John Adams 1800 State of the Union Address
22 November 1800
Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
Immediately after the adjournment of Congress at their last session
in Philadelphia I gave directions, in compliance with the laws, for the
removal of the public offices, records, and property. These directions
have been executed, and the public officers have since resided and conducted
the ordinary business of the Government in this place.
I congratulate the people of the United States on the assembling of
Congress at the permanent seat of their Government, and I congratulate
you, gentlemen, on the prospect of a residence not to be changed. Although
there is cause to apprehend that accommodations are not now so complete
as might be wished, yet there is great reason to believe that this inconvenience
will cease with the present session.
It would be unbecoming the representatives of this nation to assemble
for the first time in this solemn temple without looking up to the Supreme
Ruler of the Universe and imploring His blessing.
May this territory be the residence of virtue and happiness! In this
city may that piety and virtue, that wisdom and magnanimity, that constancy
and self-government, which adorned the great character whose name it bears
be forever held in veneration! Here and throughout our country may simple
manners, pure morals, and true religion flourish forever!
It is with you, gentlemen, to consider whether the local powers over
the District of Columbia vested by the Constitution in the Congress of
the United States shall be immediately exercised. If in your opinion this
important trust ought now to be executed, you can not fail while performing
it to take into view the future probable situation of the territory for
the happiness of which you are about to provide. You will consider it as
the capital of a great nation advancing with unexampled rapidity in arts,
in commerce, in wealth, and in population, and possessing within itself
those energies and resources which, if not thrown away or lamentably misdirected,
will secure to it a long course of prosperity and self-government.
In compliance with a law of the last session of Congress, the officers
and soldiers of the temporary army have been discharged. It affords real
pleasure to recollect the honorable testimony they gave of the patriotic
motives which brought them into the service of their country, by the readiness
and regularity with which they returned to the station of private citizens.
It is in every point of view of such primary importance to carry the
laws into prompt and faithful execution, and to render that part of the
administration of justice which the Constitution and laws devolve on the
Federal courts as convenient to the people as may consist with their present
circumstances, that I can not omit once more to recommend to your serious
consideration the judiciary system of the United States. No subject is
more interesting than this to the public happiness, and to none can those
improvements which may have been suggested by experience be more beneficially
applied.
A treaty of amity and commerce with the King of Prussia has been concluded
and ratified. The ratifications have been exchanged, and I have directed
the treaty to be promulgated by proclamation.
The difficulties which suspended the execution of the 6th article of
our treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain have not
yet been removed. The negotiation on this subject is still depending. As
it must be fore the interest and honor of both nations to adjust this difference
with good faith, I indulge confidently the expectation that the sincere
endeavors of the Government of the United States to bring it to an amicable
termination will not be disappointed.
The envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary from the United
States to France were received by the First Consul with the respect due
to their character, and 3 persons with equal powers were appointed to treat
with them. Although at the date of the last official intelligence the negotiation
had not terminated, yet it is to be hoped that our efforts to effect an
accommodation will at length meet with a success proportioned to the sincerity
with which they have been so often repeated.
While our best endeavors for the preservation of harmony with all nations
will continue to be used, the experience of the world and our own experience
admonish us of the insecurity of trusting too confidently to their success.
We can not, without committing a dangerous imprudence, abandon those measures
of self protection which are adapted to our situation and to which, notwithstanding
our pacific policy, the violence and injustice of others may again compel
us to resort. While our vast extent of sea coast, the commercial and agriculture
habits of our people, the great capital they will continue to trust on
the ocean, suggest the system of defense which will be most beneficial
to ourselves, our distance from Europe and our resources for maritime strength
will enable us to employ it with effect. Seasonable and systematic arrangements,
so far as our resources will justify, for a navy adapted to defensive war,
and which may in case of necessity be quickly brought into use, seem to
be as much recommended by a wise and true economy as by a just regard for
our future tranquillity, for the safety of our shores, and for the protection
of our property committed to the ocean.
The present Navy of the United States, called suddenly into existence
by a great national exigency, has raised us in our own esteem, and by the
protection afforded to our commerce has effected to the extent of our expectations
the objects for which it was created.
In connection with a navy ought to be contemplated the fortification
of some of our principal sea ports and harbors. A variety of considerations,
which will readily suggest themselves, urge an attention to this measure
of precaution. To give security to our principal ports considerable sums
have already been expended, but the works remain incomplete. It is for
Congress to determine whether additional appropriations shall be made in
order to render competent to the intended purposes the fortifications which
have been commenced.
The manufacture of arms within the United States still invites the attention
of the National Legislature. At a considerable expense to the public this
manufacture has been brought to such a state of maturity as, with continued
encouragement, will supersede the necessity of future importations from
foreign countries.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the
ensuing year, together with an account of the public revenue and expenditure
to a late period, to be laid before you. I observe with much satisfaction
that the product of the revenue during the present year has been more considerable
than during any former equal period. This result affords conclusive evidence
of the great resources of this country and of the wisdom and efficiency
of the measures which have been adopted by Congress for the protection
of commerce and preservation of public credit.
Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
As one of the grand community of nations, our attention is irresistibly
drawn to the important scenes which surround us. If they have exhibited
an uncommon portion of calamity, it is the province of humanity to deplore
and of wisdom to avoid the causes which may have produced it. If, turning
our eyes homeward, we find reason to rejoice at the prospect which presents
itself; if we perceive the interior of our country prosperous, free, and
happy; if all enjoy in safety, under the protection of laws emanating only
from the general will, the fruits of their own labor, we ought to fortify
and cling to those institutions which have been the source of such real
felicity and resist with unabating perseverance the progress of those dangerous
innovations which may diminish their influence.
To your patriotism, gentlemen, has been confided the honorable duty
of guarding the public interests; and while the past is to your country
a sure pledge that it will be faithfully discharged, permit me to assure
you that your labors to promote the general happiness will receive from
me the most zealous cooperation.
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