The National Intelligencer And Washington Advertiser

MESSAGE.

Having contemplated, with a steady and undaunted eye, the frowning aspect of the public concerns, the President turns from "these unpleasant views of violence and wrong," to happier themes and brighter prospects. The joyful issue of Mediterranean events, the liberation of our countrymen from ignominious chains, the brilliant and unsurpassed valour of our little force on land as well as sea, the glory they have earned for themselves, and the honor they have shed on their country by triumphs unsullied by injustice, form the basis of honest congratulation and laudable pride. On this display of valor and virtue praise is bestowed, with no penurious hand, but with that warmth which proves that it springs from the heart. Let those who have denounced the chief magistrate as unfriendly to aiding the navy by furnishing them with fit occasions for distinction, and as desirous to mortify and humiliate the brave men who constitute its strength, read this part of the message and blush at their libels. Not contented with bestowing encomium where it is merited, the President goes a step farther, and recommends the extension of the field of promotion ; that higher honors and more adequate rewards may crown the merits of our seamen. But in no light, perhaps, does the prosperity of the country appear more conspicuous, we may add unrivalled, than in the concise view exhibited of its fiscal concerns. The receipts at the treasury during the last year have exceeded the sum of thirteen millions ;— surpassing those of any preceding year, and, exceeding, by more than a million, after deducting the sums derived from extraordinary sources, the receipts of the last year. Such is the ratio in which the country advances to wealth and power ! Such are the effects, astonishing to all but freemen who realise the superiority of freedom over restraint, such are the effects of a government which honestly protects every man in the undisturbed enjoyment of his rights, and which consequently secures to him the undivided harvest of his industry. With this, after meeting all the current demands of the government, ten millions of debt have been paid, and an ability remains to discharge three millions seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars, the entire amount assumed by the French convention in satisfaction of the demands of our merchants—and a surplus million besides. Look at the old world, and say whether through the blaze of her luxury and wealth, there is to be seen a single nation, whose government is so rich as that of the United States; which pays its debts with the rigid punctuality of a merchant, which anticipates demands before they are made, which dispenses with loans entered into to meet extraordinary expenses, and which still preserves a full treasury. This branch of the subject naturally suggests a most important consideration. Of the thirteen annual millions thus drawn into the treasury, what portion would be in such a situation as to admit of being applied to our defence, in case external danger should menace us? We answer, a sum little short of eight millions. For. the public creditors would thank the government to refrain from progressing in the extinguishment of their capital, resting fully satisfied with the regular payment of the interest. Applying then four millions to this, and one to the payment of the civil list, there would remain eight millions, which would be competent, in case it were deemed advisable, to the maintenance of above thirty ships of the line. It is right to know our strength ; but it is to be hoped that the time will never arrive when we shall be obliged thus to manifest it, in the repression of violence and chastisement of injustice. All, however, will concur with the President in the propriety of taking immediate measures of vigor and defence; such as will enable us either to avert or meet the storm without dismay or extensive injury. There is too much reason to fear that the elevated ground on which our country stands, the eclat which our prosperity sheds on republican principles, the jealousies of commercial rivalry, and our rapid and steady progress to power, have led some of the European nations to form the purpose, and to indulge a hope of throwing some serious obstacles in our path. It is not vain-glorious, however, to express our perfect conviction, that we shall convince such powers, if such there are, that action and reaction are equal ; and that we shall, if called upon, qualify the world to decide which foundation is the strongest, that on which the new and solid structure of liberty and equal rights stand, or that which crumbles beneath the ill-cemented columns of royalty. One topic of the message remains to be noticed; the progress of the government in civilising the Indians and rendering them comfortable and happy. As time shall allow, it is our purpose, to bring this subject into view, connected with some authentic and interesting details, which will shew the great and unexpected success of the steps which have been taken towards the accomplishment of this end, and which will disprove the idea, hitherto so generally entertained. that it is impossible to civilise without deteriorating the natives. The reverse will be found to be the case ; and it will be seen, that under the administration of power wisely used, that race of people are susceptible of being attracted, with their own free will, from the barbarism of their natural state, into an enjoyment of the prominent benefits of civilised life.