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diff --git a/5011.txt b/5011.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3557360 --- /dev/null +++ b/5011.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1157 @@ +Project Gutenberg's State of the Union Addresses of John Adams, by John Adams + +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 John Adams + +Author: John Adams + +Posting Date: November 21, 2014 [EBook #5011] +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. + + + + + + + + +The addresses are separated by three asterisks: *** + +Dates of addresses by John Adams in this eBook: + + November 22, 1797 + December 8, 1798 + December 3, 1799 + November 11, 1800 + + +*** + +State of the Union Address +John Adams +November 22, 1797 + +Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I was for some time apprehensive that it would be necessary, on account of +the contagious sickness which afflicted the city of Philadelphia, to +convene the National Legislature at some other place. This measure it was +desirable to avoid, because it would occasion much public inconvenience and +a considerable public expense and add to the calamities of the inhabitants +of this city, whose sufferings must have excited the sympathy of all their +fellow citizens. Therefore, after taking measures to ascertain the state +and decline of the sickness, I postponed my determination, having hopes, +now happily realized, that, without hazard to the lives or health of the +members, Congress might assemble at this place, where it was next by law to +meet. I submit, however, to your consideration whether a power to postpone +the meeting of Congress, without passing the time fixed by the Constitution +upon such occasions, would not be a useful amendment to the law of 1794. + +Although I can not yet congratulate you on the reestablishment of peace in +Europe and the restoration of security to the persons and properties of our +citizens from injustice and violence at sea, we have, nevertheless, +abundant cause of gratitude to the source of benevolence and influence for +interior tranquillity and personal security, for propitious seasons, +prosperous agriculture, productive fisheries, and general improvements, +and, above all, for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty and a +calm but steady determination to support our sovereignty, as well as our +moral and our religious principles, against all open and secret attacks. + +Our envoys extraordinary to the French Republic embarked--one in July, the +other in August--to join their colleague in Holland. I have received +intelligence of the arrival of both of them in Holland, from whence they +all proceeded on their journeys to Paris within a few days of the 19th of +September. Whatever may be the result of this mission, I trust that nothing +will have been omitted on my part to conduct the negotiation to a +successful conclusion, on such equitable terms as may be compatible with +the safety, honor and interest of the United States. Nothing, in the mean +time, will contribute so much to the preservation of peace and the +attainment of justice as manifestation of that energy and unanimity of +which on many former occasions the people of the United States have given +such memorable proofs, and the exertion of those resources for national +defense which a beneficent Providence has kindly placed within their +power. + +It may be confidently asserted that nothing has occurred since the +adjournment of Congress which renders inexpedient those precautionary +measures recommended by me to the consideration of the two Houses at the +opening of your late extraordinary session. If that system was then +prudent, it is more so now, as increasing depredations strengthen the +reasons for its adoption. + +Indeed, whatever may be the issue of the negotiation with France, and +whether the war in Europe is or is not to continue, I hold it most certain +that permanent tranquillity and order will not soon be obtained. The state +of society has so long been disturbed, the sense of moral and religious +obligations so much weakened, public faith and national honor have been so +impaired, respect to treaties has been so diminished, and the law of +nations has lost so much of its force, while pride, ambition, avarice and +violence have been so long unrestrained, there remains no reasonable ground +on which to raise an expectation that a commerce without protection or +defense will not be plundered. + +The commerce of the United States is essential, if not to their existence, +at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity, and happiness. The +genius, character, and habits of the people are highly commercial. Their +cities have been formed and exist upon commerce. Our agriculture, +fisheries, arts, and manufactures are connected with and depend upon it. In +short, commerce has made this country what it is, and it can not be +destroyed or neglected without involving the people in poverty and +distress. Great numbers are directly and solely supported by navigation. +The faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of +commercial and sea faring no less than of the other citizens. Under this +view of our affairs, I should hold myself guilty of a neglect of duty if I +forbore to recommend that we should make every exertion to protect our +commerce and to place our country in a suitable posture of defense as the +only sure means of preserving both. + +I have entertained an expectation that it would have been in my power at +the opening of this session to have communicated to you the agreeable +information of the due execution of our treaty with His Catholic Majesty +respecting the withdrawing of his troops from our territory and the +demarcation of the line of limits, but by the latest authentic intelligence +Spanish garrisons were still continued within our country, and the running +of the boundary line had not been commenced. These circumstances are the +more to be regretted as they can not fail to affect the Indians in a manner +injurious to the United States. Still, however, indulging the hope that the +answers which have been given will remove the objections offered by the +Spanish officers to the immediate execution of the treaty, I have judged it +proper that we should continue in readiness to receive the posts and to run +the line of limits. Further information on this subject will be +communicated in the course of the session. + +In connection with this unpleasant state of things on our western frontier +it is proper for me to mention the attempts of foreign agents to alienate +the affections of the Indian nations and to excite them to actual +hostilities against the United States. Great activity has been exerted by +those persons who have insinuated themselves among the Indian tribes +residing within the territory of the United States to influence them to +transfer their affections and force to a foreign nation, to form them into +a confederacy, and prepare them for war against the United States. Although +measures have been taken to counteract these infractions of our rights, to +prevent Indian hostilities, and to preserve entire their attachment to the +United States, it is my duty to observe that to give a better effect to +these measures and to obviate the consequences of a repetition of such +practices a law providing adequate punishment for such offenses may be +necessary. + +The commissioners appointed under the 5th article of the treaty of amity, +commerce, and navigation between the United States and Great Britain to +ascertain the river which was truly intended under the name of the river +St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, met at Passamaquoddy Bay in +1796 October, and viewed the mouths of the rivers in question and the +adjacent shores and islands, and, being of opinion that actual surveys of +both rivers to their sources were necessary, gave to the agents of the two +nations instructions for that purpose, and adjourned to meet at Boston in +August. They met, but the surveys requiring more time than had been +supposed, and not being then completed, the commissioners again adjourned, +to meet at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, in June next, when we +may expect a final examination and decision. + +The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the 6th article of the treaty +met at Philadelphia in May last to examine the claims of British subjects +for debts contracted before the peace and still remaining due to them from +citizens or inhabitants of the United States. Various causes have hitherto +prevented any determinations, but the business is now resumed, and +doubtless will be prosecuted without interruption. + +Several decisions on the claims of citizens of the United States for losses +and damages sustained by reason of irregular and illegal captures or +condemnations of their vessels or other property have been made by the +commissioners in London conformably to the 7th article of the treaty. The +sums awarded by the commissioners have been paid by the British Government. +A considerable number of other claims, where costs and damages, and not +captured property, were the only objects in question, have been decided by +arbitration, and the sums awarded to the citizens of the United States have +also been paid. + +The commissioners appointed agreeably to the 21st article of our treaty +with Spain met at Philadelphia in the summer past to examine and decide on +the claims of our citizens for losses they have sustained in consequence of +their vessels and cargoes having been taken by the subjects of His Catholic +Majesty during the late war between Spain and France. Their sittings have +been interrupted, but are now resumed. + +The United States being obligated to make compensation for the losses and +damages sustained by British subjects, upon the award of the commissioners +acting under the 6th article of the treaty with Great Britain, and for the +losses and damages sustained by British subjects by reason of the capture +of their vessels and merchandise taken within the limits and jurisdiction +of the United States and brought into their ports, or taken by vessels +originally armed in ports of the United States, upon the awards of the +commissioners acting under the 7th article of the same treaty, it is +necessary that provision be made for fulfilling these obligations. + +The numerous captures of American vessels by the cruisers of the French +Republic and of some by those of Spain have occasioned considerable +expenses in making and supporting the claims of our citizens before their +tribunals. The sums required for this purpose have in divers instances been +disbursed by the consuls of the United States. By means of the same +captures great numbers of our sea men have been thrown ashore in foreign +countries, destitute of all means of subsistence, and the sick in +particular have been exposed to grievous sufferings. The consuls have in +these cases also advanced moneys for their relief. For these advances they +reasonably expect reimbursements from the United States. + +The consular act relative to sea men requires revision and amendment. The +provisions for their support in foreign countries and for their return are +found to be inadequate and ineffectual. Another provision seems necessary +to be added to the consular act. Some foreign vessels have been discovered +sailing under the flag of the United States and with forged papers. It +seldom happens that the consuls can detect this deception, because they +have no authority to demand an inspection of the registers and sea +letters. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +It is my duty to recommend to your serious consideration those objects +which by the Constitution are placed particularly within your sphere--the +national debts and taxes. + +Since the decay of the feudal system, by which the public defense was +provided for chiefly at the expense of individuals, the system of loans has +been introduced, and as no nation can raise within the year by taxes +sufficient sums for its defense and military operations in time of war the +sums loaned and debts contracted have necessarily become the subjects of +what have been called funding systems. The consequences arising from the +continual accumulation of public debts in other countries ought to admonish +us to be careful to prevent their growth in our own. The national defense +must be provided for as well as the support of Government; but both should +be accomplished as much as possible by immediate taxes, and as little as +possible by loans. + +The estimates for the service of the ensuing year will by my direction be +laid before you. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +We are met together at a most interesting period. The situations of the +principal powers of Europe are singular and portentous. Connected with some +by treaties and with all by commerce, no important event there can be +indifferent to us. Such circumstances call with peculiar importunity not +less for a disposition to unite in all those measures on which the honor, +safety, and prosperity of our country depend than for all the exertions of +wisdom and firmness. + +In all such measures you may rely on my zealous and hearty concurrence. + +*** + +State of the Union Address +John Adams +December 8, 1798 + +Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +While with reverence and resignation we contemplate the dispensations of +Divine Providence in the alarming and destructive pestilence with which +several of our cities and towns have been visited, there is cause for +gratitude and mutual congratulations that the malady has disappeared and +that we are again permitted to assemble in safety at the seat of Government +for the discharge of our important duties. But when we reflect that this +fatal disorder has within a few years made repeated ravages in some of our +principal sea ports, and with increased malignancy, and when we consider +the magnitude of the evils arising from the interruption of public and +private business, whereby the national interests are deeply affected, I +think it my duty to invite the Legislature of the Union to examine the +expediency of establishing suitable regulations in aid of the health laws +of the respective States; for these being formed on the idea that +contagious sickness may be communicated through the channels of commerce, +there seems to be a necessity that Congress, who alone can regulate trade, +should frame a system which, while it may tend to preserve the general +health, may be compatible with the interests of commerce and the safety of +the revenue. + +While we think on this calamity and sympathize with the immediate +sufferers, we have abundant reason to present to the Supreme Being our +annual oblations of gratitude for a liberal participation in the ordinary +blessings of His providence. To the usual subjects of gratitude I can not +omit to add one of the first importance to our well being and safety; I mean +that spirit which has arisen in our country against the menaces and +aggression of a foreign nation. A manly sense of national honor, dignity, +and independence has appeared which, if encouraged and invigorated by every +branch of the Government, will enable us to view undismayed the enterprises +of any foreign power and become the sure foundation of national prosperity +and glory. + +The course of the transactions in relation to the United States and France +which have come to my knowledge during your recess will be made the subject +of a future communication. That communication will confirm the ultimate +failure of the measures which have been taken by the Government of the +United States toward an amicable adjustment of differences with that power. +You will at the same time perceive that the French Government appears +solicitous to impress the opinion that it is averse to a rupture with this +country, and that it has in a qualified manner declared itself willing to +receive a minister from the United States for the purpose of restoring a +good understanding. It is unfortunate for professions of this kind that +they should be expressed in terms which may countenance the inadmissible +pretension of a right to prescribe the qualifications which a minister from +the United States should possess, and that while France is asserting the +existence of a disposition on her part to conciliate with sincerity the +differences which have arisen, the sincerity of a like disposition on the +part of the United States, of which so many demonstrative proofs have been +given, should even be indirectly questioned. + +It is also worthy of observation that the decree of the Directory alleged +to be intended to restrain the depredations of French cruisers on our +commerce has not given, and can not give, any relief. It enjoins them to +conform to all the laws of France relative to cruising and prizes, while +these laws are themselves the sources of the depredations of which we have +so long, so justly, and so fruitlessly complained. + +The law of France enacted in January last, which subjects to capture and +condemnation neutral vessels and their cargoes if any portion of the latter +are of British fabric or produce, although the entire property belong to +neutrals, instead of being rescinded has lately received a confirmation by +the failure of a proposition for its repeal. While this law, which is an +unequivocal act of war on the commerce of the nations it attacks, continues +in force those nations can see in the French Government only a power +regardless of their essential rights, of their independence and +sovereignty; and if they possess the means they can reconcile nothing with +their interest and honor but a firm resistance. + +Hitherto, therefore, nothing is discoverable in the conduct of France which +ought to change or relax our measures of defense. On the contrary, to +extend and invigorate them is our true policy. We have no reason to regret +that these measures have been thus far adopted and pursued, and in +proportion as we enlarge our view of the portentous and incalculable +situation of Europe we shall discover new and cogent motives for the full +development of our energies and resources. + +But in demonstrating by our conduct that we do not fear war in the +necessary protection of our rights and honor we shall give no room to infer +that we abandon the desire of peace. An efficient preparation for war can +alone insure peace. It is peace that we have uniformly and perseveringly +cultivated, and harmony between us and France may be restored at her +option. But to send another minister without more determinate assurances +that he would be received would be an act of humiliation to which the +United States ought not to submit. It must therefore be left with France +(if she is indeed desirous of accommodation) to take the requisite steps. + +The United States will steadily observe the maxims by which they have +hitherto been governed. They will respect the sacred rights of embassy; and +with a sincere disposition on the part of France to desist from hostility, +to make reparation for the injuries heretofore inflicted on our commerce, +and to do justice in future, there will be no obstacle to the restoration +of a friendly intercourse. + +In making to you this declaration I give a pledge to France and the world +that the Executive authority of this country still adheres to the humane +and pacific policy which has invariably governed its proceedings, in +conformity with the wishes of the other branches of the Government and of +the people of the United States. But considering the late manifestations of +her policy toward foreign nations, I deem it a duty deliberately and +solemnly to declare my opinion that whether we negotiate with her or not, +vigorous preparations for war will be alike indispensable. These alone will +give to us an equal treaty and insure its observance. + +Among the measures of preparation which appear expedient, I take the +liberty to recall your attention to the naval establishment. The beneficial +effects of the small naval armament provided under the acts of the last +session are known and acknowledged. Perhaps no country ever experienced +more sudden and remarkable advantages from any measure of policy than we +have derived from the arming for our maritime protection and defense. + +We ought without loss of time to lay the foundation for an increase of our +Navy to a size sufficient to guard our coast and protect our trade. Such a +naval force as it is doubtless in the power of the United States to create +and maintain would also afford to them the best means of general defense by +facilitating the safe transportation of troops and stores to every part of +our extensive coast. To accomplish this important object, a prudent +foresight requires that systematic measures be adopted for procuring at all +times the requisite timber and other supplies. In what manner this shall be +done I leave to your consideration. + +I will now advert, gentlemen, to some matters of less moment, but proper to +be communicated to the National Legislature. + +After the Spanish garrisons had evacuated the posts they occupied at the +Natchez and Walnut Hills the commissioner of the United States commences +his observations to ascertain the point near the Mississippi which +terminated the northernmost part of the 31st degree of north latitude. From +thence he proceeded to run the boundary line between the United States and +Spain. He was afterwards joined by the Spanish commissioner, when the work +of the former was confirmed, and they proceeded together to the demarcation +of the line. + +Recent information renders it probable that the Southern Indians, either +instigated to oppose the demarcation or jealous of the consequences of +suffering white people to run a line over lands to which the Indian title +had not been extinguished, have ere this time stopped the progress of the +commissioners; and considering the mischiefs which may result from +continuing the demarcation in opposition to the will of the Indian tribes, +the great expense attending it, and that the boundaries which the +commissioners have actually established probably extend at least as far as +the Indian title has been extinguished, it will perhaps become expedient +and necessary to suspend further proceedings by recalling our +commissioner. + +The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the 5th article of the treaty +of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and His +Britannic Majesty to determine what river was truly intended under the name +of the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, and forming a part +of the boundary therein described, have finally decided that question. On +the 25th of October they made their declaration that a river called +Scoodiac, which falls into Passamaquoddy Bay at its northwestern quarter, +was the true St. Croix intended in the treaty of peace, as far as its great +fork, where one of its streams comes from the westward and the other from +the northward, and that the latter stream is the continuation of the St. +Croix to its source. + +This decision, it is understood, will preclude all contention among the +individual claimants, as it seems that the Scoodiac and its northern branch +bound the grants of land which have been made by the respective adjoining +Governments. + +A subordinate question, however, it has been suggested, still remains to be +determined. Between the mouth of the St. Croix as now settled and what is +usually called the Bay of Fundy lie a number of valuable islands. The +commissioners have not continued the boundary line through any channel of +these islands, and unless the bay of Passamaquoddy be a part of the Bay of +Fundy this further adjustment of boundary will be necessary, but it is +apprehended that this will not be a matter of any difficulty. + +Such progress has been made in the examination and decision of cases of +captures and condemnations of American vessels which were the subject of +the 7th article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between +the United States and Great Britain that it is supposed the commissioners +will be able to bring their business to a conclusion in August of the +ensuing year. + +The commissioners acting under the 25th article of the treaty between the +United States and Spain have adjusted most of the claims of our citizens +for losses sustained in consequence of their vessels and cargoes having +been taken by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during the late war +between France and Spain. + +Various circumstances have concurred to delay the execution of the law for +augmenting the military establishment, among these the desire of obtaining +the fullest information to direct the best selection of officers. As this +object will now be speedily accomplished, it is expected that the raising +and organizing of the troops will proceed without obstacle and with +effect. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I have directed an estimate of the appropriations which will be necessary +for the service of the ensuing year to be laid before you, accompanied with +a view of the public receipts and expenditures to a recent period. + +It will afford you satisfaction to infer the great extent and solidity of +the public resources from the prosperous state of the finances, +notwithstanding the unexampled embarrassments which have attended commerce. +When you reflect on the conspicuous examples of patriotism and liberality +which have been exhibited by our mercantile fellow citizens, and how great +a proportion of the public resources depends on their enterprise, you will +naturally consider whether their convenience can not be promoted and +reconciled with the security of the revenue by a revision of the system by +which the collection is at present regulated. + +During your recess measures have been steadily pursued for effecting the +valuations and returns directed by the act of the last session, preliminary +to the assessment and collection of a direct tax. No other delays or +obstacles have been experienced except such as were expected to arise from +the great extent of our country and the magnitude and novelty of the +operation, and enough has been accomplished to assure a fulfillment of the +views of the Legislature. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I can not close this address without once more adverting to our political +situation and inculcating the essential importance of uniting in the +maintenance of our dearest interests; and I trust that by the temper and +wisdom of your proceedings and by a harmony of measures we shall secure to +our country that weight and respect to which it is so justly entitled. + +*** + +State of the Union Address +John Adams +December 3, 1799 + +Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +It is with peculiar satisfaction that I meet the 6th Congress of the United +States of America. Coming from all parts of the Union at this critical and +interesting period, the members must be fully possessed of the sentiments +and wishes of our constituents. + +The flattering prospects of abundance from the labors of the people by land +and by sea; the prosperity of our extended commerce, notwithstanding +interruptions occasioned by the belligerent state of a great part of the +world; the return of health, industry, and trade to those cities which have +lately been afflicted with disease, and the various and inestimable +advantages, civil and religious, which, secured under our happy frame of +government, are continued to us unimpaired, demand of the whole American +people sincere thanks to a benevolent Deity for the merciful dispensations +of His providence. + +But while these numerous blessings are recollected, it is a painful duty to +advert to the ungrateful return which has been made for them by some of the +people in certain counties of Pennsylvania, where, seduced by the arts and +misrepresentations of designing men, they have openly resisted the law +directing the valuation of houses and lands. Such defiance was given to the +civil authority as rendered hopeless all further attempts by judicial +process to enforce the execution of the law, and it became necessary to +direct a military force to be employed, consisting of some companies of +regular troops, volunteers, and militia, by whose zeal and activity, in +cooperation with the judicial power, order and submission were restored and +many of the offenders arrested. Of these, some have been convicted of +misdemeanors, and others, charged with various crimes, remain to be tried. + +To give due effect to the civil administration of Government and to insure +a just execution of the laws, a revision and amendment of the judiciary +system is indispensably necessary. In this extensive country it can not but +happen that numerous questions respecting the interpretation of the laws +and the rights and duties of officers and citizens must arise. On the one +hand, the laws should be executed; on the other, individuals should be +guarded from oppression. Neither of these objects is sufficiently assured +under the present organization of the judicial department. I therefore +earnestly recommend the subject to your serious consideration. + +Persevering in the pacific and humane policy which had been invariably +professed and sincerely pursued by the Executive authority of the United +States, when indications were made on the part of the French Republic of a +disposition to accommodate the existing differences between the two +countries, I felt it to be my duty to prepare for meeting their advances by +a nomination of ministers upon certain conditions which the honor of our +country dictated, and which its moderation had given it a right to +prescribe. + +The assurances which were required of the French Government previous to the +departure of our envoys have been given through their minister of foreign +relations, and I have directed them to proceed on their mission to Paris. +They have full power to conclude a treaty, subject to the constitutional +advice and consent of the Senate. The characters of these gentlemen are +sure pledges to their country that nothing incompatible with its honor or +interest, nothing inconsistent with our obligations of good faith or +friendship to any other nation, will be stipulated. + +It appearing probable from the information I received that our commercial +intercourse with some ports in the island of St. Domingo might safely be +renewed, I took such steps as seemed to me expedient to ascertain that +point. The result being satisfactory, I then, in conformity with the act of +Congress on the subject, directed the restraints and prohibitions of that +intercourse to be discontinued on terms which were made known by +proclamation. Since the renewal of this intercourse our citizens trading to +those ports, with their property, have been duly respected, and +privateering from those ports has ceased. + +In examining the claims of British subjects by the commissioners at +Philadelphia, acting under the 6th article of the treaty of amity, +commerce, and navigation with Great Britain, a difference of opinion on +points deemed essential in the interpretation of that article has arisen +between the commissioners appointed by the United States and the other +members of that board, from which the former have thought it their duty to +withdraw. It is sincerely to be regretted that the execution of an article +produced by a mutual spirit of amity and justice should have been thus +unavoidably interrupted. It is, however, confidently expected that the same +spirit of amity and the same sense of justice in which it originated will +lead to satisfactory explanations. + +In consequence of the obstacles to the progress of the commission in +Philadelphia, His Britannic Majesty has directed the commissioners +appointed by him under the 7th article of the treaty relating to the +British captures of American vessels to withdraw from the board sitting in +London, but with the express declaration of his determination to fulfill +with punctuality and good faith the engagements which His Majesty has +contracted by his treaty with the United States, and that they will be +instructed to resume their functions whenever the obstacles which impede +the progress of the commission at Philadelphia shall be removed. It being +in like manner my sincere determination, so far as the same depends on me, +that with equal punctuality and good faith the engagements contracted by +the United States in their treaties with His Britannic Majesty shall be +fulfilled, I shall immediately instruct our minister at London to endeavor +to obtain the explanation necessary to a just performance of those +engagements on the part of the United States. With such dispositions on +both sides, I can not entertain a doubt that all difficulties will soon be +removed and that the two boards will then proceed and bring the business +committed to them respectively to a satisfactory conclusion. + +The act of Congress relative to the seat of the Government of the United +States requiring that on the 1st Monday of December next it should be +transferred from Philadelphia to the District chosen for its permanent +seat, it is proper for me to inform you that the commissioners appointed to +provide suitable buildings for the accommodation of Congress and of the +President and of the public offices of the Government have made a report of +the state of the buildings designed for those purposes in the city of +Washington, from which they conclude that the removal of the seat of +Government to that place at the time required will be practicable and the +accommodation satisfactory. Their report will be laid before you. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the +service of the ensuing year, together with an account of the revenue and +expenditure, to be laid before you. During a period in which a great +portion of the civilized world has been involved in a war unusually +calamitous and destructive, it was not to be expected that the United +States could be exempted from extraordinary burthens. Although the period +is not arrived when the measures adopted to secure our country against +foreign attacks can be renounced, yet it is alike necessary for the honor +of the Government and the satisfaction of the community that an exact +economy should be maintained. I invite you, gentlemen, to investigate the +different branches of the public expenditure. The examination will lead to +beneficial retrenchments or produce a conviction of the wisdom of the +measures to which the expenditure relates. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +At a period like the present, when momentous changes are occurring and +every hour is preparing new and great events in the political world, when a +spirit of war is prevalent in almost every nation with whose affairs the +interests of the United States have any connection, unsafe and precarious +would be our situation were we to neglect the means of maintaining our just +rights. The result of the mission to France is uncertain; but however it +may terminate, a steady perseverance in a system of national defense +commensurate with our resources and the situation of our country is an +obvious dictate of wisdom; for, remotely as we are placed from the +belligerent nations, and desirous as we are, by doing justice to all, to +avoid offense to any, nothing short of the power of repelling aggressions +will secure to our country a rational prospect of escaping the calamities +of war or national degradation. As to myself, it is my anxious desire so to +execute the trust reposed in me as to render the people of the United +States prosperous and happy. I rely with entire confidence on your +cooperation in objects equally your care, and that our mutual labors will +serve to increase and confirm union among our fellow citizens and an +unshaken attachment to our Government. + +*** + +State of the Union Address +John Adams +November 11, 1800 + +Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +Immediately after the adjournment of Congress at their last session in +Philadelphia I gave directions, in compliance with the laws, for the +removal of the public offices, records, and property. These directions have +been executed, and the public officers have since resided and conducted the +ordinary business of the Government in this place. + +I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling of +Congress at the permanent seat of their Government, and I congratulate you, +gentlemen, on the prospect of a residence not to be changed. Although there +is cause to apprehend that accommodations are not now so complete as might +be wished, yet there is great reason to believe that this inconvenience +will cease with the present session. + +It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble for +the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the Supreme +Ruler of the Universe and imploring His blessing. + +May this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness! In this city +may that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that constancy and +self-government, which adorned the great character whose name it bears be +forever held in veneration! Here and throughout our country may simple +manners, pure morals, and true religion flourish forever! + +It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over the +District of Columbia vested by the Constitution in the Congress of the +United States shall be immediately exercised. If in your opinion this +important trust ought now to be executed, you can not fail while performing +it to take into view the future probable situation of the territory for the +happiness of which you are about to provide. You will consider it as the +capital of a great nation advancing with unexampled rapidity in arts, in +commerce, in wealth, and in population, and possessing within itself those +energies and resources which, if not thrown away or lamentably misdirected, +will secure to it a long course of prosperity and self-government. + +In compliance with a law of the last session of Congress, the officers and +soldiers of the temporary army have been discharged. It affords real +pleasure to recollect the honorable testimony they gave of the patriotic +motives which brought them into the service of their country, by the +readiness and regularity with which they returned to the station of private +citizens. + +It is in every point of view of such primary importance to carry the laws +into prompt and faithful execution, and to render that part of the +administration of justice which the Constitution and laws devolve on the +Federal courts as convenient to the people as may consist with their +present circumstances, that I can not omit once more to recommend to your +serious consideration the judiciary system of the United States. No subject +is more interesting than this to the public happiness, and to none can +those improvements which may have been suggested by experience be more +beneficially applied. + +A treaty of amity and commerce with the King of Prussia has been concluded +and ratified. The ratifications have been exchanged, and I have directed +the treaty to be promulgated by proclamation. + +The difficulties which suspended the execution of the 6th article of our +treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain have not yet +been removed. The negotiation on this subject is still depending. As it +must be for the interest and honor of both nations to adjust this +difference with good faith, I indulge confidently the expectation that the +sincere endeavors of the Government of the United States to bring it to an +amicable termination will not be disappointed. + +The envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary from the United +States to France were received by the First Consul with the respect due to +their character, and 3 persons with equal powers were appointed to treat +with them. Although at the date of the last official intelligence the +negotiation had not terminated, yet it is to be hoped that our efforts to +effect an accommodation will at length meet with a success proportioned to +the sincerity with which they have been so often repeated. + +While our best endeavors for the preservation of harmony with all nations +will continue to be used, the experience of the world and our own +experience admonish us of the insecurity of trusting too confidently to +their success. We can not, without committing a dangerous imprudence, +abandon those measures of self protection which are adapted to our +situation and to which, notwithstanding our pacific policy, the violence +and injustice of others may again compel us to resort. While our vast +extent of sea coast, the commercial and agriculture habits of our people, +the great capital they will continue to trust on the ocean, suggest the +system of defense which will be most beneficial to ourselves, our distance +from Europe and our resources for maritime strength will enable us to +employ it with effect. Seasonable and systematic arrangements, so far as +our resources will justify, for a navy adapted to defensive war, and which +may in case of necessity be quickly brought into use, seem to be as much +recommended by a wise and true economy as by a just regard for our future +tranquillity, for the safety of our shores, and for the protection of our +property committed to the ocean. + +The present Navy of the United States, called suddenly into existence by a +great national exigency, has raised us in our own esteem, and by the +protection afforded to our commerce has effected to the extent of our +expectations the objects for which it was created. + +In connection with a navy ought to be contemplated the fortification of +some of our principal sea ports and harbors. A variety of considerations, +which will readily suggest themselves, urge an attention to this measure of +precaution. To give security to our principal ports considerable sums have +already been expended, but the works remain incomplete. It is for Congress +to determine whether additional appropriations shall be made in order to +render competent to the intended purposes the fortifications which have +been commenced. + +The manufacture of arms within the United States still invites the +attention of the National Legislature. At a considerable expense to the +public this manufacture has been brought to such a state of maturity as, +with continued encouragement, will supersede the necessity of future +importations from foreign countries. + +Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the +ensuing year, together with an account of the public revenue and +expenditure to a late period, to be laid before you. I observe with much +satisfaction that the product of the revenue during the present year has +been more considerable than during any former equal period. This result +affords conclusive evidence of the great resources of this country and of +the wisdom and efficiency of the measures which have been adopted by +Congress for the protection of commerce and preservation of public credit. + +Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives: + +As one of the grand community of nations, our attention is irresistibly +drawn to the important scenes which surround us. If they have exhibited an +uncommon portion of calamity, it is the province of humanity to deplore and +of wisdom to avoid the causes which may have produced it. If, turning our +eyes homeward, we find reason to rejoice at the prospect which presents +itself; if we perceive the interior of our country prosperous, free, and +happy; if all enjoy in safety, under the protection of laws emanating only +from the general will, the fruits of their own labor, we ought to fortify +and cling to those institutions which have been the source of such real +felicity and resist with unabating perseverance the progress of those +dangerous innovations which may diminish their influence. + +To your patriotism, gentlemen, has been confided the honorable duty of +guarding the public interests; and while the past is to your country a sure +pledge that it will be faithfully discharged, permit me to assure you that +your labors to promote the general happiness will receive from me the most +zealous cooperation. + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of State of the Union Addresses of John +Adams, by John Adams + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES *** + +***** This file should be named 5011.txt or 5011.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/1/5011/ + +Produced by James Linden. 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