The Gazette

Legislature of Massachusetts.

ANSWER OF THE SENATE,

TO THE

GOVERNOR's ADDRESS.

May it please your Excellency

It is with singular satisfaction that the Senate of Massachusetts again see you invested with the office of First Magistrate, by the voluntary suffrages of your fellow citizens. The unanimity which has been discovered by your constituents upon this occasion, as it affords the best evidence of their confidence and respect, we trust will be as highly pleasing as it certainly is honorable to your Excellency

The citizens of this as well as of other States in the Union, living under forms of government prescribed by themselves, and administered by men of their own choice; possessed also, as your Excellency wisely remarked. of the best pledge for the good conduct of their rulers, that they themselves are equally subject to the laws which they enact with those whom they represent, are (in our opinion) in the actual enjoyment of as great a degree of liberty as is compatible with the welfare and good order of society. Already free and happy, we are persuaded that the people of the United States too justly appreciate the political blessings they now enjoy, and have too much virtue and firmness ever to be induced by the insidious machinations of open voice of their enemies to hazard a change Much less will they abandon establishments which experience has approved for the visionary schemes of restless or designing men.— Conscious as they are, of a competent degree of information, they will still believe that they are capable of determining for themselves, what political institutions or public measures will best promote their happiness.

We are not insensible of our critical and alarming situation, with respect to the government of France & cannot but lament that the purity of our intentions, and rectitude of our conduct. have not been able to afford us any security against unjust aggression, After unprovoked and even wanton depredations on our commerce for which we were undoubtedly entitled to demand satisfaction : it is with surprise we find our envoys called upon for large sums of money as the price of an audience. A conduct equally insulting to our national honor and unjust in itself. Should we comply with terms so disgraceful, the measures of the French government towards other powers, afford just grounds to expect that
fresh aggressions would be practiced in order to extort
further contributions: And that the sums thus ob-
tained should be employed in further exciting and fo-
menting internal divisions in our country. The people
of the United States have too much discernment, not
to perceive these pernicious consequences. and too much
virtue to sink into a state of tributary vassalage, without
one "manly struggle"

We ardently wish for peace,and sincerely deprecate
the necessity of resorting to arms. But while with hum-
ble confidence we look up to the Supreme Arbiter of
nations for his protection and blessing, we doubt not
our countrymen will be as prompt to defend, as they
were gallant to acquire, their freedom and Independence.

We hesitate not to declare our opinion, that the
Executive of the United States, has taken every mea-
sure consistent with the honor and dignity of our na-
tion, for an amicable adjustment of all misunderstandings
with the French government. With these impressions, as far as depends on us, we pledge ourselves as
citizens, and as the Constituted Authority of this Com-
monwealth, to co-operate with your Excellency, and
the other branch of the Legislature, at every hazard, in
giving the most vigorous zeal to such measures as the
government of the Union may deem necessary to pro-
tect the Rights, Liberty and Independence of the Unit-
ed States.-And we feel it equally our duty to dis-
countenance such characters as propagate sentiments
and opinions incompatible with the honor and safety of
our country.

The several matters more particularly recommend-
ed to our consideration by your Excellency, shall receive
immediate attention. We are well assured of your
Excellency's concurrence in such measures as shall have
for their object the security, peace and prosperity of
the people of this Commonwealth, and doubt not but
the whole of your official conduct, will fully justify the
esteem and confidence of your fellow citizens.

(The above passed unanimously when all the Senators were
present)