1824.) ° 
affairs in greater detail than might other- 
wise be necessary. I doit, however, with 
peculiar satisfaction, froma knowledge that 
in this respect [shall comply more fully with 
the. sound principles of our government. 
The people being with us exclusively the 
sovereign, itis indispensable that full infor- 
mation be laid before them on all important 
subjects, to enable them to exercise that 
high power with complete effect... If kept 
im the dark, they must be incompetent to 
it. We are all liable to error, and those 
who, are engaged in the management of 
public affairs are more subject to excite- 
ment, and to be led astray by thvir-parti- 
cular interests and passions, than the great 
body of our constituents, who, living at 
home, ip the pursuit of their ordinary avo- 
cations, are calm but deeply interested 
spectators of events, and of the conduct of 
those who are parties to them. To the 
people, every department of the govern- 
ment, and every:individual ia each, are 
responsible; and the more full their infor- 
mation, the better they can judge of the 
wisdom of the policy pursued, and of the 
conduct; of each in regard to it. From 
their dispassionate, judgment, much aid 
may.. always. be obtained; while their 
approbation will form the greatest incen- 
tive, and most gratifying reward, for virtu- 
ous actions ; avd the dread of their censure 
the best security against the abuse of their 
confidence. Their interests, in all. vital 
questions, are the same ; and the bond by 
septiment, as wellas by interest, will be 
proportionably strengthened as they are 
better iuformed of the real state of public 
affaius, especially in difficult conjectures, 
It is by snch knowledge thatlocal preju- 
dices and jealousies are surmounted, and 
that anational policy, extending its foster- 
ing care and protection to all the great in- 
terests of our union, is formed and steadily 
adhered to. 
In compliance with a resolution of the 
Honse of. Representatives, adopted at their 
Jast. session, instructions have been given, 
to all the ministers of the United States 
aceredited to the powers of Europe and 
America, to propose the proscription of the 
African slave trade, by classing it under 
- the denomination, and inflicting on its per- 
petrators the punishment, of piracy. 
At the commencement of the recent 
war between [’rance and Spain, it was de- 
clared by the French government that it 
‘wong grant no commissions to privateers, 
and that neither the commerce of Spain 
herself, nor of neutral nations, should be 
molesivd by the naval force of lrance, ex- 
cept inthe breach of a lawful blockade. 
‘This declaration, which-appears to have 
been faithfully carried into effect, concur- 
ing with principles proclaimed and che- 
sished by the United States, from the first 
establishment of their independence, sug: | 
gested the hope that the time had arrived 
Montury Mag, No. 390, 
Political Affairs in December. 
561 
when the proposal for adopting it asa per- 
manent and invariable rale in all future 
maritime wars might meet the favourable 
consideration of the great European pow-. 
ers. Instructions have accordingly been 
given to our ministers with France, 
Russia, and Great Britain, to make those: 
proposals to their respective governments ; 
and when the friends of humanity reflect 
on the essential amelioration to the condi- 
tion of the human race which would re- 
sult from the abolition of priyate war on 
the sea, and on the great facility by which, 
it might be accomplished, requiring only 
the consent of a few sovereigns, an earnest 
hepe is indulged that these overtures will 
meet with an attention, animated by the 
spirit in which they: were made, and that 
they will ultimately be successful. 
The state of the army, in its organiza~ 
tion and discipline, has been gradually im- 
proving for several years, aud’has now af-: 
tained a high degree of perfection) 
The usual orders have been given to all. 
ow public ships to seize American vessels 
engaged in the slave-trade, and bring then: 
in for adjudication ; and I have the gratifi-: 
cation to state, that not one:so employed ; 
has been discovered; and there is good, 
reason to believe, that our flag is now. sel- 
dom, if at all, disgraced by that traffic. 
Many patriotic and enlightened citizens, 
who have made the subject an object of 
particular investigation, have suggested 
that the waters of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio may be connected together, by one 
continued canal, and at an expense far; 
short of the value and importance of the 
object.to be obtained. If this could be 
accomplished, it is impossible to calculate. 
ihe beneficial consequences which would 
result from it. Connecting the Atlantic 
with the western country, in a line passing 
through the seat of the national govern-. 
ment, it would contribute, essentially to 
strengthen the bond 'of union itself. 
A strong hope has been long enter-; 
tained, founded on the heroic struggle, of 
the Greeks, that they would succeed. in. 
their contest, and resume their equal sta~ 
tion among the nations of the earth. It is 
believed that the whole civilized world 
takes a deep interest in their welfare. ‘ 
It was stated at the commencement of 
the last session, that the great effort was 
then making in Spain and Portugal to im- 
prove the condition of the people of those 
countries, and that it appeared to be con- 
ducted with extraordinary moderation. 
In the wars of the European powers, in 
natters relatmg to themselves, we have 
never taken any part, nor does it comport 
with our policy so fo do. It is only when 
our rights are invaded, or seriously me- 
naced, that we resent injuries, or make 
preparation for our defence, With the 
movements in this hemisphere, we ave, of 
necessity, more immediately connected, 
4C and 
