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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/5010-h.zip b/5010-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c72956e --- /dev/null +++ b/5010-h.zip diff --git a/5010-h/5010-h.htm b/5010-h/5010-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7f5b36f --- /dev/null +++ b/5010-h/5010-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2826 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en"> + +<head> + +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1" /> + +<title> +The Project Gutenberg E-text of State of the Union Addresses, by George Washington +</title> + +<style type="text/css"> +body { color: black; + background: white; + margin-right: 10%; + margin-left: 10%; + font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; + text-align: justify } + +p {text-indent: 4% } + +p.noindent {text-indent: 0% } + +p.t1 {text-indent: 0% ; + font-size: 200%; + text-align: center } + +p.t2 {text-indent: 0% ; + font-size: 150%; + text-align: center } + +p.t3 {text-indent: 0% ; + font-size: 100%; + text-align: center } + +p.t3b {text-indent: 0% ; + font-size: 100%; + font-weight: bold; + text-align: center } + +p.t4 {text-indent: 0% ; + font-size: 80%; + text-align: center } + +p.t4b {text-indent: 0% ; + font-size: 80%; + font-weight: bold; + text-align: center } + +p.t5 {text-indent: 0% ; + font-size: 60%; + text-align: center } + +h1 { text-align: center } +h2 { text-align: center } +h3 { text-align: center } +h4 { text-align: center } +h5 { text-align: center } + +p.poem {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10%; } + +p.contents {text-indent: -3%; + margin-left: 5% } + +p.thought {text-indent: 0% ; + letter-spacing: 4em ; + text-align: center } + +p.letter {text-indent: 0%; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +p.footnote {text-indent: 0% ; + font-size: 80%; + margin-left: 10% ; + margin-right: 10% } + +p.transnote {text-indent: 0% ; + margin-left: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +p.intro {font-size: 90% ; + text-indent: -5% ; + margin-left: 5% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +p.quote {text-indent: 4% ; + margin-left: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +p.finis { font-size: larger ; + text-align: center ; + text-indent: 0% ; + margin-left: 0% ; + margin-right: 0% } + +</style> + +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of State of the Union Addresses of George +Washington, by George Washington + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most +other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of +the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + +Title: State of the Union Addresses of George Washington + +Author: George Washington + +Posting Date: November 21, 2014 [EBook #5010] +Release Date: February, 2004 +First Posted: April 11, 2002 +Last Updated: December 16, 2004 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES *** + + + + +Produced by James Linden. HTML version by Al Haines. + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1> +<br /><br /><br /> +State of the Union Addresses of George Washington +</h1> + +<p class="noindent"> +<br /><br /> +The addresses are separated by three asterisks: *** +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Dates of addresses by George Washington in this eBook:<br /><br /> + <a href="#jan1790">January 8, 1790</a><br /> + <a href="#dec1790">December 8, 1790</a><br /> + <a href="#oct1791">October 25, 1791</a><br /> + <a href="#nov1792">November 6, 1792</a><br /> + <a href="#dec1793">December 3, 1793</a><br /> + <a href="#nov1794">November 19, 1794</a><br /> + <a href="#dec1795">December 8, 1795</a><br /> + <a href="#dec1796">December 7, 1796</a><br /> +</p> + +<p><br /><br /></p> + +<p class="t3"> +*** +</p> + +<p><a id="jan1790"></a></p> + +<p class="noindent"> +State of the Union Address<br /> +George Washington<br /> +January 8, 1790<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents itself +of congratulating you on the present favorable prospects of our public +affairs. The recent accession of the important state of North Carolina to +the Constitution of the United States (of which official information has +been received), the rising credit and respectability of our country, the +general and increasing good will toward the government of the Union, and +the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are blessed are circumstances +auspicious in an eminent degree to our national prosperity. +</p> + +<p> +In resuming your consultations for the general good you can not but derive +encouragement from the reflection that the measures of the last session +have been as satisfactory to your constituents as the novelty and +difficulty of the work allowed you to hope. Still further to realize their +expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has +placed within our reach will in the course of the present important session +call for the cool and deliberate exertion of your patriotism, firmness, and +wisdom. +</p> + +<p> +Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of +providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be +prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. +</p> + +<p> +A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a +uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest +require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them +independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies. +</p> + +<p> +The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indispensable +will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements which may be +made respecting it it will be of importance to conciliate the comfortable +support of the officers and soldiers with a due regard to economy. +</p> + +<p> +There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted with regard to +certain hostile tribes of Indians would have relieved the inhabitants of +our southern and western frontiers from their depredations, but you will +perceive from the information contained in the papers which I shall direct +to be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the Commonwealth +of Virginia) that we ought to be prepared to afford protection to those +parts of the Union, and, if necessary, to punish aggressors. +</p> + +<p> +The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with other +nations should be facilitated by such provisions as will enable me to +fulfill my duty in that respect in the manner which circumstances may +render most conducive to the public good, and to this end that the +compensation to be made to the persons who may be employed should, +according to the nature of their appointments, be defined by law, and a +competent fund designated for defraying the expenses incident to the +conduct of foreign affairs. +</p> + +<p> +Various considerations also render it expedient that the terms on which +foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens should be speedily +ascertained by a uniform rule of naturalization. +</p> + +<p> +Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the United States is +an object of great importance, and will, I am persuaded, be duly attended +to. +</p> + +<p> +The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by all proper +means will not, I trust, need recommendation; but I can not forbear +intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual encouragement as well +to the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad as to the +exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, and of +facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of our country by a +due attention to the post-office and post-roads. +</p> + +<p> +Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that there +is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the promotion of +science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of +public happiness. In one in which the measures of government receive their +impressions so immediately from the sense of the community as in ours it is +proportionably essential. +</p> + +<p> +To the security of a free constitution it contributes in various ways--by +convincing those who are intrusted with the public administration that +every valuable end of government is best answered by the enlightened +confidence of the people, and by teaching the people themselves to know and +to value their own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of +them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of +lawful authority; between burthens proceeding from a disregard to their +convenience and those resulting from the inevitable exigencies of society; +to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of +licentiousness--cherishing the first, avoiding the last--and uniting a +speedy but temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an inviolable +respect to the laws. +</p> + +<p> +Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids to +seminaries of learning already established, by the institution of a +national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of a +place in the deliberations of the legislature. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session the +resolution entered into by you expressive of your opinion that an adequate +provision for the support of the public credit is a matter of high +importance to the national honor and prosperity. In this sentiment I +entirely concur; and to a perfect confidence in your best endeavors to +devise such a provision as will be truly with the end I add an equal +reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other branch of the +legislature. +</p> + +<p> +It would be superfluous to specify inducements to a measure in which the +character and interests of the United States are so obviously so deeply +concerned, and which has received so explicit a sanction from your +declaration. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, respectively, such +papers and estimates as regard the affairs particularly recommended to your +consideration, and necessary to convey to you that information of the state +of the Union which it is my duty to afford. +</p> + +<p> +The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and +efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive great satisfaction from a +cooperation with you in the pleasing though arduous task of insuring to our +fellow citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from a +free, efficient, and equal government. +</p> + +<p><br /><br /></p> + +<p class="t3"> +*** +</p> + +<p><a id="dec1790"></a></p> + +<p class="noindent"> +State of the Union Address<br /> +George Washington<br /> +December 8, 1790<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my +congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish +our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed our +country with plenty and with the means of a flourishing commerce. +</p> + +<p> +The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of +American stock abroad as well as at home, and the revenues allotted for +this and other national purposes have been productive beyond the +calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance is the +more pleasing, as it is not only a proof of the fertility of our resources, +but as it assures us of a further increase of the national respectability +and credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable testimony to the +patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine part of our citizens. +The punctuality of the former in discharging their engagements has been +exemplary. +</p> + +<p> +In conformity to the powers vested in me by acts of the last session, a +loan of 3,000,000 florins, toward which some provisional measures had +previously taken place, has been completed in Holland. As well the celerity +with which it has been filled as the nature of the terms (considering the +more than ordinary demand for borrowing created by the situation of Europe) +give a reasonable hope that the further execution of those powers may +proceed with advantage and success. The Secretary of the Treasury has my +directions to communicate such further particulars as may be requisite for +more precise information. +</p> + +<p> +Since your last sessions I have received communications by which it appears +that the district of Kentucky, at present a part of Virginia, has concurred +in certain propositions contained in a law of that State, in consequence of +which the district is to become a distinct member of the Union, in case the +requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this sanction application is +now made. I shall cause the papers on this very transaction to be laid +before you. +</p> + +<p> +The liberality and harmony with which it has been conducted will be found +to do great honor to both the parties, and the sentiments of warm +attachment to the Union and its present Government expressed by our fellow +citizens of Kentucky can not fail to add an affectionate concern for their +particular welfare to the great national impressions under which you will +decide on the case submitted to you. +</p> + +<p> +It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent incursions have been +made on our frontier settlements by certain banditti of Indians from the +northwest side of the Ohio. These, with some of the tribes dwelling on and +near the Wabash, have of late been particularly active in their +depredations, and being emboldened by the impunity of their crimes and +aided by such parts of the neighboring tribes as could be seduced to join +in their hostilities or afford them a retreat for their prisoners and +plunder, they have, instead of listening to the humane invitations and +overtures made on the part of the United States, renewed their violences +with fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a number of valuable +citizens have thus been sacrificed, and some of them under circumstances +peculiarly shocking, whilst others have been carried into a deplorable +captivity. +</p> + +<p> +These aggravated provocations rendered it essential to the safety of the +Western settlements that the aggressors should be made sensible that the +Government of the Union is not less capable of punishing their crimes than +it is disposed to respect their rights and reward their attachments. As +this object could not be effected by defensive measures, it became +necessary to put in force the act which empowers the President to call out +the militia for the protection of the frontiers, and I have accordingly +authorized an expedition in which the regular troops in that quarter are +combined with such drafts of militia as were deemed sufficient. The event +of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary of War is directed to +lay before you a statement of the information on which it is founded, as +well as an estimate of the expense with which it will be attended. +</p> + +<p> +The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical posture of +the great maritime powers, whilst it ought to make us the more thankful for +the general peace and security enjoyed by the United States, reminds us at +the same time of the circumspection with which it becomes us to preserve +these blessings. It requires also that we should not overlook the tendency +of a war, and even of preparations for a war, among the nations most +concerned in active commerce with this country to abridge the means, and +thereby at least enhance the price, of transporting its valuable +productions to their markets. I recommend it to your serious reflections +how far and in what mode it may be expedient to guard against +embarrassments from these contingencies by such encouragements to our own +navigation as will render our commerce and agriculture less dependent on +foreign bottoms, which may fail us in the very moments most interesting to +both of these great objects. Our fisheries and the transportation of our +own produce offer us abundant means for guarding ourselves against this +evil. +</p> + +<p> +Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular branch of our +trade which belongs to the Mediterranean. So many circumstances unite in +rendering the present state of it distressful to us that you will not think +any deliberations misemployed which may lead to its relief and protection. +</p> + +<p> +The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a judiciary +system have opened the doors of justice to all descriptions of persons. You +will consider in your wisdom whether improvements in that system may yet be +made, and particularly whether an uniform process of execution on sentences +issuing from the Federal courts be not desirable through all the States. +</p> + +<p> +The patronage of our commerce, of our merchants and sea men, has called for +the appointment of consuls in foreign countries. It seems expedient to +regulate by law the exercise of that jurisdiction and those functions which +are permitted them, either by express convention or by a friendly +indulgence, in the places of their residence. The consular convention, too, +with His Most Christian Majesty has stipulated in certain cases the aid of +the national authority to his consuls established here. Some legislative +provision is requisite to carry these stipulations into full effect. +</p> + +<p> +The establishment of the militia, of a mint, of standards of weights and +measures, of the post office and post roads are subjects which I presume +you will resume of course, and which are abundantly urged by their own +importance. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the objects to +which they are appropriated leaves no doubt that the residuary provisions +will be commensurate to the other objects for which the public faith stands +now pledged. Allow me, moreover, to hope that it will be a favorite policy +with you, not merely to secure a payment of the interest of the debt +funded, but as far and as fast as the growing resources of the country will +permit to exonerate it of the principal itself. The appropriation you have +made of the Western land explains your dispositions on this subject, and I +am persuaded that the sooner that valuable fund can be made to contribute, +along with the other means, to the actual reduction of the public debt the +more salutary will the measure be to every public interest, as well as the +more satisfactory to our constituents. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +In pursuing the various and weighty business of the present session I +indulge the fullest persuasion that your consultation will be equally +marked with wisdom and animated by the love of your country. In whatever +belongs to my duty you shall have all the cooperation which an undiminished +zeal for its welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us both, and our +best reward, if, by a successful administration of our respective trusts, +we can make the established Government more and more instrumental in +promoting the good of our fellow citizens, and more and more the object of +their attachment and confidence. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +GO. WASHINGTON +</p> + +<p><br /><br /></p> + +<p class="t3"> +*** +</p> + +<p><a id="oct1791"></a></p> + +<p class="noindent"> +State of the Union Address<br /> +George Washington<br /> +October 25, 1791<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +"In vain may we expect peace with the Indians on our frontiers so long as a +lawless set of unprincipled wretches can violate the rights of hospitality, +or infringe the most solemn treaties, without receiving the punishment they +so justly merit." +</p> + +<p> +I meet you upon the present occasion with the feelings which are naturally +inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situations of our common +country, and by a persuasion equally strong that the labors of the session +which has just commenced will, under the guidance of a spirit no less +prudent than patriotic, issue in measures conducive to the stability and +increase of national prosperity. +</p> + +<p> +Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our grateful +acknowledgments, the abundance with which another year has again rewarded +the industry of the husbandman is too important to escape recollection. +</p> + +<p> +Your own observations in your respective situations will have satisfied you +of the progressive state of agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and +navigation. In tracing their causes you will have remarked with particular +pleasure the happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well as +private, to which the Constitution and laws of the United States have so +eminently contributed; and you will have observed with no less interest new +and decisive proofs of the increasing reputation and credit of the nation. +But you nevertheless can not fail to derive satisfaction from the +confirmation of these circumstances which will be disclosed in the several +official communications that will be made to you in the course of your +deliberations. +</p> + +<p> +The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which completed +the sum allowed to be subscribed in a single day, is among the striking and +pleasing evidences which present themselves, not only of confidence in the +Government, but of resource in the community. +</p> + +<p> +In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the execution +of the different objects which were specially provided for by the laws and +resolutions of the last session. +</p> + +<p> +Among the most important of these is the defense and security of the +western frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane principles was a +primary wish. +</p> + +<p> +Accordingly, at the same time the treaties have been provisionally +concluded and other proper means used to attach the wavering and to confirm +in their friendship the well-disposed tribes of Indians, effectual measures +have been adopted to make those of a hostile description sensible that a +pacification was desired upon terms of moderation and justice. +</p> + +<p> +Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to convince +the refractory of the power of the United States to punish their +depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been directed, to be +conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of +humanity. +</p> + +<p> +Some of these have been crowned with full success and others are yet +depending. The expeditions which have been completed were carried on under +the authority and at the expense of the United States by the militia of +Kentucky, whose enterprise, intrepidity, and good conduct are entitled of +peculiar commendation. +</p> + +<p> +Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and +considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them have lately renounced +all further opposition, removed from their former situations, and placed +themselves under the immediate protection of the United States. +</p> + +<p> +It is sincerely to be desired that all need of coercion in future may cease +and that an intimate intercourse may succeed, calculated to advance the +happiness of the Indians and to attach them firmly to the United States. +</p> + +<p> +In order to this it seems necessary--That they should experience the +benefits of an impartial dispensation of justice. That the mode of +alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be so +defined and regulated as to obviate imposition and as far as may be +practicable controversy concerning the reality and extent of the +alienations which are made. That commerce with them should be promoted +under regulations tending to secure an equitable deportment toward them, +and that such rational experiments should be made for imparting to them the +blessings of civilization as may from time to time suit their condition. +That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the +means to which the Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their +immediate interests with the preservation of peace. And that efficacious +provision should be made for inflicting adequate penalties upon all those +who, by violating their rights, shall infringe the treaties and endanger +the peace of the Union. A system corresponding with the mild principles of +religion and philanthropy toward an unenlightened race of men, whose +happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be +as honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of +sound policy. +</p> + +<p> +The powers specially vested in me by the act laying certain duties on +distilled spirits, which respect the subdivisions of the districts into +surveys, the appointment of officers, and the assignment of compensations, +have likewise been carried into effect. In a manner in which both materials +and experience were wanting to guide the calculation it will be readily +conceived that there must have been difficulty in such an adjustment of the +rates of compensation as would conciliate a reasonable competency with a +proper regard to the limits prescribed by the law. It is hoped that the +circumspection which has been used will be found in the result to have +secured the last of the two objects; but it is probable that with a view +to the first in some instances a revision of the provision will be found +advisable. +</p> + +<p> +The impressions with which this law has been received by the community have +been upon the whole such as were to be expected among enlightened and +well-disposed citizens from the propriety and necessity of the measure. The +novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the United States +and a misconception of some of its provisions have given occasion in +particular places to some degree of discontent; but it is satisfactory to +know that this disposition yields to proper explanations and more just +apprehensions of the true nature of the law, and I entertain a full +confidence that it will in all give way to motives which arise out of a +just sense of duty and a virtuous regard to the public welfare. +</p> + +<p> +If there are any circumstances in the law which consistently with its main +design may be so varied as to remove any well-intentioned objections that +may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise moderation to make the +proper variations. It is desirable on all occasions to unite with a steady +and firm adherence to constitutional and necessary acts of Government the +fullest evidence of a disposition as far as may be practicable to consult +the wishes of every part of the community and to lay the foundations of the +public administration in the affections of the people. +</p> + +<p> +Pursuant to the authority contained in the several acts on that subject, a +district of 10 miles square for the permanent seat of the Government of the +United States has been fixed and announced by proclamation, which district +will comprehend lands on both sides of the river Potomac and the towns of +Alexandria and Georgetown. A city has also been laid out agreeably to a +plan which will be placed before Congress, and as there is a prospect, +favored by the rate of sales which have already taken place, of ample funds +for carrying on the necessary public buildings, there is every expectation +of their due progress. +</p> + +<p> +The completion of the census of the inhabitants, for which provision was +made by law, has been duly notified (excepting one instance in which the +return has been informal, and another in which it has been omitted or +miscarried), and the returns of the officers who were charged with this +duty, which will be laid before you, will give you the pleasing assurance +that the present population of the United States borders on 4,000,000 +persons. +</p> + +<p> +It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of 2,500,000 florins +has been completed in Holland, the terms of which are similar to those of +the one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges. Another, +on like terms, for 6,000,000 florins, had been set on foot under +circumstances that assured an immediate completion. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the Senate: +</p> + +<p> +Two treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees and +Six Nations of Indians will be laid before you for your consideration and +ratification. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust you must +anticipate with pleasure that many of the difficulties necessarily incident +to the first arrangements of a new government for an extensive country have +been happily surmounted by the zealous and judicious exertions of your +predecessors in cooperation with the other branch of the Legislature. The +important objects which remain to be accomplished will, I am persuaded, be +conducted upon principles equally comprehensive and equally well calculated +of the advancement of the general weal. +</p> + +<p> +The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by the +act making provision for the debt of the United States having expired, +statements from the proper department will as soon as possible apprise you +of the exact result. Enough, however, is known already to afford an +assurance that the views of that act have been substantially fulfilled. The +subscription in the domestic debt of the United States has embraced by far +the greatest proportion of that debt, affording at the same time proof of +the general satisfaction of the public creditors with the system which has +been proposed to their acceptance and of the spirit of accommodation to the +convenience of the Government with which they are actuated. The +subscriptions in the debts of the respective States as far as the +provisions of the law have permitted may be said to be yet more general. +The part of the debt of the United States which remains unsubscribed will +naturally engage your further deliberations. +</p> + +<p> +It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you that the +revenues which have been established promise to be adequate to their +objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency occurs, to +supersede for the present the necessity of any new burthens upon our +constituents. +</p> + +<p> +An object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the +current service of the ensuing year, together with such ascertained demands +upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, and such +casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public business, for +which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; of all which a +proper estimate will be laid before you. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +I shall content myself with a general reference to former communications +for several objects upon which the urgency of other affairs has hitherto +postponed any definitive resolution. Their importance will recall them to +your attention, and I trust that the progress already made in the most +arduous arrangements of the Government will afford you leisure to resume +them to advantage. +</p> + +<p> +These are, however, some of them of which I can not forbear a more +particular mention. These are the militia, the post office and post roads, +the mint, weights and measures, a provision for the sale of the vacant +lands of the United States. +</p> + +<p> +The first is certainly an object of primary importance whether viewed in +reference to the national security to the satisfaction of the community or +to the preservation of order. In connection with this the establishment of +competent magazines and arsenals and the fortification of such places as +are peculiarly important and vulnerable naturally present themselves to +consideration. The safety of the United States under divine protection +ought to rest on the basis of systematic and solid arrangements, exposed as +little as possible to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances. +</p> + +<p> +The importance of the post office and post roads on a plan sufficiently +liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety, and +facility of communication, is increased by their instrumentality in +diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government, which, +while it contributes to the security of the people, serves also to guard +them against the effects of misrepresentation and misconception. The +establishment of additional cross posts, especially to some of the +important points in the Western and Northern parts of the Union, can not +fail to be of material utility. +</p> + +<p> +The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the scarcity of +small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer classes, +strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the resolution +already entered into concerning the establishment of a mint. Measures have +been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some of the most +necessary artists, together with the requisite apparatus. +</p> + +<p> +An uniformity in the weights and measures of the country is among the +important objects submitted to you by the Constitution, and if it can be +derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must be no less +honorable to the public councils than conducive to the public convenience. +</p> + +<p> +A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is +particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important considerations +that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; that if +timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of burthening +our citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and +that being free to discharge the principal but in a limited proportion, no +opportunity ought to be lost for availing the public of its right. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +GO. WASHINGTON +</p> + +<p><br /><br /></p> + +<p class="t3"> +*** +</p> + +<p><a id="nov1792"></a></p> + +<p class="noindent"> +State of the Union Address<br /> +George Washington<br /> +November 6, 1792<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the +present occasion that, in felicitating you on a continuance of the national +prosperity generally, I am not able to add to it information that the +Indian hostilities which have for some time past distressed our +Northwestern frontier have terminated. +</p> + +<p> +You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I communicate it +that reiterated endeavors toward effecting a pacification have hitherto +issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the +part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. An earnest desire to +procure tranquillity to the frontier, to stop the further effusion of +blood, to arrest the progress of expense, to forward the prevalent wish of +the nation for peace has led to strenuous efforts through various channels +to accomplish these desirable purposes; in making which efforts I consulted +less my own anticipations of the event, or the scruples which some +considerations were calculated to inspire, than the wish to find the object +attainable, or if not attainable, to ascertain unequivocally that such is +the case. +</p> + +<p> +A detail of the measures which have been pursued and of their consequences, +which will be laid before you, while it will confirm to you the want of +success thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as proper and as +efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. The issue of +some of them, indeed, is still depending, but a favorable one, though not +to be despaired of, is not promised by anything that has yet happened. +</p> + +<p> +In the course of the attempts which have been made some valuable citizens +have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A sanction +commonly respected even among savages has been found in this instance +insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace. It will, I +presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not call for an +exercise of liberality toward the families of the deceased. +</p> + +<p> +It must add to your concern to be informed that, besides the continuation +of hostile appearances among the tribes north of the Ohio, some threatening +symptoms have of late been revived among some of those south of it. +</p> + +<p> +A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamaugas, inhabiting five +villages on the Tennessee River, have long been in the practice of +committing depredations on the neighboring settlements. +</p> + +<p> +It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee Nation in +July, 1791, would have prevented a repetition of such depredations; but the +event has not answered this hope. The Chickamaugas, aided by some banditti +of another tribe in their vicinity, have recently perpetrated wanton and +unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the United States in that +quarter. The information which has been received on this subject will be +laid before you. Hitherto defensive precautions only have been strictly +enjoined and observed. +</p> + +<p> +It is not understood that any breach of treaty or aggression whatsoever on +the part of the United States or their citizens is even alleged as a +pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter. +</p> + +<p> +I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made +(pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) to be prepared for the +alternative of a prosecution of the war in the event of a failure of +pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be raised +have been recruited, though the number is still incomplete, and pains have +been taken to discipline and put them in condition for the particular kind +of service to be performed. A delay of operations (besides being dictated +by the measures which were pursuing toward a pacific termination of the +war) has been in itself deemed preferable to immature efforts. A statement +from the proper department with regard to the number of troops raised, and +some other points which have been suggested, will afford more precise +information as a guide to the legislative consultations, and among other +things will enable Congress to judge whether some additional stimulus to +the recruiting service may not be advisable. +</p> + +<p> +In looking forward to the future expense of the operations which may be +found inevitable I derive consolation from the information I receive that +the product of the revenues for the present year is likely to supersede the +necessity of additional burthens on the community for the service of the +ensuing year. This, however, will be better ascertained in the course of +the session, and it is proper to add that the information alluded to +proceeds upon the supposition of no material extension of the spirit of +hostility. +</p> + +<p> +I can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again recommending +to your consideration the expediency of more adequate provision for giving +energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier and for restraining the +commission of outrages upon the Indians, without which all pacific plans +must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent rewards, the employment of +qualified and trusty persons to reside among them as agents would also +contribute to the preservation of peace and good neighborhood. If in +addition to these expedients an eligible plan could be devised for +promoting civilization among the friendly tribes and for carrying on trade +with them upon a scale equal to their wants and under regulations +calculated to protect them from imposition and extortion, its influence in +cementing their interest with ours could not but be considerable. +</p> + +<p> +The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be still +more the case were it not for the impediments which in some places continue +to embarrass the collection of the duties on spirits distilled within the +United States. These impediments have lessened and are lessening in local +extent, and, as applied to the community at large, the contentment with the +law appears to be progressive. +</p> + +<p> +But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves in +certain quarters, I judged a special interposition on my part proper and +advisable, and under this impression have issued a proclamation warning +against all unlawful combinations and proceedings having for their object +or tending to obstruct the operation of the law in question, and announcing +that all lawful ways and means would be strictly put in execution for +bringing to justice the infractors thereof and securing obedience thereto. +</p> + +<p> +Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders, and +Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal limits +which may depend upon me shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just +authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust I shall count entirely upon +the full cooperation of the other departments of the Government and upon +the zealous support of all good citizens. +</p> + +<p> +I can not forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the +subject of a revision of the judiciary system. A representation from the +judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points out some +of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the execution +of the laws considerations arise out of the structure of the system which +in some cases tend to relax their efficacy. As connected with this subject, +provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon processes out of the +courts of the United States and a supplementary definition of offenses +against the Constitution and laws of the Union and of the punishment for +such offenses will, it is presumed, be found worthy of particular +attention. +</p> + +<p> +Observations on the value of peace with other nations are unnecessary. It +would be wise, however, by timely provisions to guard against those acts of +our own citizens which might tend to disturb it, and to put ourselves in a +condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations which we may +sometimes have occasion to require from them. I particularly recommend to +your consideration the means of preventing those aggressions by our +citizens on the territory of other nations, and other infractions of the +law of nations, which, furnishing just subject of complaint, might endanger +our peace with them; and, in general, the maintenance of a friendly +intercourse with foreign powers will be presented to your attention by the +expiration of the law for that purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, +at the close of the present session. +</p> + +<p> +In execution of the authority given by the Legislature measures have been +taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of +our mint. Others have been employed at home. Provision has been made of the +requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for +the purposes of the establishment. There has also been a small beginning in +the coinage of half dimes, the want of small coins in circulation calling +the first attention to them. +</p> + +<p> +The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the principles of +our national coinage, as being essential to their due operation and to +order in our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and completed. +</p> + +<p> +It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes the +post office operate, in experiment, against the transmission of news papers +to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to +be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the +circulation of political intelligence and information will, I doubt not, +lead to the application of a remedy. +</p> + +<p> +The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has been notified +to me. The Legislature will share with me in the satisfaction which arises +from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of the nation to +which it relates and conducive to the general order. +</p> + +<p> +It is proper likewise to inform you that since my last communication on the +subject, and in further execution of the acts severally making provision +for the public debt and for the reduction thereof, three new loans have +been effected, each for 3,000,000 florins--one at Antwerp, at the annual +interest of 4.5%, with an allowance of 4% in lieu of all charges, in the +other 2 at Amsterdam, at the annual interest of 4%, with an allowance of +5.5% in one case and of 5% in the other in lieu of all charges. The rates +of these loans and the circumstances under which they have been made are +confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad. +</p> + +<p> +Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, +the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers, according to the +provision made during the last session, has been embraced. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is now +sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon a systematic and effectual +arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt, +according to the right which has been reserved to the Government. No +measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic +importance or to the general sentiment and wish of the nation. +</p> + +<p> +Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which has +been made of the Bank of the United States, pursuant to the eleventh +section of the act by which it is incorporated. In fulfilling the public +stipulations in this particular it is expected a valuable saving will be +made. +</p> + +<p> +Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year and for such +extraordinaries as may require provision will demand, and I doubt not will +engage, your early attention. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +I content myself with recalling your attention generally to such objects, +not particularized in my present, as have been suggested in my former +communications to you. +</p> + +<p> +Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among these, +that which regulates trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes will +merit particular notice. +</p> + +<p> +The results of your common deliberations hitherto will, I trust, be +productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents, such as, by +conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend to strengthen +and confirm their attachment to that Constitution of Government upon which, +under Divine Providence, materially depend their union, their safety, and +their happiness. +</p> + +<p> +Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends there is nothing +which can have a more powerful tendency than the careful cultivation of +harmony, combined with a due regard to stability, in the public councils. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +GO. WASHINGTON +</p> + +<p><br /><br /></p> + +<p class="t3"> +*** +</p> + +<p><a id="dec1793"></a></p> + +<p class="noindent"> +State of the Union Address<br /> +George Washington<br /> +December 3, 1793<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +Since the commencement of the term for which I have been again called into +office no fit occasion has arisen for expressing to my fellow citizens at +large the deep and respectful sense which I feel of the renewed testimony +of public approbation. While on the one hand it awakened my gratitude for +all those instances of affectionate partiality with which I have been +honored by my country, on the other it could not prevent an earnest wish +for that retirement from which no private consideration should ever have +torn me. But influenced by the belief that my conduct would be estimated +according to its real motives, and that the people, and the authorities +derived from them, would support exertions having nothing personal for +their object, I have obeyed the suffrage which commanded me to resume the +Executive power; and I humbly implore that Being on whose will the fate of +nations depends to crown with success our mutual endeavors for the general +happiness. +</p> + +<p> +As soon as the war in Europe had embraced those powers with whom the United +States have the most extensive relations there was reason to apprehend that +our intercourse with them might be interrupted and our disposition for +peace drawn into question by the suspicions too often entertained by +belligerent nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty to admonish our +citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and of hostile acts to +any of the parties, and to obtain by a declaration of the existing legal +state of things an easier admission of our right to the immunities +belonging to our situation. Under these impressions the proclamation which +will be laid before you was issued. +</p> + +<p> +In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved to adopt +general rules which should conform to the treaties and assert the +privileges of the United States. These were reduced into a system, which +will be communicated to you. Although I have not thought of myself at +liberty to forbid the sale of the prizes permitted by our treaty of +commerce with France to be brought into our ports, I have not refused to +cause them to be restored when they were taken within the protection of our +territory, or by vessels commissioned or equipped in a warlike form within +the limits of the United States. +</p> + +<p> +It rests with the wisdom of Congress to correct, improve, or enforce this +plan of procedure; and it will probably be found expedient to extend the +legal code and the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States to many +cases which, though dependent on principles already recognized, demand some +further provisions. +</p> + +<p> +Where individuals shall, within the United States, array themselves in +hostility against any of the powers at war, or enter upon military +expeditions or enterprises within the jurisdiction of the United States, or +usurp and exercise judicial authority within the United States, or where +the penalties on violations of the law of nations may have been +indistinctly marked, or are inadequate--these offenses can not receive too +early and close an attention, and require prompt and decisive remedies. +</p> + +<p> +Whatsoever those remedies may be, they will be well administered by the +judiciary, who possess a long-established course of investigation, +effectual process, and officers in the habit of executing it. +</p> + +<p> +In like manner, as several of the courts have doubted, under particular +circumstances, their power to liberate the vessels of a nation at peace, +and even of a citizen of the United States, although seized under a false +color of being hostile property, and have denied their power to liberate +certain captures within the protection of our territory, it would seem +proper to regulate their jurisdiction in these points. But if the Executive +is to be the resort in either of the two last-mentioned cases, it is hoped +that he will be authorized by law to have facts ascertained by the courts +when for his own information he shall request it. +</p> + +<p> +I can not recommend to your notice measures for the fulfillment of our +duties to the rest of the world without again pressing upon you the +necessity of placing ourselves in a condition of complete defense and of +exacting from them the fulfillment of their duties toward us. The United +States ought not to indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order of +human events, they will forever keep at a distance those painful appeals to +arms with which the history of every other nation abounds. There is a rank +due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not +absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid +insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of +the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known +that we are at all times ready for war. The documents which will be +presented to you will shew the amount and kinds of arms and military stores +now in our magazines and arsenals; and yet an addition even to these +supplies can not with prudence be neglected, as it would leave nothing to +the uncertainty of procuring warlike apparatus in the moment of public +danger. +</p> + +<p> +Nor can such arrangements, with such objects, be exposed to the censure or +jealousy of the warmest friends of republican government. They are +incapable of abuse in the hands of the militia, who ought to possess a +pride in being the depository of the force of the Republic, and may be +trained to a degree of energy equal to every military exigency of the +United States. But it is an inquiry which can not be too solemnly pursued, +whether the act "more effectually to provide for the national defense by +establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States" has organized +them so as to produce their full effect; whether your own experience in the +several States has not detected some imperfections in the scheme, and +whether a material feature in an improvement of it ought not to be to +afford an opportunity for the study of those branches of the military art +which can scarcely ever be attained by practice alone. +</p> + +<p> +The connection of the United States with Europe has become extremely +interesting. The occurrences which relate to it and have passed under the +knowledge of the Executive will be exhibited to Congress in a subsequent +communication. +</p> + +<p> +When we contemplate the war on our frontiers, it may be truly affirmed that +every reasonable effort has been made to adjust the causes of dissension +with the Indians north of the Ohio. The instructions given to the +commissioners evince a moderation and equity proceeding from a sincere love +of peace, and a liberality having no restriction but the essential +interests and dignity of the United States. The attempt, however, of an +amicable negotiation having been frustrated, the troops have marched to act +offensively. Although the proposed treaty did not arrest the progress of +military preparation, it is doubtful how far the advance of the season, +before good faith justified active movements, may retard them during the +remainder of the year. From the papers and intelligence which relate to +this important subject you will determine whether the deficiency in the +number of troops granted by law shall be compensated by succors of militia, +or additional encouragements shall be proposed to recruits. +</p> + +<p> +An anxiety has been also demonstrated by the Executive for peace with the +Creeks and the Cherokees. The former have been relieved with corn and with +clothing, and offensive measures against them prohibited during the recess +of Congress. To satisfy the complaints of the latter, prosecutions have +been instituted for the violences committed upon them. But the papers which +will be delivered to you disclose the critical footing on which we stand in +regard to both those tribes, and it is with Congress to pronounce what +shall be done. +</p> + +<p> +After they shall have provided for the present emergency, it will merit +their most serious labors to render tranquillity with the savages permanent +by creating ties of interest. Next to a rigorous execution of justice on +the violators of peace, the establishment of commerce with the Indian +nations in behalf of the United States is most likely to conciliate their +attachment. But it ought to be conducted without fraud, without extortion, +with constant and plentiful supplies, with a ready market for the +commodities of the Indians and a stated price for what they give in payment +and receive in exchange. Individuals will not pursue such a traffic unless +they be allured by the hope of profit; but it will be enough for the United +States to be reimbursed only. Should this recommendation accord with the +opinion of Congress, they will recollect that it can not be accomplished by +any means yet in the hands of the Executive. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +The commissioners charged with the settlement of accounts between the +United States and individual States concluded their important function +within the time limited by law, and the balances struck in their report, +which will be laid before Congress, have been placed on the books of the +Treasury. +</p> + +<p> +On the first day of June last an installment of 1,000,000 florins became +payable on the loans of the United States in Holland. This was adjusted by +a prolongation of the period of reimbursement in nature of a new loan at an +interest of 5% for the term of ten years, and the expenses of this +operation were a commission of 3%. +</p> + +<p> +The first installment of the loan of $2,000,000 from the Bank of the United +States has been paid, as was directed by law. For the second it is +necessary that provision be made. +</p> + +<p> +No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular redemption and +discharge of the public debt. On none can delay be more injurious or an +economy of time more valuable. +</p> + +<p> +The productiveness of the public revenues hitherto has continued to equal +the anticipations which were formed of it, but it is not expected to prove +commensurate with all the objects which have been suggested. Some auxiliary +provisions will therefore, it is presumed, be requisite, and it is hoped +that these may be made consistently with a due regard to the convenience of +our citizens, who can not but be sensible of the true wisdom of +encountering a small present addition to their contributions to obviate a +future accumulation of burthens. +</p> + +<p> +But here I can not forbear to recommend a repeal of the tax on the +transportation of public prints. There is no resource so firm for the +Government of the United States as the affections of the people, guided by +an enlightened policy; and to this primary good nothing can conduce more +than a faithful representation of public proceedings, diffused without +restraint throughout the United States. +</p> + +<p> +An estimate of the appropriations necessary for the current service of the +ensuing year and a statement of a purchase of arms and military stores made +during the recess will be presented to Congress. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +The several subjects to which I have now referred open a wide range to your +deliberations and involve some of the choicest interests of our common +country. Permit me to bring to your remembrance the magnitude of your task. +Without an unprejudiced coolness the welfare of the Government may be +hazarded; without harmony as far as consists with freedom of sentiment its +dignity may be lost. But as the legislative proceedings of the United +States will never, I trust, be reproached for the want of temper or of +candor, so shall not the public happiness languish from the want of my +strenuous and warmest cooperation. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +GO. WASHINGTON +</p> + +<p><br /><br /></p> + +<p class="t3"> +*** +</p> + +<p><a id="nov1794"></a></p> + +<p class="noindent"> +State of the Union Address<br /> +George Washington<br /> +November 19, 1794<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven by which the +American people became a nation; when we survey the general prosperity of +our country, and look forward to the riches, power, and happiness to which +it seems destined, with the deepest regret do I announce to you that during +your recess some of the citizens of the United States have been found +capable of insurrection. It is due, however, to the character of our +Government and to its stability, which can not be shaken by the enemies of +order, freely to unfold the course of this event. +</p> + +<p> +During the session of the year 1790 it was expedient to exercise the +legislative power granted by the Constitution of the United States "to lay +and collect excises". In a majority of the States scarcely an objection was +heard to this mode of taxation. In some, indeed, alarms were at first +conceived, until they were banished by reason and patriotism. In the four +western counties of Pennsylvania a prejudice, fostered and imbittered by +the artifice of men who labored for an ascendency over the will of others +by the guidance of their passions, produced symptoms of riot and violence. +</p> + +<p> +It is well known that Congress did not hesitate to examine the complaints +which were presented, and to relieve them as far as justice dictated or +general convenience would permit. But the impression which this moderation +made on the discontented did not correspond with what it deserved. The arts +of delusion were no longer confined to the efforts of designing +individuals. The very forbearance to press prosecutions was misinterpreted +into a fear of urging the execution of the laws, and associations of men +began to denounce threats against the officers employed. From a belief that +by a more formal concert their operation might be defeated, certain +self-created societies assumed the tone of condemnation. Hence, while the +greater part of Pennsylvania itself were conforming themselves to the acts +of excise, a few counties were resolved to frustrate them. It is now +perceived that every expectation from the tenderness which had been +hitherto pursued was unavailing, and that further delay could only create +an opinion of impotency or irresolution in the Government. Legal process +was therefore delivered to the marshal against the rioters and delinquent +distillers. +</p> + +<p> +No sooner was he understood to be engaged in this duty than the vengeance +of armed men was aimed at his person and the person and property of the +inspector of the revenue. They fired upon the marshal, arrested him, and +detained him for some time as a prisoner. He was obliged, by the jeopardy +of his life, to renounce the service of other process on the west side of +the Allegheny Mountain, and a deputation was afterwards sent to him to +demand a surrender of that which he had served. A numerous body repeatedly +attacked the house of the inspector, seized his papers of office, and +finally destroyed by fire his buildings and whatsoever they contained. Both +of these officers, from a just regard to their safety, fled to the seat of +Government, it being avowed that the motives to such outrages were to +compel the resignation of the inspector, to withstand by force of arms the +authority of the United States, and thereby to extort a repeal of the laws +of excise and an alteration in the conduct of Government. +</p> + +<p> +Upon testimony of these facts an associate justice of the Supreme Court of +the United States notified to me that "in the counties of Washington and +Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, laws of the United States were opposed, and the +execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed +by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in +the marshal of that district". +</p> + +<p> +On this call, momentous in the extreme, I sought and weighted what might +best subdue the crisis. On the one hand the judiciary was pronounced to be +stripped of its capacity to enforce the laws; crimes which reached the very +existence of social order were perpetrated without control; the friends of +Government were insulted, abused, and overawed into silence or an apparent +acquiescence; and to yield to the treasonable fury of so small a portion of +the United States would be to violate the fundamental principle of our +Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority shall prevail. On +the other, to array citizen against citizen, to publish the dishonor of +such excesses, to encounter the expense and other embarrassments of so +distant an expedition, were steps too delicate, too closely interwoven with +many affecting considerations, to be lightly adopted. +</p> + +<p> +I postponed, therefore, the summoning of the militia immediately into the +field, but I required them to be held in readiness, that if my anxious +endeavors to reclaim the deluded and to convince the malignant of their +danger should be fruitless, military force might be prepared to act before +the season should be too far advanced. +</p> + +<p> +My proclamation of the 7th of August last was accordingly issued, and +accompanied by the appointment of commissioners, who were charged to +repair to the scene of insurrection. They were authorized to confer +with any bodies of men or individuals. They were instructed to be +candid and explicit in stating the sensations which had been excited in the +Executive, and his earnest wish to avoid a resort to coercion; to +represent, however, that, without submission, coercion must be the resort; +but to invite them, at the same time, to return to the demeanor of faithful +citizens, by such accommodations as lay within the sphere of Executive +power. Pardon, too, was tendered to them by the Government of the United +States and that of Pennsylvania, upon no other condition than a +satisfactory assurance of obedience to the laws. +</p> + +<p> +Although the report of the commissioners marks their firmness and +abilities, and must unite all virtuous men, by shewing that the means of +conciliation have been exhausted, all of those who had committed or abetted +the tumults did not subscribe the mild form which was proposed as the +atonement, and the indications of a peaceable temper were neither +sufficiently general nor conclusive to recommend or warrant the further +suspension of the march of the militia. +</p> + +<p> +Thus the painful alternative could not be discarded. I ordered the militia +to march, after once more admonishing the insurgents in my proclamation of +the 25th of September last. +</p> + +<p> +It was a task too difficult to ascertain with precision the lowest degree +of force competent to the quelling of the insurrection. From a respect, +indeed, to economy and the ease of my fellow citizens belonging to the +militia, it would have gratified me to accomplish such an estimate. My very +reluctance to ascribe too much importance to the opposition, had its extent +been accurately seen, would have been a decided inducement to the smallest +efficient numbers. In this uncertainty, therefore, I put into motion fifteen +thousand men, as being an army which, according to all human calculation, +would be prompt and adequate in every view, and might, perhaps, by rendering +resistance desperate, prevent the effusion of blood. Quotas had been +assigned to the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, +the governor of Pennsylvania having declared on this occasion an opinion +which justified a requisition to the other States. +</p> + +<p> +As commander in chief of the militia when called into the actual service of +the United States, I have visited the places of general rendezvous to +obtain more exact information and to direct a plan for ulterior movements. +Had there been room for a persuasion that the laws were secure from +obstruction; that the civil magistrate was able to bring to justice such of +the most culpable as have not embraced the proffered terms of amnesty, and +may be deemed fit objects of example; that the friends to peace and good +government were not in need of that aid and countenance which they ought +always to receive, and, I trust, ever will receive, against the vicious and +turbulent, I should have caught with avidity the opportunity of restoring +the militia to their families and homes. But succeeding intelligence has +tended to manifest the necessity of what has been done, it being now +confessed by those who were not inclined to exaggerate the ill conduct of +the insurgents that their malevolence was not pointed merely to a +particular law, but that a spirit inimical to all order has actuated many +of the offenders. If the state of things had afforded reason for the +continuance of my presence with the army, it would not have been +withholden. But every appearance assuring such an issue as will redound to +the reputation and strength of the United States, I have judged it most +proper to resume my duties at the seat of Government, leaving the chief +command with the governor of Virginia. +</p> + +<p> +Still, however, as it is probable that in a commotion like the present, +whatsoever may be the pretense, the purposes of mischief and revenge may +not be laid aside, the stationing of a small force for a certain period in +the four western counties of Pennsylvania will be indispensable, whether we +contemplate the situation of those who are connected with the execution of +the laws or of others who may have exposed themselves by an honorable +attachment to them. Thirty days from the commencement of this session being +the legal limitation of the employment of the militia, Congress can not be +too early occupied with this subject. +</p> + +<p> +Among the discussions which may arise from this aspect of our affairs, and +from the documents which will be submitted to Congress, it will not escape +their observation that not only the inspector of the revenue, but other +officers of the United States in Pennsylvania have, from their fidelity in +the discharge of their functions, sustained material injuries to their +property. The obligation and policy of indemnifying them are strong and +obvious. It may also merit attention whether policy will not enlarge this +provision to the retribution of other citizens who, though not under the +ties of office, may have suffered damage by their generous exertions for +upholding the Constitution and the laws. The amount, even if all the +injured were included, would not be great, and on future emergencies the +Government would be amply repaid by the influence of an example that he who +incurs a loss in its defense shall find a recompense in its liberality. +</p> + +<p> +While there is cause to lament that occurrences of this nature should have +disgraced the name or interrupted the tranquillity of any part of our +community, or should have diverted to a new application any portion of the +public resources, there are not wanting real and substantial consolations +for the misfortune. It has demonstrated that our prosperity rests on solid +foundations, by furnishing an additional proof that my fellow citizens +understand the true principles of government and liberty; that they feel +their inseparable union; that notwithstanding all the devices which have +been used to sway them from their interest and duty, they are not as ready +to maintain the authority of the laws against licentious invasions as they +were to defend their rights against usurpation. It has been a spectacle +displaying to the highest advantage of republican government to behold the +most and the least wealthy of our citizens standing in the same ranks as +private soldiers, preeminently distinguished by being the army of the +Constitution--undeterred by a march of 300 miles over rugged mountains, by +approach of an inclement season, or by any other discouragement. Nor ought +I to omit to acknowledge the efficacious and patriotic cooperation which I +have experienced from the chief magistrates of the States to which my +requisitions have been addressed. +</p> + +<p> +To every description of citizens, let praise be given, but let them +persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious depository of +American happiness, the Constitution of the United States. Let them cherish +it, too, for the sake of those who, from every clime, are daily seeking a +dwelling in our land. And when in the calm moments of reflection they shall +have retraced the origin and progress of the insurrection, let them +determine whether it has not been fomented by combinations of men who, +careless of consequences and disregarding the unerring truth that those who +rouse can not always appease a civil convulsion, have disseminated, from an +ignorance or perversion of facts, suspicions, jealousies, and accusations +of the whole Government. +</p> + +<p> +Having thus fulfilled the engagement which I took when I entered into +office, "to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the +Constitution of the United States", on you, gentlemen, and the people by +whom you are deputed, I rely for support. +</p> + +<p> +In the arrangement to which the possibility of a similar contingency will +naturally draw your attention it ought not to be forgotten that the militia +laws have exhibited such striking defects as could not have been supplied +by the zeal of our citizens. Besides the extraordinary expense and waste, +which are not the least of the defects, every appeal to those laws is +attended with a doubt on its success. +</p> + +<p> +The devising and establishing of a well regulated militia would be a +genuine source of legislative honor and a perfect title to public +gratitude. I therefore entertain a hope that the present session will not +pass without carrying to its full energy the power of organizing, arming, +and disciplining the militia, and thus providing, in the language of the +Constitution, for calling them forth to execute the laws of the Union, +suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. +</p> + +<p> +As auxiliary to the state of our defense, to which Congress can never too +frequently recur, they will not omit to inquire whether the fortifications +which have been already licensed by law be commensurate with our +exigencies. +</p> + +<p> +The intelligence from the army under the command of General Wayne is a +happy presage to our military operations against the hostile Indians north +of the Ohio. From the advices which have been forwarded, the advance which +he has made must have damped the ardor of the savages and weakened their +obstinacy in waging war against the United States. And yet, even at this +late hour, when our power to punish them can not be questioned, we shall +not be unwilling to cement a lasting peace upon terms of candor, equity, +and good neighborhood. +</p> + +<p> +Toward none of the Indian tribes have overtures of friendship been spared. +The Creeks in particular are covered from encroachment by the imposition of +the General Government and that of Georgia. From a desire also to remove +the discontents of the Six Nations, a settlement mediated at Presque Isle, +on Lake Erie, has been suspended, and an agent is now endeavoring to +rectify any misconception into which they may have fallen. But I can not +refrain from again pressing upon your deliberations the plan which I +recommended at the last session for the improvement of harmony with all the +Indians within our limits by the fixing and conducting of trading houses +upon the principles then expressed. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +The time which has elapsed since the commencement of our fiscal measures +has developed our pecuniary resources so as to open the way for a definite +plan for the redemption of the public debt. It is believed that the result +is such as to encourage Congress to consummate this work without delay. +Nothing can more promote the permanent welfare of the nation and nothing +would be more grateful to our constituents. Indeed, whatsoever is +unfinished of our system of public credit can not be benefited by +procrastination; and as far as may be practicable we ought to place that +credit on grounds which can not be disturbed, and to prevent that +progressive accumulation of debt which must ultimately endanger all +governments. +</p> + +<p> +An estimate of the necessary appropriations, including the expenditures +into which we have been driven by the insurrection, will be submitted to +Congress. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +The Mint of the United States has entered upon the coinage of the precious +metals, and considerable sums of defective coins and bullion have been +lodged with the Director by individuals. There is a pleasing prospect that +the institution will at no remote day realize the expectation which was +originally formed of its utility. +</p> + +<p> +In subsequent communications certain circumstances of our intercourse with +foreign nations will be transmitted to Congress. However, it may not be +unseasonable to announce that my policy in our foreign transactions has +been to cultivate peace with all the world; to observe the treaties with +pure and absolute faith; to check every deviation from the line of +impartiality; to explain what may have been misapprehended and correct what +may have been injurious to any nation, and having thus acquired the right, +to lose no time in acquiring the ability to insist upon justice being done +to ourselves. +</p> + +<p> +Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to +spread his holy protection over these United States; to turn the +machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our Constitution; to enable +us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to flight; +to perpetuate to our country that prosperity which his goodness has already +conferred, and to verify the anticipations of this Government being a +safeguard of human rights. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +GO. WASHINGTON +</p> + +<p><br /><br /></p> + +<p class="t3"> +*** +</p> + +<p><a id="dec1795"></a></p> + +<p class="noindent"> +State of the Union Address<br /> +George Washington<br /> +December 8, 1795<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +I trust I do not deceive myself when I indulge the persuasion that I have +never met you at any period when more than at the present the situation of +our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation, and +for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all +Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy. +</p> + +<p> +The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war in which we +have been engaged with certain Indians northwest of the Ohio is placed in +the option of the United States by a treaty which the commander of our army +has concluded provisionally with the hostile tribes in that region. +</p> + +<p> +In the adjustment of the terms the satisfaction of the Indians was deemed +worthy no less of the policy than of the liberality of the United States as +the necessary basis of durable tranquillity. The object, it is believed, +has been fully attained. The articles agreed upon will immediately be laid +before the Senate for their consideration. +</p> + +<p> +The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the Southern tribes had +annoyed our frontiers, have lately confirmed their preexisting treaties +with us, and were giving evidence of a sincere disposition to carry them +into effect by the surrender of the prisoners and property they had taken. +But we have to lament that the fair prospect in this quarter has been once +more clouded by wanton murders, which some citizens of Georgia are +represented to have recently perpetrated on hunting parties of the Creeks, +which have again subjected that frontier to disquietude and danger, which +will be productive of further expense, and may occasion more effusion of +blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate the usual consequences +of such outrages, and with the hope of their succeeding at least to avert +general hostility. +</p> + +<p> +A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his recognition of our +treaty made with his father, the late Emperor, and consequently the +continuance of peace with that power. With peculiar satisfaction I add that +information has been received from an agent deputed on our part to Algiers +importing that the terms of the treaty with the Dey and Regency of that +country had been adjusted in such a manner as to authorize the expectation +of a speedy peace and the restoration of our unfortunate fellow citizens +from a grievous captivity. +</p> + +<p> +The latest advices from our envoy at the Court of Madrid give, moreover, +the pleasing information that he had assurances of a speedy and +satisfactory conclusion of his negotiation. While the event depending upon +unadjusted particulars can not be regarded as ascertained, it is agreeable +to cherish the expectation of an issue which, securing amicably very +essential interests of the United States, will at the same time lay the +foundation of lasting harmony with a power whose friendship we have +uniformly and sincerely desired to cultivate. +</p> + +<p> +Though not before officially disclosed to the House of Representatives, +you, gentlemen, are all apprised that a treaty of amity, commerce, and +navigation has been negotiated with Great Britain, and that the Senate have +advised and consented to its ratification upon a condition which excepts +part of one article. Agreeably thereto, and to the best judgment I was able +to form of the public interest after full and mature deliberation, I have +added my sanction. The result on the part of His Britannic Majesty is +unknown. When received, the subject will without delay be placed before +Congress. +</p> + +<p> +This interesting summary of our affairs with regard to the foreign powers +between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted, and with +regard also to those of our Indian neighbors with whom we have been in a +state of enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for consoling and +gratifying reflections. If by prudence and moderation on every side the +extinguishment of all the causes of external discord which have heretofore +menaced our tranquillity, on terms compatible with our national rights and +honor, shall be the happy result, how firm and how precious a foundation +will have been laid for accelerating, maturing, and establishing the +prosperity of our country. +</p> + +<p> +Contemplating the internal situation as well as the external relations of +the United States, we discover equal cause for contentment and +satisfaction. While many of the nations of Europe, with their American +dependencies, have been involved in a contest unusually bloody, exhausting, +and calamitous, in which the evils of foreign war have been aggravated by +domestic convulsion and insurrection; in which many of the arts most useful +to society have been exposed to discouragement and decay; in which scarcity +of subsistence has imbittered other sufferings; while even the +anticipations of a return of the blessings of peace and repose are alloyed +by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, which press upon all the +departments of industry and threaten to clog the future springs of +government, our favored country, happy in a striking contrast, has enjoyed +tranquillity--a tranquillity the more satisfactory because maintained at +the expense of no duty. Faithful to ourselves, we have violated no +obligation to others. +</p> + +<p> +Our agriculture, commerce, and manufactures prosper beyond former example, +the molestations of our trade (to prevent a continuance of which, however, +very pointed remonstrances have been made) being overbalanced by the +aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral position. Our population +advances with a celerity which, exceeding the most sanguine calculations, +proportionally augments our strength and resources, and guarantees our +future security. +</p> + +<p> +Every part of the Union displays indications of rapid and various +improvement; and with burthens so light as scarcely to be perceived, with +resources fully adequate to our present exigencies, with governments +founded on the genuine principles of rational liberty, and with mild and +wholesome laws, is it too much to say that our country exhibits a spectacle +of national happiness never surpassed, if ever before equaled? +</p> + +<p> +Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of commanding force +impel us, with sincere acknowledgment to Heaven and pure love to our +country, to unite our efforts to preserve, prolong, and improve our immense +advantages. To cooperate with you in this desirable work is a fervent and +favorite wish of my heart. +</p> + +<p> +It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our welfare that the +part of our country which was lately the scene of disorder and insurrection +now enjoys the blessings of quiet and order. The misled have abandoned +their errors, and pay the respect to our Constitution and laws which is due +from good citizens to the public authorities of the society. These +circumstances have induced me to pardon generally the offenders here +referred to, and to extend forgiveness to those who had been adjudged to +capital punishment. For though I shall always think it a sacred duty to +exercise with firmness and energy the constitutional powers with which I am +vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent with the public good than +it is with my personal feelings to mingle in the operations of Government +every degree of moderation and tenderness which the national justice, +dignity, and safety may permit. +</p> + +<p> +Gentlemen: Among the objects which will claim your attention in the course +of the session, a review of our military establishment is not the least +important. It is called for by the events which have changed, and may be +expected still further to change, the relative situation of our frontiers. +In this review you will doubtless allow due weight to the considerations +that the questions between us and certain foreign powers are not yet +finally adjusted, that the war in Europe is not yet terminated, and that +our Western posts, when recovered, will demand provision for garrisoning +and securing them. A statement of our present military force will be laid +before you by the Department of War. +</p> + +<p> +With the review of our Army establishment is naturally connected that of +the militia. It will merit inquiry what imperfections in the existing plan +further experience may have unfolded. The subject is of so much moment in +my estimation as to excite a constant solicitude that the consideration of +it may be renewed until the greatest attainable perfection shall be +accomplished. Time is wearing away some advantages for forwarding the +object, while none better deserves the persevering attention of the public +councils. +</p> + +<p> +While we indulge the satisfaction which the actual condition of our Western +borders so well authorizes, it is necessary that we should not lose sight +of an important truth which continually receives new confirmations, namely, +that the provisions heretofore made with a view to the protection of the +Indians from the violences of the lawless part of our frontier inhabitants +are insufficient. It is demonstrated that these violences can now be +perpetrated with impunity, and it can need no argument to prove that unless +the murdering of Indians can be restrained by bringing the murderers to +condign punishment, all the exertions of the Government to prevent +destructive retaliations by the Indians will prove fruitless and all our +present agreeable prospects illusory. The frequent destruction of innocent +women and children, who are chiefly the victims of retaliation, must +continue to shock humanity, and an enormous expense to drain the Treasury +of the Union. +</p> + +<p> +To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice it is indispensable +that there shall be competent means of rendering justice to them. If these +means can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, and especially if there can +be added an adequate provision for supplying the necessities of the Indians +on reasonable terms (a measure the mention of which I the more readily +repeat, as in all the conferences with them they urge it with solicitude), +I should not hesitate to entertain a strong hope of rendering our +tranquillity permanent. I add with pleasure that the probability even of +their civilization is not diminished by the experiments which have been +thus far made under the auspices of Government. The accomplishment of this +work, if practicable, will reflect undecaying luster on our national +character and administer the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds +can know. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been borrowed and +reimbursed pursuant to different acts of Congress, will be submitted from +the proper Department, together with an estimate of the appropriations +necessary to be made for the service of the ensuing year. +</p> + +<p> +Whether measures may not be advisable to reinforce the provision of the +redemption of the public debt will naturally engage your examination. +Congress have demonstrated their sense to be, and it were superfluous to +repeat mine, that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable +extinction of our public debt accords as much with the true interest of our +country as with the general sense of our constituents. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +The statements which will be laid before you relative to the Mint will shew +the situation of that institution and the necessity of some further +legislative provisions for carrying the business of it more completely into +effect, and for checking abuses which appear to be arising in particular +quarters. +</p> + +<p> +The progress in providing materials for the frigates and in building them, +the state of the fortifications of our harbors, the measures which have +been pursued for obtaining proper sites for arsenals and for replenishing +our magazines with military stores, and the steps which have been taken +toward the execution of the law for opening a trade with the Indians will +likewise be presented for the information of Congress. +</p> + +<p> +Temperate discussion of the important subjects which may arise in the +course of the session and mutual forbearance where there is a difference of +opinion are too obvious and necessary for the peace, happiness, and welfare +of our country to need any recommendation of mine. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +GO. WASHINGTON +</p> + +<p><br /><br /></p> + +<p class="t3"> +*** +</p> + +<p><a id="dec1796"></a></p> + +<p class="noindent"> +State of the Union Address<br /> +George Washington<br /> +December 7, 1796<br /> +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +In recurring to the internal situation of our country since I had last the +pleasure to address you, I find ample reason for a renewed expression of +that gratitude to the Ruler of the Universe which a continued series of +prosperity has so often and so justly called forth. +</p> + +<p> +The acts of the last session which required special arrangements have been +as far as circumstances would admit carried into operation. +</p> + +<p> +Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the +Indians and to preserve peace along the extent of our interior frontier +have been digested and adopted. In the framing of these care has been taken +to guard on the one hand our advanced settlements from the predatory +incursions of those unruly individuals who can not be restrained by their +tribes, and on the other hand to protect the rights secured to the Indians +by treaty--to draw them nearer to the civilized state and inspire them +with correct conceptions of the power as well as justice of the +Government. +</p> + +<p> +The meeting of the deputies from the Creek Nation at Colerain, in the State +of Georgia, which had for a principal object the purchase of a parcel of +their land by that State, broke up without its being accomplished, the +nation having previous to their departure instructed them against making +any sale. The occasion, however, has been improved to confirm by a new +treaty with the Creeks their preexisting engagements with the United +States, and to obtain their consent to the establishment of trading houses +and military posts within their boundary, by means of which their +friendship and the general peace may be more effectually secured. +</p> + +<p> +The period during the late session at which the appropriation was passed +for carrying into effect the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation +between the United States and His Brittanic Majesty necessarily +procrastinated the reception of the posts stipulated to be delivered beyond +the date assigned for that event. As soon, however, as the Governor-General +of Canada could be addressed with propriety on the subject, arrangements +were cordially and promptly concluded for their evacuation, and the United +States took possession of the principal of them, comprehending Oswego, +Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and Fort Miami, where such repairs and +additions have been ordered to be made as appeared indispensable. +</p> + +<p> +The commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and of Great +Britain to determine which is the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty +of peace of 1783, agreed in the choice of Egbert Benson, esq., of New York, +for the 3rd commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrew's, in Passamaquoddy +Bay, in the beginning of October, and directed surveys to be made of the +rivers in dispute; but deeming it impracticable to have these surveys +completed before the next year, they adjourned to meet at Boston in August, +1797, for the final decision of the question. +</p> + +<p> +Other commissioners appointed on the part of the United States, agreeably +to the 7th article of the treaty with Great Britain, relative to captures +and condemnation of vessels and other property, met the commissioners of +His Britannic Majesty in London in August last, when John Trumbull, esq., +was chosen by lot for the 5th commissioner. In October following the board +were to proceed to business. As yet there has been no communication of +commissioners on the part of Great Britain to unite with those who have +been appointed on the part of the United States for carrying into effect +the 6th article of the treaty. +</p> + +<p> +The treaty with Spain required that the commissioners for running the +boundary line between the territory of the United States and His Catholic +Majesty's provinces of East and West Florida should meet at the Natchez +before the expiration of 6 months after the exchange of the ratifications, +which was effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April; and the +troops of His Catholic Majesty occupying any posts within the limits of +the United States were within the same time period to be withdrawn. The +commissioner of the United States therefore commenced his journey for the +Natchez in September, and troops were ordered to occupy the posts from +which the Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn. Information has been +recently received of the appointment of a commissioner on the part of His +Catholic Majesty for running the boundary line, but none of any appointment +for the adjustment of the claims of our citizens whose vessels were +captured by the armed vessels of Spain. +</p> + +<p> +In pursuance of the act of Congress passed in the last session for the +protection and relief of American sea-men, agents were appointed, one to +reside in Great Britain and the other in the West Indies. The effects of +the agency in the West Indies are not yet fully ascertained, but those +which have been communicated afford grounds to believe the measure will be +beneficial. The agent destined to reside in Great Britain declining to +accept the appointment, the business has consequently devolved on the +minister of the United States in London, and will command his attention +until a new agent shall be appointed. +</p> + +<p> +After many delays and disappointments arising out of the European war, the +final arrangements for fulfilling the engagements made to the Dey and +Regency of Algiers will in all present appearance be crowned with success, +but under great, though inevitable, disadvantages in the pecuniary +transactions occasioned by that war, which will render further provision +necessary. The actual liberation of all our citizens who were prisoners in +Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling of heart, is itself an earnest of +a satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. Measures are in +operation for effecting treaties with the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli. +</p> + +<p> +To an active external commerce the protection of a naval force is +indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars in which a State is +itself a party. But besides this, it is in our own experience that the most +sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of +nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag requires a naval force +organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression. This may +even prevent the necessity of going to war by discouraging belligerent +powers from committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party +as may, first or last, leave no other option. From the best information I +have been able to obtain it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean +without a protecting force will always be insecure and our citizens exposed +to the calamities from which numbers of them have but just been relieved. +</p> + +<p> +These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to +set about the gradual creation of a navy. The increasing progress of their +navigation promises them at no distant period the requisite supply of +sea-men, and their means in other respects favor the undertaking. It is an +encouragement, likewise, that their particular situation will give weight +and influence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it not, then, +be advisable to begin without delay to provide and lay up the materials for +the building and equipping of ships of war, and to proceed in the work by +degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable without +inconvenience, so that a future war of Europe may not find our commerce in +the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present? +</p> + +<p> +Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention +to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too much consequence +not to insure a continuance of their efforts in every way which shall +appear eligible. As a general rule, manufactures on public account are +inexpedient; but where the state of things in a country leaves little hope +that certain branches of manufacture will for a great length of time +obtain, when these are of a nature essential to the furnishing and +equipping of the public force in time of war, are not establishments for +procuring them on public account to the extent of the ordinary demand for +the public service recommended by strong considerations of national policy +as an exception to the general rule? +</p> + +<p> +Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign supply, +precarious because liable to be interrupted? If the necessary article +should in this mode cost more in time of peace, will not the security and +independence thence arising form an ample compensation? +</p> + +<p> +Establishments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls of the public +service in time of peace, will in time of war easily be extended in +proportion to the exigencies of the Government, and may even perhaps be +made to yield a surplus for the supply of our citizens at large, so as to +mitigate the privations from the interruption of their trade. If adopted, +the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are already, or likely +soon to be, established in the country, in order that there may be no danger +of interference with pursuits of individual industry. +</p> + +<p> +It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or national +welfare agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations +advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this truth +becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and +more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting it grow up, +supported by the public purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with +greater propriety? +</p> + +<p> +Among the means which have been employed to this end none have been +attended with greater success than the establishment of boards (composed of +proper characters) charged with collecting and diffusing information, and +enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a +spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment +contributes doubly to the increase of improvement by stimulating to +enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a common center the results +everywhere of individual skill and observation, and spreading them thence +over the whole nation. Experience accordingly has shewn that they are very +cheap instruments of immense national benefits. +</p> + +<p> +I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress the expediency +of establishing a national university and also a military academy. The +desirableness of both these institutions has so constantly increased with +every new view I have taken of the subject that I can not omit the +opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. +</p> + +<p> +The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not to be fully +sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes +to national prosperity and reputation. +</p> + +<p> +True it is that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries of +learning highly repeatable and useful; but the funds upon which they rest +are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the different +departments of liberal knowledge for the institution contemplated, though +they would be excellent auxiliaries. +</p> + +<p> +Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the +principles, opinions, and manners of our country-men by the common +education of a portion of our youth from every quarter well deserves +attention. The more homogenous our citizens can be made in these +particulars the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a +primary object of such a national institution should be the education of +our youth in the science of government. In a republic what species of +knowledge can be equally important and what duty more pressing on its +legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who are +to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country? +</p> + +<p> +The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent +reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought +never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for +emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and both +would hazard its safety or expose it to greater evils when war could not be +avoided; besides that, war might often not depend upon its own choice. In +proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from +the necessity of practicing the rules of the military art ought to be its +care in preserving and transmitting, by proper establishments, the +knowledge of that art. +</p> + +<p> +Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples superficially +viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince that the art of +war is at once comprehensive and complicated, that it demands much previous +study, and that the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state +is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, +ought to be a serious care of every government, and for this purpose an +academy where a regular course of instruction is given is an obvious +expedient which different nations have successfully employed. +</p> + +<p> +The compensation to the officers of the United States in various instances, +and in none more than in respect to the most important stations, appear to +call for legislative revision. The consequences of a defective provision +are of serious import to the Government. If private wealth is to supply the +defect of public retribution, it will greatly contract the sphere within +which the selection of character for office is to be made, and will +proportionally diminish the probability of a choice of men able as well as +upright. Besides that, it should be repugnant to the vital principles of +our Government virtually to exclude from public trusts talents and virtue +unless accompanied by wealth. +</p> + +<p> +While in our external relations some serious inconveniences and +embarrassments have been overcome and others lessened, it is with much pain +and deep regret I mention that circumstances of a very unwelcome nature +have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered and is suffering extensive +injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French +Republic, and communications have been received from its minister here +which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its +authority, and which are in other respects far from agreeable. +</p> + +<p> +It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that +of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony and a perfectly friendly +understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated, and I shall +persevere in the endeavor to fulfill it to the utmost extent of what shall +be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the rights and honor +of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation that a +spirit of justice, candor, and friendship on the part of the Republic will +eventually insure success. +</p> + +<p> +In pursuing this course, however, I can not forget what is due to the +character of our Government and nation, or to a full and entire confidence +in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude of my +country-men. +</p> + +<p> +I reserve for a special message a more particular communication on this +interesting subject. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary for the service +of the ensuing year to be submitted from the proper Department, with a view +of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest period to which an +account can be prepared. +</p> + +<p> +It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you that the revenues of the +United States continue in a state of progressive improvement. +</p> + +<p> +A reenforcement of the existing provisions for discharging our public debt +was mentioned in my address at the opening of the last session. Some +preliminary steps were taken toward it, the maturing of which will no doubt +engage your zealous attention during the present. I will only add that it +will afford me a heart-felt satisfaction to concur in such further measures +as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a speedy extinguishment of +the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret if from any motive intervals +of tranquillity are left unimproved for accelerating this valuable end. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: +</p> + +<p> +My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed on an +efficient establishment has been so often and so ardently expressed that I +shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present occasion, +at the same time that I shall submit to your inquiry whether our harbors +are yet sufficiently secured. +</p> + +<p> +The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst of the +representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the +period when the administration of the present form of government commenced, +and I can not omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the +success of the experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the +Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Arbiter of Nations that His +providential care may still be extended to the United States, that the +virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the +Government which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties +may be perpetual. +</p> + +<p class="noindent"> +GO. WASHINGTON +</p> + +<p><br /><br /><br /><br /></p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of State of the Union Addresses of George +Washington, by George Washington + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES *** + +***** This file should be named 5010-h.htm or 5010-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/1/5010/ + +Produced by James Linden. HTML version by Al Haines. +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of +the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + +Title: State of the Union Addresses of George Washington + +Author: George Washington + +Posting Date: November 21, 2014 [EBook #5010] +Release Date: February, 2004 +First Posted: April 11, 2002 +Last Updated: December 16, 2004 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES *** + + + + +Produced by James Linden. HTML version by Al Haines. + + + + + + + + +State of the Union Addresses of George Washington + + + + +The addresses are separated by three asterisks: *** + +Dates of addresses by George Washington in this eBook: + + January 8, 1790 + December 8, 1790 + October 25, 1791 + November 6, 1792 + December 3, 1793 + November 19, 1794 + December 8, 1795 + December 7, 1796 + + + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +January 8, 1790 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents itself +of congratulating you on the present favorable prospects of our public +affairs. The recent accession of the important state of North Carolina to +the Constitution of the United States (of which official information has +been received), the rising credit and respectability of our country, the +general and increasing good will toward the government of the Union, and +the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are blessed are circumstances +auspicious in an eminent degree to our national prosperity. + +In resuming your consultations for the general good you can not but derive +encouragement from the reflection that the measures of the last session +have been as satisfactory to your constituents as the novelty and +difficulty of the work allowed you to hope. Still further to realize their +expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has +placed within our reach will in the course of the present important session +call for the cool and deliberate exertion of your patriotism, firmness, and +wisdom. + +Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of +providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be +prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. + +A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a +uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest +require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them +independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies. + +The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indispensable +will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements which may be +made respecting it it will be of importance to conciliate the comfortable +support of the officers and soldiers with a due regard to economy. + +There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted with regard to +certain hostile tribes of Indians would have relieved the inhabitants of +our southern and western frontiers from their depredations, but you will +perceive from the information contained in the papers which I shall direct +to be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the Commonwealth +of Virginia) that we ought to be prepared to afford protection to those +parts of the Union, and, if necessary, to punish aggressors. + +The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with other +nations should be facilitated by such provisions as will enable me to +fulfill my duty in that respect in the manner which circumstances may +render most conducive to the public good, and to this end that the +compensation to be made to the persons who may be employed should, +according to the nature of their appointments, be defined by law, and a +competent fund designated for defraying the expenses incident to the +conduct of foreign affairs. + +Various considerations also render it expedient that the terms on which +foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens should be speedily +ascertained by a uniform rule of naturalization. + +Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the United States is +an object of great importance, and will, I am persuaded, be duly attended +to. + +The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by all proper +means will not, I trust, need recommendation; but I can not forbear +intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual encouragement as well +to the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad as to the +exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, and of +facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of our country by a +due attention to the post-office and post-roads. + +Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that there +is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the promotion of +science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of +public happiness. In one in which the measures of government receive their +impressions so immediately from the sense of the community as in ours it is +proportionably essential. + +To the security of a free constitution it contributes in various ways--by +convincing those who are intrusted with the public administration that +every valuable end of government is best answered by the enlightened +confidence of the people, and by teaching the people themselves to know and +to value their own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of +them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of +lawful authority; between burthens proceeding from a disregard to their +convenience and those resulting from the inevitable exigencies of society; +to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of +licentiousness--cherishing the first, avoiding the last--and uniting a +speedy but temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an inviolable +respect to the laws. + +Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids to +seminaries of learning already established, by the institution of a +national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of a +place in the deliberations of the legislature. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session the +resolution entered into by you expressive of your opinion that an adequate +provision for the support of the public credit is a matter of high +importance to the national honor and prosperity. In this sentiment I +entirely concur; and to a perfect confidence in your best endeavors to +devise such a provision as will be truly with the end I add an equal +reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other branch of the +legislature. + +It would be superfluous to specify inducements to a measure in which the +character and interests of the United States are so obviously so deeply +concerned, and which has received so explicit a sanction from your +declaration. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, respectively, such +papers and estimates as regard the affairs particularly recommended to your +consideration, and necessary to convey to you that information of the state +of the Union which it is my duty to afford. + +The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and +efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive great satisfaction from a +cooperation with you in the pleasing though arduous task of insuring to our +fellow citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from a +free, efficient, and equal government. + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 8, 1790 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my +congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish +our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed our +country with plenty and with the means of a flourishing commerce. + +The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of +American stock abroad as well as at home, and the revenues allotted for +this and other national purposes have been productive beyond the +calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance is the +more pleasing, as it is not only a proof of the fertility of our resources, +but as it assures us of a further increase of the national respectability +and credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable testimony to the +patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine part of our citizens. +The punctuality of the former in discharging their engagements has been +exemplary. + +In conformity to the powers vested in me by acts of the last session, a +loan of 3,000,000 florins, toward which some provisional measures had +previously taken place, has been completed in Holland. As well the celerity +with which it has been filled as the nature of the terms (considering the +more than ordinary demand for borrowing created by the situation of Europe) +give a reasonable hope that the further execution of those powers may +proceed with advantage and success. The Secretary of the Treasury has my +directions to communicate such further particulars as may be requisite for +more precise information. + +Since your last sessions I have received communications by which it appears +that the district of Kentucky, at present a part of Virginia, has concurred +in certain propositions contained in a law of that State, in consequence of +which the district is to become a distinct member of the Union, in case the +requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this sanction application is +now made. I shall cause the papers on this very transaction to be laid +before you. + +The liberality and harmony with which it has been conducted will be found +to do great honor to both the parties, and the sentiments of warm +attachment to the Union and its present Government expressed by our fellow +citizens of Kentucky can not fail to add an affectionate concern for their +particular welfare to the great national impressions under which you will +decide on the case submitted to you. + +It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent incursions have been +made on our frontier settlements by certain banditti of Indians from the +northwest side of the Ohio. These, with some of the tribes dwelling on and +near the Wabash, have of late been particularly active in their +depredations, and being emboldened by the impunity of their crimes and +aided by such parts of the neighboring tribes as could be seduced to join +in their hostilities or afford them a retreat for their prisoners and +plunder, they have, instead of listening to the humane invitations and +overtures made on the part of the United States, renewed their violences +with fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a number of valuable +citizens have thus been sacrificed, and some of them under circumstances +peculiarly shocking, whilst others have been carried into a deplorable +captivity. + +These aggravated provocations rendered it essential to the safety of the +Western settlements that the aggressors should be made sensible that the +Government of the Union is not less capable of punishing their crimes than +it is disposed to respect their rights and reward their attachments. As +this object could not be effected by defensive measures, it became +necessary to put in force the act which empowers the President to call out +the militia for the protection of the frontiers, and I have accordingly +authorized an expedition in which the regular troops in that quarter are +combined with such drafts of militia as were deemed sufficient. The event +of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary of War is directed to +lay before you a statement of the information on which it is founded, as +well as an estimate of the expense with which it will be attended. + +The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical posture of +the great maritime powers, whilst it ought to make us the more thankful for +the general peace and security enjoyed by the United States, reminds us at +the same time of the circumspection with which it becomes us to preserve +these blessings. It requires also that we should not overlook the tendency +of a war, and even of preparations for a war, among the nations most +concerned in active commerce with this country to abridge the means, and +thereby at least enhance the price, of transporting its valuable +productions to their markets. I recommend it to your serious reflections +how far and in what mode it may be expedient to guard against +embarrassments from these contingencies by such encouragements to our own +navigation as will render our commerce and agriculture less dependent on +foreign bottoms, which may fail us in the very moments most interesting to +both of these great objects. Our fisheries and the transportation of our +own produce offer us abundant means for guarding ourselves against this +evil. + +Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular branch of our +trade which belongs to the Mediterranean. So many circumstances unite in +rendering the present state of it distressful to us that you will not think +any deliberations misemployed which may lead to its relief and protection. + +The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a judiciary +system have opened the doors of justice to all descriptions of persons. You +will consider in your wisdom whether improvements in that system may yet be +made, and particularly whether an uniform process of execution on sentences +issuing from the Federal courts be not desirable through all the States. + +The patronage of our commerce, of our merchants and sea men, has called for +the appointment of consuls in foreign countries. It seems expedient to +regulate by law the exercise of that jurisdiction and those functions which +are permitted them, either by express convention or by a friendly +indulgence, in the places of their residence. The consular convention, too, +with His Most Christian Majesty has stipulated in certain cases the aid of +the national authority to his consuls established here. Some legislative +provision is requisite to carry these stipulations into full effect. + +The establishment of the militia, of a mint, of standards of weights and +measures, of the post office and post roads are subjects which I presume +you will resume of course, and which are abundantly urged by their own +importance. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the objects to +which they are appropriated leaves no doubt that the residuary provisions +will be commensurate to the other objects for which the public faith stands +now pledged. Allow me, moreover, to hope that it will be a favorite policy +with you, not merely to secure a payment of the interest of the debt +funded, but as far and as fast as the growing resources of the country will +permit to exonerate it of the principal itself. The appropriation you have +made of the Western land explains your dispositions on this subject, and I +am persuaded that the sooner that valuable fund can be made to contribute, +along with the other means, to the actual reduction of the public debt the +more salutary will the measure be to every public interest, as well as the +more satisfactory to our constituents. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +In pursuing the various and weighty business of the present session I +indulge the fullest persuasion that your consultation will be equally +marked with wisdom and animated by the love of your country. In whatever +belongs to my duty you shall have all the cooperation which an undiminished +zeal for its welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us both, and our +best reward, if, by a successful administration of our respective trusts, +we can make the established Government more and more instrumental in +promoting the good of our fellow citizens, and more and more the object of +their attachment and confidence. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +October 25, 1791 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +"In vain may we expect peace with the Indians on our frontiers so long as a +lawless set of unprincipled wretches can violate the rights of hospitality, +or infringe the most solemn treaties, without receiving the punishment they +so justly merit." + +I meet you upon the present occasion with the feelings which are naturally +inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situations of our common +country, and by a persuasion equally strong that the labors of the session +which has just commenced will, under the guidance of a spirit no less +prudent than patriotic, issue in measures conducive to the stability and +increase of national prosperity. + +Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our grateful +acknowledgments, the abundance with which another year has again rewarded +the industry of the husbandman is too important to escape recollection. + +Your own observations in your respective situations will have satisfied you +of the progressive state of agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and +navigation. In tracing their causes you will have remarked with particular +pleasure the happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well as +private, to which the Constitution and laws of the United States have so +eminently contributed; and you will have observed with no less interest new +and decisive proofs of the increasing reputation and credit of the nation. +But you nevertheless can not fail to derive satisfaction from the +confirmation of these circumstances which will be disclosed in the several +official communications that will be made to you in the course of your +deliberations. + +The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which completed +the sum allowed to be subscribed in a single day, is among the striking and +pleasing evidences which present themselves, not only of confidence in the +Government, but of resource in the community. + +In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the execution +of the different objects which were specially provided for by the laws and +resolutions of the last session. + +Among the most important of these is the defense and security of the +western frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane principles was a +primary wish. + +Accordingly, at the same time the treaties have been provisionally +concluded and other proper means used to attach the wavering and to confirm +in their friendship the well-disposed tribes of Indians, effectual measures +have been adopted to make those of a hostile description sensible that a +pacification was desired upon terms of moderation and justice. + +Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to convince +the refractory of the power of the United States to punish their +depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been directed, to be +conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of +humanity. + +Some of these have been crowned with full success and others are yet +depending. The expeditions which have been completed were carried on under +the authority and at the expense of the United States by the militia of +Kentucky, whose enterprise, intrepidity, and good conduct are entitled of +peculiar commendation. + +Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and +considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them have lately renounced +all further opposition, removed from their former situations, and placed +themselves under the immediate protection of the United States. + +It is sincerely to be desired that all need of coercion in future may cease +and that an intimate intercourse may succeed, calculated to advance the +happiness of the Indians and to attach them firmly to the United States. + +In order to this it seems necessary--That they should experience the +benefits of an impartial dispensation of justice. That the mode of +alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be so +defined and regulated as to obviate imposition and as far as may be +practicable controversy concerning the reality and extent of the +alienations which are made. That commerce with them should be promoted +under regulations tending to secure an equitable deportment toward them, +and that such rational experiments should be made for imparting to them the +blessings of civilization as may from time to time suit their condition. +That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the +means to which the Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their +immediate interests with the preservation of peace. And that efficacious +provision should be made for inflicting adequate penalties upon all those +who, by violating their rights, shall infringe the treaties and endanger +the peace of the Union. A system corresponding with the mild principles of +religion and philanthropy toward an unenlightened race of men, whose +happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be +as honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of +sound policy. + +The powers specially vested in me by the act laying certain duties on +distilled spirits, which respect the subdivisions of the districts into +surveys, the appointment of officers, and the assignment of compensations, +have likewise been carried into effect. In a manner in which both materials +and experience were wanting to guide the calculation it will be readily +conceived that there must have been difficulty in such an adjustment of the +rates of compensation as would conciliate a reasonable competency with a +proper regard to the limits prescribed by the law. It is hoped that the +circumspection which has been used will be found in the result to have +secured the last of the two objects; but it is probable that with a view +to the first in some instances a revision of the provision will be found +advisable. + +The impressions with which this law has been received by the community have +been upon the whole such as were to be expected among enlightened and +well-disposed citizens from the propriety and necessity of the measure. The +novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the United States +and a misconception of some of its provisions have given occasion in +particular places to some degree of discontent; but it is satisfactory to +know that this disposition yields to proper explanations and more just +apprehensions of the true nature of the law, and I entertain a full +confidence that it will in all give way to motives which arise out of a +just sense of duty and a virtuous regard to the public welfare. + +If there are any circumstances in the law which consistently with its main +design may be so varied as to remove any well-intentioned objections that +may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise moderation to make the +proper variations. It is desirable on all occasions to unite with a steady +and firm adherence to constitutional and necessary acts of Government the +fullest evidence of a disposition as far as may be practicable to consult +the wishes of every part of the community and to lay the foundations of the +public administration in the affections of the people. + +Pursuant to the authority contained in the several acts on that subject, a +district of 10 miles square for the permanent seat of the Government of the +United States has been fixed and announced by proclamation, which district +will comprehend lands on both sides of the river Potomac and the towns of +Alexandria and Georgetown. A city has also been laid out agreeably to a +plan which will be placed before Congress, and as there is a prospect, +favored by the rate of sales which have already taken place, of ample funds +for carrying on the necessary public buildings, there is every expectation +of their due progress. + +The completion of the census of the inhabitants, for which provision was +made by law, has been duly notified (excepting one instance in which the +return has been informal, and another in which it has been omitted or +miscarried), and the returns of the officers who were charged with this +duty, which will be laid before you, will give you the pleasing assurance +that the present population of the United States borders on 4,000,000 +persons. + +It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of 2,500,000 florins +has been completed in Holland, the terms of which are similar to those of +the one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges. Another, +on like terms, for 6,000,000 florins, had been set on foot under +circumstances that assured an immediate completion. + +Gentlemen of the Senate: + +Two treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees and +Six Nations of Indians will be laid before you for your consideration and +ratification. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust you must +anticipate with pleasure that many of the difficulties necessarily incident +to the first arrangements of a new government for an extensive country have +been happily surmounted by the zealous and judicious exertions of your +predecessors in cooperation with the other branch of the Legislature. The +important objects which remain to be accomplished will, I am persuaded, be +conducted upon principles equally comprehensive and equally well calculated +of the advancement of the general weal. + +The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by the +act making provision for the debt of the United States having expired, +statements from the proper department will as soon as possible apprise you +of the exact result. Enough, however, is known already to afford an +assurance that the views of that act have been substantially fulfilled. The +subscription in the domestic debt of the United States has embraced by far +the greatest proportion of that debt, affording at the same time proof of +the general satisfaction of the public creditors with the system which has +been proposed to their acceptance and of the spirit of accommodation to the +convenience of the Government with which they are actuated. The +subscriptions in the debts of the respective States as far as the +provisions of the law have permitted may be said to be yet more general. +The part of the debt of the United States which remains unsubscribed will +naturally engage your further deliberations. + +It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you that the +revenues which have been established promise to be adequate to their +objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency occurs, to +supersede for the present the necessity of any new burthens upon our +constituents. + +An object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the +current service of the ensuing year, together with such ascertained demands +upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, and such +casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public business, for +which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; of all which a +proper estimate will be laid before you. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +I shall content myself with a general reference to former communications +for several objects upon which the urgency of other affairs has hitherto +postponed any definitive resolution. Their importance will recall them to +your attention, and I trust that the progress already made in the most +arduous arrangements of the Government will afford you leisure to resume +them to advantage. + +These are, however, some of them of which I can not forbear a more +particular mention. These are the militia, the post office and post roads, +the mint, weights and measures, a provision for the sale of the vacant +lands of the United States. + +The first is certainly an object of primary importance whether viewed in +reference to the national security to the satisfaction of the community or +to the preservation of order. In connection with this the establishment of +competent magazines and arsenals and the fortification of such places as +are peculiarly important and vulnerable naturally present themselves to +consideration. The safety of the United States under divine protection +ought to rest on the basis of systematic and solid arrangements, exposed as +little as possible to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances. + +The importance of the post office and post roads on a plan sufficiently +liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety, and +facility of communication, is increased by their instrumentality in +diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government, which, +while it contributes to the security of the people, serves also to guard +them against the effects of misrepresentation and misconception. The +establishment of additional cross posts, especially to some of the +important points in the Western and Northern parts of the Union, can not +fail to be of material utility. + +The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the scarcity of +small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer classes, +strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the resolution +already entered into concerning the establishment of a mint. Measures have +been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some of the most +necessary artists, together with the requisite apparatus. + +An uniformity in the weights and measures of the country is among the +important objects submitted to you by the Constitution, and if it can be +derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must be no less +honorable to the public councils than conducive to the public convenience. + +A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is +particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important considerations +that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; that if +timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of burthening +our citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and +that being free to discharge the principal but in a limited proportion, no +opportunity ought to be lost for availing the public of its right. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +November 6, 1792 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the +present occasion that, in felicitating you on a continuance of the national +prosperity generally, I am not able to add to it information that the +Indian hostilities which have for some time past distressed our +Northwestern frontier have terminated. + +You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I communicate it +that reiterated endeavors toward effecting a pacification have hitherto +issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the +part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. An earnest desire to +procure tranquillity to the frontier, to stop the further effusion of +blood, to arrest the progress of expense, to forward the prevalent wish of +the nation for peace has led to strenuous efforts through various channels +to accomplish these desirable purposes; in making which efforts I consulted +less my own anticipations of the event, or the scruples which some +considerations were calculated to inspire, than the wish to find the object +attainable, or if not attainable, to ascertain unequivocally that such is +the case. + +A detail of the measures which have been pursued and of their consequences, +which will be laid before you, while it will confirm to you the want of +success thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as proper and as +efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. The issue of +some of them, indeed, is still depending, but a favorable one, though not +to be despaired of, is not promised by anything that has yet happened. + +In the course of the attempts which have been made some valuable citizens +have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A sanction +commonly respected even among savages has been found in this instance +insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace. It will, I +presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not call for an +exercise of liberality toward the families of the deceased. + +It must add to your concern to be informed that, besides the continuation +of hostile appearances among the tribes north of the Ohio, some threatening +symptoms have of late been revived among some of those south of it. + +A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamaugas, inhabiting five +villages on the Tennessee River, have long been in the practice of +committing depredations on the neighboring settlements. + +It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee Nation in +July, 1791, would have prevented a repetition of such depredations; but the +event has not answered this hope. The Chickamaugas, aided by some banditti +of another tribe in their vicinity, have recently perpetrated wanton and +unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the United States in that +quarter. The information which has been received on this subject will be +laid before you. Hitherto defensive precautions only have been strictly +enjoined and observed. + +It is not understood that any breach of treaty or aggression whatsoever on +the part of the United States or their citizens is even alleged as a +pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter. + +I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made +(pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) to be prepared for the +alternative of a prosecution of the war in the event of a failure of +pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be raised +have been recruited, though the number is still incomplete, and pains have +been taken to discipline and put them in condition for the particular kind +of service to be performed. A delay of operations (besides being dictated +by the measures which were pursuing toward a pacific termination of the +war) has been in itself deemed preferable to immature efforts. A statement +from the proper department with regard to the number of troops raised, and +some other points which have been suggested, will afford more precise +information as a guide to the legislative consultations, and among other +things will enable Congress to judge whether some additional stimulus to +the recruiting service may not be advisable. + +In looking forward to the future expense of the operations which may be +found inevitable I derive consolation from the information I receive that +the product of the revenues for the present year is likely to supersede the +necessity of additional burthens on the community for the service of the +ensuing year. This, however, will be better ascertained in the course of +the session, and it is proper to add that the information alluded to +proceeds upon the supposition of no material extension of the spirit of +hostility. + +I can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again recommending +to your consideration the expediency of more adequate provision for giving +energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier and for restraining the +commission of outrages upon the Indians, without which all pacific plans +must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent rewards, the employment of +qualified and trusty persons to reside among them as agents would also +contribute to the preservation of peace and good neighborhood. If in +addition to these expedients an eligible plan could be devised for +promoting civilization among the friendly tribes and for carrying on trade +with them upon a scale equal to their wants and under regulations +calculated to protect them from imposition and extortion, its influence in +cementing their interest with ours could not but be considerable. + +The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be still +more the case were it not for the impediments which in some places continue +to embarrass the collection of the duties on spirits distilled within the +United States. These impediments have lessened and are lessening in local +extent, and, as applied to the community at large, the contentment with the +law appears to be progressive. + +But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves in +certain quarters, I judged a special interposition on my part proper and +advisable, and under this impression have issued a proclamation warning +against all unlawful combinations and proceedings having for their object +or tending to obstruct the operation of the law in question, and announcing +that all lawful ways and means would be strictly put in execution for +bringing to justice the infractors thereof and securing obedience thereto. + +Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders, and +Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal limits +which may depend upon me shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just +authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust I shall count entirely upon +the full cooperation of the other departments of the Government and upon +the zealous support of all good citizens. + +I can not forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the +subject of a revision of the judiciary system. A representation from the +judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points out some +of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the execution +of the laws considerations arise out of the structure of the system which +in some cases tend to relax their efficacy. As connected with this subject, +provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon processes out of the +courts of the United States and a supplementary definition of offenses +against the Constitution and laws of the Union and of the punishment for +such offenses will, it is presumed, be found worthy of particular +attention. + +Observations on the value of peace with other nations are unnecessary. It +would be wise, however, by timely provisions to guard against those acts of +our own citizens which might tend to disturb it, and to put ourselves in a +condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations which we may +sometimes have occasion to require from them. I particularly recommend to +your consideration the means of preventing those aggressions by our +citizens on the territory of other nations, and other infractions of the +law of nations, which, furnishing just subject of complaint, might endanger +our peace with them; and, in general, the maintenance of a friendly +intercourse with foreign powers will be presented to your attention by the +expiration of the law for that purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, +at the close of the present session. + +In execution of the authority given by the Legislature measures have been +taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of +our mint. Others have been employed at home. Provision has been made of the +requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for +the purposes of the establishment. There has also been a small beginning in +the coinage of half dimes, the want of small coins in circulation calling +the first attention to them. + +The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the principles of +our national coinage, as being essential to their due operation and to +order in our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and completed. + +It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes the +post office operate, in experiment, against the transmission of news papers +to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to +be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the +circulation of political intelligence and information will, I doubt not, +lead to the application of a remedy. + +The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has been notified +to me. The Legislature will share with me in the satisfaction which arises +from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of the nation to +which it relates and conducive to the general order. + +It is proper likewise to inform you that since my last communication on the +subject, and in further execution of the acts severally making provision +for the public debt and for the reduction thereof, three new loans have +been effected, each for 3,000,000 florins--one at Antwerp, at the annual +interest of 4.5%, with an allowance of 4% in lieu of all charges, in the +other 2 at Amsterdam, at the annual interest of 4%, with an allowance of +5.5% in one case and of 5% in the other in lieu of all charges. The rates +of these loans and the circumstances under which they have been made are +confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad. + +Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, +the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers, according to the +provision made during the last session, has been embraced. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is now +sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon a systematic and effectual +arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt, +according to the right which has been reserved to the Government. No +measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic +importance or to the general sentiment and wish of the nation. + +Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which has +been made of the Bank of the United States, pursuant to the eleventh +section of the act by which it is incorporated. In fulfilling the public +stipulations in this particular it is expected a valuable saving will be +made. + +Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year and for such +extraordinaries as may require provision will demand, and I doubt not will +engage, your early attention. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +I content myself with recalling your attention generally to such objects, +not particularized in my present, as have been suggested in my former +communications to you. + +Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among these, +that which regulates trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes will +merit particular notice. + +The results of your common deliberations hitherto will, I trust, be +productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents, such as, by +conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend to strengthen +and confirm their attachment to that Constitution of Government upon which, +under Divine Providence, materially depend their union, their safety, and +their happiness. + +Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends there is nothing +which can have a more powerful tendency than the careful cultivation of +harmony, combined with a due regard to stability, in the public councils. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 3, 1793 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +Since the commencement of the term for which I have been again called into +office no fit occasion has arisen for expressing to my fellow citizens at +large the deep and respectful sense which I feel of the renewed testimony +of public approbation. While on the one hand it awakened my gratitude for +all those instances of affectionate partiality with which I have been +honored by my country, on the other it could not prevent an earnest wish +for that retirement from which no private consideration should ever have +torn me. But influenced by the belief that my conduct would be estimated +according to its real motives, and that the people, and the authorities +derived from them, would support exertions having nothing personal for +their object, I have obeyed the suffrage which commanded me to resume the +Executive power; and I humbly implore that Being on whose will the fate of +nations depends to crown with success our mutual endeavors for the general +happiness. + +As soon as the war in Europe had embraced those powers with whom the United +States have the most extensive relations there was reason to apprehend that +our intercourse with them might be interrupted and our disposition for +peace drawn into question by the suspicions too often entertained by +belligerent nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty to admonish our +citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and of hostile acts to +any of the parties, and to obtain by a declaration of the existing legal +state of things an easier admission of our right to the immunities +belonging to our situation. Under these impressions the proclamation which +will be laid before you was issued. + +In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved to adopt +general rules which should conform to the treaties and assert the +privileges of the United States. These were reduced into a system, which +will be communicated to you. Although I have not thought of myself at +liberty to forbid the sale of the prizes permitted by our treaty of +commerce with France to be brought into our ports, I have not refused to +cause them to be restored when they were taken within the protection of our +territory, or by vessels commissioned or equipped in a warlike form within +the limits of the United States. + +It rests with the wisdom of Congress to correct, improve, or enforce this +plan of procedure; and it will probably be found expedient to extend the +legal code and the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States to many +cases which, though dependent on principles already recognized, demand some +further provisions. + +Where individuals shall, within the United States, array themselves in +hostility against any of the powers at war, or enter upon military +expeditions or enterprises within the jurisdiction of the United States, or +usurp and exercise judicial authority within the United States, or where +the penalties on violations of the law of nations may have been +indistinctly marked, or are inadequate--these offenses can not receive too +early and close an attention, and require prompt and decisive remedies. + +Whatsoever those remedies may be, they will be well administered by the +judiciary, who possess a long-established course of investigation, +effectual process, and officers in the habit of executing it. + +In like manner, as several of the courts have doubted, under particular +circumstances, their power to liberate the vessels of a nation at peace, +and even of a citizen of the United States, although seized under a false +color of being hostile property, and have denied their power to liberate +certain captures within the protection of our territory, it would seem +proper to regulate their jurisdiction in these points. But if the Executive +is to be the resort in either of the two last-mentioned cases, it is hoped +that he will be authorized by law to have facts ascertained by the courts +when for his own information he shall request it. + +I can not recommend to your notice measures for the fulfillment of our +duties to the rest of the world without again pressing upon you the +necessity of placing ourselves in a condition of complete defense and of +exacting from them the fulfillment of their duties toward us. The United +States ought not to indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order of +human events, they will forever keep at a distance those painful appeals to +arms with which the history of every other nation abounds. There is a rank +due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not +absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid +insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of +the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known +that we are at all times ready for war. The documents which will be +presented to you will shew the amount and kinds of arms and military stores +now in our magazines and arsenals; and yet an addition even to these +supplies can not with prudence be neglected, as it would leave nothing to +the uncertainty of procuring warlike apparatus in the moment of public +danger. + +Nor can such arrangements, with such objects, be exposed to the censure or +jealousy of the warmest friends of republican government. They are +incapable of abuse in the hands of the militia, who ought to possess a +pride in being the depository of the force of the Republic, and may be +trained to a degree of energy equal to every military exigency of the +United States. But it is an inquiry which can not be too solemnly pursued, +whether the act "more effectually to provide for the national defense by +establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States" has organized +them so as to produce their full effect; whether your own experience in the +several States has not detected some imperfections in the scheme, and +whether a material feature in an improvement of it ought not to be to +afford an opportunity for the study of those branches of the military art +which can scarcely ever be attained by practice alone. + +The connection of the United States with Europe has become extremely +interesting. The occurrences which relate to it and have passed under the +knowledge of the Executive will be exhibited to Congress in a subsequent +communication. + +When we contemplate the war on our frontiers, it may be truly affirmed that +every reasonable effort has been made to adjust the causes of dissension +with the Indians north of the Ohio. The instructions given to the +commissioners evince a moderation and equity proceeding from a sincere love +of peace, and a liberality having no restriction but the essential +interests and dignity of the United States. The attempt, however, of an +amicable negotiation having been frustrated, the troops have marched to act +offensively. Although the proposed treaty did not arrest the progress of +military preparation, it is doubtful how far the advance of the season, +before good faith justified active movements, may retard them during the +remainder of the year. From the papers and intelligence which relate to +this important subject you will determine whether the deficiency in the +number of troops granted by law shall be compensated by succors of militia, +or additional encouragements shall be proposed to recruits. + +An anxiety has been also demonstrated by the Executive for peace with the +Creeks and the Cherokees. The former have been relieved with corn and with +clothing, and offensive measures against them prohibited during the recess +of Congress. To satisfy the complaints of the latter, prosecutions have +been instituted for the violences committed upon them. But the papers which +will be delivered to you disclose the critical footing on which we stand in +regard to both those tribes, and it is with Congress to pronounce what +shall be done. + +After they shall have provided for the present emergency, it will merit +their most serious labors to render tranquillity with the savages permanent +by creating ties of interest. Next to a rigorous execution of justice on +the violators of peace, the establishment of commerce with the Indian +nations in behalf of the United States is most likely to conciliate their +attachment. But it ought to be conducted without fraud, without extortion, +with constant and plentiful supplies, with a ready market for the +commodities of the Indians and a stated price for what they give in payment +and receive in exchange. Individuals will not pursue such a traffic unless +they be allured by the hope of profit; but it will be enough for the United +States to be reimbursed only. Should this recommendation accord with the +opinion of Congress, they will recollect that it can not be accomplished by +any means yet in the hands of the Executive. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The commissioners charged with the settlement of accounts between the +United States and individual States concluded their important function +within the time limited by law, and the balances struck in their report, +which will be laid before Congress, have been placed on the books of the +Treasury. + +On the first day of June last an installment of 1,000,000 florins became +payable on the loans of the United States in Holland. This was adjusted by +a prolongation of the period of reimbursement in nature of a new loan at an +interest of 5% for the term of ten years, and the expenses of this +operation were a commission of 3%. + +The first installment of the loan of $2,000,000 from the Bank of the United +States has been paid, as was directed by law. For the second it is +necessary that provision be made. + +No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular redemption and +discharge of the public debt. On none can delay be more injurious or an +economy of time more valuable. + +The productiveness of the public revenues hitherto has continued to equal +the anticipations which were formed of it, but it is not expected to prove +commensurate with all the objects which have been suggested. Some auxiliary +provisions will therefore, it is presumed, be requisite, and it is hoped +that these may be made consistently with a due regard to the convenience of +our citizens, who can not but be sensible of the true wisdom of +encountering a small present addition to their contributions to obviate a +future accumulation of burthens. + +But here I can not forbear to recommend a repeal of the tax on the +transportation of public prints. There is no resource so firm for the +Government of the United States as the affections of the people, guided by +an enlightened policy; and to this primary good nothing can conduce more +than a faithful representation of public proceedings, diffused without +restraint throughout the United States. + +An estimate of the appropriations necessary for the current service of the +ensuing year and a statement of a purchase of arms and military stores made +during the recess will be presented to Congress. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +The several subjects to which I have now referred open a wide range to your +deliberations and involve some of the choicest interests of our common +country. Permit me to bring to your remembrance the magnitude of your task. +Without an unprejudiced coolness the welfare of the Government may be +hazarded; without harmony as far as consists with freedom of sentiment its +dignity may be lost. But as the legislative proceedings of the United +States will never, I trust, be reproached for the want of temper or of +candor, so shall not the public happiness languish from the want of my +strenuous and warmest cooperation. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +November 19, 1794 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven by which the +American people became a nation; when we survey the general prosperity of +our country, and look forward to the riches, power, and happiness to which +it seems destined, with the deepest regret do I announce to you that during +your recess some of the citizens of the United States have been found +capable of insurrection. It is due, however, to the character of our +Government and to its stability, which can not be shaken by the enemies of +order, freely to unfold the course of this event. + +During the session of the year 1790 it was expedient to exercise the +legislative power granted by the Constitution of the United States "to lay +and collect excises". In a majority of the States scarcely an objection was +heard to this mode of taxation. In some, indeed, alarms were at first +conceived, until they were banished by reason and patriotism. In the four +western counties of Pennsylvania a prejudice, fostered and imbittered by +the artifice of men who labored for an ascendency over the will of others +by the guidance of their passions, produced symptoms of riot and violence. + +It is well known that Congress did not hesitate to examine the complaints +which were presented, and to relieve them as far as justice dictated or +general convenience would permit. But the impression which this moderation +made on the discontented did not correspond with what it deserved. The arts +of delusion were no longer confined to the efforts of designing +individuals. The very forbearance to press prosecutions was misinterpreted +into a fear of urging the execution of the laws, and associations of men +began to denounce threats against the officers employed. From a belief that +by a more formal concert their operation might be defeated, certain +self-created societies assumed the tone of condemnation. Hence, while the +greater part of Pennsylvania itself were conforming themselves to the acts +of excise, a few counties were resolved to frustrate them. It is now +perceived that every expectation from the tenderness which had been +hitherto pursued was unavailing, and that further delay could only create +an opinion of impotency or irresolution in the Government. Legal process +was therefore delivered to the marshal against the rioters and delinquent +distillers. + +No sooner was he understood to be engaged in this duty than the vengeance +of armed men was aimed at his person and the person and property of the +inspector of the revenue. They fired upon the marshal, arrested him, and +detained him for some time as a prisoner. He was obliged, by the jeopardy +of his life, to renounce the service of other process on the west side of +the Allegheny Mountain, and a deputation was afterwards sent to him to +demand a surrender of that which he had served. A numerous body repeatedly +attacked the house of the inspector, seized his papers of office, and +finally destroyed by fire his buildings and whatsoever they contained. Both +of these officers, from a just regard to their safety, fled to the seat of +Government, it being avowed that the motives to such outrages were to +compel the resignation of the inspector, to withstand by force of arms the +authority of the United States, and thereby to extort a repeal of the laws +of excise and an alteration in the conduct of Government. + +Upon testimony of these facts an associate justice of the Supreme Court of +the United States notified to me that "in the counties of Washington and +Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, laws of the United States were opposed, and the +execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed +by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in +the marshal of that district". + +On this call, momentous in the extreme, I sought and weighted what might +best subdue the crisis. On the one hand the judiciary was pronounced to be +stripped of its capacity to enforce the laws; crimes which reached the very +existence of social order were perpetrated without control; the friends of +Government were insulted, abused, and overawed into silence or an apparent +acquiescence; and to yield to the treasonable fury of so small a portion of +the United States would be to violate the fundamental principle of our +Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority shall prevail. On +the other, to array citizen against citizen, to publish the dishonor of +such excesses, to encounter the expense and other embarrassments of so +distant an expedition, were steps too delicate, too closely interwoven with +many affecting considerations, to be lightly adopted. + +I postponed, therefore, the summoning of the militia immediately into the +field, but I required them to be held in readiness, that if my anxious +endeavors to reclaim the deluded and to convince the malignant of their +danger should be fruitless, military force might be prepared to act before +the season should be too far advanced. + +My proclamation of the 7th of August last was accordingly issued, and +accompanied by the appointment of commissioners, who were charged to +repair to the scene of insurrection. They were authorized to confer +with any bodies of men or individuals. They were instructed to be +candid and explicit in stating the sensations which had been excited in the +Executive, and his earnest wish to avoid a resort to coercion; to +represent, however, that, without submission, coercion must be the resort; +but to invite them, at the same time, to return to the demeanor of faithful +citizens, by such accommodations as lay within the sphere of Executive +power. Pardon, too, was tendered to them by the Government of the United +States and that of Pennsylvania, upon no other condition than a +satisfactory assurance of obedience to the laws. + +Although the report of the commissioners marks their firmness and +abilities, and must unite all virtuous men, by shewing that the means of +conciliation have been exhausted, all of those who had committed or abetted +the tumults did not subscribe the mild form which was proposed as the +atonement, and the indications of a peaceable temper were neither +sufficiently general nor conclusive to recommend or warrant the further +suspension of the march of the militia. + +Thus the painful alternative could not be discarded. I ordered the militia +to march, after once more admonishing the insurgents in my proclamation of +the 25th of September last. + +It was a task too difficult to ascertain with precision the lowest degree +of force competent to the quelling of the insurrection. From a respect, +indeed, to economy and the ease of my fellow citizens belonging to the +militia, it would have gratified me to accomplish such an estimate. My very +reluctance to ascribe too much importance to the opposition, had its extent +been accurately seen, would have been a decided inducement to the smallest +efficient numbers. In this uncertainty, therefore, I put into motion fifteen +thousand men, as being an army which, according to all human calculation, +would be prompt and adequate in every view, and might, perhaps, by rendering +resistance desperate, prevent the effusion of blood. Quotas had been +assigned to the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, +the governor of Pennsylvania having declared on this occasion an opinion +which justified a requisition to the other States. + +As commander in chief of the militia when called into the actual service of +the United States, I have visited the places of general rendezvous to +obtain more exact information and to direct a plan for ulterior movements. +Had there been room for a persuasion that the laws were secure from +obstruction; that the civil magistrate was able to bring to justice such of +the most culpable as have not embraced the proffered terms of amnesty, and +may be deemed fit objects of example; that the friends to peace and good +government were not in need of that aid and countenance which they ought +always to receive, and, I trust, ever will receive, against the vicious and +turbulent, I should have caught with avidity the opportunity of restoring +the militia to their families and homes. But succeeding intelligence has +tended to manifest the necessity of what has been done, it being now +confessed by those who were not inclined to exaggerate the ill conduct of +the insurgents that their malevolence was not pointed merely to a +particular law, but that a spirit inimical to all order has actuated many +of the offenders. If the state of things had afforded reason for the +continuance of my presence with the army, it would not have been +withholden. But every appearance assuring such an issue as will redound to +the reputation and strength of the United States, I have judged it most +proper to resume my duties at the seat of Government, leaving the chief +command with the governor of Virginia. + +Still, however, as it is probable that in a commotion like the present, +whatsoever may be the pretense, the purposes of mischief and revenge may +not be laid aside, the stationing of a small force for a certain period in +the four western counties of Pennsylvania will be indispensable, whether we +contemplate the situation of those who are connected with the execution of +the laws or of others who may have exposed themselves by an honorable +attachment to them. Thirty days from the commencement of this session being +the legal limitation of the employment of the militia, Congress can not be +too early occupied with this subject. + +Among the discussions which may arise from this aspect of our affairs, and +from the documents which will be submitted to Congress, it will not escape +their observation that not only the inspector of the revenue, but other +officers of the United States in Pennsylvania have, from their fidelity in +the discharge of their functions, sustained material injuries to their +property. The obligation and policy of indemnifying them are strong and +obvious. It may also merit attention whether policy will not enlarge this +provision to the retribution of other citizens who, though not under the +ties of office, may have suffered damage by their generous exertions for +upholding the Constitution and the laws. The amount, even if all the +injured were included, would not be great, and on future emergencies the +Government would be amply repaid by the influence of an example that he who +incurs a loss in its defense shall find a recompense in its liberality. + +While there is cause to lament that occurrences of this nature should have +disgraced the name or interrupted the tranquillity of any part of our +community, or should have diverted to a new application any portion of the +public resources, there are not wanting real and substantial consolations +for the misfortune. It has demonstrated that our prosperity rests on solid +foundations, by furnishing an additional proof that my fellow citizens +understand the true principles of government and liberty; that they feel +their inseparable union; that notwithstanding all the devices which have +been used to sway them from their interest and duty, they are not as ready +to maintain the authority of the laws against licentious invasions as they +were to defend their rights against usurpation. It has been a spectacle +displaying to the highest advantage of republican government to behold the +most and the least wealthy of our citizens standing in the same ranks as +private soldiers, preeminently distinguished by being the army of the +Constitution--undeterred by a march of 300 miles over rugged mountains, by +approach of an inclement season, or by any other discouragement. Nor ought +I to omit to acknowledge the efficacious and patriotic cooperation which I +have experienced from the chief magistrates of the States to which my +requisitions have been addressed. + +To every description of citizens, let praise be given, but let them +persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious depository of +American happiness, the Constitution of the United States. Let them cherish +it, too, for the sake of those who, from every clime, are daily seeking a +dwelling in our land. And when in the calm moments of reflection they shall +have retraced the origin and progress of the insurrection, let them +determine whether it has not been fomented by combinations of men who, +careless of consequences and disregarding the unerring truth that those who +rouse can not always appease a civil convulsion, have disseminated, from an +ignorance or perversion of facts, suspicions, jealousies, and accusations +of the whole Government. + +Having thus fulfilled the engagement which I took when I entered into +office, "to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the +Constitution of the United States", on you, gentlemen, and the people by +whom you are deputed, I rely for support. + +In the arrangement to which the possibility of a similar contingency will +naturally draw your attention it ought not to be forgotten that the militia +laws have exhibited such striking defects as could not have been supplied +by the zeal of our citizens. Besides the extraordinary expense and waste, +which are not the least of the defects, every appeal to those laws is +attended with a doubt on its success. + +The devising and establishing of a well regulated militia would be a +genuine source of legislative honor and a perfect title to public +gratitude. I therefore entertain a hope that the present session will not +pass without carrying to its full energy the power of organizing, arming, +and disciplining the militia, and thus providing, in the language of the +Constitution, for calling them forth to execute the laws of the Union, +suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. + +As auxiliary to the state of our defense, to which Congress can never too +frequently recur, they will not omit to inquire whether the fortifications +which have been already licensed by law be commensurate with our +exigencies. + +The intelligence from the army under the command of General Wayne is a +happy presage to our military operations against the hostile Indians north +of the Ohio. From the advices which have been forwarded, the advance which +he has made must have damped the ardor of the savages and weakened their +obstinacy in waging war against the United States. And yet, even at this +late hour, when our power to punish them can not be questioned, we shall +not be unwilling to cement a lasting peace upon terms of candor, equity, +and good neighborhood. + +Toward none of the Indian tribes have overtures of friendship been spared. +The Creeks in particular are covered from encroachment by the imposition of +the General Government and that of Georgia. From a desire also to remove +the discontents of the Six Nations, a settlement mediated at Presque Isle, +on Lake Erie, has been suspended, and an agent is now endeavoring to +rectify any misconception into which they may have fallen. But I can not +refrain from again pressing upon your deliberations the plan which I +recommended at the last session for the improvement of harmony with all the +Indians within our limits by the fixing and conducting of trading houses +upon the principles then expressed. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The time which has elapsed since the commencement of our fiscal measures +has developed our pecuniary resources so as to open the way for a definite +plan for the redemption of the public debt. It is believed that the result +is such as to encourage Congress to consummate this work without delay. +Nothing can more promote the permanent welfare of the nation and nothing +would be more grateful to our constituents. Indeed, whatsoever is +unfinished of our system of public credit can not be benefited by +procrastination; and as far as may be practicable we ought to place that +credit on grounds which can not be disturbed, and to prevent that +progressive accumulation of debt which must ultimately endanger all +governments. + +An estimate of the necessary appropriations, including the expenditures +into which we have been driven by the insurrection, will be submitted to +Congress. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +The Mint of the United States has entered upon the coinage of the precious +metals, and considerable sums of defective coins and bullion have been +lodged with the Director by individuals. There is a pleasing prospect that +the institution will at no remote day realize the expectation which was +originally formed of its utility. + +In subsequent communications certain circumstances of our intercourse with +foreign nations will be transmitted to Congress. However, it may not be +unseasonable to announce that my policy in our foreign transactions has +been to cultivate peace with all the world; to observe the treaties with +pure and absolute faith; to check every deviation from the line of +impartiality; to explain what may have been misapprehended and correct what +may have been injurious to any nation, and having thus acquired the right, +to lose no time in acquiring the ability to insist upon justice being done +to ourselves. + +Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to +spread his holy protection over these United States; to turn the +machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our Constitution; to enable +us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to flight; +to perpetuate to our country that prosperity which his goodness has already +conferred, and to verify the anticipations of this Government being a +safeguard of human rights. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 8, 1795 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +I trust I do not deceive myself when I indulge the persuasion that I have +never met you at any period when more than at the present the situation of +our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation, and +for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all +Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy. + +The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war in which we +have been engaged with certain Indians northwest of the Ohio is placed in +the option of the United States by a treaty which the commander of our army +has concluded provisionally with the hostile tribes in that region. + +In the adjustment of the terms the satisfaction of the Indians was deemed +worthy no less of the policy than of the liberality of the United States as +the necessary basis of durable tranquillity. The object, it is believed, +has been fully attained. The articles agreed upon will immediately be laid +before the Senate for their consideration. + +The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the Southern tribes had +annoyed our frontiers, have lately confirmed their preexisting treaties +with us, and were giving evidence of a sincere disposition to carry them +into effect by the surrender of the prisoners and property they had taken. +But we have to lament that the fair prospect in this quarter has been once +more clouded by wanton murders, which some citizens of Georgia are +represented to have recently perpetrated on hunting parties of the Creeks, +which have again subjected that frontier to disquietude and danger, which +will be productive of further expense, and may occasion more effusion of +blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate the usual consequences +of such outrages, and with the hope of their succeeding at least to avert +general hostility. + +A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his recognition of our +treaty made with his father, the late Emperor, and consequently the +continuance of peace with that power. With peculiar satisfaction I add that +information has been received from an agent deputed on our part to Algiers +importing that the terms of the treaty with the Dey and Regency of that +country had been adjusted in such a manner as to authorize the expectation +of a speedy peace and the restoration of our unfortunate fellow citizens +from a grievous captivity. + +The latest advices from our envoy at the Court of Madrid give, moreover, +the pleasing information that he had assurances of a speedy and +satisfactory conclusion of his negotiation. While the event depending upon +unadjusted particulars can not be regarded as ascertained, it is agreeable +to cherish the expectation of an issue which, securing amicably very +essential interests of the United States, will at the same time lay the +foundation of lasting harmony with a power whose friendship we have +uniformly and sincerely desired to cultivate. + +Though not before officially disclosed to the House of Representatives, +you, gentlemen, are all apprised that a treaty of amity, commerce, and +navigation has been negotiated with Great Britain, and that the Senate have +advised and consented to its ratification upon a condition which excepts +part of one article. Agreeably thereto, and to the best judgment I was able +to form of the public interest after full and mature deliberation, I have +added my sanction. The result on the part of His Britannic Majesty is +unknown. When received, the subject will without delay be placed before +Congress. + +This interesting summary of our affairs with regard to the foreign powers +between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted, and with +regard also to those of our Indian neighbors with whom we have been in a +state of enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for consoling and +gratifying reflections. If by prudence and moderation on every side the +extinguishment of all the causes of external discord which have heretofore +menaced our tranquillity, on terms compatible with our national rights and +honor, shall be the happy result, how firm and how precious a foundation +will have been laid for accelerating, maturing, and establishing the +prosperity of our country. + +Contemplating the internal situation as well as the external relations of +the United States, we discover equal cause for contentment and +satisfaction. While many of the nations of Europe, with their American +dependencies, have been involved in a contest unusually bloody, exhausting, +and calamitous, in which the evils of foreign war have been aggravated by +domestic convulsion and insurrection; in which many of the arts most useful +to society have been exposed to discouragement and decay; in which scarcity +of subsistence has imbittered other sufferings; while even the +anticipations of a return of the blessings of peace and repose are alloyed +by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, which press upon all the +departments of industry and threaten to clog the future springs of +government, our favored country, happy in a striking contrast, has enjoyed +tranquillity--a tranquillity the more satisfactory because maintained at +the expense of no duty. Faithful to ourselves, we have violated no +obligation to others. + +Our agriculture, commerce, and manufactures prosper beyond former example, +the molestations of our trade (to prevent a continuance of which, however, +very pointed remonstrances have been made) being overbalanced by the +aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral position. Our population +advances with a celerity which, exceeding the most sanguine calculations, +proportionally augments our strength and resources, and guarantees our +future security. + +Every part of the Union displays indications of rapid and various +improvement; and with burthens so light as scarcely to be perceived, with +resources fully adequate to our present exigencies, with governments +founded on the genuine principles of rational liberty, and with mild and +wholesome laws, is it too much to say that our country exhibits a spectacle +of national happiness never surpassed, if ever before equaled? + +Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of commanding force +impel us, with sincere acknowledgment to Heaven and pure love to our +country, to unite our efforts to preserve, prolong, and improve our immense +advantages. To cooperate with you in this desirable work is a fervent and +favorite wish of my heart. + +It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our welfare that the +part of our country which was lately the scene of disorder and insurrection +now enjoys the blessings of quiet and order. The misled have abandoned +their errors, and pay the respect to our Constitution and laws which is due +from good citizens to the public authorities of the society. These +circumstances have induced me to pardon generally the offenders here +referred to, and to extend forgiveness to those who had been adjudged to +capital punishment. For though I shall always think it a sacred duty to +exercise with firmness and energy the constitutional powers with which I am +vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent with the public good than +it is with my personal feelings to mingle in the operations of Government +every degree of moderation and tenderness which the national justice, +dignity, and safety may permit. + +Gentlemen: Among the objects which will claim your attention in the course +of the session, a review of our military establishment is not the least +important. It is called for by the events which have changed, and may be +expected still further to change, the relative situation of our frontiers. +In this review you will doubtless allow due weight to the considerations +that the questions between us and certain foreign powers are not yet +finally adjusted, that the war in Europe is not yet terminated, and that +our Western posts, when recovered, will demand provision for garrisoning +and securing them. A statement of our present military force will be laid +before you by the Department of War. + +With the review of our Army establishment is naturally connected that of +the militia. It will merit inquiry what imperfections in the existing plan +further experience may have unfolded. The subject is of so much moment in +my estimation as to excite a constant solicitude that the consideration of +it may be renewed until the greatest attainable perfection shall be +accomplished. Time is wearing away some advantages for forwarding the +object, while none better deserves the persevering attention of the public +councils. + +While we indulge the satisfaction which the actual condition of our Western +borders so well authorizes, it is necessary that we should not lose sight +of an important truth which continually receives new confirmations, namely, +that the provisions heretofore made with a view to the protection of the +Indians from the violences of the lawless part of our frontier inhabitants +are insufficient. It is demonstrated that these violences can now be +perpetrated with impunity, and it can need no argument to prove that unless +the murdering of Indians can be restrained by bringing the murderers to +condign punishment, all the exertions of the Government to prevent +destructive retaliations by the Indians will prove fruitless and all our +present agreeable prospects illusory. The frequent destruction of innocent +women and children, who are chiefly the victims of retaliation, must +continue to shock humanity, and an enormous expense to drain the Treasury +of the Union. + +To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice it is indispensable +that there shall be competent means of rendering justice to them. If these +means can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, and especially if there can +be added an adequate provision for supplying the necessities of the Indians +on reasonable terms (a measure the mention of which I the more readily +repeat, as in all the conferences with them they urge it with solicitude), +I should not hesitate to entertain a strong hope of rendering our +tranquillity permanent. I add with pleasure that the probability even of +their civilization is not diminished by the experiments which have been +thus far made under the auspices of Government. The accomplishment of this +work, if practicable, will reflect undecaying luster on our national +character and administer the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds +can know. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been borrowed and +reimbursed pursuant to different acts of Congress, will be submitted from +the proper Department, together with an estimate of the appropriations +necessary to be made for the service of the ensuing year. + +Whether measures may not be advisable to reinforce the provision of the +redemption of the public debt will naturally engage your examination. +Congress have demonstrated their sense to be, and it were superfluous to +repeat mine, that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable +extinction of our public debt accords as much with the true interest of our +country as with the general sense of our constituents. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +The statements which will be laid before you relative to the Mint will shew +the situation of that institution and the necessity of some further +legislative provisions for carrying the business of it more completely into +effect, and for checking abuses which appear to be arising in particular +quarters. + +The progress in providing materials for the frigates and in building them, +the state of the fortifications of our harbors, the measures which have +been pursued for obtaining proper sites for arsenals and for replenishing +our magazines with military stores, and the steps which have been taken +toward the execution of the law for opening a trade with the Indians will +likewise be presented for the information of Congress. + +Temperate discussion of the important subjects which may arise in the +course of the session and mutual forbearance where there is a difference of +opinion are too obvious and necessary for the peace, happiness, and welfare +of our country to need any recommendation of mine. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 7, 1796 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +In recurring to the internal situation of our country since I had last the +pleasure to address you, I find ample reason for a renewed expression of +that gratitude to the Ruler of the Universe which a continued series of +prosperity has so often and so justly called forth. + +The acts of the last session which required special arrangements have been +as far as circumstances would admit carried into operation. + +Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the +Indians and to preserve peace along the extent of our interior frontier +have been digested and adopted. In the framing of these care has been taken +to guard on the one hand our advanced settlements from the predatory +incursions of those unruly individuals who can not be restrained by their +tribes, and on the other hand to protect the rights secured to the Indians +by treaty--to draw them nearer to the civilized state and inspire them +with correct conceptions of the power as well as justice of the +Government. + +The meeting of the deputies from the Creek Nation at Colerain, in the State +of Georgia, which had for a principal object the purchase of a parcel of +their land by that State, broke up without its being accomplished, the +nation having previous to their departure instructed them against making +any sale. The occasion, however, has been improved to confirm by a new +treaty with the Creeks their preexisting engagements with the United +States, and to obtain their consent to the establishment of trading houses +and military posts within their boundary, by means of which their +friendship and the general peace may be more effectually secured. + +The period during the late session at which the appropriation was passed +for carrying into effect the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation +between the United States and His Brittanic Majesty necessarily +procrastinated the reception of the posts stipulated to be delivered beyond +the date assigned for that event. As soon, however, as the Governor-General +of Canada could be addressed with propriety on the subject, arrangements +were cordially and promptly concluded for their evacuation, and the United +States took possession of the principal of them, comprehending Oswego, +Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and Fort Miami, where such repairs and +additions have been ordered to be made as appeared indispensable. + +The commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and of Great +Britain to determine which is the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty +of peace of 1783, agreed in the choice of Egbert Benson, esq., of New York, +for the 3rd commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrew's, in Passamaquoddy +Bay, in the beginning of October, and directed surveys to be made of the +rivers in dispute; but deeming it impracticable to have these surveys +completed before the next year, they adjourned to meet at Boston in August, +1797, for the final decision of the question. + +Other commissioners appointed on the part of the United States, agreeably +to the 7th article of the treaty with Great Britain, relative to captures +and condemnation of vessels and other property, met the commissioners of +His Britannic Majesty in London in August last, when John Trumbull, esq., +was chosen by lot for the 5th commissioner. In October following the board +were to proceed to business. As yet there has been no communication of +commissioners on the part of Great Britain to unite with those who have +been appointed on the part of the United States for carrying into effect +the 6th article of the treaty. + +The treaty with Spain required that the commissioners for running the +boundary line between the territory of the United States and His Catholic +Majesty's provinces of East and West Florida should meet at the Natchez +before the expiration of 6 months after the exchange of the ratifications, +which was effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April; and the +troops of His Catholic Majesty occupying any posts within the limits of +the United States were within the same time period to be withdrawn. The +commissioner of the United States therefore commenced his journey for the +Natchez in September, and troops were ordered to occupy the posts from +which the Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn. Information has been +recently received of the appointment of a commissioner on the part of His +Catholic Majesty for running the boundary line, but none of any appointment +for the adjustment of the claims of our citizens whose vessels were +captured by the armed vessels of Spain. + +In pursuance of the act of Congress passed in the last session for the +protection and relief of American sea-men, agents were appointed, one to +reside in Great Britain and the other in the West Indies. The effects of +the agency in the West Indies are not yet fully ascertained, but those +which have been communicated afford grounds to believe the measure will be +beneficial. The agent destined to reside in Great Britain declining to +accept the appointment, the business has consequently devolved on the +minister of the United States in London, and will command his attention +until a new agent shall be appointed. + +After many delays and disappointments arising out of the European war, the +final arrangements for fulfilling the engagements made to the Dey and +Regency of Algiers will in all present appearance be crowned with success, +but under great, though inevitable, disadvantages in the pecuniary +transactions occasioned by that war, which will render further provision +necessary. The actual liberation of all our citizens who were prisoners in +Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling of heart, is itself an earnest of +a satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. Measures are in +operation for effecting treaties with the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli. + +To an active external commerce the protection of a naval force is +indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars in which a State is +itself a party. But besides this, it is in our own experience that the most +sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of +nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag requires a naval force +organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression. This may +even prevent the necessity of going to war by discouraging belligerent +powers from committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party +as may, first or last, leave no other option. From the best information I +have been able to obtain it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean +without a protecting force will always be insecure and our citizens exposed +to the calamities from which numbers of them have but just been relieved. + +These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to +set about the gradual creation of a navy. The increasing progress of their +navigation promises them at no distant period the requisite supply of +sea-men, and their means in other respects favor the undertaking. It is an +encouragement, likewise, that their particular situation will give weight +and influence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it not, then, +be advisable to begin without delay to provide and lay up the materials for +the building and equipping of ships of war, and to proceed in the work by +degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable without +inconvenience, so that a future war of Europe may not find our commerce in +the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present? + +Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention +to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too much consequence +not to insure a continuance of their efforts in every way which shall +appear eligible. As a general rule, manufactures on public account are +inexpedient; but where the state of things in a country leaves little hope +that certain branches of manufacture will for a great length of time +obtain, when these are of a nature essential to the furnishing and +equipping of the public force in time of war, are not establishments for +procuring them on public account to the extent of the ordinary demand for +the public service recommended by strong considerations of national policy +as an exception to the general rule? + +Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign supply, +precarious because liable to be interrupted? If the necessary article +should in this mode cost more in time of peace, will not the security and +independence thence arising form an ample compensation? + +Establishments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls of the public +service in time of peace, will in time of war easily be extended in +proportion to the exigencies of the Government, and may even perhaps be +made to yield a surplus for the supply of our citizens at large, so as to +mitigate the privations from the interruption of their trade. If adopted, +the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are already, or likely +soon to be, established in the country, in order that there may be no danger +of interference with pursuits of individual industry. + +It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or national +welfare agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations +advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this truth +becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and +more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting it grow up, +supported by the public purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with +greater propriety? + +Among the means which have been employed to this end none have been +attended with greater success than the establishment of boards (composed of +proper characters) charged with collecting and diffusing information, and +enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a +spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment +contributes doubly to the increase of improvement by stimulating to +enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a common center the results +everywhere of individual skill and observation, and spreading them thence +over the whole nation. Experience accordingly has shewn that they are very +cheap instruments of immense national benefits. + +I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress the expediency +of establishing a national university and also a military academy. The +desirableness of both these institutions has so constantly increased with +every new view I have taken of the subject that I can not omit the +opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. + +The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not to be fully +sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes +to national prosperity and reputation. + +True it is that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries of +learning highly repeatable and useful; but the funds upon which they rest +are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the different +departments of liberal knowledge for the institution contemplated, though +they would be excellent auxiliaries. + +Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the +principles, opinions, and manners of our country-men by the common +education of a portion of our youth from every quarter well deserves +attention. The more homogenous our citizens can be made in these +particulars the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a +primary object of such a national institution should be the education of +our youth in the science of government. In a republic what species of +knowledge can be equally important and what duty more pressing on its +legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who are +to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country? + +The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent +reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought +never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for +emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and both +would hazard its safety or expose it to greater evils when war could not be +avoided; besides that, war might often not depend upon its own choice. In +proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from +the necessity of practicing the rules of the military art ought to be its +care in preserving and transmitting, by proper establishments, the +knowledge of that art. + +Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples superficially +viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince that the art of +war is at once comprehensive and complicated, that it demands much previous +study, and that the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state +is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, +ought to be a serious care of every government, and for this purpose an +academy where a regular course of instruction is given is an obvious +expedient which different nations have successfully employed. + +The compensation to the officers of the United States in various instances, +and in none more than in respect to the most important stations, appear to +call for legislative revision. The consequences of a defective provision +are of serious import to the Government. If private wealth is to supply the +defect of public retribution, it will greatly contract the sphere within +which the selection of character for office is to be made, and will +proportionally diminish the probability of a choice of men able as well as +upright. Besides that, it should be repugnant to the vital principles of +our Government virtually to exclude from public trusts talents and virtue +unless accompanied by wealth. + +While in our external relations some serious inconveniences and +embarrassments have been overcome and others lessened, it is with much pain +and deep regret I mention that circumstances of a very unwelcome nature +have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered and is suffering extensive +injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French +Republic, and communications have been received from its minister here +which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its +authority, and which are in other respects far from agreeable. + +It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that +of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony and a perfectly friendly +understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated, and I shall +persevere in the endeavor to fulfill it to the utmost extent of what shall +be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the rights and honor +of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation that a +spirit of justice, candor, and friendship on the part of the Republic will +eventually insure success. + +In pursuing this course, however, I can not forget what is due to the +character of our Government and nation, or to a full and entire confidence +in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude of my +country-men. + +I reserve for a special message a more particular communication on this +interesting subject. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary for the service +of the ensuing year to be submitted from the proper Department, with a view +of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest period to which an +account can be prepared. + +It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you that the revenues of the +United States continue in a state of progressive improvement. + +A reenforcement of the existing provisions for discharging our public debt +was mentioned in my address at the opening of the last session. Some +preliminary steps were taken toward it, the maturing of which will no doubt +engage your zealous attention during the present. I will only add that it +will afford me a heart-felt satisfaction to concur in such further measures +as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a speedy extinguishment of +the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret if from any motive intervals +of tranquillity are left unimproved for accelerating this valuable end. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed on an +efficient establishment has been so often and so ardently expressed that I +shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present occasion, +at the same time that I shall submit to your inquiry whether our harbors +are yet sufficiently secured. + +The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst of the +representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the +period when the administration of the present form of government commenced, +and I can not omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the +success of the experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the +Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Arbiter of Nations that His +providential care may still be extended to the United States, that the +virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the +Government which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties +may be perpetual. + +GO. WASHINGTON + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of State of the Union Addresses of George +Washington, by George Washington + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES *** + +***** This file should be named 5010.txt or 5010.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/1/5010/ + +Produced by James Linden. HTML version by Al Haines. +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will +be renamed. + +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: State of the Union Addresses of George Washington + +Author: George Washington + +Release Date: February, 2004 [EBook #5010] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on April 11, 2002] +[Date last updated: January 24, 2004] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OF ADDRESSES BY GEORGE WASHINGTON *** + + + + +This eBook was produced by James Linden. + +The addresses are separated by three asterisks: *** + +Dates of addresses by George Washington in this eBook: + January 8, 1790 + December 8, 1790 + October 25, 1791 + November 6, 1792 + December 3, 1793 + November 19, 1794 + December 8, 1795 + December 7, 1796 + + + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +January 8, 1790 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents itself +of congratulating you on the present favorable prospects of our public +affairs. The recent accession of the important state of north Carolina to +the Constitution of the United States (of which official information has +been received), the rising credit and respectability of our country, the +general and increasing good will toward the government of the Union, and +the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are blessed are circumstances +auspicious in an eminent degree to our national prosperity. + +In resuming your consultations for the general good you can not but derive +encouragement from the reflection that the measures of the last session +have been as satisfactory to your constituents as the novelty and +difficulty of the work allowed you to hope. Still further to realize their +expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has +placed within our reach will in the course of the present important session +call for the cool and deliberate exertion of your patriotism, firmness, and +wisdom. + +Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of +providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be +prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. + +A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a +uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest +require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them +independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies. + +The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indispensable +will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements which may be +made respecting it it will be of importance to conciliate the comfortable +support of the officers and soldiers with a due regard to economy. + +There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted with regard to +certain hostile tribes of Indians would have relieved the inhabitants of +our southern and western frontiers from their depredations, but you will +perceive from the information contained in the papers which I shall direct +to be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the Commonwealth +of Virginia) that we ought to be prepared to afford protection to those +parts of the Union, and, if necessary, to punish aggressors. + +The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with other +nations should be facilitated by such provisions as will enable me to +fulfill my duty in that respect in the manner which circumstances may +render most conducive to the public good, and to this end that the +compensation to be made to the persons who may be employed should, +according to the nature of their appointments, be defined by law, and a +competent fund designated for defraying the expenses incident to the +conduct of foreign affairs. + +Various considerations also render it expedient that the terms on which +foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens should be speedily +ascertained by a uniform rule of naturalization. + +Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the United States is +an object of great importance, and will, I am persuaded, be duly attended +to. + +The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by all proper +means will not, I trust, need recommendation; but I can not forbear +intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual encouragement as well +to the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad as to the +exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, and of +facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of our country by a +due attention to the post-office and post-roads. + +Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that there +is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the promotion of +science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of +public happiness. In one in which the measures of government receive their +impressions so immediately from the sense of the community as in ours it is +proportionably essential. + +To the security of a free constitution it contributes in various ways - by +convincing those who are intrusted with the public administration that +every valuable end of government is best answered by the enlightened +confidence of the people, and by teaching the people themselves to know and +to value their own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of +them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of +lawful authority; between burthens proceeding from a disregard to their +convenience and those resulting from the inevitable exigencies of society; +to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness - +cherishing the first, avoiding the last - and uniting a speedy but +temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an inviolable respect to +the laws. + +Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids to +seminaries of learning already established, by the institution of a +national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of a +place in the deliberations of the legislature. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session the +resolution entered into by you expressive of your opinion that an adequate +provision for the support of the public credit is a matter of high +importance to the national honor and prosperity. In this sentiment I +entirely concur; and to a perfect confidence in your best endeavors to +devise such a provision as will be truly with the end I add an equal +reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other branch of the +legislature. + +It would be superfluous to specify inducements to a measure in which the +character and interests of the United States are so obviously so deeply +concerned, and which has received so explicit a sanction from your +declaration. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, respectively, such +papers and estimates as regard the affairs particularly recommended to your +consideration, and necessary to convey to you that information of the state +of the Union which it is my duty to afford. + +The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and +efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive great satisfaction from a +cooperation with you in the pleasing though arduous task of insuring to our +fellow citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from a +free, efficient, and equal government. + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 8, 1790 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my +congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish +our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed our +country with plenty and with the means of a flourishing commerce. + +The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of +American stock abroad as well as at home, and the revenues allotted for +this and other national purposes have been productive beyond the +calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance is the +more pleasing, as it is not only a proof of the fertility of our resources, +but as it assures us of a further increase of the national respectability +and credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable testimony to the +patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine part of our citizens. +The punctuality of the former in discharging their engagements has been +exemplary. + +In conformity to the powers vested in me by acts of the last session, a +loan of 3,000,000 florins, toward which some provisional measures had +previously taken place, has been completed in Holland. As well the celerity +with which it has been filled as the nature of the terms (considering the +more than ordinary demand for borrowing created by the situation of Europe) +give a reasonable hope that the further execution of those powers may +proceed with advantage and success. The Secretary of the Treasury has my +directions to communicate such further particulars as may be requisite for +more precise information. + +Since your last sessions I have received communications by which it appears +that the district of Kentucky, at present a part of Virginia, has concurred +in certain propositions contained in a law of that State, in consequence of +which the district is to become a distinct member of the Union, in case the +requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this sanction application is +now made. I shall cause the papers on this very transaction to be laid +before you. + +The liberality and harmony with which it has been conducted will be found +to do great honor to both the parties, and the sentiments of warm +attachment to the Union and its present Government expressed by our fellow +citizens of Kentucky can not fail to add an affectionate concern for their +particular welfare to the great national impressions under which you will +decide on the case submitted to you. + +It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent incursion have been +made on our frontier settlements by certain banditti of Indians from the +northwest side of the Ohio. These, with some of the tribes dwelling on and +near the Wabash, have of late been particularly active in their +depredations, and being emboldened by the impunity of their crimes and +aided by such parts of the neighboring tribes as could be seduced to join +in their hostilities or afford them a retreat for their prisoners and +plunder, they have, instead of listening to the humane invitations and +overtures made on the part of the United States, renewed their violences +with fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a number of valuable +citizens have thus been sacrificed, and some of them under circumstances +peculiarly shocking, whilst others have been carried into a deplorable +captivity. + +These aggravated provocations rendered it essential to the safety of the +Western settlements that the aggressors should be made sensible that the +Government of the Union is not less capable of punishing their crimes than +it is disposed to respect their rights and reward their attachments. As +this object could not be effected by defensive measures, it became +necessary to put in force the act which empowers the President to call out +the militia for the protection of the frontiers, and I have accordingly +authorized an expedition in which the regular troops in that quarter are +combined with such drafts of militia as were deemed sufficient. The event +of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary of War is directed to +lay before you a statement of the information on which it is founded, as +well as an estimate of the expense with which it will be attended. + +The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical posture of +the great maritime powers, whilst it ought to make us the more thankful for +the general peace and security enjoyed by the United States, reminds us at +the same time of the circumspection with which it becomes us to preserve +these blessings. It requires also that we should not overlook the tendency +of a war, and even of preparations for a war, among the nations most +concerned in active commerce with this country to abridge the means, and +thereby at least enhance the price, of transporting its valuable +productions to their markets. I recommend it to your serious reflections +how far and in what mode it may be expedient to guard against +embarrassments from these contingencies by such encouragements to our own +navigation as will render our commerce and agriculture less dependent on +foreign bottoms, which may fail us in the very moments most interesting to +both of these great objects. Our fisheries and the transportation of our +own produce offer us abundant means for guarding ourselves against this +evil. + +Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular branch of our +trade which belongs to the Mediterranean. So many circumstances unite in +rendering the present state of it distressful to us that you will not think +any deliberations misemployed which may lead to its relief and protection. + +The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a judiciary +system have opened the doors of justice to all descriptions of persons. You +will consider in your wisdom whether improvements in that system may yet be +made, and particularly whether an uniform process of execution on sentences +issuing from the Federal courts be not desirable through all the States. + +The patronage of our commerce, of our merchants and sea men, has called for +the appointment of consuls in foreign countries. It seems expedient to +regulate by law the exercise of that jurisdiction and those functions which +are permitted them, either by express convention or by a friendly +indulgence, in the places of their residence. The consular convention, too, +with His Most Christian Majesty has stipulated in certain cases the aid of +the national authority to his consuls established here. Some legislative +provision is requisite to carry these stipulations into full effect. + +The establishment of the militia, of a mint, of standards of weights and +measures, of the post office and post roads are subjects which I presume +you will resume of course, and which are abundantly urged by their own +importance. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the objects to +which they are appropriated leaves no doubt that the residuary provisions +will be commensurate to the other objects for which the public faith stands +now pledged. Allow me, moreover, to hope that it will be a favorite policy +with you, not merely to secure a payment of the interest of the debt +funded, but as far and as fast as the growing resources of the country will +permit to exonerate it of the principal itself. The appropriation you have +made of the Western land explains your dispositions on this subject, and I +am persuaded that the sooner that valuable fund can be made to contribute, +along with the other means, to the actual reduction of the public debt the +more salutary will the measure be to every public interest, as well as the +more satisfactory to our constituents. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +in pursuing the various and weighty business of the present session I +indulge the fullest persuasion that your consultation will be equally +marked with wisdom and animated by the love of your country. In whatever +belongs to my duty you shall have all the cooperation which an undiminished +zeal for its welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us both, and our +best reward, if, by a successful administration of our respective trusts, +we can make the established Government more and more instrumental in +promoting the good of our fellow citizens, and more and more the object of +their attachment and confidence. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +October 25, 1791 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +"In vain may we expect peace with the Indians on our frontiers so long as a +lawless set of unprincipled wretches can violate the rights of hospitality, +or infringe the most solemn treaties, without receiving the punishment they +so justly merit." + +I meet you upon the present occasion with the feelings which are naturally +inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situations of our common +country, and by a persuasion equally strong that the labors of the session +which has just commenced will, under the guidance of a spirit no less +prudent than patriotic, issue in measures conducive to the stability and +increase of national prosperity. + +Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our grateful +acknowledgments, the abundance with which another year has again rewarded +the industry of the husbandman is too important to escape recollection. + +Your own observations in your respective situations will have satisfied you +of the progressive state of agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and +navigation. In tracing their causes you will have remarked with particular +pleasure the happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well as +private, to which the Constitution and laws of the United States have so +eminently contributed; and you will have observed with no less interest new +and decisive proofs of the increasing reputation and credit of the nation. +But you nevertheless can not fail to derive satisfaction from the +confirmation of these circumstances which will be disclosed in the several +official communications that will be made to you in the course of your +deliberations. + +The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which completed +the sum allowed to be subscribed in a single day, is among the striking and +pleasing evidences which present themselves, not only of confidence in the +Government, but of resource in the community. + +In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the execution +of the different objects which were specially provided for by the laws and +resolutions of the last session. + +Among the most important of these is the defense and security of the +western frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane principles was a +primary wish. + +Accordingly, at the same time the treaties have been provisionally +concluded and other proper means used to attach the wavering and to confirm +in their friendship the well-disposed tribes of Indians, effectual measures +have been adopted to make those of a hostile description sensible that a +pacification was desired upon terms of moderation and justice. + +Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to convince +the refractory of the power of the United States to punish their +depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been directed, to be +conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of +humanity. + +Some of these have been crowned with full success and others are yet +depending. The expeditions which have been completed were carried on under +the authority and at the expense of the United States by the militia of +Kentucky, whose enterprise, intrepidity, and good conduct are entitled of +peculiar commendation. + +Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and +considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them have lately renounced +all further opposition, removed from their former situations, and placed +themselves under the immediate protection of the United States. + +It is sincerely to be desired that all need of coercion in future may cease +and that an intimate intercourse may succeed, calculated to advance the +happiness of the Indians and to attach them firmly to the United States. + +In order to this it seems necessary - That they should experience the +benefits of an impartial dispensation of justice. That the mode of +alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be so +defined and regulated as to obviate imposition and as far as may be +practicable controversy concerning the reality and extent of the +alienations which are made. That commerce with them should be promoted +under regulations tending to secure an equitable deportment toward them, +and that such rational experiments should be made for imparting to them the +blessings of civilization as may from time to time suit their condition. +That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the +means to which the Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their +immediate interests with the preservation of peace. And that efficacious +provision should be made for inflicting adequate penalties upon all those +who, by violating their rights, shall infringe the treaties and endanger +the peace of the Union. A system corresponding with the mild principles of +religion and philanthropy toward an unenlightened race of men, whose +happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be +as honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of +sound policy. + +The powers specially vested in me by the act laying certain duties on +distilled spirits, which respect the subdivisions of the districts into +surveys, the appointment of officers, and the assignment of compensations, +have likewise carried into effect. In a manner in which both materials and +experience were wanting to guide the calculation it will be readily +conceived that there must have been difficulty in such an adjustment of the +rates of compensation as would conciliate a reasonable competency with a +proper regard to the limits prescribed by the law. It is hoped that the +circumspection which has been used will be found in the result to have +secured that last two objects; but it is probable that with a view to the +first in some instances a revision of the provision will be found +advisable. + +The impressions with which this law has been received by the community have +been upon the whole such as were to be expected among enlightened and +well-disposed citizens from the propriety and necessity of the measure. The +novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the United States +and a misconception of some of its provisions have given occasion in +particular places to some degree of discontent; but it is satisfactory to +know that this disposition yields to proper explanations and more just +apprehensions of the true nature of the law, and I entertain a full +confidence that it will in all give way to motives which arise out of a +just sense of duty and a virtuous regard to the public welfare. + +If there are any circumstances in the law which consistently with its main +design may be so varied as to remove any well-intentioned objections that +may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise moderation to make the +proper variations. It is desirable on all occasions to unite with a steady +and firm adherence to constitutional and necessary acts of Government the +fullest evidence of a disposition as far as may be practicable to consult +the wishes of every part of the community and to lay the foundations of the +public administration in the affections of the people. + +Pursuant to the authority contained in the several acts on that subject, a +district of 10 miles square for the permanent seat of the Government of the +United State has been fixed and announced by proclamation, which district +will comprehend lands on both sides of the river Potomac and the towns of +Alexandria and Georgetown. A city has also been laid out agreeably to a +plan which will be placed before Congress, and as there is a prospect, +favored by the rate of sales which have already taken place, of ample funds +for carrying on the necessary public buildings, there is every expectation +of their due progress. + +The completion of the census of the inhabitants, for which provision was +made by law, has been duly notified (excepting one instance in which the +return has been informal, and another in which it has been omitted or +miscarried), and the returns of the officers who were charged with this +duty, which will be laid before you, will give you the pleasing assurance +that the present population of the United States borders on 4,000,000 +persons. + +It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of 2,500,000 florins +has been completed in Holland, the terms of which are similar to those of +the one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges. Another, +on like terms, for 6,000,000 florins, had been set on foot under +circumstances that assured an immediate completion. + +Gentlemen of the Senate: + +Two treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees and +Six Nations of Indians will be laid before you for your consideration and +ratification. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust you must +anticipate with pleasure that many of the difficulties necessarily incident +to the first arrangements of a new government for an extensive country have +been happily surmounted by the zealous and judicious exertions of your +predecessors in cooperation with the other branch of the Legislature. The +important objects which remain to be accomplished will, I am persuaded, be +conducted upon principles equally comprehensive and equally well calculated +of the advancement of the general weal. + +The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by the +act making provision for the debt of the United States having expired, +statements from the proper department will as soon as possible apprise you +of the exact result. Enough, however, is known already to afford an +assurance that the views of that act have been substantially fulfilled. The +subscription in the domestic debt of the United States has embraced by far +the greatest proportion of that debt, affording at the same time proof of +the general satisfaction of the public creditors with the system which has +been proposed to their acceptance and of the spirit of accommodation to the +convenience of the Government with which they are actuated. The +subscriptions in the debts of the respective States as far as the +provisions of the law have permitted may be said to be yet more general. +The part of the debt of the United States which remains unsubscribed will +naturally engage your further deliberations. + +It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you that the +revenues which have been established promise to be adequate to their +objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency occurs, to +supersede for the present the necessity of any new burthens upon our +constituents. + +An object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the +current service of the ensuing year, together with such ascertained demands +upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, and such +casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public business, for +which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; of all which a +proper estimate will be laid before you. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +I shall content myself with a general reference to former communications +for several objects upon which the urgency of other affairs has hitherto +postponed any definitive resolution. Their importance will recall them to +your attention, and I trust that the progress already made in the most +arduous arrangements of the Government will afford you leisure to resume +them to advantage. + +These are, however, some of them of which I can not forbear a more +particular mention. These are the militia, the post office and post roads, +the mint, weights and measures, a provision for the sale of the vacant +lands of the United States. + +The first is certainly an object of primary importance whether viewed in +reference to the national security to the satisfaction of the community or +to the preservation of order. In connection with this the establishment of +competent magazines and arsenals and the fortification of such places as +are peculiarly important and vulnerable naturally present themselves to +consideration. The safety of the United States under divine protection +ought to rest on the basis of systematic and solid arrangements, exposed as +little as possible to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances. + +The importance of the post office and post roads on a plan sufficiently +liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety, and +facility of communication, is increased by their instrumentality in +diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government, which, +while it contributes to the security of the people, serves also to guard +them against the effects of misrepresentation and misconception. The +establishment of additional cross posts, especially to some of the +important points in the Western and Northern parts of the Union, can not +fail to be of material utility. + +The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the scarcity of +small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer classes, +strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the resolution +already entered into concerning the establishment of a mint. Measures have +been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some of the most +necessary artists, together with the requisite apparatus. + +An uniformity in the weights and measures of the country is among the +important objects submitted to you by the Constitution, and if it can be +derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must be no less +honorable to the public councils than conducive to the public convenience. + +A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is +particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important considerations +that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; that if +timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of burthening +our citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and +that being free to discharge the principal but in a limited proportion, no +opportunity ought to be lost for availing the public of its right. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +November 6, 1792 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the +present occasion that, in felicitating you on a continuance of the national +prosperity generally, I am not able to add to it information that the +Indian hostilities which have for some time past distressed our +Northwestern frontier have terminated. + +You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I communicate it +that reiterated endeavors toward effecting a pacification have hitherto +issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the +part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. An earnest desire to +procure tranquillity to the frontier, to stop the further effusion of +blood, to arrest the progress of expense, to forward the prevalent wish of +the nation for peace has led to strenuous efforts through various channels +to accomplish these desirable purposes; in making which efforts I consulted +less my own anticipations of the event, or the scruples which some +considerations were calculated to inspire, than the wish to find the object +attainable, or if not attainable, to ascertain unequivocally that such is +the case. + +A detail of the measures which have been pursued and of their consequences, +which will be laid before you, while it will confirm to you the want of +success thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as proper and as +efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. The issue of +some of them, indeed, is still depending, but a favorable one, though not +to be despaired of, is not promised by anything that has yet happened. + +In the course of the attempts which have been made some valuable citizens +have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A sanction +commonly respected even among savages has been found in this instance +insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace. It will, I +presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not call for an +exercise of liberality toward the families of the deceased. + +It must add to your concern to be informed that, besides the continuation +of hostile appearances among the tribes north of the Ohio, some threatening +symptoms have of late been revived among some of those south of it. + +A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamaugas, inhabiting five +villages on the Tennessee River, have long been in the practice of +committing depredations on the neighboring settlements. + +It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee Nation in +July, 1791, would have prevented a repetition of such depredations; but the +event has not answered this hope. The Chickamaugas, aided by some banditti +of another tribe in their vicinity, have recently perpetrated wanton and +unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the United States in that +quarter. The information which has been received on this subject will be +laid before you. Hitherto defensive precautions only have been strictly +enjoined and observed. + +It is not understood that any breach of treaty or aggression whatsoever on +the part of the United States or their citizens is even alleged as a +pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter. + +I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made +(pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) to be prepared for the +alternative of a prosecution of the war in the event of a failure of +pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be raised +have been recruited, though the number is still incomplete, and pains have +been taken to discipline and put them in condition for the particular kind +of service to be performed. A delay of operations (besides being dictated +by the measures which were pursuing toward a pacific termination of the +war) has been in itself deemed preferable to immature efforts. A statement +from the proper department with regard to the number of troops raised, and +some other points which have been suggested, will afford more precise +information as a guide to the legislative consultations, and among other +things will enable Congress to judge whether some additional stimulus to +the recruiting service may not be advisable. + +In looking forward to the future expense of the operations which may be +found inevitable I derive consolation from the information I receive that +the product of the revenues for the present year is likely to supersede the +necessity of additional burthens on the community for the service of the +ensuing year. This, however, will be better ascertained in the course of +the session, and it is proper to add that the information alluded to +proceeds upon the supposition of no material extension of the spirit of +hostility. + +I can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again recommending +to your consideration the expediency of more adequate provision for giving +energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier and for restraining the +commission of outrages upon the Indians, without which all pacific plans +must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent rewards, the employment of +qualified and trusty persons to reside among them as agents would also +contribute to the preservation of peace and good neighborhood. If in +addition to these expedients an eligible plan could be devised for +promoting civilization among the friendly tribes and for carrying on trade +with them upon a scale equal to their wants and under regulations +calculated to protect them from imposition and extortion, its influence in +cementing their interest with ours could not but be considerable. + +The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be still +more the case were it not for the impediments which in some places continue +to embarrass the collection of the duties on spirits distilled within the +United States. These impediments have lessened and are lessening in local +extent, and, as applied to the community at large, the contentment with the +law appears to be progressive. + +But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves in +certain quarters, I judged a special interposition on my part proper and +advisable, and under this impression have issued a proclamation warning +against all unlawful combinations and proceedings having for their object +or tending to obstruct the operation of the law in question, and announcing +that all lawful ways and means would be strictly put in execution for +bringing to justice the infractors thereof and securing obedience thereto. + +Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders, and +Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal limits +which may depend upon me shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just +authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust I shall count entirely upon +the full cooperation of the other departments of the Government and upon +the zealous support of all good citizens. + +I can not forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the +subject of a revision of the judiciary system. A representation from the +judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points out some +of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the execution +of the laws considerations arise out of the structure of the system which +in some cases tend to relax their efficacy. As connected with this subject, +provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon processes out of the +courts of the United States and a supplementary definition of offenses +against the Constitution and laws of the Union and of the punishment for +such offenses will, it is presumed, be found worthy of particular +attention. + +Observations on the value of peace with other nations are unnecessary. It +would be wise, however, by timely provisions to guard against those acts of +our own citizens which might tend to disturb it, and to put ourselves in a +condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations which we may +sometimes have occasion to require from them. I particularly recommend to +your consideration the means of preventing those aggressions by our +citizens on the territory of other nations, and other infractions of the +law of nations, which, furnishing just subject of complaint, might endanger +our peace with them; and, in general, the maintenance of a friendly +intercourse with foreign powers will be presented to your attention by the +expiration of the law for that purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, +at the close of the present session. + +In execution of the authority given by the Legislature measures have been +taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of +our mint. Others have been employed at home. Provision has been made of the +requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for +the purposes of the establishment. There has also been a small beginning in +the coinage of half dimes, the want of small coins in circulation calling +the first attention to them. + +The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the principles of +our national coinage, as being essential to their due operation and to +order in our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and completed. + +It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes the +post office operate, in experiment, against the transmission of news papers +to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to +be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the +circulation of political intelligence and information will, I doubt not, +lead to the application of a remedy. + +The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has been notified +to me. The Legislature will share with me in the satisfaction which arises +from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of the nation to +which it relates and conducive to the general order. + +It is proper likewise to inform you that since my last communication on the +subject, and in further execution of the acts severally making provision +for the public debt and for the reduction thereof, three new loans have +been effected, each for 3,000,000 florins - one at Antwerp, at the annual +interest of 4.5%, with an allowance of 4% in lieu of all charges, in the +other 2 at Amsterdam, at the annual interest of 4%, with an allowance of +5.5% in one case and of 5% in the other in lieu of all charges. The rates +of these loans and the circumstances under which they have been made are +confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad. + +Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, +the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers, according to the +provision made during the last session, has been embraced. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is now +sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon a systematic and effectual +arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt, +according to the right which has been reserved to the Government. No +measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic +importance or to the general sentiment and wish of the nation. + +Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which has +been made of the Bank of the United States, pursuant to the eleventh +section of the act by which it is incorporated. In fulfilling the public +stipulations in this particular it is expected a valuable saving will be +made. + +Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year and for such +extraordinaries as may require provision will demand, and I doubt not will +engage, your early attention. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +I content myself with recalling your attention generally to such objects, +not particularized in my present, as have been suggested in my former +communications to you. + +Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among these, +that which regulates trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes will +merit particular notice. + +The results of your common deliberations hitherto will, I trust, be +productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents, such as, by +conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend to strengthen +and confirm their attachment to that Constitution of Government upon which, +under Divine Providence, materially depend their union, their safety, and +their happiness. + +Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends there is nothing +which can have a more powerful tendency than the careful cultivation of +harmony, combined with a due regard to stability, in the public councils. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 3, 1793 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +Since the commencement of the term for which I have been again called into +office no fit occasion has arisen for expressing to me fellow citizens at +large the deep and respectful sense which I feel of the renewed testimony +of public approbation. While on the one hand it awakened my gratitude for +all those instances of affectionate partiality with which I have been +honored by my country, on the other it could not prevent an earnest wish +for that retirement from which no private consideration should ever have +torn me. But influenced by the belief that my conduct would be estimated +according to its real motives, and that the people, and the authorities +derived from them, would support exertions having nothing personal for +their object, I have obeyed the suffrage which commanded me to resume the +Executive power; and I humbly implore that Being on whose will the fate of +nations depends to crown with success our mutual endeavors for the general +happiness. + +As soon as the war in Europe had embraced those powers with whom the United +States have the most extensive relations there was reason to apprehend that +our intercourse with them might be interrupted and our disposition for +peace drawn into question by the suspicions too often entertained by +belligerent nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty to admonish our +citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and of hostile acts to +any of the parties, and to obtain by a declaration of the existing legal +state of things an easier admission of our right to the immunities +belonging to our situation. Under these impressions the proclamation which +will be laid before you was issued. + +In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved to adopt +general rules which should conform to the treaties and assert the +privileges of the United States. These were reduced into a system, which +will be communicated to you. Although I have not thought of myself at +liberty to forbid the sale of the prizes permitted by our treaty of +commerce with France to be brought into our ports, I have not refused to +cause them to be restored when they were taken within the protection of our +territory, or by vessels commissioned or equipped in a warlike form within +the limits of the United States. + +It rests with the wisdom of Congress to correct, improve, or enforce this +plan of procedure; and it will probably be found expedient to extend the +legal code and the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States to many +cases which, though dependent on principles already recognized, demand some +further provisions. + +Where individuals shall, within the United States, array themselves in +hostility against any of the powers at war, or enter upon military +expeditions or enterprises within the jurisdiction of the United States, or +usurp and exercise judicial authority within the United States, or where +the penalties on violations of the law of nations may have been +indistinctly marked, or are inadequate - these offenses can not receive too +early and close an attention, and require prompt and decisive remedies. + +Whatsoever those remedies may be, they will be well administered by the +judiciary, who possess a long-established course of investigation, +effectual process, and officers in the habit of executing it. + +In like manner, as several of the courts have doubted, under particular +circumstances, their power to liberate the vessels of a nation at peace, +and even of a citizen of the United States, although seized under a false +color of being hostile property, and have denied their power to liberate +certain captures within the protection of our territory, it would seem +proper to regulate their jurisdiction in these points. But if the Executive +is to be the resort in either of the two last-mentioned cases, it is hoped +that he will be authorized by law to have facts ascertained by the courts +when for his own information he shall request it. + +I can not recommend to your notice measures for the fulfillment of our +duties to the rest of the world without again pressing upon you the +necessity of placing ourselves in a condition of complete defense and of +exacting from them the fulfillment of their duties toward us. The United +States ought not to indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order of +human events, they will forever keep at a distance those painful appeals to +arms with which the history of every other nation abounds. There is a rank +due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not +absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid +insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of +the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known +that we are at all times ready for war. The documents which will be +presented to you will shew the amount and kinds of arms and military stores +now in our magazines and arsenals; and yet an addition even to these +supplies can not with prudence be neglected, as it would leave nothing to +the uncertainty of procuring warlike apparatus in the moment of public +danger. + +Nor can such arrangements, with such objects, be exposed to the censure or +jealousy of the warmest friends of republican government. They are +incapable of abuse in the hands of the militia, who ought to possess a +pride in being the depository of the force of the Republic, and may be +trained to a degree of energy equal to every military exigency of the +United States. But it is an inquiry which can not be too solemnly pursued, +whether the act "more effectually to provide for the national defense by +establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States" has organized +them so as to produce their full effect; whether your own experience in the +several States has not detected some imperfections in the scheme, and +whether a material feature in an improvement of it ought not to be to +afford an opportunity for the study of those branches of the military art +which can scarcely ever be attained by practice alone. + +The connection of the United States with Europe has become extremely +interesting. The occurrences which relate to it and have passed under the +knowledge of the Executive will be exhibited to Congress in a subsequent +communication. + +When we contemplate the war on our frontiers, it may be truly affirmed that +every reasonable effort has been made to adjust the causes of dissension +with the Indians north of the Ohio. The instructions given to the +commissioners evince a moderation and equity proceeding from a sincere love +of peace, and a liberality having no restriction but the essential +interests and dignity of the United States. The attempt, however, of an +amicable negotiation having been frustrated, the troops have marched to act +offensively. Although the proposed treaty did not arrest the progress of +military preparation, it is doubtful how far the advance of the season, +before good faith justified active movements, may retard them during the +remainder of the year. From the papers and intelligence which relate to +this important subject you will determine whether the deficiency in the +number of troops granted by law shall be compensated by succors of militia, +or additional encouragements shall be proposed to recruits. + +An anxiety has been also demonstrated by the Executive for peace with the +Creeks and the Cherokees. The former have been relieved with corn and with +clothing, and offensive measures against them prohibited during the recess +of Congress. To satisfy the complaints of the latter, prosecutions have +been instituted for the violences committed upon them. But the papers which +will be delivered to you disclose the critical footing on which we stand in +regard to both those tribes, and it is with Congress to pronounce what +shall be done. + +After they shall have provided for the present emergency, it will merit +their most serious labors to render tranquillity with the savages permanent +by creating ties of interest. Next to a rigorous execution of justice on +the violators of peace, the establishment of commerce with the Indian +nations in behalf of the United States is most likely to conciliate their +attachment. But it ought to be conducted without fraud, without extortion, +with constant and plentiful supplies, with a ready market for the +commodities of the Indians and a stated price for what they give in payment +and receive in exchange. Individuals will not pursue such a traffic unless +they be allured by the hope of profit; but it will be enough for the United +States to be reimbursed only. Should this recommendation accord with the +opinion of Congress, they will recollect that it can not be accomplished by +any means yet in the hands of the Executive. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The commissioners charged with the settlement of accounts between the +United States and individual States concluded their important function +within the time limited by law, and the balances struck in their report, +which will be laid before Congress, have been placed on the books of the +Treasury. + +On the first day of June last an installment of 1,000,000 florins became +payable on the loans of the United States in Holland. This was adjusted by +a prolongation of the period of reimbursement in nature of a new loan at an +interest of 5% for the term of ten years, and the expenses of this +operation were a commission of 3%. + +The first installment of the loan of $2,000,000 from the Bank of the United +States has been paid, as was directed by law. For the second it is +necessary that provision be made. + +No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular redemption and +discharge of the public debt. On none can delay be more injurious or an +economy of time more valuable. + +The productiveness of the public revenues hitherto has continued to equal +the anticipations which were formed of it, but it is not expected to prove +commensurate with all the objects which have been suggested. Some auxiliary +provisions will therefore, it is presumed, be requisite, and it is hoped +that these may be made consistently with a due regard to the convenience of +our citizens, who can not but be sensible of the true wisdom of +encountering a small present addition to their contributions to obviate a +future accumulation of burthens. + +But here I can not forbear to recommend a repeal of the tax on the +transportation of public prints. There is no resource so firm for the +Government of the United States as the affections of the people, guided by +an enlightened policy; and to this primary good nothing can conduce more +than a faithful representation of public proceedings, diffused without +restraint throughout the United States. + +An estimate of the appropriations necessary for the current service of the +ensuing year and a statement of a purchase of arms and military stores made +during the recess will be presented to Congress. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +The several subjects to which I have now referred open a wide range to your +deliberations and involve some of the choicest interests of our common +country. Permit me to bring to your remembrance the magnitude of your task. +Without an unprejudiced coolness the welfare of the Government may be +hazarded; without harmony as far as consists with freedom of sentiment its +dignity may be lost. But as the legislative proceedings of the United +States will never, I trust, be reproached for the want of temper or of +candor, so shall not the public happiness languish from the want of my +strenuous and warmest cooperation + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +November 19, 1794 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven by which the +American people became a nation; when we survey the general prosperity of +our country, and look forward to the riches, power, and happiness to which +it seems destined, with the deepest regret do I announce to you that during +your recess some of the citizens of the United States have been found +capable of insurrection. It is due, however, to the character of our +Government and to its stability, which can not be shaken by the enemies of +order, freely to unfold the course of this event. + +During the session of the year 1790 it was expedient to exercise the +legislative power granted by the Constitution of the United States "to lay +and collect excises". In a majority of the States scarcely an objection was +heard to this mode of taxation. In some, indeed, alarms were at first +conceived, until they were banished by reason and patriotism. In the four +western counties of Pennsylvania a prejudice, fostered and imbittered by +the artifice of men who labored for an ascendency over the will of others +by the guidance of their passions, produced symptoms of riot and violence. + +It is well known that Congress did not hesitate to examine the complaints +which were presented, and to relieve them as far as justice dictated or +general convenience would permit. But the impression which this moderation +made on the discontented did not correspond with what it deserved. The arts +of delusion were no longer confined to the efforts of designing +individuals. The very forbearance to press prosecutions was misinterpreted +into a fear of urging the execution of the laws, and associations of men +began to denounce threats against the officers employed. From a belief that +by a more formal concert their operation might be defeated, certain +self-created societies assumed the tone of condemnation. Hence, while the +greater part of Pennsylvania itself were conforming themselves to the acts +of excise, a few counties were resolved to frustrate them. It is now +perceived that every expectation from the tenderness which had been +hitherto pursued was unavailing, and that further delay could only create +an opinion of impotency or irresolution in the Government. Legal process +was therefore delivered to the marshal against the rioters and delinquent +distillers. + +No sooner was he understood to be engaged in this duty than the vengeance +of armed men was aimed at his person and the person and property of the +inspector of the revenue. They fired upon the marshal, arrested him, and +detained him for some time as a prisoner. He was obliged, by the jeopardy +of his life, to renounce the service of other process on the west side of +the Allegheny Mountain, and a deputation was afterwards sent to him to +demand a surrender of that which he had served. A numerous body repeatedly +attacked the house of the inspector, seized his papers of office, and +finally destroyed by fire his buildings and whatsoever they contained. Both +of these officers, from a just regard to their safety, fled to the seat of +Government, it being avowed that the motives to such outrages were to +compel the resignation of the inspector, to withstand by force of arms the +authority of the United States, and thereby to extort a repeal of the laws +of excise and an alteration in the conduct of Government. + +Upon testimony of these facts an associate justice of the Supreme Court of +the United States notified to me that "in the counties of Washington and +Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, laws of the United States were opposed, and the +execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed +by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in +the marshal of that district". + +On this call, momentous in the extreme, I sought and weighted what might +best subdue the crisis. On the one hand the judiciary was pronounced to be +stripped of its capacity to enforce the laws; crimes which reached the very +existence of social order were perpetrated without control; the friends of +Government were insulted, abused, and overawed into silence or an apparent +acquiescence; and to yield to the treasonable fury of so small a portion of +the United States would be to violate the fundamental principle of our +Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority shall prevail. On +the other, to array citizen against citizen, to publish the dishonor of +such excesses, to encounter the expense and other embarrassments of so +distant an expedition, were steps too delicate, too closely interwoven with +many affecting considerations, to be lightly adopted. + +I postponed, therefore, the summoning of the militia immediately into the +field, but I required them to be held in readiness, that if my anxious +endeavors to reclaim the deluded and to convince the malignant of their +danger should be fruitless, military force might be prepared to act before +the season should be too far advanced. + +My proclamation of the 7th of August last [1794-08-07] was accordingly +issued, and accompanied by the appointment of commissioners, who were +charged to repair to the scene of insurrection. They were authorized to +confer with any bodies of men or individuals. They were instructed to be +candid and explicit in stating the sensations which had been excited in the +Executive, and his earnest wish to avoid a resort to coercion; to +represent, however, that, without submission, coercion must be the resort; +but to invite them, at the same time, to return to the demeanor of faithful +citizens, by such accommodations as lay within the sphere of Executive +power. Pardon, too, was tendered to them by the Government of the United +States and that of Pennsylvania, upon no other condition than a +satisfactory assurance of obedience to the laws. + +Although the report of the commissioners marks their firmness and +abilities, and must unite all virtuous men, by shewing that the means of +conciliation have been exhausted, all of those who had committed or abetted +the tumults did not subscribe the mild form which was proposed as the +atonement, and the indications of a peaceable temper were neither +sufficiently general nor conclusive to recommend or warrant the further +suspension of the march of the militia. + +Thus the painful alternative could not be discarded. I ordered the militia +to march, after once more admonishing the insurgents in my proclamation of +the 25th of September last [1794-09-25]. + +It was a task too difficult to ascertain with precision the lowest degree +of force competent to the quelling of the insurrection. From a respect, +indeed, to economy and the ease of my fellow citizens belonging to the +militia, it would have gratified me to accomplish such an estimate. My very +reluctance to ascribe too much importance to the opposition, had its extent +been accurately seen, would have been a decided inducement to the smallest +efficient numbers. In this uncertainty, therefore, I put into motion fifteen +thousand men, as being an army which, according to all human calculation, +would be prompt and adequate in every view, and might, perhaps, by rendering +resistance desperate, prevent the effusion of blood. Quotas had been +assigned to the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, +the governor of Pennsylvania having declared on this occasion an opinion +which justified a requisition to the other States. + +As commander in chief of the militia when called into the actual service of +the United States, I have visited the places of general rendezvous to +obtain more exact information and to direct a plan for ulterior movements. +Had there been room for a persuasion that the laws were secure from +obstruction; that the civil magistrate was able to bring to justice such of +the most culpable as have not embraced the proffered terms of amnesty, and +may be deemed fit objects of example; that the friends to peace and good +government were not in need of that aid and countenance which they ought +always to receive, and, I trust, ever will receive, against the vicious and +turbulent, I should have caught with avidity the opportunity of restoring +the militia to their families and homes. But succeeding intelligence has +tended to manifest the necessity of what has been done, it being now +confessed by those who were not inclined to exaggerate the ill conduct of +the insurgents that their malevolence was not pointed merely to a +particular law, but that a spirit inimical to all order has actuated many +of the offenders. If the state of things had afforded reason for the +continuance of my presence with the army, it would not have been +withholden. But every appearance assuring such an issue as will redound to +the reputation and strength of the United States, I have judged it most +proper to resume my duties at the seat of Government, leaving the chief +command with the governor of Virginia. + +Still, however, as it is probable that in a commotion like the present, +whatsoever may be the pretense, the purposes of mischief and revenge may +not be laid aside, the stationing of a small force for a certain period in +the four western counties of Pennsylvania will be indispensable, whether we +contemplate the situation of those who are connected with the execution of +the laws or of others who may have exposed themselves by an honorable +attachment to them. Thirty days from the commencement of this session being +the legal limitation of the employment of the militia, Congress can not be +too early occupied with this subject. + +Among the discussions which may arise from this aspect of our affairs, and +from the documents which will be submitted to Congress, it will not escape +their observation that not only the inspector of the revenue, but other +officers of the United States in Pennsylvania have, from their fidelity in +the discharge of their functions, sustained material injuries to their +property. The obligation and policy of indemnifying them are strong and +obvious. It may also merit attention whether policy will not enlarge this +provision to the retribution of other citizens who, though not under the +ties of office, may have suffered damage by their generous exertions for +upholding the Constitution and the laws. The amount, even if all the +injured were included, would not be great, and on future emergencies the +Government would be amply repaid by the influence of an example that he who +incurs a loss in its defense shall find a recompense in its liberality. + +While there is cause to lament that occurrences of this nature should have +disgraced the name or interrupted the tranquillity of any part of our +community, or should have diverted to a new application any portion of the +public resources, there are not wanting real and substantial consolations +for the misfortune. It has demonstrated that our prosperity rests on solid +foundations, by furnishing an additional that my fellow citizens understand +the true principles of government and liberty; that they feel their +inseparable union; that notwithstanding all the devices which have been +used to sway them from their interest and duty, they are not as ready to +maintain the authority of the laws against licentious invasions as they +were to defend their rights against usurpation. It has been a spectacle +displaying to the highest advantage of republican government to behold the +most and the least wealthy of our citizens standing in the same ranks as +private soldiers, preeminently distinguished by being the army of the +Constitution - undeterred by a march of 300 miles over rugged mountains, by +approach of an inclement season, or by any other discouragement. Nor ought +I to omit to acknowledge the efficacious and patriotic cooperation which I +have experienced from the chief magistrates of the States to which my +requisitions have been addressed. + +To every description of citizens, let praise be given, but let them +persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious depository of +American happiness, the Constitution of the United States. Let them cherish +it, too, for the sake of those who, from every clime, are daily seeking a +dwelling in our land. And when in the calm moments of reflection they shall +have retraced the origin and progress of the insurrection, let them +determine whether it has not been fomented by combinations of men who, +careless of consequences and disregarding the unerring truth that those who +rouse can not always appease a civil convulsion, have disseminated, from an +ignorance or perversion of facts, suspicions, jealousies, and accusations +of the whole Government. + +Having thus fulfilled the engagement which I took when I entered into +office, "to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the +Constitution of the United States", on you, gentlemen, and the people by +whom you are deputed, I rely for support. + +In the arrangement to which the possibility of a similar contingency will +naturally draw your attention it ought not to be forgotten that the militia +laws have exhibited such striking defects as could not have been supplied +by the zeal of our citizens. Besides the extraordinary expense and waste, +which are not the least of the defects, every appeal to those laws is +attended with a doubt on its success. + +The devising and establishing of a well regulated militia would be a +genuine source of legislative honor and a perfect title to public +gratitude. I therefore entertain a hope that the present session will not +pass without carrying to its full energy the power of organizing, arming, +and disciplining the militia, and thus providing, in the language of the +Constitution, for calling them forth to execute the laws of the Union, +suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. + +As auxiliary to the state of our defense, to which Congress can never too +frequently recur, they will not omit to inquire whether the fortifications +which have been already licensed by law be commensurate with our +exigencies. + +The intelligence from the army under the command of General Wayne is a +happy presage to our military operations against the hostile Indians north +of the Ohio. From the advices which have been forwarded, the advance which +he has made must have damped the ardor of the savages and weakened their +obstinacy in waging war against the United States. And yet, even at this +late hour, when our power to punish them can not be questioned, we shall +not be unwilling to cement a lasting peace upon terms of candor, equity, +and good neighborhood. + +Toward none of the Indian tribes have overtures of friendship been spared. +The Creeks in particular are covered from encroachment by the imposition of +the General Government and that of Georgia. From a desire also to remove +the discontents of the Six nations, a settlement mediated at Presque Isle, +on Lake Erie, has been suspended, and an agent is now endeavoring to +rectify any misconception into which they may have fallen. But I can not +refrain from again pressing upon your deliberations the plan which I +recommended at the last session for the improvement of harmony with all the +Indians within our limits by the fixing and conducting of trading houses +upon the principles then expressed. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The time which has elapsed since the commencement of our fiscal measures +has developed our pecuniary resources so as to open the way for a definite +plan for the redemption of the public debt. It is believed that the result +is such as to encourage Congress to consummate this work without delay. +Nothing can more promote the permanent welfare of the nation and nothing +would be more grateful to our constituents. Indeed, whatsoever is +unfinished of our system of public credit can not be benefited by +procrastination; and as far as may be practicable we ought to place that +credit on grounds which can not be disturbed, and to prevent that +progressive accumulation of debt which must ultimately endanger all +governments. + +An estimate of the necessary appropriations, including the expenditures +into which we have been driven by the insurrection, will be submitted to +Congress. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +The Mint of the United States has entered upon the coinage of the precious +metals, and considerable sums of defective coins and bullion have been +lodged with the Director by individuals. There is a pleasing prospect that +the institution will at no remote day realize the expectation which was +originally formed of its utility. + +In subsequent communications certain circumstances of our intercourse with +foreign nations will be transmitted to Congress. However, it may not be +unseasonable to announce that my policy in our foreign transactions has +been to cultivate peace with all the world; to observe the treaties with +pure and absolute faith; to check every deviation from the line of +impartiality; to explain what may have been misapprehended and correct what +may have been injurious to any nation, and having thus acquired the right, +to lose no time in acquiring the ability to insist upon justice being done +to ourselves. + +Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to +spread his holy protection over these United States; to turn the +machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our Constitution; to enable +us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to flight; +to perpetuate to our country that prosperity which his goodness has already +conferred, and to verify the anticipations of this Government being a +safeguard of human rights. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 8, 1795 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +I trust I do not deceive myself when I indulge the persuasion that I have +never met you at any period when more than at the present the situation of +our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation, and +for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all +Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy. + +The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war in which we +have been engaged with certain Indians northwest of the Ohio is placed in +the option of the United States by a treaty which the commander of our army +has concluded provisionally with the hostile tribes in that region. + +In the adjustment of the terms the satisfaction of the Indians was deemed +worthy no less of the policy than of the liberality of the United States as +the necessary basis of durable tranquillity. The object, it is believed, +has been fully attained. The articles agreed upon will immediately be laid +before the Senate for their consideration. + +The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the Southern tribes had +annoyed our frontiers, have lately confirmed their preexisting treaties +with us, and were giving evidence of a sincere disposition to carry them +into effect by the surrender of the prisoners and property they had taken. +But we have to lament that the fair prospect in this quarter has been once +more clouded by wanton murders, which some citizens of Georgia are +represented to have recently perpetrated on hunting parties of the Creeks, +which have again subjected that frontier to disquietude and danger, which +will be productive of further expense, and may occasion more effusion of +blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate the usual consequences +of such outrages, and with the hope of their succeeding at least to avert +general hostility. + +A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his recognition of our +treaty made with his father, the late Emperor, and consequently the +continuance of peace with that power. With peculiar satisfaction I add that +information has been received from an agent deputed on our part to Algiers +importing that the terms of the treaty with the Day and Regency of that +country had been adjusted in such a manner as to authorize the expectation +of a speedy peace and the resolution of our unfortunate fellow citizens +from a grievous captivity. + +The latest advices from our envoy at the Court of Madrid give, moreover, +the pleasing information that he had assurances of a speedy and +satisfactory conclusion of his negotiation. While the event depending upon +unadjusted particulars can not be regarded as ascertained, it is agreeable +to cherish the expectation of an issue which, securing amicably very +essential interests of the United States, will at the same time lay the +foundation of lasting harmony with a power whose friendship we have +uniformly and sincerely desired to cultivate. + +Though not before officially disclosed to the House of Representatives, +you, gentlemen, are all apprised that a treaty of amity, commerce, and +navigation has been negotiated with Great Britain, and that the Senate have +advised and consented to its ratification upon a condition which excepts +part of one article. Agreeably thereto, and to the best judgment I was able +to form of the public interest after full and mature deliberation, I have +added my sanction. The result on the part of His Britannic Majesty is +unknown. When received, the subject will without delay be placed before +Congress. + +This interesting summary of our affairs with regard to the foreign powers +between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted, and with +regard also to those of our Indian neighbors with whom we have been in a +state of enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for consoling and +gratifying reflections. If by prudence and moderation on every side the +extinguishment of all the causes of external discord which have heretofore +menaced our tranquillity, on terms compatible with our national rights and +honor, shall be the happy result, how firm and how precious a foundation +will have been laid for accelerating, maturing, and establishing the +prosperity of our country. + +Contemplating the internal situation as well as the external relations of +the United States, we discover equal cause for contentment and +satisfaction. While many of the nations of Europe, with their American +dependencies, have been involved in a contest unusually bloody, exhausting, +and calamitous, in which the evils of foreign war have been aggravated by +domestic convulsion and insurrection; in which many of the arts most useful +to society have been exposed to discouragement and decay; in which scarcity +of subsistence has imbittered other sufferings; while even the +anticipations of a return of the blessings of peace and repose are alloyed +by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, which press upon all the +departments of industry and threaten to clog the future springs of +government, our favored country, happy in a striking contrast, has enjoyed +tranquillity - a tranquillity the more satisfactory because maintained at +the expense of no duty. Faithful to ourselves, we have violated no +obligation to others. + +Our agriculture, commerce, and manufactures prosper beyond former example, +the molestations of our trade (to prevent a continuance of which, however, +very pointed remonstrances have been made) being overbalanced by the +aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral position. Our population +advances with a celerity which, exceeding the most sanguine calculations, +proportionally augments our strength and resources, and guarantees our +future security. + +Every part of the Union displays indications of rapid and various +improvement; and with burthens so light as scarcely to be perceived, with +resources fully adequate to our present exigencies, with governments +founded on the genuine principles of rational liberty, and with mild and +wholesome laws, is it too much to say that our country exhibits a spectacle +of national happiness never surpassed, if ever before equaled? + +Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of commanding force +impel us, with sincere acknowledgment to Heaven and pure love to our +country, to unite our efforts to preserve, prolong, and improve our immense +advantages. To cooperate with you in this desirable work is a fervent and +favorite wish of my heart. + +It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our welfare that the +part of our country which was lately the scene of disorder and insurrection +now enjoys the blessings of quiet and order. The misled have abandoned +their errors, and pay the respect to our Constitution and laws which is due +from good citizens to the public authorities of the society. These +circumstances have induced me to pardon generally the offenders here +referred to, and to extend forgiveness to those who had been adjudged to +capital punishment. For though I shall always think it a sacred duty to +exercise with firmness and energy the constitutional powers with which I am +vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent with the public good than +it is with my personal feelings to mingle in the operations of Government +every degree of moderation and tenderness which the national justice, +dignity, and safety may permit. + +Gentlemen: Among the objects which will claim your attention in the course +of the session, a review of our military establishment is not the least +important. It is called for by the events which have changed, and may be +expected still further to change, the relative situation of our frontiers. +In this review you will doubtless allow due weight to the considerations +that the questions between us and certain foreign powers are not yet +finally adjusted, that the war in Europe is not yet terminated, and that +our Western posts, when recovered, will demand provision for garrisoning +and securing them. A statement of our present military force will be laid +before you by the Department of War. + +With the review of our Army establishment is naturally connected that of +the militia. It will merit inquiry what imperfections in the existing plan +further experience may have unfolded. The subject is of so much moment in +my estimation as to excite a constant solicitude that the consideration of +it may be renewed until the greatest attainable perfection shall be +accomplished. Time is wearing away some advantages for forwarding the +object, while none better deserves the persevering attention of the public +councils. + +While we indulge the satisfaction which the actual condition of our Western +borders so well authorizes, it is necessary that we should not lose sight +of an important truth which continually receives new confirmations, namely, +that the provisions heretofore made with a view to the protection of the +Indians from the violences of the lawless part of our frontier inhabitants +are insufficient. It is demonstrated that these violences can now be +perpetrated with impunity, and it can need no argument to prove that unless +the murdering of Indians can be restrained by bringing the murderers to +condign punishment, all the exertions of the Government to prevent +destructive retaliations by the Indians will prove fruitless and all our +present agreeable prospects illusory. The frequent destruction of innocent +women and children, who are chiefly the victims of retaliation, must +continue to shock humanity, and an enormous expense to drain the Treasury +of the Union. + +To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice it is indispensable +that there shall be competent means of rendering justice to them. If these +means can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, and especially if there can +be added an adequate provision for supplying the necessities of the Indians +on reasonable terms (a measure the mention of which I the more readily +repeat, as in all the conferences with them they urge it with solicitude), +I should not hesitate to entertain a strong hope of rendering our +tranquillity permanent. I add with pleasure that the probability even of +their civilization is not diminished by the experiments which have been +thus far made under the auspices of Government. The accomplishment of this +work, if practicable, will reflect undecaying luster on our national +character and administer the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds +can know. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been borrowed and +reimbursed pursuant to different acts of Congress, will be submitted from +the proper Department, together with an estimate of the appropriations +necessary to be made for the service of the ensuing year. + +Whether measures may not be advisable to reinforce the provision of the +redemption of the public debt will naturally engage your examination. +Congress have demonstrated their sense to be, and it were superfluous to +repeat mine, that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable +extinction of our public debt accords as much with the true interest of our +country as with the general sense of our constituents. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +The statements which will be laid before you relative to the Mint will shew +the situation of that institution and the necessity of some further +legislative provisions for carrying the business of it more completely into +effect, and for checking abuses which appear to be arising in particular +quarters. + +The progress in providing materials for the frigates and in building them, +the state of the fortifications of our harbors, the measures which have +been pursued for obtaining proper sites for arsenals and for replenishing +our magazines with military stores, and the steps which have been taken +toward the execution of the law for opening a trade with the Indians will +likewise be presented for the information of Congress. + +Temperate discussion of the important subjects which may arise in the +course of the session and mutual forbearance where there is a difference of +opinion are too obvious and necessary for the peace, happiness, and welfare +of our country to need any recommendation of mine. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 7, 1796 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +In recurring to the internal situation of our country since I had last the +pleasure to address you, I find ample reason for a renewed expression of +that gratitude to the Ruler of the Universe which a continued series of +prosperity has so often and so justly called forth. + +The acts of the last session which required special arrangements have been +as far as circumstances would admit carried into operation. + +Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the +Indians and to preserve peace along the extent of our interior frontier +have been digested and adopted. In the framing of these care has been taken +to guard on the one hand our advanced settlements from the predatory +incursions of those unruly individuals who can not be restrained by their +tribes, and on the other hand to protect the rights secured to the Indians +by treaty - to draw them nearer to the civilized state and inspire them +with correct conceptions of the power as well as justice of the +Government. + +The meeting of the deputies from the Creek Nation at Colerain, in the State +of Georgia, which had for a principal object the purchase of a parcel of +their land by that State, broke up without its being accomplished, the +nation having previous to their departure instructed them against making +any sale. The occasion, however, has been improved to confirm by a new +treaty with the Creeks their preexisting engagements with the United +States, and to obtain their consent to the establishment of trading houses +and military posts within their boundary, by means of which their +friendship and the general peace may be more effectually secured. + +The period during the late session at which the appropriation was passed +for carrying into effect the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation +between the United States and His Brittanic Majesty necessarily +procrastinated the reception of the posts stipulated to be delivered beyond +the date assigned for that event. As soon, however, as the Governor-General +of Canada could be addressed with propriety on the subject, arrangements +were cordially and promptly concluded for their evacuation, and the United +States took possession of the principal of them, comprehending Oswego, +Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and Fort Miami, where such repairs and +additions have been ordered to be made as appeared indispensable. + +The commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and of Great +Britain to determine which is the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty +of peace of 1783, agreed in the choice of Egbert Benson, esq., of New York, +for the 3rd commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrew's, in Passamaquoddy +Bay, in the beginning of October, and directed surveys to be made of the +rivers in dispute; but deeming it impracticable to have these surveys +completed before the next year, they adjourned to meet at Boston in August, +1797, for the final decision of the question. + +Other commissioners appointed on the part of the United States, agreeably +to the 7th article of the treaty with Great Britain, relative to captures +and condemnation of vessels and other property, met the commissioners of +His Britannic Majesty in London in August last, when John Trumbull, esq., +was chosen by lot for the 5th commissioner. In October following the board +were to proceed to business. As yet there has been no communication of +commissioners on the part of Great Britain to unite with those who have +been appointed on the part of the United States for carrying into effect +the 6th article of the treaty. + +The treaty with Spain required that the commissioners for running the +boundary line between the territory of the United States and His Catholic +Majesty's provinces of East and West Florida should meet at the Natchez +before the expiration of 6 months after the exchange of the ratifications, +which was effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April [1796-04-25]; and +the troops of His Catholic Majesty occupying any posts within the limits of +the United States were within the same time period to be withdrawn. The +commissioner of the United States therefore commenced his journey for the +Natchez in September, and troops were ordered to occupy the posts from +which the Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn. Information has been +recently received of the appointment of a commissioner on the part of His +Catholic Majesty for running the boundary line, but none of any appointment +for the adjustment of the claims of our citizens whose vessels were +captured by the armed vessels of Spain. + +In pursuance of the act of Congress passed in the last session for the +protection and relief of American sea-men, agents were appointed, one to +reside in Great Britain and the other in the West Indies. The effects of +the agency in the West Indies are not yet fully ascertained, but those +which have been communicated afford grounds to believe the measure will be +beneficial. The agent destined to reside in Great Britain declining to +accept the appointment, the business has consequently devolved on the +minister of the United States in London, and will command his attention +until a new agent shall be appointed. + +After many delays and disappointments arising out of the European war, the +final arrangements for fulfilling the engagements made to the Dey and +Regency of Algiers will in all present appearance be crowned with success, +but under great, though inevitable, disadvantages in the pecuniary +transactions occasioned by that war, which will render further provision +necessary. The actual liberation of all our citizens who were prisoners in +Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling of heart, is itself an earnest of +a satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. Measures are in +operation for effecting treaties with the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli. + +To an active external commerce the protection of a naval force is +indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars in which a State is +itself a party. But besides this, it is in our own experience that the most +sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of +nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag requires a naval force +organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression. This may +even prevent the necessity of going to war by discouraging belligerent +powers from committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party +as may, first or last, leave no other option. From the best information I +have been able to obtain it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean +without a protecting force will always be insecure and our citizens exposed +to the calamities from which numbers of them have but just been relieved. + +These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to +set about the gradual creation of a navy. The increasing progress of their +navigation promises them at no distant period the requisite supply of +sea-men, and their means in other respects favor the undertaking. It is an +encouragement, likewise, that their particular situation will give weight +and influence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it not, then, +be advisable to begin without delay to provide and lay up the materials for +the building and equipping of ships of war, and to proceed in the work by +degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable without +inconvenience, so that a future war of Europe may not find our commerce in +the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present? + +Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention +to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too much consequence +not to insure a continuance of their efforts in every way which shall +appear eligible. As a general rule, manufactures on public account are +inexpedient; but where the state of things in a country leaves little hope +that certain branches of manufacture will for a great length of time +obtain, when these are of a nature essential to the furnishing and +equipping of the public force in time of war, are not establishments for +procuring them on public account to the extent of the ordinary demand for +the public service recommended by strong considerations of national policy +as an exception to the general rule? + +Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign supply, +precarious because liable to be interrupted? If the necessary article +should in this mode cost more in time of peace, will not the security and +independence thence arising form an ample compensation? + +Establishments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls of the public +service in time of peace, will in time of war easily be extended in +proportion to the exigencies of the Government, and may even perhaps be +made to yield a surplus for the supply of our citizens at large, so as to +mitigate the privations from the interruption of their trade. If adopted, +the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are already, or likely +soon to be, established in the country, in order that they may be no danger +of interference with pursuits of individual industry. + +It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or national +welfare agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations +advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this truth +becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and +more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting it grow up, +supported by the public purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with +greater propriety? + +Among the means which have been employed to this end none have been +attended with greater success than the establishment of boards (composed of +proper characters) charged with collecting and diffusing information, and +enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a +spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment +contributes doubly to the increase of improvement by stimulating to +enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a common center the results +everywhere of individual skill and observation, and spreading them thence +over the whole nation. Experience accordingly has shewn that they are very +cheap instruments of immense national benefits. + +I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress the expediency +of establishing a national university and also a military academy. The +desirableness of both these institutions has so constantly increased with +every new view I have taken of the subject that I can not omit the +opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. + +The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not to be fully +sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes +to national prosperity and reputation. + +True it is that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries of +learning highly repeatable and useful; but the funds upon which they rest +are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the different +departments of liberal knowledge for the institution contemplated, though +they would be excellent auxiliaries. + +Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the +principles, opinions, and manners of our country-men by the common +education of a portion of our youth from every quarter well deserves +attention. The more homogenous our citizens can be made in these +particulars the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a +primary object of such a national institution should be the education of +our youth in the science of government. In a republic what species of +knowledge can be equally important and what duty more pressing on its +legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who are +to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country? + +The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent +reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought +never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for +emergencies. The 1st would impair the energy of its character, and both +would hazard its safety or expose it to greater evils when war could not be +avoided; besides that, war might often not depend upon its own choice. In +proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from +the necessity of practicing the rules of the military art ought to be its +care in preserving and transmitting, by proper establishments, the +knowledge of that art. + +Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples superficially +viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince that the art of +war is at once comprehensive and complicated, that it demands much previous +study, and that the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state +is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, +ought to be a serious care of every government, and for this purpose an +academy where a regular course of instruction is given is an obvious +expedient which different nations have successfully employed. + +The compensation to the officers of the United States in various instances, +and in none more than in respect to the most important stations, appear to +call for legislative revision. The consequences of a defective provision +are of serious import to the Government. If private wealth is to supply the +defect of public retribution, it will greatly contract the sphere within +which the selection of character for office is to be made, and will +proportionally diminish the probability of a choice of men able as well as +upright. Besides that, it should be repugnant to the vital principles of +our Government virtually to exclude from public trusts talents and virtue +unless accompanied by wealth. + +While in our external relations some serious inconveniences and +embarrassments have been overcome and others lessened, it is with much pain +and deep regret I mention that circumstances of a very unwelcome nature +have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered and is suffering extensive +injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French +Republic, and communications have been received from its minister here +which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its +authority, and which are in other respects far from agreeable. + +It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that +of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony and a perfectly friendly +understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated, and I shall +persevere in the endeavor to fulfill it to the utmost extent of what shall +be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the rights and honor +of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation that a +spirit of justice, candor, and friendship on the part of the Republic will +eventually insure success. + +In pursuing this course, however, I can not forget what is due to the +character of our Government and nation, or to a full and entire confidence +in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude of my +country-men. + +I reserve for a special message a more particular communication on this +interesting subject. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary for the service +of the ensuing year to be submitted from the proper Department, with a view +of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest period to which an +account can be prepared. + +It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you that the revenues of the +United States continue in a state of progressive improvement. + +A reenforcement of the existing provisions for discharging our public debt +was mentioned in my address at the opening of the last session. Some +preliminary steps were taken toward it, the maturing of which will no doubt +engage your zealous attention during the present. I will only add that it +will afford me a heart-felt satisfaction to concur in such further measures +as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a speedy extinguishment of +the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret if from any motive intervals +of tranquillity are left unimproved for accelerating this valuable end. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed on an +efficient establishment has been so often and so ardently expressed that I +shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present occasion, +at the same time that I shall submit to your inquiry whether our harbors +are yet sufficiently secured. + +The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst of the +representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the +period when the administration of the present form of government commenced, +and I can not omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the +success of the experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the +Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Arbiter of Nations that His +providential care may still be extended to the United States, that the +virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the +Government which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties +may be perpetual. + +GO. WASHINGTON + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OF ADDRESSES BY GEORGE WASHINGTON *** + +This file should be named suwas10.txt or suwas10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, suwas11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, suwas10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: State of the Union Addresses of George Washington + +Author: George Washington + +Release Date: February, 2004 [EBook #5010] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on April 11, 2002] +[Date last updated: December 16, 2004] + +Edition: 11 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OF ADDRESSES BY GEORGE WASHINGTON *** + + + + +This eBook was produced by James Linden. + +The addresses are separated by three asterisks: *** + +Dates of addresses by George Washington in this eBook: + January 8, 1790 + December 8, 1790 + October 25, 1791 + November 6, 1792 + December 3, 1793 + November 19, 1794 + December 8, 1795 + December 7, 1796 + + + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +January 8, 1790 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents itself +of congratulating you on the present favorable prospects of our public +affairs. The recent accession of the important state of North Carolina to +the Constitution of the United States (of which official information has +been received), the rising credit and respectability of our country, the +general and increasing good will toward the government of the Union, and +the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are blessed are circumstances +auspicious in an eminent degree to our national prosperity. + +In resuming your consultations for the general good you can not but derive +encouragement from the reflection that the measures of the last session +have been as satisfactory to your constituents as the novelty and +difficulty of the work allowed you to hope. Still further to realize their +expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has +placed within our reach will in the course of the present important session +call for the cool and deliberate exertion of your patriotism, firmness, and +wisdom. + +Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention that of +providing for the common defense will merit particular regard. To be +prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. + +A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which end a +uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and interest +require that they should promote such manufactories as tend to render them +independent of others for essential, particularly military, supplies. + +The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indispensable +will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements which may be +made respecting it it will be of importance to conciliate the comfortable +support of the officers and soldiers with a due regard to economy. + +There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted with regard to +certain hostile tribes of Indians would have relieved the inhabitants of +our southern and western frontiers from their depredations, but you will +perceive from the information contained in the papers which I shall direct +to be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the Commonwealth +of Virginia) that we ought to be prepared to afford protection to those +parts of the Union, and, if necessary, to punish aggressors. + +The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with other +nations should be facilitated by such provisions as will enable me to +fulfill my duty in that respect in the manner which circumstances may +render most conducive to the public good, and to this end that the +compensation to be made to the persons who may be employed should, +according to the nature of their appointments, be defined by law, and a +competent fund designated for defraying the expenses incident to the +conduct of foreign affairs. + +Various considerations also render it expedient that the terms on which +foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens should be speedily +ascertained by a uniform rule of naturalization. + +Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the United States is +an object of great importance, and will, I am persuaded, be duly attended +to. + +The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by all proper +means will not, I trust, need recommendation; but I can not forbear +intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual encouragement as well +to the introduction of new and useful inventions from abroad as to the +exertions of skill and genius in producing them at home, and of +facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of our country by a +due attention to the post-office and post-roads. + +Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that there +is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the promotion of +science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the surest basis of +public happiness. In one in which the measures of government receive their +impressions so immediately from the sense of the community as in ours it is +proportionably essential. + +To the security of a free constitution it contributes in various ways--by +convincing those who are intrusted with the public administration that +every valuable end of government is best answered by the enlightened +confidence of the people, and by teaching the people themselves to know and +to value their own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of +them; to distinguish between oppression and the necessary exercise of +lawful authority; between burthens proceeding from a disregard to their +convenience and those resulting from the inevitable exigencies of society; +to discriminate the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness-- +cherishing the first, avoiding the last--and uniting a speedy but +temperate vigilance against encroachments, with an inviolable respect to +the laws. + +Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids to +seminaries of learning already established, by the institution of a +national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of a +place in the deliberations of the legislature. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session the +resolution entered into by you expressive of your opinion that an adequate +provision for the support of the public credit is a matter of high +importance to the national honor and prosperity. In this sentiment I +entirely concur; and to a perfect confidence in your best endeavors to +devise such a provision as will be truly with the end I add an equal +reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other branch of the +legislature. + +It would be superfluous to specify inducements to a measure in which the +character and interests of the United States are so obviously so deeply +concerned, and which has received so explicit a sanction from your +declaration. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, respectively, such +papers and estimates as regard the affairs particularly recommended to your +consideration, and necessary to convey to you that information of the state +of the Union which it is my duty to afford. + +The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and +efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive great satisfaction from a +cooperation with you in the pleasing though arduous task of insuring to our +fellow citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect from a +free, efficient, and equal government. + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 8, 1790 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat my +congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distinguish +our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have blessed our +country with plenty and with the means of a flourishing commerce. + +The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable rise of +American stock abroad as well as at home, and the revenues allotted for +this and other national purposes have been productive beyond the +calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance is the +more pleasing, as it is not only a proof of the fertility of our resources, +but as it assures us of a further increase of the national respectability +and credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable testimony to the +patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine part of our citizens. +The punctuality of the former in discharging their engagements has been +exemplary. + +In conformity to the powers vested in me by acts of the last session, a +loan of 3,000,000 florins, toward which some provisional measures had +previously taken place, has been completed in Holland. As well the celerity +with which it has been filled as the nature of the terms (considering the +more than ordinary demand for borrowing created by the situation of Europe) +give a reasonable hope that the further execution of those powers may +proceed with advantage and success. The Secretary of the Treasury has my +directions to communicate such further particulars as may be requisite for +more precise information. + +Since your last sessions I have received communications by which it appears +that the district of Kentucky, at present a part of Virginia, has concurred +in certain propositions contained in a law of that State, in consequence of +which the district is to become a distinct member of the Union, in case the +requisite sanction of Congress be added. For this sanction application is +now made. I shall cause the papers on this very transaction to be laid +before you. + +The liberality and harmony with which it has been conducted will be found +to do great honor to both the parties, and the sentiments of warm +attachment to the Union and its present Government expressed by our fellow +citizens of Kentucky can not fail to add an affectionate concern for their +particular welfare to the great national impressions under which you will +decide on the case submitted to you. + +It has been heretofore known to Congress that frequent incursions have been +made on our frontier settlements by certain banditti of Indians from the +northwest side of the Ohio. These, with some of the tribes dwelling on and +near the Wabash, have of late been particularly active in their +depredations, and being emboldened by the impunity of their crimes and +aided by such parts of the neighboring tribes as could be seduced to join +in their hostilities or afford them a retreat for their prisoners and +plunder, they have, instead of listening to the humane invitations and +overtures made on the part of the United States, renewed their violences +with fresh alacrity and greater effect. The lives of a number of valuable +citizens have thus been sacrificed, and some of them under circumstances +peculiarly shocking, whilst others have been carried into a deplorable +captivity. + +These aggravated provocations rendered it essential to the safety of the +Western settlements that the aggressors should be made sensible that the +Government of the Union is not less capable of punishing their crimes than +it is disposed to respect their rights and reward their attachments. As +this object could not be effected by defensive measures, it became +necessary to put in force the act which empowers the President to call out +the militia for the protection of the frontiers, and I have accordingly +authorized an expedition in which the regular troops in that quarter are +combined with such drafts of militia as were deemed sufficient. The event +of the measure is yet unknown to me. The Secretary of War is directed to +lay before you a statement of the information on which it is founded, as +well as an estimate of the expense with which it will be attended. + +The disturbed situation of Europe, and particularly the critical posture of +the great maritime powers, whilst it ought to make us the more thankful for +the general peace and security enjoyed by the United States, reminds us at +the same time of the circumspection with which it becomes us to preserve +these blessings. It requires also that we should not overlook the tendency +of a war, and even of preparations for a war, among the nations most +concerned in active commerce with this country to abridge the means, and +thereby at least enhance the price, of transporting its valuable +productions to their markets. I recommend it to your serious reflections +how far and in what mode it may be expedient to guard against +embarrassments from these contingencies by such encouragements to our own +navigation as will render our commerce and agriculture less dependent on +foreign bottoms, which may fail us in the very moments most interesting to +both of these great objects. Our fisheries and the transportation of our +own produce offer us abundant means for guarding ourselves against this +evil. + +Your attention seems to be not less due to that particular branch of our +trade which belongs to the Mediterranean. So many circumstances unite in +rendering the present state of it distressful to us that you will not think +any deliberations misemployed which may lead to its relief and protection. + +The laws you have already passed for the establishment of a judiciary +system have opened the doors of justice to all descriptions of persons. You +will consider in your wisdom whether improvements in that system may yet be +made, and particularly whether an uniform process of execution on sentences +issuing from the Federal courts be not desirable through all the States. + +The patronage of our commerce, of our merchants and sea men, has called for +the appointment of consuls in foreign countries. It seems expedient to +regulate by law the exercise of that jurisdiction and those functions which +are permitted them, either by express convention or by a friendly +indulgence, in the places of their residence. The consular convention, too, +with His Most Christian Majesty has stipulated in certain cases the aid of +the national authority to his consuls established here. Some legislative +provision is requisite to carry these stipulations into full effect. + +The establishment of the militia, of a mint, of standards of weights and +measures, of the post office and post roads are subjects which I presume +you will resume of course, and which are abundantly urged by their own +importance. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The sufficiency of the revenues you have established for the objects to +which they are appropriated leaves no doubt that the residuary provisions +will be commensurate to the other objects for which the public faith stands +now pledged. Allow me, moreover, to hope that it will be a favorite policy +with you, not merely to secure a payment of the interest of the debt +funded, but as far and as fast as the growing resources of the country will +permit to exonerate it of the principal itself. The appropriation you have +made of the Western land explains your dispositions on this subject, and I +am persuaded that the sooner that valuable fund can be made to contribute, +along with the other means, to the actual reduction of the public debt the +more salutary will the measure be to every public interest, as well as the +more satisfactory to our constituents. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +In pursuing the various and weighty business of the present session I +indulge the fullest persuasion that your consultation will be equally +marked with wisdom and animated by the love of your country. In whatever +belongs to my duty you shall have all the cooperation which an undiminished +zeal for its welfare can inspire. It will be happy for us both, and our +best reward, if, by a successful administration of our respective trusts, +we can make the established Government more and more instrumental in +promoting the good of our fellow citizens, and more and more the object of +their attachment and confidence. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +October 25, 1791 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +"In vain may we expect peace with the Indians on our frontiers so long as a +lawless set of unprincipled wretches can violate the rights of hospitality, +or infringe the most solemn treaties, without receiving the punishment they +so justly merit." + +I meet you upon the present occasion with the feelings which are naturally +inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situations of our common +country, and by a persuasion equally strong that the labors of the session +which has just commenced will, under the guidance of a spirit no less +prudent than patriotic, issue in measures conducive to the stability and +increase of national prosperity. + +Numerous as are the providential blessings which demand our grateful +acknowledgments, the abundance with which another year has again rewarded +the industry of the husbandman is too important to escape recollection. + +Your own observations in your respective situations will have satisfied you +of the progressive state of agriculture, manufactures, commerce, and +navigation. In tracing their causes you will have remarked with particular +pleasure the happy effects of that revival of confidence, public as well as +private, to which the Constitution and laws of the United States have so +eminently contributed; and you will have observed with no less interest new +and decisive proofs of the increasing reputation and credit of the nation. +But you nevertheless can not fail to derive satisfaction from the +confirmation of these circumstances which will be disclosed in the several +official communications that will be made to you in the course of your +deliberations. + +The rapid subscriptions to the Bank of the United States, which completed +the sum allowed to be subscribed in a single day, is among the striking and +pleasing evidences which present themselves, not only of confidence in the +Government, but of resource in the community. + +In the interval of your recess due attention has been paid to the execution +of the different objects which were specially provided for by the laws and +resolutions of the last session. + +Among the most important of these is the defense and security of the +western frontiers. To accomplish it on the most humane principles was a +primary wish. + +Accordingly, at the same time the treaties have been provisionally +concluded and other proper means used to attach the wavering and to confirm +in their friendship the well-disposed tribes of Indians, effectual measures +have been adopted to make those of a hostile description sensible that a +pacification was desired upon terms of moderation and justice. + +Those measures having proved unsuccessful, it became necessary to convince +the refractory of the power of the United States to punish their +depredations. Offensive operations have therefore been directed, to be +conducted, however, as consistently as possible with the dictates of +humanity. + +Some of these have been crowned with full success and others are yet +depending. The expeditions which have been completed were carried on under +the authority and at the expense of the United States by the militia of +Kentucky, whose enterprise, intrepidity, and good conduct are entitled of +peculiar commendation. + +Overtures of peace are still continued to the deluded tribes, and +considerable numbers of individuals belonging to them have lately renounced +all further opposition, removed from their former situations, and placed +themselves under the immediate protection of the United States. + +It is sincerely to be desired that all need of coercion in future may cease +and that an intimate intercourse may succeed, calculated to advance the +happiness of the Indians and to attach them firmly to the United States. + +In order to this it seems necessary--That they should experience the +benefits of an impartial dispensation of justice. That the mode of +alienating their lands, the main source of discontent and war, should be so +defined and regulated as to obviate imposition and as far as may be +practicable controversy concerning the reality and extent of the +alienations which are made. That commerce with them should be promoted +under regulations tending to secure an equitable deportment toward them, +and that such rational experiments should be made for imparting to them the +blessings of civilization as may from time to time suit their condition. +That the Executive of the United States should be enabled to employ the +means to which the Indians have been long accustomed for uniting their +immediate interests with the preservation of peace. And that efficacious +provision should be made for inflicting adequate penalties upon all those +who, by violating their rights, shall infringe the treaties and endanger +the peace of the Union. A system corresponding with the mild principles of +religion and philanthropy toward an unenlightened race of men, whose +happiness materially depends on the conduct of the United States, would be +as honorable to the national character as conformable to the dictates of +sound policy. + +The powers specially vested in me by the act laying certain duties on +distilled spirits, which respect the subdivisions of the districts into +surveys, the appointment of officers, and the assignment of compensations, +have likewise been carried into effect. In a manner in which both materials +and experience were wanting to guide the calculation it will be readily +conceived that there must have been difficulty in such an adjustment of the +rates of compensation as would conciliate a reasonable competency with a +proper regard to the limits prescribed by the law. It is hoped that the +circumspection which has been used will be found in the result to have +secured the last of the two objects; but it is probable that with a view +to the first in some instances a revision of the provision will be found +advisable. + +The impressions with which this law has been received by the community have +been upon the whole such as were to be expected among enlightened and +well-disposed citizens from the propriety and necessity of the measure. The +novelty, however, of the tax in a considerable part of the United States +and a misconception of some of its provisions have given occasion in +particular places to some degree of discontent; but it is satisfactory to +know that this disposition yields to proper explanations and more just +apprehensions of the true nature of the law, and I entertain a full +confidence that it will in all give way to motives which arise out of a +just sense of duty and a virtuous regard to the public welfare. + +If there are any circumstances in the law which consistently with its main +design may be so varied as to remove any well-intentioned objections that +may happen to exist, it will consist with a wise moderation to make the +proper variations. It is desirable on all occasions to unite with a steady +and firm adherence to constitutional and necessary acts of Government the +fullest evidence of a disposition as far as may be practicable to consult +the wishes of every part of the community and to lay the foundations of the +public administration in the affections of the people. + +Pursuant to the authority contained in the several acts on that subject, a +district of 10 miles square for the permanent seat of the Government of the +United States has been fixed and announced by proclamation, which district +will comprehend lands on both sides of the river Potomac and the towns of +Alexandria and Georgetown. A city has also been laid out agreeably to a +plan which will be placed before Congress, and as there is a prospect, +favored by the rate of sales which have already taken place, of ample funds +for carrying on the necessary public buildings, there is every expectation +of their due progress. + +The completion of the census of the inhabitants, for which provision was +made by law, has been duly notified (excepting one instance in which the +return has been informal, and another in which it has been omitted or +miscarried), and the returns of the officers who were charged with this +duty, which will be laid before you, will give you the pleasing assurance +that the present population of the United States borders on 4,000,000 +persons. + +It is proper also to inform you that a further loan of 2,500,000 florins +has been completed in Holland, the terms of which are similar to those of +the one last announced, except as to a small reduction of charges. Another, +on like terms, for 6,000,000 florins, had been set on foot under +circumstances that assured an immediate completion. + +Gentlemen of the Senate: + +Two treaties which have been provisionally concluded with the Cherokees and +Six Nations of Indians will be laid before you for your consideration and +ratification. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +In entering upon the discharge of your legislative trust you must +anticipate with pleasure that many of the difficulties necessarily incident +to the first arrangements of a new government for an extensive country have +been happily surmounted by the zealous and judicious exertions of your +predecessors in cooperation with the other branch of the Legislature. The +important objects which remain to be accomplished will, I am persuaded, be +conducted upon principles equally comprehensive and equally well calculated +of the advancement of the general weal. + +The time limited for receiving subscriptions to the loans proposed by the +act making provision for the debt of the United States having expired, +statements from the proper department will as soon as possible apprise you +of the exact result. Enough, however, is known already to afford an +assurance that the views of that act have been substantially fulfilled. The +subscription in the domestic debt of the United States has embraced by far +the greatest proportion of that debt, affording at the same time proof of +the general satisfaction of the public creditors with the system which has +been proposed to their acceptance and of the spirit of accommodation to the +convenience of the Government with which they are actuated. The +subscriptions in the debts of the respective States as far as the +provisions of the law have permitted may be said to be yet more general. +The part of the debt of the United States which remains unsubscribed will +naturally engage your further deliberations. + +It is particularly pleasing to me to be able to announce to you that the +revenues which have been established promise to be adequate to their +objects, and may be permitted, if no unforeseen exigency occurs, to +supersede for the present the necessity of any new burthens upon our +constituents. + +An object which will claim your early attention is a provision for the +current service of the ensuing year, together with such ascertained demands +upon the Treasury as require to be immediately discharged, and such +casualties as may have arisen in the execution of the public business, for +which no specific appropriation may have yet been made; of all which a +proper estimate will be laid before you. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +I shall content myself with a general reference to former communications +for several objects upon which the urgency of other affairs has hitherto +postponed any definitive resolution. Their importance will recall them to +your attention, and I trust that the progress already made in the most +arduous arrangements of the Government will afford you leisure to resume +them to advantage. + +These are, however, some of them of which I can not forbear a more +particular mention. These are the militia, the post office and post roads, +the mint, weights and measures, a provision for the sale of the vacant +lands of the United States. + +The first is certainly an object of primary importance whether viewed in +reference to the national security to the satisfaction of the community or +to the preservation of order. In connection with this the establishment of +competent magazines and arsenals and the fortification of such places as +are peculiarly important and vulnerable naturally present themselves to +consideration. The safety of the United States under divine protection +ought to rest on the basis of systematic and solid arrangements, exposed as +little as possible to the hazards of fortuitous circumstances. + +The importance of the post office and post roads on a plan sufficiently +liberal and comprehensive, as they respect the expedition, safety, and +facility of communication, is increased by their instrumentality in +diffusing a knowledge of the laws and proceedings of the Government, which, +while it contributes to the security of the people, serves also to guard +them against the effects of misrepresentation and misconception. The +establishment of additional cross posts, especially to some of the +important points in the Western and Northern parts of the Union, can not +fail to be of material utility. + +The disorders in the existing currency, and especially the scarcity of +small change, a scarcity so peculiarly distressing to the poorer classes, +strongly recommend the carrying into immediate effect the resolution +already entered into concerning the establishment of a mint. Measures have +been taken pursuant to that resolution for procuring some of the most +necessary artists, together with the requisite apparatus. + +An uniformity in the weights and measures of the country is among the +important objects submitted to you by the Constitution, and if it can be +derived from a standard at once invariable and universal, must be no less +honorable to the public councils than conducive to the public convenience. + +A provision for the sale of the vacant lands of the United States is +particularly urged, among other reasons, by the important considerations +that they are pledged as a fund for reimbursing the public debt; that if +timely and judiciously applied they may save the necessity of burthening +our citizens with new taxes for the extinguishment of the principal; and +that being free to discharge the principal but in a limited proportion, no +opportunity ought to be lost for availing the public of its right. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +November 6, 1792 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +It is some abatement of the satisfaction with which I meet you on the +present occasion that, in felicitating you on a continuance of the national +prosperity generally, I am not able to add to it information that the +Indian hostilities which have for some time past distressed our +Northwestern frontier have terminated. + +You will, I am persuaded, learn with no less concern than I communicate it +that reiterated endeavors toward effecting a pacification have hitherto +issued only in new and outrageous proofs of persevering hostility on the +part of the tribes with whom we are in contest. An earnest desire to +procure tranquillity to the frontier, to stop the further effusion of +blood, to arrest the progress of expense, to forward the prevalent wish of +the nation for peace has led to strenuous efforts through various channels +to accomplish these desirable purposes; in making which efforts I consulted +less my own anticipations of the event, or the scruples which some +considerations were calculated to inspire, than the wish to find the object +attainable, or if not attainable, to ascertain unequivocally that such is +the case. + +A detail of the measures which have been pursued and of their consequences, +which will be laid before you, while it will confirm to you the want of +success thus far, will, I trust, evince that means as proper and as +efficacious as could have been devised have been employed. The issue of +some of them, indeed, is still depending, but a favorable one, though not +to be despaired of, is not promised by anything that has yet happened. + +In the course of the attempts which have been made some valuable citizens +have fallen victims to their zeal for the public service. A sanction +commonly respected even among savages has been found in this instance +insufficient to protect from massacre the emissaries of peace. It will, I +presume, be duly considered whether the occasion does not call for an +exercise of liberality toward the families of the deceased. + +It must add to your concern to be informed that, besides the continuation +of hostile appearances among the tribes north of the Ohio, some threatening +symptoms have of late been revived among some of those south of it. + +A part of the Cherokees, known by the name of Chickamaugas, inhabiting five +villages on the Tennessee River, have long been in the practice of +committing depredations on the neighboring settlements. + +It was hoped that the treaty of Holston, made with the Cherokee Nation in +July, 1791, would have prevented a repetition of such depredations; but the +event has not answered this hope. The Chickamaugas, aided by some banditti +of another tribe in their vicinity, have recently perpetrated wanton and +unprovoked hostilities upon the citizens of the United States in that +quarter. The information which has been received on this subject will be +laid before you. Hitherto defensive precautions only have been strictly +enjoined and observed. + +It is not understood that any breach of treaty or aggression whatsoever on +the part of the United States or their citizens is even alleged as a +pretext for the spirit of hostility in this quarter. + +I have reason to believe that every practicable exertion has been made +(pursuant to the provision by law for that purpose) to be prepared for the +alternative of a prosecution of the war in the event of a failure of +pacific overtures. A large proportion of the troops authorized to be raised +have been recruited, though the number is still incomplete, and pains have +been taken to discipline and put them in condition for the particular kind +of service to be performed. A delay of operations (besides being dictated +by the measures which were pursuing toward a pacific termination of the +war) has been in itself deemed preferable to immature efforts. A statement +from the proper department with regard to the number of troops raised, and +some other points which have been suggested, will afford more precise +information as a guide to the legislative consultations, and among other +things will enable Congress to judge whether some additional stimulus to +the recruiting service may not be advisable. + +In looking forward to the future expense of the operations which may be +found inevitable I derive consolation from the information I receive that +the product of the revenues for the present year is likely to supersede the +necessity of additional burthens on the community for the service of the +ensuing year. This, however, will be better ascertained in the course of +the session, and it is proper to add that the information alluded to +proceeds upon the supposition of no material extension of the spirit of +hostility. + +I can not dismiss the subject of Indian affairs without again recommending +to your consideration the expediency of more adequate provision for giving +energy to the laws throughout our interior frontier and for restraining the +commission of outrages upon the Indians, without which all pacific plans +must prove nugatory. To enable, by competent rewards, the employment of +qualified and trusty persons to reside among them as agents would also +contribute to the preservation of peace and good neighborhood. If in +addition to these expedients an eligible plan could be devised for +promoting civilization among the friendly tribes and for carrying on trade +with them upon a scale equal to their wants and under regulations +calculated to protect them from imposition and extortion, its influence in +cementing their interest with ours could not but be considerable. + +The prosperous state of our revenue has been intimated. This would be still +more the case were it not for the impediments which in some places continue +to embarrass the collection of the duties on spirits distilled within the +United States. These impediments have lessened and are lessening in local +extent, and, as applied to the community at large, the contentment with the +law appears to be progressive. + +But symptoms of increased opposition having lately manifested themselves in +certain quarters, I judged a special interposition on my part proper and +advisable, and under this impression have issued a proclamation warning +against all unlawful combinations and proceedings having for their object +or tending to obstruct the operation of the law in question, and announcing +that all lawful ways and means would be strictly put in execution for +bringing to justice the infractors thereof and securing obedience thereto. + +Measures have also been taken for the prosecution of offenders, and +Congress may be assured that nothing within constitutional and legal limits +which may depend upon me shall be wanting to assert and maintain the just +authority of the laws. In fulfilling this trust I shall count entirely upon +the full cooperation of the other departments of the Government and upon +the zealous support of all good citizens. + +I can not forbear to bring again into the view of the Legislature the +subject of a revision of the judiciary system. A representation from the +judges of the Supreme Court, which will be laid before you, points out some +of the inconveniences that are experienced. In the course of the execution +of the laws considerations arise out of the structure of the system which +in some cases tend to relax their efficacy. As connected with this subject, +provisions to facilitate the taking of bail upon processes out of the +courts of the United States and a supplementary definition of offenses +against the Constitution and laws of the Union and of the punishment for +such offenses will, it is presumed, be found worthy of particular +attention. + +Observations on the value of peace with other nations are unnecessary. It +would be wise, however, by timely provisions to guard against those acts of +our own citizens which might tend to disturb it, and to put ourselves in a +condition to give that satisfaction to foreign nations which we may +sometimes have occasion to require from them. I particularly recommend to +your consideration the means of preventing those aggressions by our +citizens on the territory of other nations, and other infractions of the +law of nations, which, furnishing just subject of complaint, might endanger +our peace with them; and, in general, the maintenance of a friendly +intercourse with foreign powers will be presented to your attention by the +expiration of the law for that purpose, which takes place, if not renewed, +at the close of the present session. + +In execution of the authority given by the Legislature measures have been +taken for engaging some artists from abroad to aid in the establishment of +our mint. Others have been employed at home. Provision has been made of the +requisite buildings, and these are now putting into proper condition for +the purposes of the establishment. There has also been a small beginning in +the coinage of half dimes, the want of small coins in circulation calling +the first attention to them. + +The regulation of foreign coins in correspondency with the principles of +our national coinage, as being essential to their due operation and to +order in our money concerns, will, I doubt not, be resumed and completed. + +It is represented that some provisions in the law which establishes the +post office operate, in experiment, against the transmission of news papers +to distant parts of the country. Should this, upon due inquiry, be found to +be the fact, a full conviction of the importance of facilitating the +circulation of political intelligence and information will, I doubt not, +lead to the application of a remedy. + +The adoption of a constitution for the State of Kentucky has been notified +to me. The Legislature will share with me in the satisfaction which arises +from an event interesting to the happiness of the part of the nation to +which it relates and conducive to the general order. + +It is proper likewise to inform you that since my last communication on the +subject, and in further execution of the acts severally making provision +for the public debt and for the reduction thereof, three new loans have +been effected, each for 3,000,000 florins--one at Antwerp, at the annual +interest of 4.5%, with an allowance of 4% in lieu of all charges, in the +other 2 at Amsterdam, at the annual interest of 4%, with an allowance of +5.5% in one case and of 5% in the other in lieu of all charges. The rates +of these loans and the circumstances under which they have been made are +confirmations of the high state of our credit abroad. + +Among the objects to which these funds have been directed to be applied, +the payment of the debts due to certain foreign officers, according to the +provision made during the last session, has been embraced. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I entertain a strong hope that the state of the national finances is now +sufficiently matured to enable you to enter upon a systematic and effectual +arrangement for the regular redemption and discharge of the public debt, +according to the right which has been reserved to the Government. No +measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic +importance or to the general sentiment and wish of the nation. + +Provision is likewise requisite for the reimbursement of the loan which has +been made of the Bank of the United States, pursuant to the eleventh +section of the act by which it is incorporated. In fulfilling the public +stipulations in this particular it is expected a valuable saving will be +made. + +Appropriations for the current service of the ensuing year and for such +extraordinaries as may require provision will demand, and I doubt not will +engage, your early attention. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +I content myself with recalling your attention generally to such objects, +not particularized in my present, as have been suggested in my former +communications to you. + +Various temporary laws will expire during the present session. Among these, +that which regulates trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes will +merit particular notice. + +The results of your common deliberations hitherto will, I trust, be +productive of solid and durable advantages to our constituents, such as, by +conciliating more and more their ultimate suffrage, will tend to strengthen +and confirm their attachment to that Constitution of Government upon which, +under Divine Providence, materially depend their union, their safety, and +their happiness. + +Still further to promote and secure these inestimable ends there is nothing +which can have a more powerful tendency than the careful cultivation of +harmony, combined with a due regard to stability, in the public councils. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 3, 1793 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +Since the commencement of the term for which I have been again called into +office no fit occasion has arisen for expressing to my fellow citizens at +large the deep and respectful sense which I feel of the renewed testimony +of public approbation. While on the one hand it awakened my gratitude for +all those instances of affectionate partiality with which I have been +honored by my country, on the other it could not prevent an earnest wish +for that retirement from which no private consideration should ever have +torn me. But influenced by the belief that my conduct would be estimated +according to its real motives, and that the people, and the authorities +derived from them, would support exertions having nothing personal for +their object, I have obeyed the suffrage which commanded me to resume the +Executive power; and I humbly implore that Being on whose will the fate of +nations depends to crown with success our mutual endeavors for the general +happiness. + +As soon as the war in Europe had embraced those powers with whom the United +States have the most extensive relations there was reason to apprehend that +our intercourse with them might be interrupted and our disposition for +peace drawn into question by the suspicions too often entertained by +belligerent nations. It seemed, therefore, to be my duty to admonish our +citizens of the consequences of a contraband trade and of hostile acts to +any of the parties, and to obtain by a declaration of the existing legal +state of things an easier admission of our right to the immunities +belonging to our situation. Under these impressions the proclamation which +will be laid before you was issued. + +In this posture of affairs, both new and delicate, I resolved to adopt +general rules which should conform to the treaties and assert the +privileges of the United States. These were reduced into a system, which +will be communicated to you. Although I have not thought of myself at +liberty to forbid the sale of the prizes permitted by our treaty of +commerce with France to be brought into our ports, I have not refused to +cause them to be restored when they were taken within the protection of our +territory, or by vessels commissioned or equipped in a warlike form within +the limits of the United States. + +It rests with the wisdom of Congress to correct, improve, or enforce this +plan of procedure; and it will probably be found expedient to extend the +legal code and the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States to many +cases which, though dependent on principles already recognized, demand some +further provisions. + +Where individuals shall, within the United States, array themselves in +hostility against any of the powers at war, or enter upon military +expeditions or enterprises within the jurisdiction of the United States, or +usurp and exercise judicial authority within the United States, or where +the penalties on violations of the law of nations may have been +indistinctly marked, or are inadequate--these offenses can not receive too +early and close an attention, and require prompt and decisive remedies. + +Whatsoever those remedies may be, they will be well administered by the +judiciary, who possess a long-established course of investigation, +effectual process, and officers in the habit of executing it. + +In like manner, as several of the courts have doubted, under particular +circumstances, their power to liberate the vessels of a nation at peace, +and even of a citizen of the United States, although seized under a false +color of being hostile property, and have denied their power to liberate +certain captures within the protection of our territory, it would seem +proper to regulate their jurisdiction in these points. But if the Executive +is to be the resort in either of the two last-mentioned cases, it is hoped +that he will be authorized by law to have facts ascertained by the courts +when for his own information he shall request it. + +I can not recommend to your notice measures for the fulfillment of our +duties to the rest of the world without again pressing upon you the +necessity of placing ourselves in a condition of complete defense and of +exacting from them the fulfillment of their duties toward us. The United +States ought not to indulge a persuasion that, contrary to the order of +human events, they will forever keep at a distance those painful appeals to +arms with which the history of every other nation abounds. There is a rank +due to the United States among nations which will be withheld, if not +absolutely lost, by the reputation of weakness. If we desire to avoid +insult, we must be able to repel it; if we desire to secure peace, one of +the most powerful instruments of our rising prosperity, it must be known +that we are at all times ready for war. The documents which will be +presented to you will shew the amount and kinds of arms and military stores +now in our magazines and arsenals; and yet an addition even to these +supplies can not with prudence be neglected, as it would leave nothing to +the uncertainty of procuring warlike apparatus in the moment of public +danger. + +Nor can such arrangements, with such objects, be exposed to the censure or +jealousy of the warmest friends of republican government. They are +incapable of abuse in the hands of the militia, who ought to possess a +pride in being the depository of the force of the Republic, and may be +trained to a degree of energy equal to every military exigency of the +United States. But it is an inquiry which can not be too solemnly pursued, +whether the act "more effectually to provide for the national defense by +establishing an uniform militia throughout the United States" has organized +them so as to produce their full effect; whether your own experience in the +several States has not detected some imperfections in the scheme, and +whether a material feature in an improvement of it ought not to be to +afford an opportunity for the study of those branches of the military art +which can scarcely ever be attained by practice alone. + +The connection of the United States with Europe has become extremely +interesting. The occurrences which relate to it and have passed under the +knowledge of the Executive will be exhibited to Congress in a subsequent +communication. + +When we contemplate the war on our frontiers, it may be truly affirmed that +every reasonable effort has been made to adjust the causes of dissension +with the Indians north of the Ohio. The instructions given to the +commissioners evince a moderation and equity proceeding from a sincere love +of peace, and a liberality having no restriction but the essential +interests and dignity of the United States. The attempt, however, of an +amicable negotiation having been frustrated, the troops have marched to act +offensively. Although the proposed treaty did not arrest the progress of +military preparation, it is doubtful how far the advance of the season, +before good faith justified active movements, may retard them during the +remainder of the year. From the papers and intelligence which relate to +this important subject you will determine whether the deficiency in the +number of troops granted by law shall be compensated by succors of militia, +or additional encouragements shall be proposed to recruits. + +An anxiety has been also demonstrated by the Executive for peace with the +Creeks and the Cherokees. The former have been relieved with corn and with +clothing, and offensive measures against them prohibited during the recess +of Congress. To satisfy the complaints of the latter, prosecutions have +been instituted for the violences committed upon them. But the papers which +will be delivered to you disclose the critical footing on which we stand in +regard to both those tribes, and it is with Congress to pronounce what +shall be done. + +After they shall have provided for the present emergency, it will merit +their most serious labors to render tranquillity with the savages permanent +by creating ties of interest. Next to a rigorous execution of justice on +the violators of peace, the establishment of commerce with the Indian +nations in behalf of the United States is most likely to conciliate their +attachment. But it ought to be conducted without fraud, without extortion, +with constant and plentiful supplies, with a ready market for the +commodities of the Indians and a stated price for what they give in payment +and receive in exchange. Individuals will not pursue such a traffic unless +they be allured by the hope of profit; but it will be enough for the United +States to be reimbursed only. Should this recommendation accord with the +opinion of Congress, they will recollect that it can not be accomplished by +any means yet in the hands of the Executive. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The commissioners charged with the settlement of accounts between the +United States and individual States concluded their important function +within the time limited by law, and the balances struck in their report, +which will be laid before Congress, have been placed on the books of the +Treasury. + +On the first day of June last an installment of 1,000,000 florins became +payable on the loans of the United States in Holland. This was adjusted by +a prolongation of the period of reimbursement in nature of a new loan at an +interest of 5% for the term of ten years, and the expenses of this +operation were a commission of 3%. + +The first installment of the loan of $2,000,000 from the Bank of the United +States has been paid, as was directed by law. For the second it is +necessary that provision be made. + +No pecuniary consideration is more urgent than the regular redemption and +discharge of the public debt. On none can delay be more injurious or an +economy of time more valuable. + +The productiveness of the public revenues hitherto has continued to equal +the anticipations which were formed of it, but it is not expected to prove +commensurate with all the objects which have been suggested. Some auxiliary +provisions will therefore, it is presumed, be requisite, and it is hoped +that these may be made consistently with a due regard to the convenience of +our citizens, who can not but be sensible of the true wisdom of +encountering a small present addition to their contributions to obviate a +future accumulation of burthens. + +But here I can not forbear to recommend a repeal of the tax on the +transportation of public prints. There is no resource so firm for the +Government of the United States as the affections of the people, guided by +an enlightened policy; and to this primary good nothing can conduce more +than a faithful representation of public proceedings, diffused without +restraint throughout the United States. + +An estimate of the appropriations necessary for the current service of the +ensuing year and a statement of a purchase of arms and military stores made +during the recess will be presented to Congress. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +The several subjects to which I have now referred open a wide range to your +deliberations and involve some of the choicest interests of our common +country. Permit me to bring to your remembrance the magnitude of your task. +Without an unprejudiced coolness the welfare of the Government may be +hazarded; without harmony as far as consists with freedom of sentiment its +dignity may be lost. But as the legislative proceedings of the United +States will never, I trust, be reproached for the want of temper or of +candor, so shall not the public happiness languish from the want of my +strenuous and warmest cooperation. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +November 19, 1794 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven by which the +American people became a nation; when we survey the general prosperity of +our country, and look forward to the riches, power, and happiness to which +it seems destined, with the deepest regret do I announce to you that during +your recess some of the citizens of the United States have been found +capable of insurrection. It is due, however, to the character of our +Government and to its stability, which can not be shaken by the enemies of +order, freely to unfold the course of this event. + +During the session of the year 1790 it was expedient to exercise the +legislative power granted by the Constitution of the United States "to lay +and collect excises". In a majority of the States scarcely an objection was +heard to this mode of taxation. In some, indeed, alarms were at first +conceived, until they were banished by reason and patriotism. In the four +western counties of Pennsylvania a prejudice, fostered and imbittered by +the artifice of men who labored for an ascendency over the will of others +by the guidance of their passions, produced symptoms of riot and violence. + +It is well known that Congress did not hesitate to examine the complaints +which were presented, and to relieve them as far as justice dictated or +general convenience would permit. But the impression which this moderation +made on the discontented did not correspond with what it deserved. The arts +of delusion were no longer confined to the efforts of designing +individuals. The very forbearance to press prosecutions was misinterpreted +into a fear of urging the execution of the laws, and associations of men +began to denounce threats against the officers employed. From a belief that +by a more formal concert their operation might be defeated, certain +self-created societies assumed the tone of condemnation. Hence, while the +greater part of Pennsylvania itself were conforming themselves to the acts +of excise, a few counties were resolved to frustrate them. It is now +perceived that every expectation from the tenderness which had been +hitherto pursued was unavailing, and that further delay could only create +an opinion of impotency or irresolution in the Government. Legal process +was therefore delivered to the marshal against the rioters and delinquent +distillers. + +No sooner was he understood to be engaged in this duty than the vengeance +of armed men was aimed at his person and the person and property of the +inspector of the revenue. They fired upon the marshal, arrested him, and +detained him for some time as a prisoner. He was obliged, by the jeopardy +of his life, to renounce the service of other process on the west side of +the Allegheny Mountain, and a deputation was afterwards sent to him to +demand a surrender of that which he had served. A numerous body repeatedly +attacked the house of the inspector, seized his papers of office, and +finally destroyed by fire his buildings and whatsoever they contained. Both +of these officers, from a just regard to their safety, fled to the seat of +Government, it being avowed that the motives to such outrages were to +compel the resignation of the inspector, to withstand by force of arms the +authority of the United States, and thereby to extort a repeal of the laws +of excise and an alteration in the conduct of Government. + +Upon testimony of these facts an associate justice of the Supreme Court of +the United States notified to me that "in the counties of Washington and +Allegheny, in Pennsylvania, laws of the United States were opposed, and the +execution thereof obstructed, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed +by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings or by the powers vested in +the marshal of that district". + +On this call, momentous in the extreme, I sought and weighted what might +best subdue the crisis. On the one hand the judiciary was pronounced to be +stripped of its capacity to enforce the laws; crimes which reached the very +existence of social order were perpetrated without control; the friends of +Government were insulted, abused, and overawed into silence or an apparent +acquiescence; and to yield to the treasonable fury of so small a portion of +the United States would be to violate the fundamental principle of our +Constitution, which enjoins that the will of the majority shall prevail. On +the other, to array citizen against citizen, to publish the dishonor of +such excesses, to encounter the expense and other embarrassments of so +distant an expedition, were steps too delicate, too closely interwoven with +many affecting considerations, to be lightly adopted. + +I postponed, therefore, the summoning of the militia immediately into the +field, but I required them to be held in readiness, that if my anxious +endeavors to reclaim the deluded and to convince the malignant of their +danger should be fruitless, military force might be prepared to act before +the season should be too far advanced. + +My proclamation of the 7th of August last was accordingly issued, and +accompanied by the appointment of commissioners, who were charged to +repair to the scene of insurrection. They were authorized to confer +with any bodies of men or individuals. They were instructed to be +candid and explicit in stating the sensations which had been excited in the +Executive, and his earnest wish to avoid a resort to coercion; to +represent, however, that, without submission, coercion must be the resort; +but to invite them, at the same time, to return to the demeanor of faithful +citizens, by such accommodations as lay within the sphere of Executive +power. Pardon, too, was tendered to them by the Government of the United +States and that of Pennsylvania, upon no other condition than a +satisfactory assurance of obedience to the laws. + +Although the report of the commissioners marks their firmness and +abilities, and must unite all virtuous men, by shewing that the means of +conciliation have been exhausted, all of those who had committed or abetted +the tumults did not subscribe the mild form which was proposed as the +atonement, and the indications of a peaceable temper were neither +sufficiently general nor conclusive to recommend or warrant the further +suspension of the march of the militia. + +Thus the painful alternative could not be discarded. I ordered the militia +to march, after once more admonishing the insurgents in my proclamation of +the 25th of September last. + +It was a task too difficult to ascertain with precision the lowest degree +of force competent to the quelling of the insurrection. From a respect, +indeed, to economy and the ease of my fellow citizens belonging to the +militia, it would have gratified me to accomplish such an estimate. My very +reluctance to ascribe too much importance to the opposition, had its extent +been accurately seen, would have been a decided inducement to the smallest +efficient numbers. In this uncertainty, therefore, I put into motion fifteen +thousand men, as being an army which, according to all human calculation, +would be prompt and adequate in every view, and might, perhaps, by rendering +resistance desperate, prevent the effusion of blood. Quotas had been +assigned to the States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, +the governor of Pennsylvania having declared on this occasion an opinion +which justified a requisition to the other States. + +As commander in chief of the militia when called into the actual service of +the United States, I have visited the places of general rendezvous to +obtain more exact information and to direct a plan for ulterior movements. +Had there been room for a persuasion that the laws were secure from +obstruction; that the civil magistrate was able to bring to justice such of +the most culpable as have not embraced the proffered terms of amnesty, and +may be deemed fit objects of example; that the friends to peace and good +government were not in need of that aid and countenance which they ought +always to receive, and, I trust, ever will receive, against the vicious and +turbulent, I should have caught with avidity the opportunity of restoring +the militia to their families and homes. But succeeding intelligence has +tended to manifest the necessity of what has been done, it being now +confessed by those who were not inclined to exaggerate the ill conduct of +the insurgents that their malevolence was not pointed merely to a +particular law, but that a spirit inimical to all order has actuated many +of the offenders. If the state of things had afforded reason for the +continuance of my presence with the army, it would not have been +withholden. But every appearance assuring such an issue as will redound to +the reputation and strength of the United States, I have judged it most +proper to resume my duties at the seat of Government, leaving the chief +command with the governor of Virginia. + +Still, however, as it is probable that in a commotion like the present, +whatsoever may be the pretense, the purposes of mischief and revenge may +not be laid aside, the stationing of a small force for a certain period in +the four western counties of Pennsylvania will be indispensable, whether we +contemplate the situation of those who are connected with the execution of +the laws or of others who may have exposed themselves by an honorable +attachment to them. Thirty days from the commencement of this session being +the legal limitation of the employment of the militia, Congress can not be +too early occupied with this subject. + +Among the discussions which may arise from this aspect of our affairs, and +from the documents which will be submitted to Congress, it will not escape +their observation that not only the inspector of the revenue, but other +officers of the United States in Pennsylvania have, from their fidelity in +the discharge of their functions, sustained material injuries to their +property. The obligation and policy of indemnifying them are strong and +obvious. It may also merit attention whether policy will not enlarge this +provision to the retribution of other citizens who, though not under the +ties of office, may have suffered damage by their generous exertions for +upholding the Constitution and the laws. The amount, even if all the +injured were included, would not be great, and on future emergencies the +Government would be amply repaid by the influence of an example that he who +incurs a loss in its defense shall find a recompense in its liberality. + +While there is cause to lament that occurrences of this nature should have +disgraced the name or interrupted the tranquillity of any part of our +community, or should have diverted to a new application any portion of the +public resources, there are not wanting real and substantial consolations +for the misfortune. It has demonstrated that our prosperity rests on solid +foundations, by furnishing an additional proof that my fellow citizens +understand the true principles of government and liberty; that they feel +their inseparable union; that notwithstanding all the devices which have +been used to sway them from their interest and duty, they are not as ready +to maintain the authority of the laws against licentious invasions as they +were to defend their rights against usurpation. It has been a spectacle +displaying to the highest advantage of republican government to behold the +most and the least wealthy of our citizens standing in the same ranks as +private soldiers, preeminently distinguished by being the army of the +Constitution--undeterred by a march of 300 miles over rugged mountains, by +approach of an inclement season, or by any other discouragement. Nor ought +I to omit to acknowledge the efficacious and patriotic cooperation which I +have experienced from the chief magistrates of the States to which my +requisitions have been addressed. + +To every description of citizens, let praise be given, but let them +persevere in their affectionate vigilance over that precious depository of +American happiness, the Constitution of the United States. Let them cherish +it, too, for the sake of those who, from every clime, are daily seeking a +dwelling in our land. And when in the calm moments of reflection they shall +have retraced the origin and progress of the insurrection, let them +determine whether it has not been fomented by combinations of men who, +careless of consequences and disregarding the unerring truth that those who +rouse can not always appease a civil convulsion, have disseminated, from an +ignorance or perversion of facts, suspicions, jealousies, and accusations +of the whole Government. + +Having thus fulfilled the engagement which I took when I entered into +office, "to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the +Constitution of the United States", on you, gentlemen, and the people by +whom you are deputed, I rely for support. + +In the arrangement to which the possibility of a similar contingency will +naturally draw your attention it ought not to be forgotten that the militia +laws have exhibited such striking defects as could not have been supplied +by the zeal of our citizens. Besides the extraordinary expense and waste, +which are not the least of the defects, every appeal to those laws is +attended with a doubt on its success. + +The devising and establishing of a well regulated militia would be a +genuine source of legislative honor and a perfect title to public +gratitude. I therefore entertain a hope that the present session will not +pass without carrying to its full energy the power of organizing, arming, +and disciplining the militia, and thus providing, in the language of the +Constitution, for calling them forth to execute the laws of the Union, +suppress insurrections, and repel invasions. + +As auxiliary to the state of our defense, to which Congress can never too +frequently recur, they will not omit to inquire whether the fortifications +which have been already licensed by law be commensurate with our +exigencies. + +The intelligence from the army under the command of General Wayne is a +happy presage to our military operations against the hostile Indians north +of the Ohio. From the advices which have been forwarded, the advance which +he has made must have damped the ardor of the savages and weakened their +obstinacy in waging war against the United States. And yet, even at this +late hour, when our power to punish them can not be questioned, we shall +not be unwilling to cement a lasting peace upon terms of candor, equity, +and good neighborhood. + +Toward none of the Indian tribes have overtures of friendship been spared. +The Creeks in particular are covered from encroachment by the imposition of +the General Government and that of Georgia. From a desire also to remove +the discontents of the Six Nations, a settlement mediated at Presque Isle, +on Lake Erie, has been suspended, and an agent is now endeavoring to +rectify any misconception into which they may have fallen. But I can not +refrain from again pressing upon your deliberations the plan which I +recommended at the last session for the improvement of harmony with all the +Indians within our limits by the fixing and conducting of trading houses +upon the principles then expressed. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The time which has elapsed since the commencement of our fiscal measures +has developed our pecuniary resources so as to open the way for a definite +plan for the redemption of the public debt. It is believed that the result +is such as to encourage Congress to consummate this work without delay. +Nothing can more promote the permanent welfare of the nation and nothing +would be more grateful to our constituents. Indeed, whatsoever is +unfinished of our system of public credit can not be benefited by +procrastination; and as far as may be practicable we ought to place that +credit on grounds which can not be disturbed, and to prevent that +progressive accumulation of debt which must ultimately endanger all +governments. + +An estimate of the necessary appropriations, including the expenditures +into which we have been driven by the insurrection, will be submitted to +Congress. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +The Mint of the United States has entered upon the coinage of the precious +metals, and considerable sums of defective coins and bullion have been +lodged with the Director by individuals. There is a pleasing prospect that +the institution will at no remote day realize the expectation which was +originally formed of its utility. + +In subsequent communications certain circumstances of our intercourse with +foreign nations will be transmitted to Congress. However, it may not be +unseasonable to announce that my policy in our foreign transactions has +been to cultivate peace with all the world; to observe the treaties with +pure and absolute faith; to check every deviation from the line of +impartiality; to explain what may have been misapprehended and correct what +may have been injurious to any nation, and having thus acquired the right, +to lose no time in acquiring the ability to insist upon justice being done +to ourselves. + +Let us unite, therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of Nations to +spread his holy protection over these United States; to turn the +machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our Constitution; to enable +us at all times to root out internal sedition and put invasion to flight; +to perpetuate to our country that prosperity which his goodness has already +conferred, and to verify the anticipations of this Government being a +safeguard of human rights. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 8, 1795 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +I trust I do not deceive myself when I indulge the persuasion that I have +never met you at any period when more than at the present the situation of +our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation, and +for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all +Good for the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy. + +The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war in which we +have been engaged with certain Indians northwest of the Ohio is placed in +the option of the United States by a treaty which the commander of our army +has concluded provisionally with the hostile tribes in that region. + +In the adjustment of the terms the satisfaction of the Indians was deemed +worthy no less of the policy than of the liberality of the United States as +the necessary basis of durable tranquillity. The object, it is believed, +has been fully attained. The articles agreed upon will immediately be laid +before the Senate for their consideration. + +The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the Southern tribes had +annoyed our frontiers, have lately confirmed their preexisting treaties +with us, and were giving evidence of a sincere disposition to carry them +into effect by the surrender of the prisoners and property they had taken. +But we have to lament that the fair prospect in this quarter has been once +more clouded by wanton murders, which some citizens of Georgia are +represented to have recently perpetrated on hunting parties of the Creeks, +which have again subjected that frontier to disquietude and danger, which +will be productive of further expense, and may occasion more effusion of +blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate the usual consequences +of such outrages, and with the hope of their succeeding at least to avert +general hostility. + +A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his recognition of our +treaty made with his father, the late Emperor, and consequently the +continuance of peace with that power. With peculiar satisfaction I add that +information has been received from an agent deputed on our part to Algiers +importing that the terms of the treaty with the Dey and Regency of that +country had been adjusted in such a manner as to authorize the expectation +of a speedy peace and the restoration of our unfortunate fellow citizens +from a grievous captivity. + +The latest advices from our envoy at the Court of Madrid give, moreover, +the pleasing information that he had assurances of a speedy and +satisfactory conclusion of his negotiation. While the event depending upon +unadjusted particulars can not be regarded as ascertained, it is agreeable +to cherish the expectation of an issue which, securing amicably very +essential interests of the United States, will at the same time lay the +foundation of lasting harmony with a power whose friendship we have +uniformly and sincerely desired to cultivate. + +Though not before officially disclosed to the House of Representatives, +you, gentlemen, are all apprised that a treaty of amity, commerce, and +navigation has been negotiated with Great Britain, and that the Senate have +advised and consented to its ratification upon a condition which excepts +part of one article. Agreeably thereto, and to the best judgment I was able +to form of the public interest after full and mature deliberation, I have +added my sanction. The result on the part of His Britannic Majesty is +unknown. When received, the subject will without delay be placed before +Congress. + +This interesting summary of our affairs with regard to the foreign powers +between whom and the United States controversies have subsisted, and with +regard also to those of our Indian neighbors with whom we have been in a +state of enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for consoling and +gratifying reflections. If by prudence and moderation on every side the +extinguishment of all the causes of external discord which have heretofore +menaced our tranquillity, on terms compatible with our national rights and +honor, shall be the happy result, how firm and how precious a foundation +will have been laid for accelerating, maturing, and establishing the +prosperity of our country. + +Contemplating the internal situation as well as the external relations of +the United States, we discover equal cause for contentment and +satisfaction. While many of the nations of Europe, with their American +dependencies, have been involved in a contest unusually bloody, exhausting, +and calamitous, in which the evils of foreign war have been aggravated by +domestic convulsion and insurrection; in which many of the arts most useful +to society have been exposed to discouragement and decay; in which scarcity +of subsistence has imbittered other sufferings; while even the +anticipations of a return of the blessings of peace and repose are alloyed +by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, which press upon all the +departments of industry and threaten to clog the future springs of +government, our favored country, happy in a striking contrast, has enjoyed +tranquillity--a tranquillity the more satisfactory because maintained at +the expense of no duty. Faithful to ourselves, we have violated no +obligation to others. + +Our agriculture, commerce, and manufactures prosper beyond former example, +the molestations of our trade (to prevent a continuance of which, however, +very pointed remonstrances have been made) being overbalanced by the +aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral position. Our population +advances with a celerity which, exceeding the most sanguine calculations, +proportionally augments our strength and resources, and guarantees our +future security. + +Every part of the Union displays indications of rapid and various +improvement; and with burthens so light as scarcely to be perceived, with +resources fully adequate to our present exigencies, with governments +founded on the genuine principles of rational liberty, and with mild and +wholesome laws, is it too much to say that our country exhibits a spectacle +of national happiness never surpassed, if ever before equaled? + +Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of commanding force +impel us, with sincere acknowledgment to Heaven and pure love to our +country, to unite our efforts to preserve, prolong, and improve our immense +advantages. To cooperate with you in this desirable work is a fervent and +favorite wish of my heart. + +It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our welfare that the +part of our country which was lately the scene of disorder and insurrection +now enjoys the blessings of quiet and order. The misled have abandoned +their errors, and pay the respect to our Constitution and laws which is due +from good citizens to the public authorities of the society. These +circumstances have induced me to pardon generally the offenders here +referred to, and to extend forgiveness to those who had been adjudged to +capital punishment. For though I shall always think it a sacred duty to +exercise with firmness and energy the constitutional powers with which I am +vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent with the public good than +it is with my personal feelings to mingle in the operations of Government +every degree of moderation and tenderness which the national justice, +dignity, and safety may permit. + +Gentlemen: Among the objects which will claim your attention in the course +of the session, a review of our military establishment is not the least +important. It is called for by the events which have changed, and may be +expected still further to change, the relative situation of our frontiers. +In this review you will doubtless allow due weight to the considerations +that the questions between us and certain foreign powers are not yet +finally adjusted, that the war in Europe is not yet terminated, and that +our Western posts, when recovered, will demand provision for garrisoning +and securing them. A statement of our present military force will be laid +before you by the Department of War. + +With the review of our Army establishment is naturally connected that of +the militia. It will merit inquiry what imperfections in the existing plan +further experience may have unfolded. The subject is of so much moment in +my estimation as to excite a constant solicitude that the consideration of +it may be renewed until the greatest attainable perfection shall be +accomplished. Time is wearing away some advantages for forwarding the +object, while none better deserves the persevering attention of the public +councils. + +While we indulge the satisfaction which the actual condition of our Western +borders so well authorizes, it is necessary that we should not lose sight +of an important truth which continually receives new confirmations, namely, +that the provisions heretofore made with a view to the protection of the +Indians from the violences of the lawless part of our frontier inhabitants +are insufficient. It is demonstrated that these violences can now be +perpetrated with impunity, and it can need no argument to prove that unless +the murdering of Indians can be restrained by bringing the murderers to +condign punishment, all the exertions of the Government to prevent +destructive retaliations by the Indians will prove fruitless and all our +present agreeable prospects illusory. The frequent destruction of innocent +women and children, who are chiefly the victims of retaliation, must +continue to shock humanity, and an enormous expense to drain the Treasury +of the Union. + +To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice it is indispensable +that there shall be competent means of rendering justice to them. If these +means can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, and especially if there can +be added an adequate provision for supplying the necessities of the Indians +on reasonable terms (a measure the mention of which I the more readily +repeat, as in all the conferences with them they urge it with solicitude), +I should not hesitate to entertain a strong hope of rendering our +tranquillity permanent. I add with pleasure that the probability even of +their civilization is not diminished by the experiments which have been +thus far made under the auspices of Government. The accomplishment of this +work, if practicable, will reflect undecaying luster on our national +character and administer the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds +can know. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been borrowed and +reimbursed pursuant to different acts of Congress, will be submitted from +the proper Department, together with an estimate of the appropriations +necessary to be made for the service of the ensuing year. + +Whether measures may not be advisable to reinforce the provision of the +redemption of the public debt will naturally engage your examination. +Congress have demonstrated their sense to be, and it were superfluous to +repeat mine, that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable +extinction of our public debt accords as much with the true interest of our +country as with the general sense of our constituents. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +The statements which will be laid before you relative to the Mint will shew +the situation of that institution and the necessity of some further +legislative provisions for carrying the business of it more completely into +effect, and for checking abuses which appear to be arising in particular +quarters. + +The progress in providing materials for the frigates and in building them, +the state of the fortifications of our harbors, the measures which have +been pursued for obtaining proper sites for arsenals and for replenishing +our magazines with military stores, and the steps which have been taken +toward the execution of the law for opening a trade with the Indians will +likewise be presented for the information of Congress. + +Temperate discussion of the important subjects which may arise in the +course of the session and mutual forbearance where there is a difference of +opinion are too obvious and necessary for the peace, happiness, and welfare +of our country to need any recommendation of mine. + +GO. WASHINGTON + +*** + +State of the Union Address +George Washington +December 7, 1796 + +Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives: + +In recurring to the internal situation of our country since I had last the +pleasure to address you, I find ample reason for a renewed expression of +that gratitude to the Ruler of the Universe which a continued series of +prosperity has so often and so justly called forth. + +The acts of the last session which required special arrangements have been +as far as circumstances would admit carried into operation. + +Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the +Indians and to preserve peace along the extent of our interior frontier +have been digested and adopted. In the framing of these care has been taken +to guard on the one hand our advanced settlements from the predatory +incursions of those unruly individuals who can not be restrained by their +tribes, and on the other hand to protect the rights secured to the Indians +by treaty--to draw them nearer to the civilized state and inspire them +with correct conceptions of the power as well as justice of the +Government. + +The meeting of the deputies from the Creek Nation at Colerain, in the State +of Georgia, which had for a principal object the purchase of a parcel of +their land by that State, broke up without its being accomplished, the +nation having previous to their departure instructed them against making +any sale. The occasion, however, has been improved to confirm by a new +treaty with the Creeks their preexisting engagements with the United +States, and to obtain their consent to the establishment of trading houses +and military posts within their boundary, by means of which their +friendship and the general peace may be more effectually secured. + +The period during the late session at which the appropriation was passed +for carrying into effect the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation +between the United States and His Brittanic Majesty necessarily +procrastinated the reception of the posts stipulated to be delivered beyond +the date assigned for that event. As soon, however, as the Governor-General +of Canada could be addressed with propriety on the subject, arrangements +were cordially and promptly concluded for their evacuation, and the United +States took possession of the principal of them, comprehending Oswego, +Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and Fort Miami, where such repairs and +additions have been ordered to be made as appeared indispensable. + +The commissioners appointed on the part of the United States and of Great +Britain to determine which is the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty +of peace of 1783, agreed in the choice of Egbert Benson, esq., of New York, +for the 3rd commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrew's, in Passamaquoddy +Bay, in the beginning of October, and directed surveys to be made of the +rivers in dispute; but deeming it impracticable to have these surveys +completed before the next year, they adjourned to meet at Boston in August, +1797, for the final decision of the question. + +Other commissioners appointed on the part of the United States, agreeably +to the 7th article of the treaty with Great Britain, relative to captures +and condemnation of vessels and other property, met the commissioners of +His Britannic Majesty in London in August last, when John Trumbull, esq., +was chosen by lot for the 5th commissioner. In October following the board +were to proceed to business. As yet there has been no communication of +commissioners on the part of Great Britain to unite with those who have +been appointed on the part of the United States for carrying into effect +the 6th article of the treaty. + +The treaty with Spain required that the commissioners for running the +boundary line between the territory of the United States and His Catholic +Majesty's provinces of East and West Florida should meet at the Natchez +before the expiration of 6 months after the exchange of the ratifications, +which was effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April; and the +troops of His Catholic Majesty occupying any posts within the limits of +the United States were within the same time period to be withdrawn. The +commissioner of the United States therefore commenced his journey for the +Natchez in September, and troops were ordered to occupy the posts from +which the Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn. Information has been +recently received of the appointment of a commissioner on the part of His +Catholic Majesty for running the boundary line, but none of any appointment +for the adjustment of the claims of our citizens whose vessels were +captured by the armed vessels of Spain. + +In pursuance of the act of Congress passed in the last session for the +protection and relief of American sea-men, agents were appointed, one to +reside in Great Britain and the other in the West Indies. The effects of +the agency in the West Indies are not yet fully ascertained, but those +which have been communicated afford grounds to believe the measure will be +beneficial. The agent destined to reside in Great Britain declining to +accept the appointment, the business has consequently devolved on the +minister of the United States in London, and will command his attention +until a new agent shall be appointed. + +After many delays and disappointments arising out of the European war, the +final arrangements for fulfilling the engagements made to the Dey and +Regency of Algiers will in all present appearance be crowned with success, +but under great, though inevitable, disadvantages in the pecuniary +transactions occasioned by that war, which will render further provision +necessary. The actual liberation of all our citizens who were prisoners in +Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling of heart, is itself an earnest of +a satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. Measures are in +operation for effecting treaties with the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli. + +To an active external commerce the protection of a naval force is +indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars in which a State is +itself a party. But besides this, it is in our own experience that the most +sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of +nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag requires a naval force +organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression. This may +even prevent the necessity of going to war by discouraging belligerent +powers from committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party +as may, first or last, leave no other option. From the best information I +have been able to obtain it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean +without a protecting force will always be insecure and our citizens exposed +to the calamities from which numbers of them have but just been relieved. + +These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to +set about the gradual creation of a navy. The increasing progress of their +navigation promises them at no distant period the requisite supply of +sea-men, and their means in other respects favor the undertaking. It is an +encouragement, likewise, that their particular situation will give weight +and influence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it not, then, +be advisable to begin without delay to provide and lay up the materials for +the building and equipping of ships of war, and to proceed in the work by +degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable without +inconvenience, so that a future war of Europe may not find our commerce in +the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present? + +Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention +to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too much consequence +not to insure a continuance of their efforts in every way which shall +appear eligible. As a general rule, manufactures on public account are +inexpedient; but where the state of things in a country leaves little hope +that certain branches of manufacture will for a great length of time +obtain, when these are of a nature essential to the furnishing and +equipping of the public force in time of war, are not establishments for +procuring them on public account to the extent of the ordinary demand for +the public service recommended by strong considerations of national policy +as an exception to the general rule? + +Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign supply, +precarious because liable to be interrupted? If the necessary article +should in this mode cost more in time of peace, will not the security and +independence thence arising form an ample compensation? + +Establishments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls of the public +service in time of peace, will in time of war easily be extended in +proportion to the exigencies of the Government, and may even perhaps be +made to yield a surplus for the supply of our citizens at large, so as to +mitigate the privations from the interruption of their trade. If adopted, +the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are already, or likely +soon to be, established in the country, in order that there may be no danger +of interference with pursuits of individual industry. + +It will not be doubted that with reference either to individual or national +welfare agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations +advance in population and other circumstances of maturity this truth +becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and +more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting it grow up, +supported by the public purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with +greater propriety? + +Among the means which have been employed to this end none have been +attended with greater success than the establishment of boards (composed of +proper characters) charged with collecting and diffusing information, and +enabled by premiums and small pecuniary aids to encourage and assist a +spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment +contributes doubly to the increase of improvement by stimulating to +enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a common center the results +everywhere of individual skill and observation, and spreading them thence +over the whole nation. Experience accordingly has shewn that they are very +cheap instruments of immense national benefits. + +I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress the expediency +of establishing a national university and also a military academy. The +desirableness of both these institutions has so constantly increased with +every new view I have taken of the subject that I can not omit the +opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them. + +The assembly to which I address myself is too enlightened not to be fully +sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes +to national prosperity and reputation. + +True it is that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries of +learning highly repeatable and useful; but the funds upon which they rest +are too narrow to command the ablest professors in the different +departments of liberal knowledge for the institution contemplated, though +they would be excellent auxiliaries. + +Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the +principles, opinions, and manners of our country-men by the common +education of a portion of our youth from every quarter well deserves +attention. The more homogenous our citizens can be made in these +particulars the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a +primary object of such a national institution should be the education of +our youth in the science of government. In a republic what species of +knowledge can be equally important and what duty more pressing on its +legislature than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who are +to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country? + +The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent +reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought +never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for +emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and both +would hazard its safety or expose it to greater evils when war could not be +avoided; besides that, war might often not depend upon its own choice. In +proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from +the necessity of practicing the rules of the military art ought to be its +care in preserving and transmitting, by proper establishments, the +knowledge of that art. + +Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples superficially +viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince that the art of +war is at once comprehensive and complicated, that it demands much previous +study, and that the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state +is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, +ought to be a serious care of every government, and for this purpose an +academy where a regular course of instruction is given is an obvious +expedient which different nations have successfully employed. + +The compensation to the officers of the United States in various instances, +and in none more than in respect to the most important stations, appear to +call for legislative revision. The consequences of a defective provision +are of serious import to the Government. If private wealth is to supply the +defect of public retribution, it will greatly contract the sphere within +which the selection of character for office is to be made, and will +proportionally diminish the probability of a choice of men able as well as +upright. Besides that, it should be repugnant to the vital principles of +our Government virtually to exclude from public trusts talents and virtue +unless accompanied by wealth. + +While in our external relations some serious inconveniences and +embarrassments have been overcome and others lessened, it is with much pain +and deep regret I mention that circumstances of a very unwelcome nature +have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered and is suffering extensive +injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French +Republic, and communications have been received from its minister here +which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its +authority, and which are in other respects far from agreeable. + +It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that +of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony and a perfectly friendly +understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated, and I shall +persevere in the endeavor to fulfill it to the utmost extent of what shall +be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the rights and honor +of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation that a +spirit of justice, candor, and friendship on the part of the Republic will +eventually insure success. + +In pursuing this course, however, I can not forget what is due to the +character of our Government and nation, or to a full and entire confidence +in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude of my +country-men. + +I reserve for a special message a more particular communication on this +interesting subject. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary for the service +of the ensuing year to be submitted from the proper Department, with a view +of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest period to which an +account can be prepared. + +It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you that the revenues of the +United States continue in a state of progressive improvement. + +A reenforcement of the existing provisions for discharging our public debt +was mentioned in my address at the opening of the last session. Some +preliminary steps were taken toward it, the maturing of which will no doubt +engage your zealous attention during the present. I will only add that it +will afford me a heart-felt satisfaction to concur in such further measures +as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a speedy extinguishment of +the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret if from any motive intervals +of tranquillity are left unimproved for accelerating this valuable end. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives: + +My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed on an +efficient establishment has been so often and so ardently expressed that I +shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present occasion, +at the same time that I shall submit to your inquiry whether our harbors +are yet sufficiently secured. + +The situation in which I now stand for the last time, in the midst of the +representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the +period when the administration of the present form of government commenced, +and I can not omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country on the +success of the experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the +Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Arbiter of Nations that His +providential care may still be extended to the United States, that the +virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved, and that the +Government which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties +may be perpetual. + +GO. WASHINGTON + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OF ADDRESSES BY GEORGE WASHINGTON *** + +This file should be named suwas11.txt or suwas11.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, suwas12.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, suwas10a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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