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duced by a mutual spirit of amity and justice, should have been unavoidably interrupted. We doubt not, that the same spirit of amity, and the same sense of justice in which it originated, will lead to satisfactory explanations: and we hear with approbation, that our Minister at London will be immediately instructed to obtain them. While the engagements which America has contracted by her treaty with Great-Britain, ought to be fulfilled with that scrupulous punctuality and good faith to which our government has ever so tenaciously adhered; yet no motive exists to induce, and every principle forbids us to adopt a construction which might extend them beyond the instrument by which they are created. We cherish the hope that the government of GreatBritain will disclaim such extension, and by cordially uniting with that of the United States, for the removal of all difficulties, will soon enable the boards appointed under the VIth and VIIth articles of our treaty with that nation, to proceed, and bring the business committed to them respectively, to a satisfactory conclusion.

The buildings for the accommodation of Congress, and of the President, and for the public offices of the government at its permanent seat, being in such a state as to admit of a removal to that district by the time prescribed by the act of Congress, no obstacle, it is presumed, will exist to a compliance with the law. With you, sir, we deem the present period critical and momentous. The important changes which are occurring, the new and great events which are every. hour preparing in the political world, the spirit of war which is prevalent in almost every nation with whose affairs the interests of the United States have any connection, demonstrate how unsafe and precarious would be our situation, should we neglect the means of maintaining our just rights. Respecting, as we have ever done, the rights of others, America

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estimates too correctly the value of her own, and has received evidence too complete, that they are only to be preserved by her own vigilance, ever to permit herself to be seduced by a love of ease or by other considerations, into that deadly disregard of the means of self defence, which could only result from a carelessness as criminal as it would be fatal, concerning the future destinies of our growing republic. The result of the mission to France is, indeed sir, uncertain. It depends not on America alone. The most pacific temper will not always insure peace. We should therefore exhibit a system of conduct as indiscreet as it would be new in the history of the world, if we considered the negociation happily terminated, because we have attempted to commence it, and peace restored, because we wish its restoration. But, sir, however this mission may terminate, a steady perse. verance in a system of national defence, commensurate with our resources, and the situation of our country, is an obvious dictate of duty. Experience, the parent of wisdom, and the great instructor of nations, has established the truth of your position, that, remotely as we are placed from the belligerent nations, and desirous as we are, by doing justice to all, to avoid offence to any, yet nothing short of the power of repelling aggressions will secure to our country a rational prospect of escaping the calamities of war or national dégradation.

In the progress of the session, we shall take into our serious consideration the various and important matters recommended to our attention.

A life devoted to the service of your country, talents and integrity which have so justly acquired and so long retained the confidence and affection of your fellow citizens, attest the sincerity of your declaration, that it is your anxious desire so to execute the trust reposed in you as to render the people of the United States prosperous and happy.

THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,

THIS very respectful address, from the Representatives of the people of the United States, at their first assembly, after a fresh election, under the strong impression of the public opinion and national sense, at this interesting and singular crisis of our public affairs, has excited my sensibility, and receives my sincere and grateful acknowledgments.

As long as we can maintain, with harmony and affection, the honour of our country, consistently with its peace, externally and internally, while that is attainable; or in war, when that becomes necessary, as. sert its real independence and sovereignty, and support the constitutional energies and dignity of its government, we may be perfectly sure, under the smiles of Divine Providence, that we shall effectually promote and extend our national interest and happiness.

The applause of the Senate and House of Repre sentatives, so justly bestowed upon the volunteers and militia, for their zealous and active co-operation with the judicial power, which has restored order and submission to the laws, as it comes with peculiar weight and propriety from the legislature, cannot fail to have an extensive and permanent effect, for the support of government, upon all those inge. nuous minds who receive delight from the approving and animating voice of their country.

United States Dec. 10, 1799.

JOHN ADAMS.

SIXTH CONGRESS-SECOND SESSION.

THE PRESIDENT'S SPEECH.

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 cannot 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 Avith 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 cannot 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 sixth article of our treaty of amity, commerce

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