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SENATE.

President's Message.

number and equipments of the American navy, in the military works for the defence of our harbors and our frontiers, and in the supplies of our arsenals and magazines, the amount will bear a gratifying comparison with the objects which have been attained, as well as with the resources of the country.

The arrangements of the finances, with a view to the receipts and expenditures of a permanent Peace Establishment, will necessarily enter into the deliberations of Congress during the present session. It is true that the improved condition of the public revenue will not afford the means of maintaining the faith of the Government with its creditors inviolate, and of prosecuting, successfully, the measures of the most liberal policy, but will also justify an immediate alleviation of the burdens imposed by the necessities of the war. It is, however, essential to every modification of the finances, that the benefits of an uniform National currency should be. restored to the community. The absence of the precious metals will, it is believed, be a temporary evil; but, until they can again be rendered the general medium of exchange, it devolves on the wisdom of Congress to provide a substitute, which, shall equally engage the confidence, and accommodate the wants of the citizens throughout the Union. If the operation of the State banks cannot produce this result, the probable operation of a National Bank will merit consideration; and if neither of these expedients be deemed effectual, it may become necessary to ascertain the terms upon which the notes of the Government (no longer required as an instrument of credit) shall be issued, upon motives of general policy, as a common medium of circulation.

Nothwithstanding the security for future repose, which the United States ought to find in their love of peace, and their constant respect for the rights of other nations, the character of the times particularly inculcates the lesson, that, whether to prevent or repel danger, we ought not to be unprepared for it. This consideration will sufficiently recommend to Congress a liberal provision for the immediate extension and gradual completion of the works of defence, both fixed and floating, on our maritime frontier, and an adequate provision for guarding our inland frontier against dangers to which certain portions of it may continue to be exposed.

As an improvement in our Military Establishment, it will deserve the consideration of Congress, whether a corps of invalids might not be so organized and employed, as at once to aid in the support of meritorious individuals, excluded by age or infirmities from the existing establishment, and to procure to the public the benefit of their stationary services, and of their exemplary discipline. I recommend, also, an enlargement of the Military Academy, already established, and the establishment of others in other sections of the Union. And I cannot press too much on the attention of Congress, such a classification and organization of the militia as will most effectually render it the safeguard of a free State. If experience has shown, in the recent splendid achievements of militia, the value of this resource for the public defence, it has shown also the importance of that skill in the use of arms, and that familiarity with the essential rules of discipline, which cannot be expected from the regulations now in force. With this subject is intimately connected the necessity of accommodating the laws, in every respect, to the great object of enabling the political authority of the Union to employ, promptly and effectu

DECEMBER, 1815

ally, the physical power of the Union in the cases de signated by the Constitution.

The signal services which have been rendered by our Navy, and the capacities it has developed for successful co-operation in the national defence, will give to that portion of the public force its full value in the eyes of Congress, at an epoch which calls for the constant vigilance of all Governments. To preserve the ships now in a sound state; to complete those already contemplated; to provide amply the imperishable materials for prompt augmentations, and to improve the existing arrangements into more advantageous establishments, for the construction, the repairs, and the security of the vessels of war, is dictated by the soundest policy.

In adjusting the duties on imports, to the object of revenue, the influence of the tariff on manufactures will necessarily present itself for consideration. However wise the theory may be, which leaves to the sagacity and interest of individuals the application of their industry and resources, there are in this, as in other cases, exceptions to the general rule. Besides the condition which the theory itself implies, of a reciprocal adoption by other nations, experience teaches that so many circumstances must concur in introducing and maturing manufacturing establishments, especially of the more complicated kinds, that a country may remain long without them, although sufficiently advanced, and, in some respects, even peculiarly fitted for carrying them on with success. stances giving a powerful impulse to manufacturing Under circumindustry, it has made among us a progress, and exhibited an efficiency, which justify the belief that, with a protection not more than is due to the enterprising citizens whose interests are now at stake, it will become, at an early day, not only safe against occasional competitions from abroad, but a source of domestic wealth, and even of external commerce. In selecting the branches more especially entitled to the public patronage, a preference is obviously claimed by such as will relieve the United States from a dependence on foreign supplies, ever subject to casual failures, for articles necessary for the public defence, or connected with the primary wants of individuals. It will be an additional recommendation of particular manufactures, where the materials for them are extensively drawn from our agriculture, and consequently impart and insure to that great fund of national prosperity and independence an encouragement which cannot fail to be rewarded.

Among the means of advancing the public interest, the occasion is a proper one for recalling the attention of Congress to the great importance of establishing throughout our country the roads and canals which can be best executed, under the national authority. No objects within the circle of political economy so richly repay the expense bestowed on them; there are none, the utility of which is more universally ascertained and acknowledged; none that do more honor to the Governments whose wise and enlarged patriotism duly appreciates them. Nor is there any country which presents a field, where nature invites more the art of man, to complete her own work, for his accommodation and benefit. These considerations are strengthened, moreover, by the political effect of these facilities for intercommunication, in bringing and binding more closely together the various parts of our extended confederacy. Whilst the States, individually, with a laudable enterprise and emulation, avail them

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selves of their local advantages, by new roads, by navigable canals, and by improving the streams susceptible of navigation, the General Government is the more urged to similar undertakings, requiring a national jurisdiction, and national means, by the prospect of thus systematically completing so inestimable a work. And it is a happy reflection, that any defect of Constitutional authority, which may be encountered, can be supplied in a mode which the Constitution itself has providently pointed out.

SENATE.

The Message was read, and one thousand and fifty copies thereof ordered to be printed for the use of the Senate.

The resolution, authorizing Mountjoy Bayly to employ one assistant and two horses, was read the second time, and considered as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendment having been proposed, the President reported it to the House accordingly; and the resolution was ordered to engrossed, and read a third time.

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The present is a favorable season also for bringing The resolution, for the appointment of Chapagain into view the establishment of a National seminary of learning within the District of Columbia, and lains, was read the second time, and considered with means drawn from the property therein subject to as in Committee of the Whole; and no amendthe authority of the General Government. Such an ment having been proposed, the President reinstitution claims the patronage of Congress, as a mon- ported it to the House accordingly; and the ument of their solicitude for the advancement of know-resolution was ordered to be engrossed, and read ledge, without which the blessings of liberty cannot be a third time. fully enjoyed, or long preserved; as a model, instructive in the formation of other seminaries; as a nursery of enlightened preceptors; and, as a central resort of youth and genius from every part of their country, diffusing, on their return, examples of those national feelings, those liberal sentiments, and those congenial

manners, which contribute cement to our union and strength to the great political fabric, of which that is the foundation.

In closing this communication, I ought not to repress a sensibility, in which you will unite, to the happy lot of our country, and to the goodness of a superintending Providence, to which we are indebted for it. Whilst other portions of mankind are laboring under the distresses of war, or struggling with adversity in other forms, the United States are in the tranquil enjoyment of prosperous and honorable peace. In reviewing the scenes through which it has been attained, we can rejoice in the proofs given, that our political institutions, founded in human rights, and framed for their preservation, are equal to the severest trials of war, as well as adapted to the ordinary periods of repose. As fruits of this experience, and of the reputation acquired by the American arms, on the land and on the water, the nation finds itself possessed of a growing respect abroad, and of a just confidence in itself, which are among the best pledges for its peaceful career. Under other aspects of our country, the strongest features of its flourishing condition are seen, in a population rapidly increasing, on a territory as productive as it is extensive; in a general industry and fertile ingenuity, which find their ample rewards; and in an affluent revenue, which admits of a reduction of the public burdens, without withdrawing the means of sustaining the public credit, of gradually discharging the public debt, of providing for the necessary defensive and precautionary establishments, and of patronizing, in every authorized mode, undertakings conducive to the aggregate wealth and individual comfort of our citizens.

It remains for the guardians of the public welfare, to persevere in that justice and good will towards other nations, which invite a return of these sentiments towards the United States; to cherish institutions which guarantee their safety and their liberties, civil and religious; and to combine, with a liberal system of foreign commerce, an improvement of the national advantages, and a protection and extension of the independent resources of our highly favored and happy

country.

In all measures having such objects, my faithful cooperation will be afforded. JAMES MADISON. WASHINGTON, December 5, 1815.

WEDNESDAY, December 6.

JAMES TURNER, from the State of North Carolina, and JOHN CONDIT, from the State of New Jersey, respectively took their seats in the Senate.

Mr. ROBERTS presented the petition of Joseph C. Morgan, attorney in fact for Xaverio Nandi, late Chargé d'Affaires at Tripoli, stating that difficulties had arisen which prevented the settlement of said Xaverio Nandi's account, and praying that the proper officer of the Government may be authorized to settle and discharge the same; and the petition was read, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. ROBERTS, SANFORD, and HORSEY, were appointed the committee.

Babbit, merchant, of the port of Bristol, in the Mr. HUNTER presented the petition of Jacob State of Rhode Island, praying the remission of duties secured to be paid on a large quantity of sugar, which was totally destroyed by the unprecedented storm on the 23d of September last, as therein stated; and the petition was read, and referred to a select committee, to consider and report thereon by bill or otherwise; and Messrs. HUNTER, BIBB, and HOWELL, were appointed the committee.

The resolution for the appointment of Chaplains, was read the third time, and passed as follows:

Resolved, That two Chaplains, of different denominations, be appointed to Congress, during the present session, one by each House, who shall interchange weekly.

The resolution authorizing Mountjoy Bayly a third time and passed. to employ one assistant and two horses, was read

THURSDAY, December 7.

the Legislature of the State of Connecticut, for SAMUEL W. DANA, appointed a Senator by the term of six years, commencing on the 4th day of March last, produced his credentials, was qualified, and he took his seat in the Senate.

JEREMIAH MORROW, from the State of Ohio, also took his seat in the Senate.

Mr. HORSEY, from the joint committee appoint

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ed to inquire into the state of the new building on Capital Hill, offered by the proprietors for the accommodation of Congress, and upon what terms the said building could be obtained until the Capitol may be ready for their reception, made a report which was read.

Mr. HORSEY also asked and obtained leave to report a bill to authorize the President of the United States to lease, for the term therein mentioned, the new building on Capitol Hill, with appurtenances, for the better accommodation of Congress; and the bill was read, and passed to the second reading.

The PRESIDENT communicated the memorial of the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory, praying further time to complete the payments on public lands; which was read and referred to a select committee, to consist of five members, and Messrs. BROWN, MORROW, CHACE, TAIT, and BARBOUR, were appointed the committee.

A message from the House of Representatives informed the Senate that the House have passed a bill, entitled "An act to authorize the President of the United States to lease, for the term therein mentioned, the new building on Capitol Hill, with the appurtenances, for the better accomodation of Congress; in which bill they request the

concurrence of the Senate.

The bill last mentioned was read three times by unanimous consent, and passed.

FRIDAY, December 8.

DECEMBER, 1815.

Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Manufactures, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise.

dent of the United States as relates to Roads and Canals, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise.

Resolved, That so much of the Message of the Presi

dent of the United States as relates to a National SemResolved, That so much of the Message of the Presiinary of Learning within the District of Columbia, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise.

MONDAY, December 11.

ROBERT H. GOLDSBOROUGH, from the State of Maryland, took his seat in the Senate.

The PRESIDENT communicated the report of the Secretary for the Department of War, made conformably to the act of the 3d of March, 1809, entitled "An act further to amend the several acts for the establishment and regulation of the Treasury, War, and Navy Departments;" and the report was read.

The Senate resumed the motion made the 8th instant, for the appointment of a Committee on so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to Foreign Affairs, and agreed thereto; and Messrs. BIbb, Dana, TayLOR, BARRY, and KING, were appointed the com

mittee.

The Senate resumed the motion made the 8th instant, for the appointment of a Committee on so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to the Militia, and agreed thereto; and Messrs. VARNUM, LACOCK, WILSON, TICHENOR, and TURNER, were appointed the com

The PRESIDENT communicated a report of the Secretary for the Department of the Treasury, prepared in obedience to the act, "to establish the Treasury Department, and the act supple-mittee. mentary thereto," and the report was read.

The Senate proceeded to the appointment of a Chaplain on their part, and, on the ballots having been counted, it appeared that the Reverend JOHN GLENDIE had a majority, and was elected. PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

Mr. BIBB submitted the following motions for consideration:

Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Foreign Affairs, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise.

Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to the Militia, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise.

Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Military Affairs, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill ortherwise.

Resolved, That so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Naval Affairs, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise.

The Senate resumed the motion made the 8th instant, for the appointment of a Committee on so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to Military Affairs, and agreed thereto; and Messrs. BARBOUR, WILLIAMS, RUGGLES, GOLDSBOROUGH, and CONDIT, were appointed the committee.

The Senate resumed the motion made the 8th instant, for the appointment of a Committee on so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to Naval Affairs, and agreed thereto; and Messrs. TAIT, DAGGETT, SANFORD, FROMENTIN, and HOWELL, were appointed the committee.

The Senate resumed the motion made the 8th instant, for the appointment of a Committee on United States, as relates to Finance and an Uniso much of the Message of the President of the form National Currency, and agreed thereto; and Messrs. CAMPBELL, CHACE, BIBB, KING, and MaSON, were appointed the committee.

The Senate resumed the motion made the 8th instant, for the appointment of a Committee on so much of the Message of the President of the Resolved, That so much of the Message of the Presi-United States, as relates to Manufactures, and dent of the United States as relates to Finance, and an Uniform National Currency, be referred to a select committee, with leave to report by bill or otherwise.

agreed thereto; and Messrs. HUNTER, ROBERTS, TALBOT, CONDIT, and THOMPSON, were appointed the committee.

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The Senate resumed the motion made the 8th instant, for the appointment of a Committee on so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to Roads and Canals, and agreed thereto; and Messrs. MORROW, BROWN, HORSEY, WILSON, and GORE, were appointed the committee.

The Senate also resumed the motion made the 8th instant, on so much of the Message of the President of the United States, as relates to a National Seminary of Learning within the District of Columbia, and agreed thereto; and Messrs. BROWN, FROMENTIN, SANFORD, DANA, and HUNTER, were appointed the committee.

Mr. DAGGETT presented the petition of Cyprian Nichols, and others, manufacturers of mould candles of tallow, praying a reduction of the duty of three cents per pound, laid on at the last session of Congress, for reasons stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the Committee this day appointed, on so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Manufactures.

Mr. BARBOUR submitted the following motion for consideration:

Resolved, That each member of the Senate be annually furnished with a copy of the Register of the Officers of the Army and Navy of the United States.

Mr. ROBERTS presented the memorial of Thos. Leiper and others, tobacco, cigar, and snuff manufacturers, of the city and county of Philadelphia, praying the repeal of a duty of twenty per centum, ad valorem, imposed upon such articles manufactured or made for sale within the United States, or Territories thereof, by an act of Congress, passed the 18th of January, 1815, for reasons stated at large in the memorial; which was read, and referred to the Committee this day appointed, on so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Manufac

tures.

Mr. ROBERTS presented the petition of Dawson and Monison, and others, brewers of malt liquors, of the city of Philadelphia, representing their grievances from the operation of the excise law, passed by Congress at their last session, and pray. ing relief for reasons stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the Committee last mentioned.

On motion by Mr. DAGGETT,

Resolved, That when the Senate adjourn, they adjourn to meet on Wednesday next, in the new building on Capitol Hill.

The PRESIDENT communicated reports of the Secretary for the Department of Navy, made in obedience to the resolutions of the Senate of the 28th of January, and the 28th of February, 1815, upon the several subjects thereof; which were

read.

WEDNESDAY, December 13.

RUFUS KING, from the State of New York, and JOHN TAYLOR, from the State of South Carolina, respectively took their seats in the Senate,

NATHANIEL MACON, appointed a Senator by

SENATE.

the Legislature of the State of North Carolina, in place of Francis Locke, resigned, produced his credentials, was qualified, and he took his seat in the Senate.

Mr. ROBERTS presented the memorial of Edmund Kinsey and others, manufacturers of saddlery, in the city of Philadelphia, praying a repeal of the taxes on domestic manufactures, for reasons stated at large in the memorial; which was read, and referred to the Committee, appointed the 11th instant, on so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Manufactures.

Mr. ROBERTS also presented the memorial of Lewis Ryan and others, manufacturers of boots and bootees, in the city of Philadelphia, praying the repeal of taxes upon all domestic manufactures, for reasons stated at large in the memorial; which was read, and referred to the committee last mentioned.

Mr. DAGGETT presented the petition of Abel Bissell and others, manufacturers of cotton fabrics, representing their peculiar situation, and praying the interposition of Congress, for protection and relief, as stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the committee last mentioned.

Mr. WILSON presented the petition of John Duckworth, jr., and others, praying the establishment of a post route from Pittstown, in the county of Hunterdon, in the State of New Jersey, to the village of Harmony, in the county of Sussex, for reasons stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to a select committee; and Messrs. WILSON, CONDIT, and ROBERTS, were appointed

the committee.

Reverend Joseph Anderson, praying that the sum Mr. RUGGLES presented the petition of the of $323 68, the first instalment paid by him, on a quarter section of land in Ohio, and forfeited in consequence of non-payment, may be placed to his credit on a subsequent purchase, for reasons stated at large in the petition; which was read, and referred to the committee to whom was referred, the 7th instant, the memorial of the Legislative Council, and House of Representatives of the Mississippi Territory.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion submitted on the 11th instant, by Mr. BARBOUR; which, on his motion, was amended and agreed to, as follows:

Secretary of the Navy be requested to furnish Resolved, That the Secretary of War and the annually, on the first of January, each member of the Senate with a copy of the Register of the Officers of the Army and Navy of the United

States.

THURSDAY, December 14.

Mr. ROBERTS presented the petition of John Thompson, praying interest may be allowed him on an old claim for Revolutionary services, for reasons stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to a select committee; and Messrs. ROBERTS, MACON, and SANFORD, were appointed the committee.

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Mr. FROMENTIN presented the petition of Denis de la Ronde, of New Orleans, in the State of Louisiana, praying compensation for the destruction of certain property by order of General Coffee, in the defence of New Orleans, as is stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the Committee, appointed the 11th instant, on so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Military Affairs.

Mr. FROMENTIN presented the petition of a number of citizens of the State of Louisiana, in behalf of John de Lassize, praying indemnification for property destroyed by the British on the invasion of New Orleans, as stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the committee last mentioned.

Mr. FROMENTIN also presented the petition of a number of citizens of New Orleans, and landholders in the State of Louisiana, in behalf of Jumonville de Villiers and others, praying compensation for property destroyed during the late invasion of that city, as stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the last mentioned committee.

DECEMBER, 1815.

Affairs, reported, in part, a bill for the relief of disbanded soldiers, in certain cases therein mentioned; and the bill was twice read by unanimous consent, considered as in Committee of the Whole, and the further consideration thereof postponed to Monday next.

Mr. FROMENTIN presented the memorial of the President and Directors of the New Orleans Navigation Company, praying a further appropriation to enable them to complete their intended canal, and a confirmation of their title to a certain tract of land, as particularly mentioned in the memorial; which was read, and referred to the committee to whom was referred, the 14th instant, the memorial of the Mayor, Aldermen, and inhabitants of the city of New Orleans.

MONDAY, December 18.

The oath prescribed by law was administered to CHRISTOPHER GORE, his credentials having been read and filed during the last session, and he took his seat in the Senate.

WILLIAM T. BARRY, from the State of Kentucky, also took his seat in the Senate.

Mr. FROMENTIN also presented the petition of the Mayor, Aldermen, and inhabitants of the city Mr. ROBERTS presented the petition of the of New Orleans, praying that the public squares Board of Trustees of the Orphan Asylum of the in said city, occupied for the arsenal, military City of Washington, praying a donation for a site hospital, and barracks, may be sold, and the said for the building, and to aid in its erection, as buildings removed without the suburbs of the stated in the petition; which was read, and recity, for reasons stated at large in the petition; ferred to a select committee, to consist of five which was read, and referred to a select commit- members, to consider and report thereon by bill tee, to consist of five members; and Messrs. FRO- or otherwise; and Messrs. ROBERTS, GOLDSBORMENTIN, BROWN, TAYLOR, WILLIAMS, and MOR-OUGH, BARBOUR, HUNTER, and WILLIAMS, were ROW, were appointed the committee.

On motion, by Mr. CAMPBELL, the annual report of the Secretary of the Treasury, upon the state of the finances of the United States, made the 8th instant, was referred to the Committee, appointed the 11th instant, on so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Finance, and an Uniform National Currency.

appointed the committee.

Mr. BROWN presented the petition of Thomas I. Allen, brother and administrator of William H Allen, late commander of the United States' brig Argus, and in behalf of the surviving officers and crew of that vessel, and the heirs and representa tives of her other officers, and those of her crew deceased, praying remuneration for a number of British vessels, with their cargoes, captured in the Irish Channel, which were destroyed according to orders, as stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the Committee to whom was The PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a com-referred, the 11th instant, so much of the Message munication from William Lambert, made in pursuance of a resolution of the House of Representatives of the United States, of the 18th of February last, comprehending abstracts of such calculations relative to the longitude of the Capitol, in the City of Washington, as were made before the passage of that resolution, with the data on which they are founded; which was read.

FRIDAY, December 15.

Mr. BROWN presented the petition of the heirs and executors of Ignace Delino, late of the State of Louisiana, praying compensation for certain property destroyed by order of General Jackson, during the invasion of that State by the British, as is stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the Committee, appointed the 11th instant, on so much of the Message of the President of the United States as relates to Military Affairs.

Mr. BARBOUR, from the Committee on Military

of the President of the United States as relates to Naval Affairs.

Mr. LACOCK presented the petition of Solomon Parke, and others, watchmakers in the city of Philadelphia, praying that the duties on imported watches and parts of watches may be diminished. for reasons stated in the petition; which was read, and referred to the Committee, appointed the 11th instant, on Manufactures.

Mr. VARNUM presented the petition of John Frothingham and of Arthur Tappan, merchants of Boston, stating that they are native citizens of the United States, and were residing at Montreal, for the purposes of trade, at the time war was declared between the United States and Great Britain; at which time they returned to the United States, and removed a part of their merchandise, and praying to be relieved from penalties incurred by the violation of the non-importation

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