ities ments revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct commun from which the event has resulted, cannot be compared with the means by which most govern" have been established, without some return of p" pious gratitude along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselv too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which, the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspicio ¡ciously commence. under under By the article establishing the executive departmen it is made the duty of the president "to recom "mend to your consideratio ation, such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." The circumstances which I now meet you, will acquit me from entering into that subject further than to refer you to the great constitutional charter which we are assembled; and which, in defining your powers, designates the objects to which your attention is to be given. It will be more consistent with those circumstances, and far more congenial with the feelings which actuate me, to substitute in place of a commendatio ation of particular measures, the tribute that is due to the talents, the rectitude, and the patriotism on which adorn the characters selected to devise and adopt them. In these honourable qualifications, I behold the surest pledges, that as one side, no local prejudices or attachments, no separate views nor party animosities, will misdirect the comprehensive and equal eye which ought to watch over this great assemblage of communities and interests: So on another, that the foundations of our nat tional policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality; and the pre-eminence of a free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens, and command the respect of the world. ous I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire; since there is no truth more thorough' established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature, an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness between duty and advantage-between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanim policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity. Since we ought to be no less persuaded, that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the etern" rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained. And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are just considered as deep' perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people. fully Instead of undertaks particular recommendations in which I could be guided by no lights derived from official opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire confidence in your discernment in pursuit of the public good: for I assure myself, that whilst you care' avoid every alteration which might endanger the benefits of an united and effective government, or which ought to await the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the characteristic rights of freemen, and a regard for the public harmony, will sufficiently influence deliberations on the your ques" tions, how far the former can be more impregnably fortified, or the latter be safe and more advantageously promoted. Having thus imparted to you my sentiments, as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the human race, in humble supplication, that since he has been pleased to favour the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranqu" illity and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union, and the advancement of their happiness; so his divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations and the wise on which the success of this govern" must depend. measures ment |