arrangements for fulfilling the engagements made to the Dey and Regency of Algiers, will, in all present appearance, be crowned with success; but under great, though inevitable disadvantages, in the pecuniary transactions, occasioned by that war, which will render a further provision necessary. The actual liberation of all our citizens, who were prisoners in Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling heart, is itself an earnest of a satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. Measures are in operation for effecting treaties with the Regencies of Tunis and Tripoli.

To an active external commerce, the protection of a naval force is indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars, in which a State itself is a party. But besides this, it is in our own experience, that the most sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag, requires a naval force, organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression. This may even prevent the necessity of going to war, by discouraging belligerent Powers from committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party, as may, first or last, leave no other option. From the best information I have been able to obtain, it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean, without a protecting force, will always be insecure, and our citizens exposed to the calamities from which numbers of them have but just been relieved.

These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to set about the gradual creation of a Navy. The increasing progress of their navigation promises them, at no distant period, the requisite supply of seamen; and their means, in other respects, favor the undertaking. It is an encouragement, likewise, that their particular situation will give weight and influence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it not then be adviseable to begin, without delay, to provide and lay up the materials for the building and equipping of ships of war; and to proceed in the work, by degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable without inconve nience; so that a future war of Europe may not find our commerce in the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present?

Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too much consequence not to ensure a continuance of their efforts in every way which shall appear eligible. As a ge neral rule, manufactures on public account, are inexpedient. But where the state of things in a country leaves little hope that certain branches of manufacture will, for a great length of time, obtain; when these are of a nature essential to the furnishing and equipping of the public force in time of war; are not establishments for procuring them on public account, to the extent of the ordinary demand for the public service, recommended by strong considerations of national policy, as an exception to the general rule? Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign supply, precarious, because liable to be interrupted? If the necessary articles should, in this mode, cost more in time of peace, will not the security and independence thence arising, form an ample compensation? Establishments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls of the public service in time of peace, will, in time of war, easily be extended in proportion to the exigencies of the Government; and may even, perhaps, be made to yield a surplus for the supply of our citizens at large, so as to mitigate the privations from the interruption of their trade. If adopted, the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are already, or likely soon to be, established in the country, in order that there may be no danger of interference with pursuits of indivi dual industry.

It will not be doubted, that with reference either to individual or national welfare, agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations advance in population, and other circumstances of maturity, this truth becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting it, grow up, supported by the public purse; and to what object can it be dedicated with greater propriety? Among the means which have been employed to this end, none have been attended with greater success than the establishment of Boards, composed of proper characters, charged with collecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums, and small pecuniary aids, to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment contributes doubly to the increase of improvement, by stimulating to enterprize and experiment, and by drawing to a common centre the results every where, of individual skill and observation, and spreading them thence over the whole nation. Experience accordingly has shown, that they are very cheap instruments of immense national benefits. I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress, the expediency of establishing a National University, and also a Military Academy. The desirableness of VOL. II.-77

both these institutions, has so constantly increased with every new view I have taken of the subject, that I cannot omit the opportunity of once, for all, recalling your attention to them.

The Assembly to which I address myself, is too enlightened not to be fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes to national prosperity and reputation. True it is, that our country, much to its honor, contains many seminaries of learning highly respectable and useful, but the funds upon which they rest are too narrow to command the ablest professors, in the different departments of liberal knowledge, for the institution contemplated; though they would be excellent auxiliaries.

Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the principles, opinions, and manners of our countrymen, by the common education of a portion of our youth from every quarter, well deserves attention. The more homogeneous our citizens can be made in these particulars, the greater will be our prospect of permanent union; and a primary object of such a national institution should be, the education of our youth in the science of Government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? and what duty more pressing on its Legislature, than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?

The institution of a Military Academy is also recommended by cogent reasons However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock of military knowledge for emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and both would hazard its safety, or expose it to greater evils when war could not be avoided. Besides, that war might often not depend upon its own choice. In proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from the necessity of practising the rules of the military art, ought to be its care in preserving and transmitting, by proper establishments, the knowledge of that art. Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples, superficially viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince, that the art of war is at once comprehensive and complicated; that it demands much previous study; and that the possession of it in its most improved and perfect state, is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, ought to be a serious care of every Government; and for this purpose, an Academy, where a regular course of instruction is given, is an obvious expedient, which different nations have successfully employed. The compensations to the officers of the United States, in various instances, and in none more than in respect to the most important stations, appear to call for legislative revision. The consequences of a defective provision, are of serious import to the Government. If private wealth is to supply the defect of public retribution, it will greatly contract the sphere within which the selection of character for office is to be made, and will proportionally diminish the probability of a choice of men able as well as upright. Besides, that it would be repugnant to the vital principles of our Government, virtually to exclude from public trusts, talents and virtue, unless accompanied by wealth.

While, in our external relations, some serious inconveniences and embarrassments have been overcome, and others lessened, it is with much pain and deep regret I mention, that circumstances of a very unwelcome nature have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered, and is suffering, extensive injuries in the West Indies, from the cruisers and agents of the French Republic; and communications have been received from its Minister here, which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its authority; and which are, in other respects, far from agreeable.

It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in conformity with that of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony, and a perfect friendly understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated; and I shall persevere in the endeavor to fulfil it, to the utmost extent of what shall be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the rights and honor of our country; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation, that a spirit of justice, candor, and friendship, on the part of the Repub lic, will eventually ensure success.

In pursuing this course, however, I cannot forget what is due to the character of our Government and nation; or to a full and entire confidence in the good sense, patriot. ism, self respect, and fortitude of my countrymen.

I reserve for a special message, a inore particular communication on this interesting $bject.

Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary for the service of the ensuing year to be submitted from the proper department, with a view of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest period to which an account can be prepared. It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you, that the revenues of the United States continue in a state of progressive improvement.

A reinforcement of the existing provisions for discharging our public debt, was mentioned in my address at the opening of the last session. Some preliminary steps were taken towards it, the maturing of which will, no doubt, engage your zealous attention during the present. I will only add, that it will afford me a heart-felt satisfaction to concur in such further measures as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a speedy extinguishment of the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret, if, from any motive, intervals of tranquillity are left unimproved for accelerating this

valuable end.

Gentlemen of the Senate and of the House of Representatives:

My solicitude to see the Militia of the United States placed on an efficient establishment, has been so often, and so ardently expressed, that I shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present occasion; at the same time, that I shall submit to your inquiry, whether our harbors are yet sufficiently secured.

The situation in which I now stand, for the last time, in the midst of the Repre sentatives of the People of the United States, naturally recalls the period when the administration of the present form of Government commenced; and I cannot omit the occasion to congratulate you, and my country, on the success of the experiment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sove reign Arbiter of Nations, that his providential care may still be extended to the United States; that the virtue and happiness of the People may be preserved; and that the Government which they have instituted for the protection of their liberties, may be perpetual.

UNITED STATES, December 7, 1796.

G. WASHINGTON.

The President of the United States then withdrew, and the two Houses separated, On motion,

Ordered. That the Speech of the President of the United States to both Houses be committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.

And then the House adjourned until to-morrow morning eleven o'clock.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1796.

Another member, to wit: James Gillespie, from North Carolina, appeared, and took his seat in the House.

A new member, to wit: George Ege, returned to serve as a member of this House for the State of Pennsylvania, in the room of Daniel Heister, who has resigned his seat, appeared, produced his credentials, and took his seat in the House; the oath to support the Constitution of the United States being first administered to him by Mr. Speaker, according to law.

A petition of Thomas Carpenter, of the City of Philadelphia, was presented to the House and read, praying the patronage of Congress to a publication which he has commenced, entitled the American Senator.

Ordered, That the said petition be referred to Mr. William Smith, Mr. Gallatin, and Mr. Swift; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House.

On motion,

Resolved, That two Chaplains, of different denominations, be appointed to Congress, for the present session, one by each House, to interchange weekly.

Ordered, That the Clerk of this House do carry the said resolution to the Senate, and desire their concurrence.

Mr. Griswold, from the committee appointed, presented, according to order, a bill to amend the act, entitled "An act for the more general promulgation of the laws of the United States;" which was received and read the first time.

On motion,

The said bill was read the second time, and ordered to be committed to a Committee of the Whole House to-morrow.

The House, according to the order of the day, resolved itself into a Committee of the Whole House on the speech of the President of the United States to both Houses of Congress; and, after some time spent therein, Mr. Speaker resumed the chair, and Mr. Muhlenberg reported that the committee had, according to order, had the said speech under consideration, and come to a resolution thereupon; which he delivered in at the Clerk's table, where the same was twice read, and agreed to by the House, as followeth: Resolved, That it is the opinion of this committee that a respectful address ought to be presented by the House of Representatives to the President of the United States, in answer to his speech to both Houses of Congress at the commencement of this session, containing assurances that this House will take into consideration the various and inportant matters recommended to their attention.

Ordered, That Mr. Ames, Mr. Madison, Mr. Sitgreaves, Mr. Baldwin, and Mr. William Smith, be appointed a committee to prepare an address pursuant to the said resolution.

On motion,

Ordered, That a Committee of Claims be appointed, pursuant to the standing rules and orders of the House:

And a committee was appointed, of Mr. Dwight Foster, Mr. Malbone, Mr. Heath, Mr. Thomson, Mr. Maclay, Mr. Macon, and Mr. Williams.

A petition of William Clark, of the county of Worcester, in the State of Massachu setts, a sergeant in the Army during the late war, was presented to the House and read, praying relief, in consideration of a wound received at the battle of Bunker's Hill, which has rendered him incapable of obtaining his livelihood by labor.

Also, a petition of Lucy White, administratrix of Joseph White, late of Gerry, in the State of Massachusetts, praying that the sum of five hundred dollars, allowed by the United States in Congress assembled, the second day of February, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-five, with interest thereon, may be paid for the benefit of the creditors and heirs of the deceased, for his services in apprehending and bringing to conviction a certain James Bowers, of Westminster, in the said State, for forging certificates of public debt.

Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to the Committee of Claims.

Ordered, That a committee be appointed to inquire if any, or what, alterations are necessary to be made in the act, entitled "An act to establish the Post Office and Post Roads within the United States," and to report by bill or otherwise:

And a committee was appointed, of Mr. Thatcher, Mr. Bailey, Mr. Coit, Mr. Williams, Mr. Ege, Mr. Coles, Mr. Grove, Mr. Baldwin, and Mr. Andrew Jackson.

A petition of Thomas Wright Bacot, Postmaster at Charleston, in the State of South Carolina, was presented to the House and read, stating the insufficiency of the compen sation allowed him by law, and praying that the same may be increased, and rendered more adequate to his services.

Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the committee last appointed.
And then the House adjourned until to-morrow morning eleven o'clock.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1796.

Several other members, to wit: from Pennsylvania, David Bard; from Virginia, Josiah Parker; and from North Carolina, Nathan Bryan, appeared, and took their seats in the House.

A petition of Samuel Chester, of Baltimore county, in the State of Maryland, was presented to the House and read, praying that he may be allowed such compensation for his services as a recruiting sergeant, in exercising, training, and arming, the militia and regular troops in the said county, during the late war, as to the wisdom of Congress shall seem meet.

Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the Committee of Claims.

Mr. Gilman, from the Committee of Revisal and Unfinished Business, to whom it was referred to examine the Journal of the last session, and report therefrom all such matters of business as were then depending and undetermined, made a report; which was read, and ordered to lie on the table.

Ordered, That the report of the Committee of Claims, to whom was referred the petition of Henry Hill, made the twenty-sixth of May, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six, be committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.

Ordered, That the speech of the President of the United States to both Houses of Congress be committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.

Ordered, That a Committee of Commerce and Manufactures be appointed, pursuant to the standing rules and orders of the House:

And a committee was appointed, of Mr. Swanwick, Mr. William Smith, Mr. Coit, Mr. Blount, Mr. Sewall, Mr. Parker, and Mr. Dent.

The order of the day was further postponed until Monday next.

And then the House adjourned until Monday morning, eleven o'clock.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1796.

Several other members, to wit: from New York, Edward Livingston; from Pennsylvania, Andrew Gregg; from Maryland, Gabriel Christie; from Virginia, William B. Giles, Andrew Moore, and John Nicholas; and from South Carolina, Robert Goodloc Harper, appeared, and took their seats in the House.

A petition of Nicholas Staats, Philip Staats, and Hugh Boyd, executors, and Anne Staats, executrix, to the last will and testament of Barent I. Staats, late of the county of Albany, in the State of New York, deceased, was presented to the House and read, praying the liquidation and settlement of a claim for a certain sum in the bills of credit emitted by Congress, which was advanced by the deceased to John Harrison, in behalf of Udney Hay, Deputy Quartermaster General for the State of New York, during the late war.

Ordered, That the said petition be referred to the Committee of Claims.

A memorial and representation of the Commissioners appointed under the act "for establishing the temporary and permanent Scat of the Government of the United States," was presented to the House and read, praying the aid and patronage of Congress in the establishment of a National University within the limits of the City of Washington.

Ordered, That the said memorial and representation be referred to Mr. Madison, Mr. Craik, and Mr. Goodrich; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House.

A petition of Joseph Rittenhouse, of the City of Philadelphia, merchant, now confined in the debtors' apartment in the said city, was presented to the House and read, praying relief, in the case of a judgment obtained against him in the District Court of Pennsylvania, on behalf of the United States.

Also, a petition of Bartholomew Sarazin, of the City of Philadelphia, praying relief, in consideration of the distress of himself and family, occasioned by the destruction of his property in Cape Francois, on the twentieth of June, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three.

Ordered, That the said petitions be referred to Mr. Swanwick, Mr. Swift, and Mr. Christie; that they do examine the matter thereof, and report the same, with their opinion thereupon, to the House.

A petition of Charles White, of the City of Philadelphia, merchant, was presented to the House and read, praying the remission of a penalty for a breach of the revenue laws of the United States, committed by Captain Joseph Hughes, of the schooner Neptune, the property of the petitioner, which has subjected the said schooner and her cargo to condemnation.

Also, a memorial of Richard D'Cantillon and Daniel Lefferts, of the county of Dutchess, in the State of New York, praying relief in the case of the sloop Union, the property of the memorialists, which was employed in the coasting trade, and, owing to unavoidable causes, has been deprived of the benefit of her enrolment and licence. Ordered, That the said petition and memorial be referred to the Committee of Commerce and Manufactures.

A memorial of Jesse Lowther and others was presented to the House and read, praying that a post road may be established from Morgantown, in Virginia, to Clerksburg, in the said State, and from thence to Marietta, in the Territory of the United States Northwest of the river Ohio.

Ordered, That the said memorial be referred to the committee appointed to inquire if any, or what, alterations are necessary to be made in the act "to establish the Post Office and Post Roads within the United States."

The Speaker laid before the House a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, accompanying sundry statements numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, in relation to the annual expenditures of the War Department, from the commencement of the present Government to the thirty-first of December, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-five; also, an explanatory letter from the Register of the Treasury thereon; which were read, and ordered to lie on the table.