Rhode Island American And Providence Gazette

PROVIDENCE.

TUESDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 9, 1828.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.—The friends of Mr. Adams, though defeated, will have no cause to blush at having supported a man who is capable of furnishing from his own resources, a state paper so dignified, comprehensive and profound, as the Message to Congress, delivered the present session. Two years ago, there would have been some flaw detected in every sentence, by the inveterate opponents of this distinguished statesman—but now even curs have ceased to bay the moon, since it is setting, & it is admitted on all hands that the Message is deserving commendation. Its style is undoubtedly less objectionable, as a whole, than that of any similar production from Mr. Adams, and there is a freedom of expression, a consciousness of having performed with ability and fidelity the high trust committed to him, a comprehensive view of the great principles of our government, a knowledge of what are and what ought to be her relations with other powers, and an unassuming but manly vindication of the leading measures of his own administration, which will place this document higher in the estimation of the whole country, after the present unjust excitement against Mr. Adams shall have subsided, than, perhaps, any upon record since the farewell address of Washington. We are aware that this remark will be sneered at now, but we believe there are those among us who will live to see it verified; when the character of John Quincy Adams as a statesman, will be regarded as a material portion of the reputation of the Republic, in the estimation of her own citizens and of the world.

There is one remarkable trait in this paper which can appertain only to a great mind. It would be impossible to infer from it that Mr. Adams had sustained any political defeat, or that the equanimity and self possession of a thoroughly disciplined mind, had been in the slightest degree affected. On the contrary there is stronger indication of these philosophic qualities, than can be found in any former message, while the contest was pending. It is easy to believe, on perusing this paper, and reflecting on the circumstances under which it was written, that Mr. Adams, conscious of the rectitude of his own intentions, is superior to defeat and to the mortifications which affect lesser and more unworthily ambitious minds, and that he is really capable of retiring from office with even more cheerfulness than he assumed it. Let his enemies spare their reproaches and exultations. They pass by such a man like the idle wind; their utmost violence cannot ruffle a surface of such philosophic and christian equanimity.

It is unnecessary to refer to the topics embraced in the Message. Those who would read our remarks would first read that, and it is rather because Mr. A. is going out of office, that we have spoken so fully of the merits of his last general message. There are two leading subjects which will particularly interest our readers—the Tariff and the condition of the public finances. The enemies of Mr. Adams have so long and loudly insisted that he was not at heart favorable to the American system, that even some of his friends have been led to adopt a similar opinion, an opinion somewhat favored by the silence heretofore observed by Mr. Adams on this topic. We have now, at a period when there can be no inducement but the honest promptings of conviction, the clear, unequivocal and convincing testimony of this distinguished individual, whose knowledge of the relations it bears to the other interests of the country is greater than that of any man living) in favor of the American system. The argument in favor of that system, is founded on an estimate of the financial and individual prosperity of the country, and upon the most elevated patriotism and love of independence.

The brief review of the state of the public finances is a triumphant answer to those who have accused this administration of extravagance. The history of our country has never exhibited a more prosperous condition, and not only has the past been conducted so as to leave nothing that can be improved, but the future is provided for in such a manner as to leave the ensuing Administration nothing to do, to insure a continuance of this prosperity, but a perseverance in the policy so firmly established and so clearly defined by its predecessor. The most inefficient Administration, coming into power under such favorable circumstances, must be weak indeed, or wickedly bent on trying experiments, if it does not succeed in sustaining the present prosperous condition of the country.