State of the Union Addresses (1790-2008)United States. Presidents
History
State of the Union Addresses (1790-2008)
United States. Presidents
Presidents -- United States -- Messages; United States -- Politics and government -- Sources
There will probably be some addition to the public debt upon the
liquidation of various claims which are depending, and a conciliatory
disposition on the part of Congress may lead honorably and
advantageously to an equitable arrangement of the militia expenses
incurred by the several States without the previous sanction or
authority of the Government of the United States; but when it is
considered that the new as well as the old portion of the debt has been
contracted in the assertion of the national rights and independence, and
when it is recollected that the public expenditures, not being
exclusively bestowed upon subjects of a transient nature, will long be
visible in the number and equipments of the American Navy, in the
military works for the defense of our harbors and our frontiers, and in
the supplies of our arsenals and magazines the amount will bear a
gratifying comparison with the objects which have been attained, as well
as with the resources of the country.
The arrangements of the finances with a view to the receipts and
expenditures of a permanent peace establishment will necessarily enter
into the deliberations of Congress during the present session. It is
true that the improved condition of the public revenue will not only
afford the means of maintaining the faith of the Government with its
creditors inviolate, and of prosecuting successfully the measures of the
most liberal policy, but will also justify an immediate alleviation of
the burdens imposed by the necessities of the war.
It is, however, essential to every modification of the finances that the
benefits of an uniform national currency should be restored to the
community. The absence of the precious metals will, it is believed, be a
temporary evil, but until they can again be rendered the general medium
of exchange it devolves on the wisdom of Congress to provide a
substitute which shall equally engage the confidence and accommodate the
wants of the citizens throughout the Union. If the operation of the
State banks can not produce this result, the probable operation of a
national bank will merit consideration; and if neither of these
expedients be deemed effectual it may become necessary to ascertain the
terms upon which the notes of the Government (no longer required as an
instrument of credit) shall be issued upon motives of general policy as
a common medium of circulation.
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