Indiana Palladium, Volume 5, Number 51, Lawrenceburg, Dearborn County, 26 December 1829 — Page 1

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EQUALITY OF RIGHTS IS NATURE'S PLAN AND FOLLOWING NATRUE IS THE MARCH OF MAN. Barlow. Volume V. LAWRENCEBURGH, INDIANA; SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1029. Number 51

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PRESIDENT'S IfZESSAGE.

Fellow Citizens of the Senate, and House of Representatives It affords me pleasure to tender my friendly greetings to you on the occasion of your assembling at the seat of Govern ment, to enter upon the important du ties to which you have been called by the voice of our countrymen. The task devolves on me, under a provision of the Constitution, to present to you, as the Federal Legislature of twenty-four eevereign Slates, and twelve millions of happy people, a view of our affairs; and to ropose such measures as, in the dis rge of my official functions, have sug sted themselves as necessary to pro te the objects of our Union. In communicating wilh you for the first time, it is, to me, a source of unfeigned satisfaction, calling for mutual gratulation and devout (hanks to a benign Providence, that we are at peace wilh all mankind; and that our country exhibits the most cheering evidence of general welfare and progressive improvement. Turning our eyes to other nations, our great desire is to see our brethren of the human race secured in the blessings enjoyed by ourselves, and advancing in knowledge, in freedom, and jd social happiness. Our foreign relations, although in their general character pacific and friendly, present subjects of difference between usand other Powers, of deep interest, as well to the country at large as to many of our citizens. To effect an adjustment of these shall continue to be the object of my earnest endeavors; and notwithstanding the difficulties of the task, I do not allow myself to apprehend unfavorable results. Blessed as our Country is with every thing which constitutes national strength, she is fully adequate to the maintenance of all her interests. Io discharging the responsible trust confided to the Executive in this fespect, it is my settled purpose to ask nothing that is not clearly right, and to submit to nothing that is wrong; and I flatter myself, that, supported by the other branches of the GovernmenU-and by the intelligence and patriotisjfof the! People, we. shall be able, under tbe pro tection of Providence, to cause all our iust rights to be respectpd Of the unsettled matters between the United States and other Powers, the most prominent are those which have for years, been the subject of negotia tion with England, France, and Spain. The late periods at which our Ministers to those Governments left the United States, render it impossible, at this early clay, to inform you of what has been done on the subjects with which thev Lave been respectivelyjcharged. Rely ing upon the justice 01 our views in rela tion to the points committed to negotia tion, and the reciprocal good feeling which characterizes our intercourse with those nations, we have the best reason to hope for a satisfactory adjustment of existing differences. With Great Britain, alike distinguished in peace and war we may look forward to years of peaceful, honourable, and elevated competition. Every thing in the condition and history of the two nations is calculated to inspire seutiments of mutual respect and to carry conviction to the minds of both, that it is their policy to preserve the most cordial relations: Such are my own views; and it is not to be doubted that such are also the prevailing sentiments of our constituents. Although neither time nor opportunity has been afforded for a full development of the policy which the present Cabinet of Great Britain designs to pursue towards this country, I indulge the hope that it will be of a just and pacific character; and if this anticipation be realized, we may look wilh confidence to a speedy and acceptable adjustment of our affairs. Under the Convention for regulating the reference to arbitration of the disputed points of boundary under the fifth article of the Treaty of Ghent, the pro ceedings have hitherto been conducted in that spirit of candor and liberality which ought ever to characterize the acts of sovereign States, seeking to adjust, by the most unexceptionable means important and delicate subjects of contention. The first statements of the parties have been exchanged, and the final replication, on our part, is in a course of preparation. This subject has received the attention demanded by its great and peculiar importance to a patriotic member of this Confederacy. The exposition of our rights, already made, is such, as from the high reputation of the commissioners bv whom it has been prepared, we bad alight to expect, .Our

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interests at the court of the Sovereign

who has evinced his friendly disposition, by assuming tbe delicate task of arbitra tion, have been committed to a citizen of the state of Maine, whose character, talents, and intimate acquaintance with the subject, eminently qualify him for so responsible a trust. With full confidence in the justice of our cause, and in the probity, intelligence, and uncompromising independence of the illustrious arbitrator, we can have nothing to apprehend from the result. From France, our ancient ally, we have a right to expect that justice which becomes the Sovereign of a powerful, intelligent, and magnanimous People. The beneficial effects produced by the commercial convention of 1822, limited a? are its provisions, are loo obvious not to make a salutary impression upon the minds of those who are charged with the administration of her governnieot Should this result induce a disposition to embrace, to their lull extent, the wholesome principles which constitute our commercial policy, our Minister to thai Court will be found instructed to cherish such a disposition, and to aid in conducting it to useful practical conclusions. The claims of our citizens for depredations upon their property, long since committed ui-der the authority, and, in many instances, by the express direction of the then existing Government of France, remain unsatisfied; and must therefore, continue to iurnish a subject of unpleasant discussion, and possible collision, betweeu tbe two Governments. I cherish, however, a lively hope, found ed as well on the validity of those claims, and the established policy of all enlightened Governments, as on he. known integrity of the French mon arch, that the injurious delays of the past will find redress in the equity of the future. Our Minister hab been instructed to press these demands on the French Government with all the earnestness which is called for by their im portance and irrefutable justice; and in spirit that will evince the respect which is due to the feelings of (hose from whom the satisfaction is required. Our Minister recently, appointed to Spain has been authorized to assist in removing evils alike injurious to both countries, either by concluding a Commercial Convention upon liberal and reciprocal terms; or by urging th acceptance, in their full extent, of the mutual ly beneficial provisions of our navigation acts rle has also been instructed to make a further appeal to the justice of bpain, in behalf of our citizens, for in demnity for spoliations upon our commerce, committed under her authority an appeal which the pacific and libe ral course observed on our part, and a due confidence in the honor of that Go vernment, authorize us to expect will not he made in vain. With other European Powers, our in tercourse is on the mo&Jt friendly footing. L Ru-sia, placed by her territorial lim its, cxiensive population, and great pow er, high in the rank of nations, the United States have always found a steadfast friend. Although her recent invasion of Turkey awakened a lively sympathy lor those who were exposed to tbe deso lations of war, we cannot but anticipate that the result will prove favorable to the cause of civilization, and to the pro gress of human happiness. The treaty of peace between these Powers having been ratified, we cannot be insensible to the great benefit to be derived by the commerce of the United States, from un king the navigation of the Black Sea, a iree passage mio wnicn is secured to all merchant vessels bound to ports of Russia under a flag at peace with the Porte. This advantage, enjoyed upon conditions, by most of the powers of Eu rope, has hitherto been withheld from us. During ihe past Summer, an antecedent, but unsuccessful attempt to obtain if, was renewed under eircumstan ces which promised the most favourable results. Although these results have fortunately been thus in part attained, further facilities to the enjoyment of this new field for the enterprise of our citizens are, in my opinion, sufficiently desirable to ensure to them our most zealous attention. Our trade with Austria, although of: secondary importance, h,s been irradu ally increasing; and is now so extended, as to deserve the fostering care of the Government. A negotiation, commenced and nearly completed with that power, by the late administration, has been consummated by a treaty of amity, navigation, and commerce, which will be laid before the Senate. During the recess of Congress, our di-

plomatic relations with Portu gal havelfy a Treaty negotiated and concluded

been resumed. The peculiar state of things in that country caused a suspension of the recognition of the representative who presented himself, until an opportunity was had to obtain from our official organ there, informatioa regarding the actual, and, as far as practicable, prospective condition of the authority by which the representative in question was appointed. This information being received, the application of the established rule of our government, in like cases, was no longer withheld. Considerable advances have been made, during the present year, in the adjustment of claims of- our citizens upon Denmark for spoliations: but all that wt have alright to demand from that Go: vernment, in their behalf, has not yef been conceded. From the liberal footing, however, upon which the subject has, with the approbation of the claimants, been placed by the Government, together with the uniformly just and friendly disposition which has been evin ced by his Danish Majety, there is a reasonable ground to hope that this single subject of difference will speedily be removed. Our relations with the Barbary Pow ers continue, as they have long been, of the most favourable character. 'Ihe policy of keeping an adequate force in the Mediterranean, as security for the continuance of this tranquillity, will be persevered in ; as well as a similar one for the protection of our commerce and fisheries in the Pacific. The Southern Republics, of our own hemisphere, have not yet realized all the advantages for which they have been so long struggling. We trust, however, that the day is not distant, when the restoration of peace and internal quiet, un der permanent systems of government, securing the liberty, and promoting the happiness of the citiEens, will crown, with complete success, their long and arduous effort in the cause of self-eovern-merit; and enable us to salute them as friendly rivals in all that is truly great and glorious.

The recent invasion of Mexico, aadtives Experience proves that, in pro

the effect thereby produced upon her domestic policy, must have a controlling influence upon the great question ot South American emancipation. We have seen the fell spirit of civil dissension rebuked, and. perhaps, for ever stiffed in that republic, by the love of independence. If it be true, as appear ances strongly indicate, that the spirit cf Independence is the master spirit; and if a corresponding sentiment prevails ln-thc other States, this devotion to liberty cannot be without a proper effect upon the counsels of the mother countrv. The adoption by Spain, of a pacific policy towards her former Colonies an even' consoling to humanity, and a blessing to the world, in which she herself cannot fail largely to participate may be most reasonably expected. The claims of our citizens upon the South American Governments, generally, are in a train of settlement; while the principal part of those upon Br isil l-mve been adjusted; and a Decree in! Council, ordering bonds to be issued by the Minister of the Treasury for their amount, has received the sanction of His Imperial Majesty. This event, togeth er with the exchange of the ratifications of the Treaty negotiated and concluded in 1828, happily terminates all serious causes of difference with that Power. Measures have been taken to place our commercial relations with Peru up on a better looting than that upon which they have hitherto rested ; and if met by a proper disposition on the part of that Government, important benefits may be secured to both countries. Deeply interested as we are in the prosperity of our sister republics; and more particularly in that of our immedi ate neighbor, it would be most gratifying to me, were i permitted to say, that the treatment which we have received at her hands has been as universallv friendly, as the early and constant solicitude manifested by the United States for her success, cave us a rieht to exoect. liut it becomes my duty to inform you that prejudice?, long indulged by a portion of uic iiiimuiuiuis ui iuexico ngamsi me Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States, have had an unfortunate influence upon the affairs of the two countries; and have diminished that usefulness to his own which was justly to be expected from his talents and zeal. To this cause, jr a great degree, is to be imputed the failure of several measures equally interesting to both parties; but particularly that of the Mexican Government to rati-

in its own capital and under its own eye. Under these circumstances, it appeared

expedient to give to Mr. Poinsett the option either to return or not, as, in his judgment, the interest of his country might require; and instructions to tha't end were prepared; but, before they could be despatched, a communication was received from the Government of Mexico, through its Charge d' Affaires here,requestingthe recall of our minister This was promptly complied with; and a representative of a rank corresponding with that ot the Mexican diplomatic Agent near this government was appointed. Uur conduct towards that Republic has been uniformly of the most friendly character; and having thus re moved the only alleged obstacle to harmonious intercourse, I cannot but hope that an advantageous change will occur in our affairs. In justice to Mr. Poinsett, it is proper to say, that my immediate comphTTnco wilh the application for his recall, ami the appointment of a successor, arc not to he ascribed to any evidence that the1 imputation of an improper interference.' by him, in the local politics of Mexico; was well founded; nor to a want of confidence in his talents or integrity; and to add, that the truth of that charge has never been affirmed by the Federal Government of Me xico, in its communications with this. I consider it one of tbe most urgent of my duties to bring to your attention the propriety of amending that part of our Constitution which relates to the election of President and Vice President. Our system of government was, by its framers, deemed an experiment; and they, therefore, consistently provided a mode of remedying its defects. To the People belongs the right of electing their Chief Magistrate: it was never designed that their choice should, in any case, be defeated, either by the intervention cf electoral colleges, or by the agency confided, under certain con tingencies, to the. House of Representaportion as agents to execute the will of the People arc multiplied, there is d.-n per of their wishes being frustrated. Some may bo unfaithful: all are liable to err. So far, therefore, as the People 1 1 ... . can, wan convenience, speak, it is ?atei lor them to express their own will. The number of aspirants to the Presi dency, and the diversity of the interests which may influence their claims, leave little reason to expect a choice in the first instance: and, in that -event, the election must devolve on the House of Representatives, where, it is obvious, Ihe will of the People may not be always ascertained; or, if ascertained, may notbe regarded. From the mde of voting by States, the choice is to be made bv twenty-four voles; and it may often oc cur, that one of these will be controlled by an individual representative. Hon ors and offices are at the disposal of the successful candidate. Repeated ballotings may make it apparent that a single ind'vidual holds the cast in his hand. May he not be templed to name his re ward?" But even without corruption supposing the probity ol the Kepreseutative to be proof against the powerful mo tives by which it may be assailed- the will of the People is still constantly liable to be misrepresented. One may err irom ignorance ot the wishes of his con stituents ; another, from a conviction that it is her duty to be governed by his own judgment of the fitness of the candidates: finally, although all were inflexibly honest all accurately informed of the wishes of their constituents yet under the present mode of elec tion, a minority may often elect the President; and when this happens, it may reasonably be expected that efforts will be made on the part of the majority to rectify this injurious operation of their institutions. Cut although no evil of this character should result from such a perversion of the first principle of our A. il ll. ...... . ' system mm me majority is to govern it must be very certain that n President elected by a minority cannot enjoy the confidence necessary to the successful discharge of his duties In this, as in all other matters of pubi .1. - nc concern, poncy requires that as lew impediments as possible should exist to the free operation of the public will. Let u?, then,endeavorso to amend our system, that the office of Chief Magis trate may-not be conferred upon any citizen but in pursuance of a fair expression of the will of the majority. I would therefore recommend such an amendment of the Constitution as may

remove all intermediate agency in the election of President and" Vice President. The mode may be so regulated as to preserve to each State its present relative weight in the election; and a failure in the first attempt may be pro vided, for, by coritining the second to a choice between the two highest candidates. In connexion with such an amendment, it would seem advisable to limit the sen ice of the Chief Magistrate to a single term, of either four or six years. If, however, it should not be adopted, it is worthy of consideration whether a provision disqualify ing for office the Rej resentatives in Congress on w hom such an election may have devolved, would not be proper. While members of Congress can be, constitutionally appointed to offices of trust and profit, it will bt- the practice, even under the most conscientious adherence, to duty, to select them for such stations as they are believed to be better qualified to fill than other citi zens; but the purity of our Government would doubtless be promoted, by their exclusion from all appointments in the gift of the President in whoe election Jhey may have been cfficially coucen.cd. The nature of the judicial office, and the necessity of securing in ihe Cabinet and in diplomatic stations of the highest rank , ihe best talents and pohical experience should, perhaps except these from ihe exclusion. There are perhaps few men who can for any great length of time enjoy office

and power, without being more or lege under the influence of feelings unfavofable to the faithful discharge of theif public duties. Their intt grily maybe proof against improper considcratiocK immediately addressed to them elvee; but they are apt to acquire a habit of looking with indifference upon the public interests, and of tolerating conduct from which an unpractised man would revolt. Office is considered as a t pedes of property; and government, rather ag a means of promoting individual interest than as an instrument created solely for the service of the People. Corruption in some, and, in others, a perversion of correct feelings and principles, divert Government from its legitimate ends and make it an engine for the support of the few at the expense of the many. The duties of all public officers are, or aUleast admit of being made, so plain and simple, that men of 'intelligence may readily qualify themselves for their performance; and I cannot but believe that more is lost by the long continuance of men in office, than is generally to bo gained by their experience. submit, therefore, to your consideration, whether Ihe efficiency of the Government would not be promoted, and official industry and integrity better secured, bv a general extention of the law which limits appointments to four years In a country where offices nre created solely for the benefit of the people, no one man has any more intrinsic lieht to official station than another. Offices were not (Established to cjive suppoi t to particuIar4nen at the public expense. Koindivi. dual wrong isjtherefore done by removal, since neither appointment to nor continuance in office, is matter of right. The incumbent became an officer with a view to public benefits; and when these require his removal, they are not to be sacrificed to private interests, it is the People, and they alone, who have a right to complain, when a bad officer is substituted for u good one. Ho who is removed has the same means of obtaining a living that are enjoyed by the millions who never held office. The propo sed limitation would destroy the idea of prcpeily now eo generally connected with official etation, and although individual distress may be sometime? produced, it would, by promoting that rotation which constitutes a leading principle of the republican creed, give healthful action to the sy stem. No very considerable charge has oc cured, during the recess of Congress ia the condition of either our Agriculture, Commerce or Manufactures. The op. v ration of the Tariff has not proved so in. junous to the two former, nor as benefi cial to the falter, as was anticipatedImportations of foreign eoods have nnt been sensibly diminished; while domes tic competition, under an illusive excitement, has increased the production much beyond the demand for home consumption. The con?quencea have been lorv prices, temporary embarrassment, and partial loss. That such of our manufar. . luring establishments as are based upon capital, and are prudently managed, will mii five the shock, and be ultimately promuuie, uitrre s 00 goou reason to doubt,

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