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appointing Electors of President and Vice President, in such manner as its Legislature may direct, and as we have no existing law providing for such appointment, it will be necessary at the present session to take this subject into consideration. In deciding upon the best manner of choosing the Electors, our own experience will no doubt direct to that course most satisfactory to our constituents, as well as most congenial to the principles of our Government.

It is desirable in all elections as far as practicable, to close every avenue to corrupt or improper influence. This can be done most effectually by bringing home the decision to the sound, unbiassed [unbiased] judgement of an enlightened people, in such a manner as to enable every citizen to participate. Each individual then, conscious of the high duty he is about to discharge, enquires for himself, and assisted by the light and the testimony of the press, forms an opinion uninfluenced by any consideration other than the good of his country. I trust, that mode will be adopted which is best calculated to ensure a fair expression of the public will.

An exhibit of the present situation of the Treasury, together with a statement, in detail, of the receipts & expenditures during the last year, will be laid before you by the Commissioner of that Department. On the first day of the present month there remained in the Treasury an unexpended balance