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drawing the various parts of the Union more closely together by the construction of roads and canals, to the extent sanctioned by the Constitution; of increasing the independence and strength of the industrial system of the country by the care of the government; of paying the national debt at an early period; and, in general, of making those improvements for which peace gives the best opportunity. He promises that the new administration will do all in its power to secure efficiency in all departments of the public service, to maintain peace with other nations, and to promote the increased harmony then pervading the Union.

In the first annual message of President Monroe, dated December 2, 1817 (which opens with congratulations on the progress of the national defences and the increase of harmony), he speaks of the diplomatic relations with England, and with Spain and her revolted colonies, the national revenue and the rapid extinguishment of the debt, recent purchases of lands from the Indians, our relations with them, the method of sale of public lands, the constitutionality of improvements in inter-communication executed at national expense, American manufactures, public buildings at the federal capital, pensions for soldiers of the Revolution, and the repeal of the internal taxes. Under the first head he reports the completion of arrangements for reducing naval forces on Lake Erie, the progress of various minor negotiations pursuant to the provisions of the treaty of Ghent, and the failure of our proposals for the open

ing of the ports in the West Indies and other British colonies to American vessels; how this shall be met he leaves to Congress. He complains of violations of our neutrality by both Spain and her colonies, but expresses the belief that the occupation and hostile use of portions of territory claimed by us, at Amelia Island and Galveston, were not authorized by the latter, and defends the suppression of these resorts. He recommends provision for the better civilization of the Indians upon the Western frontier, whose lands have recently been bought, and such regulation of the sale of the tracts thus opened to immigrants as shall most benefit the general government and the settlers. Concerning the right to make internal improvements he says, "Disregarding early impres sions, I have bestowed on the subject all the deliberation which its great importance and a just sense of my duty required, and the result is a settled conviction in my mind that Congress do not possess the right." But he suggests a constitutional amendment giving the right to do this and to institute seminaries of learning. He recommends the repeal of the internal taxes, believing them no longer necessary.

A special message of January 13, 1818, informs Congress that the settlement at Amelia Island, and probably that at Galveston, has been broken up. The President considers this justified by their character, and declares that nothing has been or will be done to injure Spain.

The second annual message, dated November 17, 1818, opens with a statement by the President of the

arrangements which had been made with reference to a continuation of the convention with Great Britain. He discusses the troubles in Florida, mentions the progress of the South American revolutions and the mediation proposed by the allied powers, notices the excellent condition of the national finances, and recommends further protection. He dwells with satisfaction upon the progress of the system of defences, and upon the admission of a new State, Illinois, believing that the rise of new States within our borders will produce the greatest benefits, both material and political. He recommends such provision for the Indians as will, if possible, prevent their extinction, accustom them to agriculture, and promote civilization among them; and the establishment of a government for the District of Columbia more agreeable to principles of self-government. His statements as to events in Florida ought, perhaps, to be represented more fully. He draws a strong picture of the impotence of the Spanish authorities, of the lawless character of the adventurers who seized upon various positions in the province, and of the dangers to which the citizens of the United States were subjected, at sea by the depredations of the adventurers and on land by the attacks of the Indians incited by them. As Spain could not govern the region, and would not transfer it, the only course open to our government, says the President, was to suppress the establishment at Amelia Island, and to carry the pursuit of the Indians so far as to prevent further disturbance from them, or from their inciters, English or Spanish; but

care has been taken to show due respect to the government of Spain.

The negotiations of our government with that of Spain form the chief subject of the annual message of December 7, 1819. A treaty by which the Spanish government ceded to the United States the province of Florida, while the United States renounced its claims to the part of Louisiana west of the River Sabine (known as Texas), and its claims to compensation for injuries sustained by its citizens from Spanish cruisers some twenty years before, had, early in this year, been concluded at Washington and ratified by the government there. It was then sent to Madrid, but, unexpectedly, the Spanish government delayed ratifying it, alleging not only that attempts had been made by United States citizens against Texas, but that our Minister at Madrid had, as instructed, when presenting the treaty for ratification, accompanied it by a declaration explaining the meaning given to one of its articles. In the present message the President comments severely upon the conduct of the Spanish court, denies its first charge absolutely, and explains that the second refers to a correction enabling the treaty to cover, as both governments agreed that it should cover, all cases of land grants of a specified sort. He declares that the conduct of Spain is perfectly unjustifiable, and is so regarded by European governments, and that it would be right for our government to carry out the treaty fairly, alone; but suggests forbearance until the expected envoy shall have arrived from Madrid.

Other matters, new and old, which the President discusses in this message are, the preservation of our neutrality in the South American conflict, the Canadian and West Indian commerce, the treasury, the contraction of bank circulation and depression of industry, the coast survey, the increase of the navy, and the maintenance of the Mediterranean squadron.

A special message, sent a few days later, December 17, describes, and submits to amendment by Con gress, the arrangements which the Executive had made for the transference to Africa of negroes captured in accordance with the act for the abolition of the slave-trade.

In the last annual message of his first term, that of November 14, 1820, President Monroe takes occasion to review the present situation of the Union. He expresses the greatest satisfaction at our wonderful prosperity. While certain interests have suffered depression because of the long European wars and the consequent industrial derangements, he regards these as mild and instructive admonitions, and as accumulating "multiplied proofs of the great perfection of our most excellent system of government, the powerful instrument in the hands of an All-merciful Creator, in securing to us these blessings." He reports that the treaty with Spain is not yet ratified, while Florida is constantly made a basis of smuggling operations; that the restrictions on commerce to and from the West Indies continue; and that negotiations have been commenced for a commercial treaty with France, and recommends legislation mak