.MTUyNw.MTE2MjY

18 [message]

I have not thought necessary particularly to invite your attention to subjects of that nature. Yet a comparison of our situation as thus developed with that of any other people, cannot fail to inspire us with love of country _ to stimulate us to renewed efforts to promote the best interests of our infant but rising republic, and to excite in us a lively gratitude to the supreme Ruler of the universe for the high privileges and unnumbered blessings, he has been pleased to bestow on us.

The rapid increase of the United States in power and resources, since the adoption of the Federal Constitution, may justly be ascribed to the wisdom with which the government has been administered; instituted for the national objects it has properly directed its attention to the general interests, and left the local policy of the States to the care of the local Legislatures. This course dictated by the genius of our institutions, has been justified by its happy results; while each government has thus confined its legislation within its appropriate sphere, the harmony of the union has been preserved. It is not to be presumed that the United States Government will depart from this system of policy, as the local interests of the particular States can no where be so safely trusted as with their own Legislatures.

The affairs of our own State possess a peculiar interest, arising out of the new and untried situation of a government, which has but just commenced its political existence. Great responsibility and important duties were imposed by the Constitution upon the first Legislature. In relation to the subjects specially confided to them much still remains