hmited as are its provisions, are too obvious not to make
a salutary impression on the minds of those Vv^ho are
charged with the administration of her government.
Should this result induce a disposition to embrace, to
their full extent, the wholesome principles which consti-
tute our commercial policy, our minister to that court
will be found instructed to cherish such a disposition, and
to aid in conducting it to useful practical conclusions.
The claims of our citizens for depredations upon their
property, long since committed under the authority, and,
in many instances, by the express direction, of the then
existing government of France, remain unsatisfied ; and
must, therefore, continue to furnish a subject of unplea-
sant discussion, and possible collision, between the two
governments. I cherish, hov/ever, a lively hope, founded
as well on the validity of those claims, and the established
policy of all enlightened governments, as on the laiown
integrity of the French monarch, that the injurious de-
lays of the past vv^ill find redress in the equity of the future.
Our minister has been instructed to press these demands
on the French government with all the earnestness which
is called for by their importance and irrefuta-ble justic- ;
and in a spirit that v/ill evince the respect which is due
to the feelina^s of those from whom the satisfaction is re-
quired.

" Our minister recently appointed to Spain has been
authorized to assist in removing evils alike injurious to
both countries, either by concluding a commercial con-



GLORY OF AMERICA.

volition, upon liberal and reciprocal terms ; or by urging
the acceptance, in their full extent, of the mutually bene-
ficial provisions of our no.vigation acts He has also been
instructed to make a farther appeal to the justice of Spain,
in behalf of our citizens, for indemnity for spoliations up-
on our commerce, committed under her authority an
appeal v/hich the pacific and liberal course observed on
our part, and a due confidence in the honour of that go-
vernment, authorize us to expect will not be made in vain.

' With other European powers, our intercourse is on the
most friendly footing. In Russia, placed by her territorial
limits, extensive population, and great power, high in the
rank of nations, the United States have always found a
steadfast friend. Although her recent invasion of Turkey
awakened a lively sympathy for those who were exposed
to the desolations of war, we cannot but anticipate that
the result will prove favourable to the cause of civiliza-
tion, and to the progress of human happiness. The
treaty of peace between these powers having been rati
fied, we cannot be insensible to the great benefit to be
derived by the commerce of the United States, from un-
locking the navigation of the Black Sea a free passage
into which is secured to all merchant vessels bound ^o
ports of Russia, under a Hag at peace with the Porte.
This advantage, enjoyed, upon conditions, by most of the
powers of Europe, has hitherto been v/ithheld from us.
During the past summer, an antecedent, but unsuccessflil
attempt to obtain it, was renev^red under circumstances
which proiTiised the most favourable results. Although
these results have fortunately been thus in part attained,
farther facilities to the enjoyment of this new field for the
enterprise of our citizens are, in my opinion, sufficiently
desirable to ensure to them our most zealous attention.

" Our trade with Austria, although of secondary impor-
tance, has been gi'adually increasing ; and is nov/ so ex-
tended, as to deserve the fostering care of the government.
A negotiation, commenced and nearly completed with that
power, by the late administration, has been consummated
by a treat\^ of amity, navigation, and comjnerce, which
will be laid before the senate.



MEMOIRS OF ANDREW JACKSON. 73

"During the recess of congi'ess,'Our diplomatic rela-
tions with Portugal have been resumed. The peculiar
state of things in that country, caused a suspension of the
recognition of the representative who presented himself,
until an opportunity was had to obtam from our official
organ there, information regarding the actual, and as far
as practical^le, prospective, condition of the authority by
which the representative in question was appointed. This
information being received, the application of the esta-
blished rule of our government, in like cases, v\ras no longer
withheld.

" Considerable advances have been made, during the
present year, in the adjustment of claims of our citizens
upon Denmark for spoliations ; but all that we have a
right to dem^and from that government, in their behalf,
has not yet been conceded. From the liberal footing,
however, upon which this subject has, with the approba-
tion of the claimants, been placed by the government, to-
gether with the uniformly just and friendly disposition
which has been evinced by his Danish majesty, there is a
reasonable ground to hope that this single subject of dif-
ference will speedily be removed.

" Our relations with the Barbary powers continue, as
they have long been, of the most favourable character.
The policy of keeping an adequate force in the Mediter-
ranean, as security for the continuance of this tranquillity,
will be persevered in ; as well as a similar one for the
protection of our commerce and fisheries in the Pacific.

' The southern republics of our own hemisphere, have
not yet realized all the advantages for which they have
been so long struggling. We trust, however, that the day
is not distant, when the restoration of peace and internal
quiet, under permanent systems of government, securing
the liberty, and promoting the happiness of the citizens,
will crown, with complete success, their long and arduous
efforts in the cause of self-government, and enable us to
salute them as friendly rivals in all that is truly great and
glorious.

' The recent invasion of Mexico, and the eifect thereby
produced on her domestic policy, must have a controlling
7



74 GLORY OF AMERICA.

influence on the great question of South American eman-
ci]iation. We have seen the fell spirit of civil dissension
rebuked, and, perhaps, for ever stifled, in that republic,
by the love of independence. If it be true, as appear-
ances strongly indicate, that the spirit of independence
is the master spirit, and if a correspondino- sentiment pre-
vails in the other states, this devotion to liberty cannot be
without a proper effect upon the counsels of the mother
country. The adoption, by Spain, of a pacific policy
towards her former colonies an event consolmo- to hu-
manity, and a blessing to the world, in which she herself
cannot fail largely to participate may be most reasonably
expected.

' The claims of our citizens upon the South American
governments, generally, are in a train of settlement ; while
the prmcipal part of those upon Brazil have been adjusted,
and a decree in council, orderin^r bonds to be issued by the
mnnster of the treasury for theif am.ount, has received the
sanction of his imperial majesty. This event, too-ethei
with the exchange of the ratifications of the treaty'^nego-
tiated and concluded in 1S28, happily terminates all
serious causes of difference with that power.

"Measures have been taken to place our commercial
relations w^th Peru on a better footino- than that on which
they have hitherto rested : and if met by a proper dispo-
sition on the part of that government, important benefits
may be secured to both countries.

" Deeply interested as we are in the prosperity of our
sister republics, and more particularly in that of' our im-
mediate neighbour, it would be most gratifyino- to me, were
I permitted to say, that the treatment which" we have re-
ceived at her hands has been as universally friendly as the
early and constant solicitude manifested' by the 'United
States for her success gave us a right to expect But it
beconies my duty to inform you that prejudices, loner m-
dulged by a portion of the inhabitants of Mexico ao-ainst
the envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary^ of
the United States, have had an unfortunate influence upon
the affairs of the two countries, and have diminished that
usefuhiess to its o\\m which was justly to be expected from



MEMOIRS OP ANDREW JACKSON. 75

his talents and zeal. To this cause, in a great degree, is
to be imputed the failure of several measures equally in-
teresting to both parties ; but particularly that of the Mex-
ican government to ratify a treaty negotiated and conclu-
ded in its own capital and under its own eye. Under these
circumstances, it appeared expedient to give to Mr. Poin-
sett the option either to return or not, as, in his judgment,
the interest of his country might require ; and instructions
to that end were prepared ; but, before they could be des-
patched, a communication was received from the govern-
ment of Mexico, through its charge d'affaires here, request-
ing the recall of our minister. This was promptly complied
wSh ; and a representative of a rank corresponding with
that of the Mexican diplomatic agent near this govern-
ment was appointed. Our conduct towards that republic
has been uniformly of the most friendly character ; and
having thus removed the only alleged obstacle to harmo-
nious Intercourse, I cannot but hope that an advantageous
change will occur in our affairs.

" In justice to Mr. Poinsett, it is proper to say, that my
immediate compliance with the application for his recall,
and the appointment of his successor, are not to be ascri-
bed to any evidence that the imputation of an improper
interference by him, in the local politics of Mexico, was
well founded : nor to a want of confidence in his talents
or integi-ity ; and to add, that the truth of that charge has
never been affirmed by the federal government of Mexico,
in its communication with this.

" I consider it one of the most urgent of my duties to
bring to your attention the propriety of amending that
part of our constitution which relates to the election of
president and vice president. Our system of government
was, by its framers, deemed an experiment ; and they,
therefore, consistently provided a mode of remedying its
defects.

" To the people belongs the right of electing their chief
magistrate : it was never designed that their choice should,
in any case, be defeated, either by the intervention of elec-
tr^ral colleges, or by the agency confided, under certain
contingencies, to the house of representatives. Experience



76 CLORY OF AMEllICA.

proves, tliat, in proportion as agents to execute the will of
llie people are multiplied, there is danger of their wishes
being frustrated. Some may be unfaithful ; all are hable
to err. So far, therefore, as the people can, with conveni-
ence, speak, it is safer for them to express their own will.
' The number of aspirants to the presidency, and the
diversity of the interests which may influence their claims,
leave little reason to expect a choice in the first instance :
and, in that event, the election must devolve on the house
of representatives, where, it is obvious, the will of the peo-
ple may not be always ascertained ; or, if ascertained,
may not be regarded. From the mode of votmg by states,
the choice is to be made by twenty-four votes ; and it may
often occur, that one of these may be controlled by an in-
dividual representative. Honours and offices are at the
disposal of the successful candidate. Repeated ballotings
may make it apparent that a single individual holds the
cast in his hand. May he not be tempted to name his re-
ward ? But even without corruption supposing the pro-
bity of the representative to be proof against the powerful
motives by which he may be assailed tiie will of the peo-
ple is still constantly liable to be misrepresented. One may
err from ignorance of the wishes of his constituents : ano-
ther, from a conviction that it is his duty to be governed
by his o^\^l judgment of the fitness of' the candidates:
finally, although all were inflexibly honest all accurately
informed of the wishes of their constituents yet, under
the present mode of election, a minority may often elect
a president : and when this happens, it may reasonably
be expected, that eflbrts will be made on the part of the
majority to rectify this injurious operation of their in-
stitutions. But although no evil of this character should
result from such a perversion of the first principle of our
system that the major it]/ is to goveim it must be very
certain that a president elected by a minority cannot en-
joy the confidence necessary to the successful discharo-e
of his duties. ^

" In this, as in all other matters of public concern, po-
licy requires that as few impediments as possible should
exist to the free operation of the public will. Let us,



MEMOIRS OP ANDREW JACKSON. 77

then, endeavour so to amend our system, that the office of
chief magistrate may not be conferred upon any citizen
but in pursuance of a fair expression of the will of the
majority.

" I would therefore recommend such an amendment of
the constitution, as may remove all intermediate agency in
the election of president and vice president. The mode
may be so regulated as to preserve to each state its pre-
sent relative weight in the election ; and a failure in the
first attempt may be provided for, by confining the second
to a choice betv/een the two highest candidates. In con-
nexion with such an amendment, it would seem advisable
to limit the service of the chief magistrate to a single
term, of either four or six years. If, hoY\rever, it should
not be adopted, it is worthy of consideration whether a
provision disqualifying for office the representatives in
congress on whom such an election may have devolved,
would not be proper.

" While members of congress can be constitutionally
appointed to offices of trust and profit, it will be the prac-
tice, even under the most conscientious adherence to duty,
to select them for such stations as they are believed to be
better qualified to fill than other citizens ; but the purity
of our government would doubtless be promoted by their
exclusion from all appointments in the gift of the presi-
dent in whose election they may have been officially con-
cerned. The nature of the judicial office, and the neces-
sity of securing in the cabinet and in diplomatic stations
of the highest rank, the best talents and political experi-
ence, should, perhaps, except these from the exclusion.

" There are perhaps few men who can for any great
length of time enjoy office and power, without being more
or less under the influence of feelings unfavourable to a
faithful discharge of their public duties. Their integrity
may be proof against improper considerations immediately
addressed to themselves ; but they are apt to acquire a
habit of looking with indifference upon the public inte-
rests, and of tolerating conduct from which an unpractised
man would revolt. Office is considered as a species of
property ; and government, rather as a means of promo-



78



GLORY OF AMERICA.



ling individual interests, than as an instrument created
solely for the service of the people. Corruption in some,
and in others, a perversion of correct feehngs and princi-
ples, divert government from iis legitimate ends, and make
It an engine for the support of the few at the expense of
the many. The duties of all public officers are, or, at least,
admit of being made, so plain and simple, that men of in-
telligence may readily quaHfy themselves for their per-
formance ; and I cannot but believe that more is lost by
the long continuance of men in office, than is generally to
be gained by their experience. I submit therefore to your
consideration, whether the efficiency of the government
would not be promoted, and official industry and mtecrrity
better secured, by a general extension of the law which
limits appointments to four years.

" In a country where offices are created solely for the
benefit of the people, no one man has any more intrinsic
right to official station than another. Offices were not es-
tablished to give support to particular men, at the public
expense. No individual wrong is therefore done by re-
moval, since neither appointment to. nor continuance in,
office, is matter of right. The incumbent became an offi-
cer with a view to public benefits : and when these require
his removal, they are not to be sacrificed to private inte-
rests. It is the people, and they alone, who have a rio-ht
to complain, when a bad officer is substituted for a good
one. He who is removed has the same means of obtain-
ing- a hymg, tliat are enjoved by the millions who never
held office. The proposed limitation would destroy the
Idea of property, now so g-enerally connected \Ath ofiicial
station ; and although individual distress may be some-
times produced, it would, by promoting that rotation Avhich
constitutes a leading principle in the republican creed,
give healthful action to the system.

- No very considerable change has occurred, durino-
the recess of congress, in the condition of either our ao-rf-
culture commerce, or manufactures. The operation of
the tarifi has not proved so injurious to the two former, or
as beneficial to the latter, as was anticipated. Importa-
tions ot toreign goods have not been sensibly diminished;



MEMOIRS OE* ANDREW JACKSON. 79

while domestic competition, under an illusive excitement,
has increased the production much beyond the demand
for home consumption. The consequences have been
low prices, temporary embarrassment, and partial loss.
That such of our manufacturing establishments as are
based upon capital, and are prudently managed, will sur-
vive the shock, and be ultimately profitable, there is no
good reason to doubt.

" To regulate its conduct, so as to promote equally tlie
prosperity of these three cardinal interests, is one of the
most difficult tasks of government ; and it may be regret-
ted that the complicated restrictions which now embarrass
the intercourse of nations, could not, by common consent,
be abolished, and commerce allowed to flow in those
channels to which individual enterprise always its su-
rest guide might direct it. But we must ever expect
selfish lesfislation in other nations ; and are therefore com-
pelled to pcdapt our own to their regulations, in the man-
ner best calculated to avoid serious injury, and to har-
monize the conflicting interests of our agriculture, our
commerce, and our manufactures. Under these impres-
sions, I invite your attention to the existing tariff, believ-
ing that some of its provisions require modification.

'- The general rule to be applied in graduating the du-
ties upon articles of foreign growth or manufacture, is
that which will place our own in fair competition with
those of other countries ; and the inducements to advance
even a step beyond this point, are controlling in regard to
those articles which are of primary necessity in time of
war. When v^e reflect upon the difficulty and delicacy
of this operation, it is important that it should never be
attempted but with the utmost caution. Frequent legisla-
tion in regard to any branch of industry, affecting its va-
lue, and by which its capital may be transferred to new
channels, must always be productive of hazardous specu-
lation and loss.

"In deliberating, therefore, on these interesting sub-
jects, local feelings and prejudices should be merged in
the patriotic determination to promote the great interests
of the whole. All attempts to connect them with the



80 GLORY OF AMERICA.

party conflicts of the day are necessarily injurious, and
should be discountenanced. Our action upon them should
be under the control of higher and purer motives. Le-
gislation, subjected to such influence, can never be just ;
and will not long retain the sanction of a people, whose
active patriotism is not bounded by sectional limits, nor in-
sensible to that spirit of concession and forbearance, which
gave life to our political compact, and still sustains it. Dis-
carding all calculations of political ascendency, the north,
the south, the east, and the west, should unite in dimin-
ishing any burthen, of which either may justly complain.

" The agricultural interests of our country is so essen=-
tially connected with every other, and so superior in im-
portance to them all, that it is scarcely necessary to invite
to it your particular attention. It is principally as manu-
factures and commerce tend to increase the value of agri-
cultural productions, and to extend their application to the
\Yants and comforts of society, that they deserve the foster-
ino^ care of ijovernment.

" Looking forward to the period, not far distant, when a
sinking fund ^A'ill no longer be required, the duties on those
articles of im.portation which cannot come in competition
Avith our own productions, are the first that should engage
the attention of congress in the modification of the tariff.
Of these, tea and coflee are the most proixiinent : they
enter largely into the consumption of the country, and
have become articles of necessity to all classes. A re-
duction, therefore, of the existing 'duties, will be felt as a
common benefit ; but, like all other legislation connected
with commerce, to be efficacious, and not injurious, it
should be orradual and certain.

"The public prosperity is evinced in the increased re-
venue arising from the sales of the public lands ; and in the
steady maintenance of that produced by imposts and ton-
nage, notwithstanding the additional duties imposed by
the act of 19th May, 1828, and the unusual importations
in the early part of that year.

" The balance in the treasury, on the 1st of January,
1829, was five millions nine hundred and seventy-two
thousand four hundred and thirty-five doflars and eighty-



MEMOIRS OF ANDREW JACKSON. 81

one cents. The receipts of the current year are estimated
at twenty-four milhons six hundred and two thousand two
hundred and thirty dollars, and the expenditures for the
same time, at twenty-six millions one hundred and sixty-
four thousand five hundred and ninety-five dollars ; leav-
ing a balance in the treasury, on the 1st of January next,
of four millions four hundred and ten thousand and seventy
dollars and eighty-one cents.

" There will have been paid, on account of the public
debt, during the present year, the sum of twelve millions
four hundred and five thousand and five dollars and eighty
cents ; reducing the whole debt of the government, on
the first of January next, to forty-eight millions five hun-
dred and sixty-five thousand four hundred and six dollars
and fifty cents, including seven ixiillions of five per cent,
stock, subscribed to the bank of the United States. The
payment on account of the public debt, made on the first
of July last, was eight millions seven hundred and fifteen
thousand four hundred and sixty-two dollars and eighty-
seven cents. It was apprehended that the sudden with-
drawal of so large a sum from the banks in which it was
deposited, at a time of unusual pressure in the money
market, might cause much injury to the interests depend-
ent on bank accommodations. But this evil was wholly
averted by an early anticipation of it at the treasury, aid-
ed by the judicious arrangements of the ofiicers of the
bank of the United States.

" This state of the finances exhibits the resources of the
nation in an aspect highly flattering to its industry ; and
auspicious of the ability of government, in a very short
time, to extinguish the public debt. When this shall be
done, our population will be' relieved from a considerable
portion of its present burthens ; and will find, not only new
motives to patriotic aflection, but additional means for the
display of individual enterprise. The fiscal power of the
states will also be increased ; and may be more extensively
exerted in favour of education and other public objects :
while ample means will remain in the federal government
to promote the general weal, in all the modes permitted
to its authority.



82 GLORY OF AMERICA.

" After the extinction of the pubUc debt, it is not proba-
ble that any adjustment of the tariff, upon principles satis-
factory to the people of the union, will, until a remote
period, if ever, leave the government without a considera-
ble surplus in the treasury, beyond what may be required
for its current service. As then the period approaches
Avhen the application of the revenue to the payment of
debt will cease, the disposition of the surplus v/ill present