Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 2 (of 16)United States. Congress
History
Abridgment of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856, Vol. 2 (of 16)
United States. Congress
Law -- United States; United States -- Politics and government
The unfortunate but unavoidable difficulties that opposed a
timely compliance with the terms of the Algerine Treaty,
are much to be lamented; as they may occasion a temporary
suspension of the advantages to be derived from a solid
peace with that power, and a perfect security from its
predatory warfare; at the same time, the lively impressions
that affected the public mind on the redemption of our
captive fellow-citizens, afford the most laudable incentive
to our exertions to remove the remaining obstacles.
We perfectly coincide with you in opinion, that the
importance of our commerce demands a naval force for its
protection against foreign insult and depredation, and our
solicitude to attain that object will be always
proportionate to its magnitude.
The necessity of accelerating the establishment of certain
useful manufactures, by the intervention of the Legislative
aid and protection, and the encouragement due to
agriculture by the creation of Boards, (composed of
intelligent individuals,) to patronize this primary pursuit
of society, are subjects which will readily engage our most
serious attention.
A National University may be converted to the most useful
purposes; the science of legislation being so essentially
dependent on the endowments of the mind, the public
interests must receive effectual aid from the general
diffusion of knowledge; and the United States will assume a
more dignified station among the nations of the earth, by
the successful cultivation of the higher branches of
literature.
A Military Academy may be likewise rendered equally
important. To aid and direct the physical force of the
nation, by cherishing a military spirit, enforcing a proper
sense of discipline, and inculcating a scientific system
of tactics, is consonant to the soundest maxims of public
policy. Connected with, and supported by such an
establishment, a well regulated militia, constituting the
natural defence of the country, would prove the most
effectual, as well as economical, preservative of peace.
We cannot but consider, with serious apprehensions, the
inadequate compensations of the public officers, especially
of those in the more important stations. It is not only a
violation of the spirit of a public contract, but is an
evil so extensive in its operation, and so destructive in
its consequences, that we trust it will receive the most
pointed Legislative attention.
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