$04 
be made for the service of the en. 
suing year. 
Whether measures may not be 
advisable to reinforce the provision 
for the redemption of the public 
debt, will naturally engage yout 
examination.— Congress have de- 
monstrated their sense to be, and it 
were superfluous to repeat mine, 
that whatsoever will tend to acce- 
lerate the honourable extin¢tion of 
our public debt, accords as much 
with the true interests of our coun- 
try, as with the general’ sense of 
our constituents. 
_ Gentlemen of the senate, and 
, house of reptesentatives, 
The statement which shall be laid 
before you, ‘relative to the mint, 
will shew the situation of that in- 
stitution, and the necessity of some 
farther legislative provisions for 
carrying the busiriess of it mote 
“completely into effect, and for 
checking abuses which appear to 
be arising in particular quarters, 
ANNUAL REGISTER; 
‘ 
} : ; . 
1798. 
The progress in providing mate- 
tials for the frigates, and in build 
ing them ; the state of the fortifica- 
tions of our harbours; the measures 
which have been pursued for ob- 
taining proper sites for arsenals, 
and for replenishing our magazines 
with military stores; and the steps 
which have been taken toward the 
execution of the law for opening a 
trade with the Indians, will like- 
wise be presented for the informa- 
tion of congress. 
Temperate discussion of the im- 
portant subjects which may arise 
in the coufse of the session; and 
mutual fotbearance; where there is 
a difference of opinion, are too ob 
vious and necessary for the’ peace, 
happiness; and welfate of our coun- 
try; to need any recommendation 
of mine. 
Grorce WASHINGTON. 
United States, 
Dec. 8, 179§: 
CHARACTERS, 
