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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
it was deemed adviseable to make such a demonstration of its strength,· as to satisfy this new Republic, that although She was in possession of nearly all the maritime strength of l\fexico, we had the ability to serve her as a friend, if she were friendly, or if otherwise, to dispoil her as an emeny. We have reasons to be gratified with the spirit that pre- vailed among the public authorities of these provinces, as well as among the people, in favour of our Independence, which they were ready to acknowledge so soon as their own ,should be established; and I am happy also in being able to state, that we have received assurances· from our Agent in l\fexico, that the appearance of our fleet upon the Gulf had a favourable effect upon his negotiations. During the pend- ing of these negotiations however, no reprisals were permitted to be made upon l\fexican property. Under these various considerations the President feels, that the course pursued was not only the safe and prudent one, but in strict accordance with the feelings of those who framed the act. A different policy might have saved some expend- itures; but it might have also involved the Country in disaster and disgrace. It will not be long before the whole of our naval force will be anchored in the bay of ·Galveston, when it will be laid up in ordi- nary unless the Congress should otherwise direct. Among the various subjects which will clai[m] the attention of Congress, none can be more important than the state of our fiscal affairs. That they are in a condition which requires some salutary change is felt by all. The entire expenditures of the Government dur- ing the past year, embracing every thing acquired for the adminis- tration of its civil, military and naval departments, may be estimated in funds of par value, at about four hundred thousand Dollars, to meet which, the last Congress was compelled in consequence of the depreciated condition of our only circulating medium to appropriate two millions of its bonds. Thus will it be perceived that to sustain our Government, the expenditures are just five times greater than they would be, if made in our Constitutional currency. These expenditures must annually increase with the increase of population, and the multi- plication and enlargement of the various objects of national concern; and if they are to be met by a proportional enlargement of our public issues, the inevitable consequence will be, that our Government paper will soon become as valueless as the Continental money of the United States or the Assignats of France, leaving the Nation burthened with a debt which must continue for years to paralize its energies. It is obvious therefore that this system is too injurious in its operations "to justify its long continuance. It will devolve upon Congress to remedy the evil. In connection with this important subject, it may be proper to remark that a rigid economy should be resumed in all the depart- ments of public business. No saving should be considered too small to merit attention; and if Congress can find it practicable to lessen the national expenses without materially affecting the efficiency of the Government, it will become their duty to do it. The whole subject therefore is respectfully submitted to their consideration. With regard to the details of _the administration of the Gov- ernment I must beg leave to refer the Congress to the Reports from
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