machinery and fabric of all the most useful manufactures, is of great value. Their preser vation, which depends on due encouragement, is connected with the high interests of the nation. Although the progress of the public buildings has been as favourable as circumstances have permitted, it is to be regretted that the Capitol is not yet in a state to receive you-There is good cause to presume that the two wings, the only parts as yet commenced, will be prepared for that purpose at the next session. The time seems now to have arrived, when this subject may be deemed worthy the attention of Congress, on a scale adequate to national purposes. The completion of the middle building will be neces sary to the convenient accommodation of Congress, of the committees, and various offices belonging to it. It is evident that the other public buildings are altogether insufficient for the accommodation of the several executive departments, some of whom are much crowded, and even subjected to the necessity of obtaining it in private buildings, at some distance from the head of the department, and with inconvenience to the management of the public business. Most nations have taken an interest and a pride in the improvement and ornament of their metropolis, and none were more conspicuous in that respect than the ancient Republics. The policy which dictated the establishment of a permanent residence for the national government, and the spirit in which it was commenced and has been prosecuted, show that such improvement was thought worthy the attention of this nation. Its central position, between the northern and southern extremes of our Union, and its approach to the west, at the head of a great navigable river, which interlocks with the western waters, prove the wisdom of the councils which established it. Nothing appears to be more reasonable and proper, than that convenient accommodations should be provided, on a well-digested plan, for the heads of the several departments, and for the AttorneyGeneral; and it is believed that the public ground in the city, applied to those objects, will be found amply sufficient. I subunit this subject to the consideration of Congress, that such further provision may be made in it, as to them may seem proper. In contemplating the happy situation of the United States, our attention is drawn, with peculiar interest, to the surviving officers and soldiers of our revolutionary army, who so eminently contributed, by their services, to lay its foundation. Most of those very meritorious citizens bave paid the debt of nature, and gone to repose. It is believed that among the survivors there are some not provided for by existing laws, who are reduced to indigence, and even to real distress. These men have a claim on the gratitude of their country, and it will do honour to their country to provide for them. The lapse of a few years more, and the opportunity will be for ever lost; indeed, so long already has been the interval, that the number to be benefitted by any provision which may be made, will not be great. It appearing in a satisfactory manner that the revenue arising from imposts and tonnage, and from the sale of the public lands, will be fully adequate to the support of the civil government, of the present military and naval establishments, including the annual augmentation of the latter, to the extent provided for; to the payment of the interest on the public debt, and to the extinguishment of it at the time authorized, without the aid of the internal taxes; I consider it my duty to re-. |
