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for it is the work of man, which is never perfect. But when we are called upon to consider, and pass upon proposed alterations, it will not forgotton [forgotten] that the original was famed by the soundest and purest minds of which our country can boast; that it was ratified by state conventions composed of delegates of all interests and professions, and that the instrument, from which we have derived so much benefit, and under which we have experienced so few evils, should be viewed with veneration, rather than with jealousy. Indeed, there can be no ground of jealousy between the national and state governments. The charters, under which they exist, have defined their powers; the source from which they emanate is the same; the object of their institution is alike the benefit of the people; and should either attempt to overleap its bounds and encroach upon the other, the all powerful correcting hand of the people will be effectually applied for its restraint. A discreet administration will, however, at all times approach with caution those extreme boundaries of its power, which border upon the constitutional limits of others. The great unanimity which prevails throughout the country in relation to the measures of the General Government affords the highest evidence of their correctness. To the people of this State, it is believed, they are entirely satisfactory. Under the constitution and existing laws of the United States, the organization of the national government is dependent on the several state legislatures in the election of Senators, in providing for the choice of Representatives and electors of President and Vice-President. As the term for which one of the Senators of this State was elected, will expire with the third of March next, your attention will be necessarily directed to supplying the vacancy. The law prescribing the mode of electing Representatives