upload dataset - 5001-5500

PG5011_text.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1118 @@
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The addresses are separated by three asterisks: ***
+
+Dates of addresses by John Adams in this eBook:
+
+  November 22, 1797
+  December 8, 1798
+  December 3, 1799
+  November 11, 1800
+
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+John Adams
+November 22, 1797
+
+Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
+
+I was for some time apprehensive that it would be necessary, on account of
+the contagious sickness which afflicted the city of Philadelphia, to
+convene the National Legislature at some other place. This measure it was
+desirable to avoid, because it would occasion much public inconvenience and
+a considerable public expense and add to the calamities of the inhabitants
+of this city, whose sufferings must have excited the sympathy of all their
+fellow citizens. Therefore, after taking measures to ascertain the state
+and decline of the sickness, I postponed my determination, having hopes,
+now happily realized, that, without hazard to the lives or health of the
+members, Congress might assemble at this place, where it was next by law to
+meet. I submit, however, to your consideration whether a power to postpone
+the meeting of Congress, without passing the time fixed by the Constitution
+upon such occasions, would not be a useful amendment to the law of 1794.
+
+Although I can not yet congratulate you on the reestablishment of peace in
+Europe and the restoration of security to the persons and properties of our
+citizens from injustice and violence at sea, we have, nevertheless,
+abundant cause of gratitude to the source of benevolence and influence for
+interior tranquillity and personal security, for propitious seasons,
+prosperous agriculture, productive fisheries, and general improvements,
+and, above all, for a rational spirit of civil and religious liberty and a
+calm but steady determination to support our sovereignty, as well as our
+moral and our religious principles, against all open and secret attacks.
+
+Our envoys extraordinary to the French Republic embarked--one in July, the
+other in August--to join their colleague in Holland. I have received
+intelligence of the arrival of both of them in Holland, from whence they
+all proceeded on their journeys to Paris within a few days of the 19th of
+September. Whatever may be the result of this mission, I trust that nothing
+will have been omitted on my part to conduct the negotiation to a
+successful conclusion, on such equitable terms as may be compatible with
+the safety, honor and interest of the United States. Nothing, in the mean
+time, will contribute so much to the preservation of peace and the
+attainment of justice as manifestation of that energy and unanimity of
+which on many former occasions the people of the United States have given
+such memorable proofs, and the exertion of those resources for national
+defense which a beneficent Providence has kindly placed within their
+power.
+
+It may be confidently asserted that nothing has occurred since the
+adjournment of Congress which renders inexpedient those precautionary
+measures recommended by me to the consideration of the two Houses at the
+opening of your late extraordinary session. If that system was then
+prudent, it is more so now, as increasing depredations strengthen the
+reasons for its adoption.
+
+Indeed, whatever may be the issue of the negotiation with France, and
+whether the war in Europe is or is not to continue, I hold it most certain
+that permanent tranquillity and order will not soon be obtained. The state
+of society has so long been disturbed, the sense of moral and religious
+obligations so much weakened, public faith and national honor have been so
+impaired, respect to treaties has been so diminished, and the law of
+nations has lost so much of its force, while pride, ambition, avarice and
+violence have been so long unrestrained, there remains no reasonable ground
+on which to raise an expectation that a commerce without protection or
+defense will not be plundered.
+
+The commerce of the United States is essential, if not to their existence,
+at least to their comfort, their growth, prosperity, and happiness. The
+genius, character, and habits of the people are highly commercial. Their
+cities have been formed and exist upon commerce. Our agriculture,
+fisheries, arts, and manufactures are connected with and depend upon it. In
+short, commerce has made this country what it is, and it can not be
+destroyed or neglected without involving the people in poverty and
+distress. Great numbers are directly and solely supported by navigation.
+The faith of society is pledged for the preservation of the rights of
+commercial and sea faring no less than of the other citizens. Under this
+view of our affairs, I should hold myself guilty of a neglect of duty if I
+forbore to recommend that we should make every exertion to protect our
+commerce and to place our country in a suitable posture of defense as the
+only sure means of preserving both.
+
+I have entertained an expectation that it would have been in my power at
+the opening of this session to have communicated to you the agreeable
+information of the due execution of our treaty with His Catholic Majesty
+respecting the withdrawing of his troops from our territory and the
+demarcation of the line of limits, but by the latest authentic intelligence
+Spanish garrisons were still continued within our country, and the running
+of the boundary line had not been commenced. These circumstances are the
+more to be regretted as they can not fail to affect the Indians in a manner
+injurious to the United States. Still, however, indulging the hope that the
+answers which have been given will remove the objections offered by the
+Spanish officers to the immediate execution of the treaty, I have judged it
+proper that we should continue in readiness to receive the posts and to run
+the line of limits. Further information on this subject will be
+communicated in the course of the session.
+
+In connection with this unpleasant state of things on our western frontier
+it is proper for me to mention the attempts of foreign agents to alienate
+the affections of the Indian nations and to excite them to actual
+hostilities against the United States. Great activity has been exerted by
+those persons who have insinuated themselves among the Indian tribes
+residing within the territory of the United States to influence them to
+transfer their affections and force to a foreign nation, to form them into
+a confederacy, and prepare them for war against the United States. Although
+measures have been taken to counteract these infractions of our rights, to
+prevent Indian hostilities, and to preserve entire their attachment to the
+United States, it is my duty to observe that to give a better effect to
+these measures and to obviate the consequences of a repetition of such
+practices a law providing adequate punishment for such offenses may be
+necessary.
+
+The commissioners appointed under the 5th article of the treaty of amity,
+commerce, and navigation between the United States and Great Britain to
+ascertain the river which was truly intended under the name of the river
+St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, met at Passamaquoddy Bay in
+1796 October, and viewed the mouths of the rivers in question and the
+adjacent shores and islands, and, being of opinion that actual surveys of
+both rivers to their sources were necessary, gave to the agents of the two
+nations instructions for that purpose, and adjourned to meet at Boston in
+August. They met, but the surveys requiring more time than had been
+supposed, and not being then completed, the commissioners again adjourned,
+to meet at Providence, in the State of Rhode Island, in June next, when we
+may expect a final examination and decision.
+
+The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the 6th article of the treaty
+met at Philadelphia in May last to examine the claims of British subjects
+for debts contracted before the peace and still remaining due to them from
+citizens or inhabitants of the United States. Various causes have hitherto
+prevented any determinations, but the business is now resumed, and
+doubtless will be prosecuted without interruption.
+
+Several decisions on the claims of citizens of the United States for losses
+and damages sustained by reason of irregular and illegal captures or
+condemnations of their vessels or other property have been made by the
+commissioners in London conformably to the 7th article of the treaty. The
+sums awarded by the commissioners have been paid by the British Government.
+A considerable number of other claims, where costs and damages, and not
+captured property, were the only objects in question, have been decided by
+arbitration, and the sums awarded to the citizens of the United States have
+also been paid.
+
+The commissioners appointed agreeably to the 21st article of our treaty
+with Spain met at Philadelphia in the summer past to examine and decide on
+the claims of our citizens for losses they have sustained in consequence of
+their vessels and cargoes having been taken by the subjects of His Catholic
+Majesty during the late war between Spain and France. Their sittings have
+been interrupted, but are now resumed.
+
+The United States being obligated to make compensation for the losses and
+damages sustained by British subjects, upon the award of the commissioners
+acting under the 6th article of the treaty with Great Britain, and for the
+losses and damages sustained by British subjects by reason of the capture
+of their vessels and merchandise taken within the limits and jurisdiction
+of the United States and brought into their ports, or taken by vessels
+originally armed in ports of the United States, upon the awards of the
+commissioners acting under the 7th article of the same treaty, it is
+necessary that provision be made for fulfilling these obligations.
+
+The numerous captures of American vessels by the cruisers of the French
+Republic and of some by those of Spain have occasioned considerable
+expenses in making and supporting the claims of our citizens before their
+tribunals. The sums required for this purpose have in divers instances been
+disbursed by the consuls of the United States. By means of the same
+captures great numbers of our sea men have been thrown ashore in foreign
+countries, destitute of all means of subsistence, and the sick in
+particular have been exposed to grievous sufferings. The consuls have in
+these cases also advanced moneys for their relief. For these advances they
+reasonably expect reimbursements from the United States.
+
+The consular act relative to sea men requires revision and amendment. The
+provisions for their support in foreign countries and for their return are
+found to be inadequate and ineffectual. Another provision seems necessary
+to be added to the consular act. Some foreign vessels have been discovered
+sailing under the flag of the United States and with forged papers. It
+seldom happens that the consuls can detect this deception, because they
+have no authority to demand an inspection of the registers and sea
+letters.
+
+Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
+
+It is my duty to recommend to your serious consideration those objects
+which by the Constitution are placed particularly within your sphere--the
+national debts and taxes.
+
+Since the decay of the feudal system, by which the public defense was
+provided for chiefly at the expense of individuals, the system of loans has
+been introduced, and as no nation can raise within the year by taxes
+sufficient sums for its defense and military operations in time of war the
+sums loaned and debts contracted have necessarily become the subjects of
+what have been called funding systems. The consequences arising from the
+continual accumulation of public debts in other countries ought to admonish
+us to be careful to prevent their growth in our own. The national defense
+must be provided for as well as the support of Government; but both should
+be accomplished as much as possible by immediate taxes, and as little as
+possible by loans.
+
+The estimates for the service of the ensuing year will by my direction be
+laid before you.
+
+Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
+
+We are met together at a most interesting period. The situations of the
+principal powers of Europe are singular and portentous. Connected with some
+by treaties and with all by commerce, no important event there can be
+indifferent to us. Such circumstances call with peculiar importunity not
+less for a disposition to unite in all those measures on which the honor,
+safety, and prosperity of our country depend than for all the exertions of
+wisdom and firmness.
+
+In all such measures you may rely on my zealous and hearty concurrence.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+John Adams
+December 8, 1798
+
+Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
+
+While with reverence and resignation we contemplate the dispensations of
+Divine Providence in the alarming and destructive pestilence with which
+several of our cities and towns have been visited, there is cause for
+gratitude and mutual congratulations that the malady has disappeared and
+that we are again permitted to assemble in safety at the seat of Government
+for the discharge of our important duties. But when we reflect that this
+fatal disorder has within a few years made repeated ravages in some of our
+principal sea ports, and with increased malignancy, and when we consider
+the magnitude of the evils arising from the interruption of public and
+private business, whereby the national interests are deeply affected, I
+think it my duty to invite the Legislature of the Union to examine the
+expediency of establishing suitable regulations in aid of the health laws
+of the respective States; for these being formed on the idea that
+contagious sickness may be communicated through the channels of commerce,
+there seems to be a necessity that Congress, who alone can regulate trade,
+should frame a system which, while it may tend to preserve the general
+health, may be compatible with the interests of commerce and the safety of
+the revenue.
+
+While we think on this calamity and sympathize with the immediate
+sufferers, we have abundant reason to present to the Supreme Being our
+annual oblations of gratitude for a liberal participation in the ordinary
+blessings of His providence. To the usual subjects of gratitude I can not
+omit to add one of the first importance to our well being and safety; I mean
+that spirit which has arisen in our country against the menaces and
+aggression of a foreign nation. A manly sense of national honor, dignity,
+and independence has appeared which, if encouraged and invigorated by every
+branch of the Government, will enable us to view undismayed the enterprises
+of any foreign power and become the sure foundation of national prosperity
+and glory.
+
+The course of the transactions in relation to the United States and France
+which have come to my knowledge during your recess will be made the subject
+of a future communication. That communication will confirm the ultimate
+failure of the measures which have been taken by the Government of the
+United States toward an amicable adjustment of differences with that power.
+You will at the same time perceive that the French Government appears
+solicitous to impress the opinion that it is averse to a rupture with this
+country, and that it has in a qualified manner declared itself willing to
+receive a minister from the United States for the purpose of restoring a
+good understanding. It is unfortunate for professions of this kind that
+they should be expressed in terms which may countenance the inadmissible
+pretension of a right to prescribe the qualifications which a minister from
+the United States should possess, and that while France is asserting the
+existence of a disposition on her part to conciliate with sincerity the
+differences which have arisen, the sincerity of a like disposition on the
+part of the United States, of which so many demonstrative proofs have been
+given, should even be indirectly questioned.
+
+It is also worthy of observation that the decree of the Directory alleged
+to be intended to restrain the depredations of French cruisers on our
+commerce has not given, and can not give, any relief. It enjoins them to
+conform to all the laws of France relative to cruising and prizes, while
+these laws are themselves the sources of the depredations of which we have
+so long, so justly, and so fruitlessly complained.
+
+The law of France enacted in January last, which subjects to capture and
+condemnation neutral vessels and their cargoes if any portion of the latter
+are of British fabric or produce, although the entire property belong to
+neutrals, instead of being rescinded has lately received a confirmation by
+the failure of a proposition for its repeal. While this law, which is an
+unequivocal act of war on the commerce of the nations it attacks, continues
+in force those nations can see in the French Government only a power
+regardless of their essential rights, of their independence and
+sovereignty; and if they possess the means they can reconcile nothing with
+their interest and honor but a firm resistance.
+
+Hitherto, therefore, nothing is discoverable in the conduct of France which
+ought to change or relax our measures of defense. On the contrary, to
+extend and invigorate them is our true policy. We have no reason to regret
+that these measures have been thus far adopted and pursued, and in
+proportion as we enlarge our view of the portentous and incalculable
+situation of Europe we shall discover new and cogent motives for the full
+development of our energies and resources.
+
+But in demonstrating by our conduct that we do not fear war in the
+necessary protection of our rights and honor we shall give no room to infer
+that we abandon the desire of peace. An efficient preparation for war can
+alone insure peace. It is peace that we have uniformly and perseveringly
+cultivated, and harmony between us and France may be restored at her
+option. But to send another minister without more determinate assurances
+that he would be received would be an act of humiliation to which the
+United States ought not to submit. It must therefore be left with France
+(if she is indeed desirous of accommodation) to take the requisite steps.
+
+The United States will steadily observe the maxims by which they have
+hitherto been governed. They will respect the sacred rights of embassy; and
+with a sincere disposition on the part of France to desist from hostility,
+to make reparation for the injuries heretofore inflicted on our commerce,
+and to do justice in future, there will be no obstacle to the restoration
+of a friendly intercourse.
+
+In making to you this declaration I give a pledge to France and the world
+that the Executive authority of this country still adheres to the humane
+and pacific policy which has invariably governed its proceedings, in
+conformity with the wishes of the other branches of the Government and of
+the people of the United States. But considering the late manifestations of
+her policy toward foreign nations, I deem it a duty deliberately and
+solemnly to declare my opinion that whether we negotiate with her or not,
+vigorous preparations for war will be alike indispensable. These alone will
+give to us an equal treaty and insure its observance.
+
+Among the measures of preparation which appear expedient, I take the
+liberty to recall your attention to the naval establishment. The beneficial
+effects of the small naval armament provided under the acts of the last
+session are known and acknowledged. Perhaps no country ever experienced
+more sudden and remarkable advantages from any measure of policy than we
+have derived from the arming for our maritime protection and defense.
+
+We ought without loss of time to lay the foundation for an increase of our
+Navy to a size sufficient to guard our coast and protect our trade. Such a
+naval force as it is doubtless in the power of the United States to create
+and maintain would also afford to them the best means of general defense by
+facilitating the safe transportation of troops and stores to every part of
+our extensive coast. To accomplish this important object, a prudent
+foresight requires that systematic measures be adopted for procuring at all
+times the requisite timber and other supplies. In what manner this shall be
+done I leave to your consideration.
+
+I will now advert, gentlemen, to some matters of less moment, but proper to
+be communicated to the National Legislature.
+
+After the Spanish garrisons had evacuated the posts they occupied at the
+Natchez and Walnut Hills the commissioner of the United States commences
+his observations to ascertain the point near the Mississippi which
+terminated the northernmost part of the 31st degree of north latitude. From
+thence he proceeded to run the boundary line between the United States and
+Spain. He was afterwards joined by the Spanish commissioner, when the work
+of the former was confirmed, and they proceeded together to the demarcation
+of the line.
+
+Recent information renders it probable that the Southern Indians, either
+instigated to oppose the demarcation or jealous of the consequences of
+suffering white people to run a line over lands to which the Indian title
+had not been extinguished, have ere this time stopped the progress of the
+commissioners; and considering the mischiefs which may result from
+continuing the demarcation in opposition to the will of the Indian tribes,
+the great expense attending it, and that the boundaries which the
+commissioners have actually established probably extend at least as far as
+the Indian title has been extinguished, it will perhaps become expedient
+and necessary to suspend further proceedings by recalling our
+commissioner.
+
+The commissioners appointed in pursuance of the 5th article of the treaty
+of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and His
+Britannic Majesty to determine what river was truly intended under the name
+of the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace, and forming a part
+of the boundary therein described, have finally decided that question. On
+the 25th of October they made their declaration that a river called
+Scoodiac, which falls into Passamaquoddy Bay at its northwestern quarter,
+was the true St. Croix intended in the treaty of peace, as far as its great
+fork, where one of its streams comes from the westward and the other from
+the northward, and that the latter stream is the continuation of the St.
+Croix to its source.
+
+This decision, it is understood, will preclude all contention among the
+individual claimants, as it seems that the Scoodiac and its northern branch
+bound the grants of land which have been made by the respective adjoining
+Governments.
+
+A subordinate question, however, it has been suggested, still remains to be
+determined. Between the mouth of the St. Croix as now settled and what is
+usually called the Bay of Fundy lie a number of valuable islands. The
+commissioners have not continued the boundary line through any channel of
+these islands, and unless the bay of Passamaquoddy be a part of the Bay of
+Fundy this further adjustment of boundary will be necessary, but it is
+apprehended that this will not be a matter of any difficulty.
+
+Such progress has been made in the examination and decision of cases of
+captures and condemnations of American vessels which were the subject of
+the 7th article of the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between
+the United States and Great Britain that it is supposed the commissioners
+will be able to bring their business to a conclusion in August of the
+ensuing year.
+
+The commissioners acting under the 25th article of the treaty between the
+United States and Spain have adjusted most of the claims of our citizens
+for losses sustained in consequence of their vessels and cargoes having
+been taken by the subjects of His Catholic Majesty during the late war
+between France and Spain.
+
+Various circumstances have concurred to delay the execution of the law for
+augmenting the military establishment, among these the desire of obtaining
+the fullest information to direct the best selection of officers. As this
+object will now be speedily accomplished, it is expected that the raising
+and organizing of the troops will proceed without obstacle and with
+effect.
+
+Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
+
+I have directed an estimate of the appropriations which will be necessary
+for the service of the ensuing year to be laid before you, accompanied with
+a view of the public receipts and expenditures to a recent period.
+
+It will afford you satisfaction to infer the great extent and solidity of
+the public resources from the prosperous state of the finances,
+notwithstanding the unexampled embarrassments which have attended commerce.
+When you reflect on the conspicuous examples of patriotism and liberality
+which have been exhibited by our mercantile fellow citizens, and how great
+a proportion of the public resources depends on their enterprise, you will
+naturally consider whether their convenience can not be promoted and
+reconciled with the security of the revenue by a revision of the system by
+which the collection is at present regulated.
+
+During your recess measures have been steadily pursued for effecting the
+valuations and returns directed by the act of the last session, preliminary
+to the assessment and collection of a direct tax. No other delays or
+obstacles have been experienced except such as were expected to arise from
+the great extent of our country and the magnitude and novelty of the
+operation, and enough has been accomplished to assure a fulfillment of the
+views of the Legislature.
+
+Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
+
+I can not close this address without once more adverting to our political
+situation and inculcating the essential importance of uniting in the
+maintenance of our dearest interests; and I trust that by the temper and
+wisdom of your proceedings and by a harmony of measures we shall secure to
+our country that weight and respect to which it is so justly entitled.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+John Adams
+December 3, 1799
+
+Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
+
+It is with peculiar satisfaction that I meet the 6th Congress of the United
+States of America. Coming from all parts of the Union at this critical and
+interesting period, the members must be fully possessed of the sentiments
+and wishes of our constituents.
+
+The flattering prospects of abundance from the labors of the people by land
+and by sea; the prosperity of our extended commerce, notwithstanding
+interruptions occasioned by the belligerent state of a great part of the
+world; the return of health, industry, and trade to those cities which have
+lately been afflicted with disease, and the various and inestimable
+advantages, civil and religious, which, secured under our happy frame of
+government, are continued to us unimpaired, demand of the whole American
+people sincere thanks to a benevolent Deity for the merciful dispensations
+of His providence.
+
+But while these numerous blessings are recollected, it is a painful duty to
+advert to the ungrateful return which has been made for them by some of the
+people in certain counties of Pennsylvania, where, seduced by the arts and
+misrepresentations of designing men, they have openly resisted the law
+directing the valuation of houses and lands. Such defiance was given to the
+civil authority as rendered hopeless all further attempts by judicial
+process to enforce the execution of the law, and it became necessary to
+direct a military force to be employed, consisting of some companies of
+regular troops, volunteers, and militia, by whose zeal and activity, in
+cooperation with the judicial power, order and submission were restored and
+many of the offenders arrested. Of these, some have been convicted of
+misdemeanors, and others, charged with various crimes, remain to be tried.
+
+To give due effect to the civil administration of Government and to insure
+a just execution of the laws, a revision and amendment of the judiciary
+system is indispensably necessary. In this extensive country it can not but
+happen that numerous questions respecting the interpretation of the laws
+and the rights and duties of officers and citizens must arise. On the one
+hand, the laws should be executed; on the other, individuals should be
+guarded from oppression. Neither of these objects is sufficiently assured
+under the present organization of the judicial department. I therefore
+earnestly recommend the subject to your serious consideration.
+
+Persevering in the pacific and humane policy which had been invariably
+professed and sincerely pursued by the Executive authority of the United
+States, when indications were made on the part of the French Republic of a
+disposition to accommodate the existing differences between the two
+countries, I felt it to be my duty to prepare for meeting their advances by
+a nomination of ministers upon certain conditions which the honor of our
+country dictated, and which its moderation had given it a right to
+prescribe.
+
+The assurances which were required of the French Government previous to the
+departure of our envoys have been given through their minister of foreign
+relations, and I have directed them to proceed on their mission to Paris.
+They have full power to conclude a treaty, subject to the constitutional
+advice and consent of the Senate. The characters of these gentlemen are
+sure pledges to their country that nothing incompatible with its honor or
+interest, nothing inconsistent with our obligations of good faith or
+friendship to any other nation, will be stipulated.
+
+It appearing probable from the information I received that our commercial
+intercourse with some ports in the island of St. Domingo might safely be
+renewed, I took such steps as seemed to me expedient to ascertain that
+point. The result being satisfactory, I then, in conformity with the act of
+Congress on the subject, directed the restraints and prohibitions of that
+intercourse to be discontinued on terms which were made known by
+proclamation. Since the renewal of this intercourse our citizens trading to
+those ports, with their property, have been duly respected, and
+privateering from those ports has ceased.
+
+In examining the claims of British subjects by the commissioners at
+Philadelphia, acting under the 6th article of the treaty of amity,
+commerce, and navigation with Great Britain, a difference of opinion on
+points deemed essential in the interpretation of that article has arisen
+between the commissioners appointed by the United States and the other
+members of that board, from which the former have thought it their duty to
+withdraw. It is sincerely to be regretted that the execution of an article
+produced by a mutual spirit of amity and justice should have been thus
+unavoidably interrupted. It is, however, confidently expected that the same
+spirit of amity and the same sense of justice in which it originated will
+lead to satisfactory explanations.
+
+In consequence of the obstacles to the progress of the commission in
+Philadelphia, His Britannic Majesty has directed the commissioners
+appointed by him under the 7th article of the treaty relating to the
+British captures of American vessels to withdraw from the board sitting in
+London, but with the express declaration of his determination to fulfill
+with punctuality and good faith the engagements which His Majesty has
+contracted by his treaty with the United States, and that they will be
+instructed to resume their functions whenever the obstacles which impede
+the progress of the commission at Philadelphia shall be removed. It being
+in like manner my sincere determination, so far as the same depends on me,
+that with equal punctuality and good faith the engagements contracted by
+the United States in their treaties with His Britannic Majesty shall be
+fulfilled, I shall immediately instruct our minister at London to endeavor
+to obtain the explanation necessary to a just performance of those
+engagements on the part of the United States. With such dispositions on
+both sides, I can not entertain a doubt that all difficulties will soon be
+removed and that the two boards will then proceed and bring the business
+committed to them respectively to a satisfactory conclusion.
+
+The act of Congress relative to the seat of the Government of the United
+States requiring that on the 1st Monday of December next it should be
+transferred from Philadelphia to the District chosen for its permanent
+seat, it is proper for me to inform you that the commissioners appointed to
+provide suitable buildings for the accommodation of Congress and of the
+President and of the public offices of the Government have made a report of
+the state of the buildings designed for those purposes in the city of
+Washington, from which they conclude that the removal of the seat of
+Government to that place at the time required will be practicable and the
+accommodation satisfactory. Their report will be laid before you.
+
+Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
+
+I shall direct the estimates of the appropriations necessary for the
+service of the ensuing year, together with an account of the revenue and
+expenditure, to be laid before you. During a period in which a great
+portion of the civilized world has been involved in a war unusually
+calamitous and destructive, it was not to be expected that the United
+States could be exempted from extraordinary burthens. Although the period
+is not arrived when the measures adopted to secure our country against
+foreign attacks can be renounced, yet it is alike necessary for the honor
+of the Government and the satisfaction of the community that an exact
+economy should be maintained. I invite you, gentlemen, to investigate the
+different branches of the public expenditure. The examination will lead to
+beneficial retrenchments or produce a conviction of the wisdom of the
+measures to which the expenditure relates.
+
+Gentlemen of the Senate and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
+
+At a period like the present, when momentous changes are occurring and
+every hour is preparing new and great events in the political world, when a
+spirit of war is prevalent in almost every nation with whose affairs the
+interests of the United States have any connection, unsafe and precarious
+would be our situation were we to neglect the means of maintaining our just
+rights. The result of the mission to France is uncertain; but however it
+may terminate, a steady perseverance in a system of national defense
+commensurate with our resources and the situation of our country is an
+obvious dictate of wisdom; for, remotely as we are placed from the
+belligerent nations, and desirous as we are, by doing justice to all, to
+avoid offense to any, nothing short of the power of repelling aggressions
+will secure to our country a rational prospect of escaping the calamities
+of war or national degradation. As to myself, it is my anxious desire so to
+execute the trust reposed in me as to render the people of the United
+States prosperous and happy. I rely with entire confidence on your
+cooperation in objects equally your care, and that our mutual labors will
+serve to increase and confirm union among our fellow citizens and an
+unshaken attachment to our Government.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+John Adams
+November 11, 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 for 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.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+        
+            *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES ***
+        
+
+    
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will
+be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
+law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
+so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
+States without permission and without paying copyright
+royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
+of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™
+concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
+and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following
+the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use
+of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for
+copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very
+easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation
+of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project
+Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may
+do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected
+by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark
+license, especially commercial redistribution.
+
+
+START: FULL LICENSE
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
+Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at
+www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works
+
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
+destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your
+possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
+Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
+by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person
+or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this
+agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
+Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
+of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual
+works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
+States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
+United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
+claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
+displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
+all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
+that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting
+free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™
+works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
+Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily
+comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
+same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when
+you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
+in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
+check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
+agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
+distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
+other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no
+representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
+country other than the United States.
+
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work
+on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the
+phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed,
+performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
+
+    This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+    other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+    whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+    of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
+    at www.gutenberg.org. If you
+    are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws
+    of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
+  
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is
+derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
+contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
+copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
+the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
+redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
+either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
+obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™
+trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
+additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
+will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works
+posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
+beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™.
+
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg™ License.
+
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
+any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
+to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format
+other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official
+version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website
+(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
+to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
+of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain
+Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the
+full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+provided that:
+
+    • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+        the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method
+        you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
+        to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has
+        agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
+        within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
+        legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
+        payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
+        Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
+        Literary Archive Foundation.”
+    
+    • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+        you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+        does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™
+        License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
+        copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
+        all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™
+        works.
+    
+    • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+        any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+        electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+        receipt of the work.
+    
+    • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+        distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.
+    
+
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than
+are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
+from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of
+the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set
+forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
+Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
+contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
+or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
+intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
+other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
+cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right
+of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
+with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
+with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
+lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
+or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
+opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
+the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
+without further opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO
+OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
+damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
+violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
+agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
+limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
+unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
+remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in
+accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
+production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
+including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
+the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
+or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or
+additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any
+Defect you cause.
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™
+
+Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
+computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
+exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
+from people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future
+generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
+Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
+U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws.
+
+The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West,
+Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up
+to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website
+and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread
+public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state
+visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
+donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
+Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be
+freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
+distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of
+volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
+the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
+necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
+edition.
+
+Most people start at our website which has the main PG search
+facility: www.gutenberg.org.
+
+This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+

PG5020_text.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1112 @@
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+State of the Union Addresses of Zachary Taylor
+
+
+
+The addresses are separated by three asterisks: ***
+
+Dates of addresses by Zachary Taylor in this eBook:
+
+  December 4, 1849
+
+
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+Zachary Taylor
+December 4, 1849
+
+Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
+
+Sixty years have elapsed since the establishment of this Government, and
+the Congress of the United States again assembles to legislate for an
+empire of freemen. The predictions of evil prophets, who formerly pretended
+to foretell the downfall of our institutions, are now remembered only to be
+derided, and the United States of America at this moment present to the
+world the most stable and permanent Government on earth.
+
+Such is the result of the labors of those who have gone before us. Upon
+Congress will eminently depend the future maintenance of our system of free
+government and the transmission of it unimpaired to posterity.
+
+We are at peace with all the other nations of the world, and seek to
+maintain our cherished relations of amity with them. During the past year
+we have been blessed by a kind Providence with an abundance of the fruits
+of the earth, and although the destroying angel for a time visited
+extensive portions of our territory with the ravages of a dreadful
+pestilence, yet the Almighty has at length deigned to stay his hand and to
+restore the inestimable blessing of general health to a people who have
+acknowledged His power, deprecated His wrath, and implored His merciful
+protection.
+
+While enjoying the benefits of amicable intercourse with foreign nations,
+we have not been insensible to the distractions and wars which have
+prevailed in other quarters of the world. It is a proper theme of
+thanksgiving to Him who rules the destinies of nations that we have been
+able to maintain amidst all these contests an independent and neutral
+position toward all belligerent powers.
+
+Our relations with Great Britain are of the most friendly character. In
+consequence of the recent alteration of the British navigation acts,
+British vessels, from British and other foreign ports, will under our
+existing laws, after the 1st day of January next, be admitted to entry in
+our ports with cargoes of the growth, manufacture, or production of any
+part of the world on the same terms as to duties, imposts, and charges as
+vessels of the United States with their cargoes, and our vessels will be
+admitted to the same advantages in British ports, entering therein on the
+same terms as British vessels. Should no order in council disturb this
+legislative arrangement, the late act of the British Parliament, by which
+Great Britain is brought within the terms proposed by the act of Congress
+of the 1st of March, 1817, it is hoped will be productive of benefit to
+both countries.
+
+A slight interruption of diplomatic intercourse which occurred between this
+Government and France, I am happy to say, has been terminated, and our
+minister there has been received. It is therefore unnecessary to refer now
+to the circumstances which led to that interruption. I need not express to
+you the sincere satisfaction with which we shall welcome the arrival of
+another envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from a sister
+Republic to which we have so long been, and still remain, bound by the
+strongest ties of amity.
+
+Shortly after I had entered upon the discharge of the Executive duties I
+was apprised that a war steamer belonging to the German Empire was being
+fitted out in the harbor of New York with the aid of some of our naval
+officers, rendered under the permission of the late Secretary of the Navy.
+This permission was granted during an armistice between that Empire and the
+Kingdom of Denmark, which had been engaged in the Schleswig-Holstein war.
+Apprehensive that this act of intervention on our part might be viewed as a
+violation of our neutral obligations incurred by the treaty with Denmark
+and of the provisions of the act of Congress of the 20th of April, 1818, I
+directed that no further aid should be rendered by any agent or officer of
+the Navy; and I instructed the Secretary of State to apprise the minister
+of the German Empire accredited to this Government of my determination to
+execute the law of the United States and to maintain the faith of treaties
+with all nations. The correspondence which ensued between the Department of
+State and the minister of the German Empire is herewith laid before you.
+The execution of the law and the observance of the treaty were deemed by me
+to be due to the honor of the country, as well as to the sacred obligations
+of the Constitution. I shall not fail to pursue the same course should a
+similar case arise with any other nation. Having avowed the opinion on
+taking the oath of office that in disputes between conflicting foreign
+governments it is our interest not less than our duty to remain strictly
+neutral, I shall not abandon it. You will perceive from the correspondence
+submitted to you in connection with this subject that the course adopted in
+this case has been properly regarded by the belligerent powers interested
+in the matter.
+
+Although a minister of the United States to the German Empire was appointed
+by my predecessor in August, 1848, and has for a long time been in
+attendance at Frankfort-on-the-Main, and although a minister appointed to
+represent that Empire was received and accredited here, yet no such
+government as that of the German Empire has been definitively constituted.
+Mr. Donelson, our representative at Frankfort, remained there several
+months in the expectation that a union of the German States under one
+constitution or form of government might at length be organized. It is
+believed by those well acquainted with the existing relations between
+Prussia and the States of Germany that no such union can be permanently
+established without her cooperation. In the event of the formation of such
+a union and the organization of a central power in Germany of which she
+should form a part, it would become necessary to withdraw our minister at
+Berlin; but while Prussia exists as an independent kingdom and diplomatic
+relations are maintained with her there can be no necessity for the
+continuance of the mission to Frankfort. I have therefore recalled Mr.
+Donelson and directed the archives of the legation at Frankfort to be
+transferred to the American legation at Berlin.
+
+Having been apprised that a considerable number of adventurers were engaged
+in fitting out a, military expedition within the United States against a
+foreign country, and believing from the best information I could obtain
+that it was destined to invade the island of Cuba, I deemed it due to the
+friendly relations existing between the United States and Spain, to the
+treaty between the two nations, to the laws of the United States, and,
+above all, to the American honor to exert the lawful authority of this
+Government in suppressing the expedition and preventing the invasion. To
+this end I issued a proclamation enjoining it upon the officers of the
+United States, civil and military, to use all lawful means within their
+power. A copy of that proclamation is herewith submitted. The expedition
+has been suppressed. So long as the act of Congress of the 20th of April,
+1818, which owes its existence to the law of nations and to the policy of
+Washington himself, shall remain on our statute books, I hold it to be the
+duty of the Executive faithfully to obey its injunctions.
+
+While this expedition was in progress I was informed that a foreigner who
+claimed our protection had been clandestinely and, as was supposed,
+forcibly carried off in a vessel from New Orleans to the island of Cuba. I
+immediately caused such steps to be taken as I thought necessary, in case
+the information I had received should prove correct, to vindicate the honor
+of the country and the right of every person seeking an asylum on our soil
+to the protection of our laws. The person alleged to have been abducted was
+promptly restored, and the circumstances of the case are now about to
+undergo investigation before a judicial tribunal. I would respectfully
+suggest that although the crime charged to have been committed in this case
+is held odious, as being in conflict with our opinions on the subject of
+national sovereignty and personal freedom, there is no prohibition of it or
+punishment for it provided in any act of Congress. The expediency of
+supplying this defect in our criminal code is therefore recommended to your
+consideration.
+
+I have scrupulously avoided any interference in the wars and contentions
+which have recently distracted Europe. During the late conflict between
+Austria and Hungary there seemed to be a prospect that the latter might
+become an independent nation. However faint that prospect at the time
+appeared, I thought it my duty, in accordance with the general sentiment of
+the American people, who deeply sympathized with the Magyar patriots, to
+stand prepared, upon the contingency of the establishment by her of a
+permanent government, to be the first to welcome independent Hungary into
+the family of nations. For this purpose I invested an agent then in Europe
+with power to declare our willingness promptly to recognize her
+independence in the event of her ability to sustain it. The powerful
+intervention of Russia in the contest extinguished the hopes of the
+struggling Magyars. The United States did not at any time interfere in the
+contest, but the feelings of the nation were strongly enlisted in the
+cause, and by the sufferings of a brave people, who had made a gallant,
+though unsuccessful, effort to be free.
+
+Our claims upon Portugal have been during the past year prosecuted with
+renewed vigor, and it has been my object to employ every effort of
+honorable diplomacy to procure their adjustment. Our late charge d'affaires
+at Lisbon, the Hon. George W. Hopkins, made able and energetic, but
+unsuccessful, efforts to settle these unpleasant matters of controversy and
+to obtain indemnity for the wrongs which were the subjects of complaint.
+Our present charge d'affaires at that Court will also bring to the
+prosecution of these claims ability and zeal. The revolutionary and
+distracted condition of Portugal in past times has been represented as one
+of the leading causes of her delay in indemnifying our suffering citizens.
+But I must now say it is matter of profound regret that these claims have
+not yet been settled. The omission of Portugal to do justice to the
+American claimants has now assumed a character so grave and serious that I
+shall shortly make it the subject of a special message to Congress, with a
+view to such ultimate action as its wisdom and patriotism may suggest.
+
+With Russia, Austria, Prussia, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, the Netherlands,
+and the Italian States we still maintain our accustomed amicable
+relations.
+
+During the recent revolutions in the Papal States our charge d'affaires at
+Rome has been unable to present his letter of credence, which, indeed, he
+was directed by my predecessor to withhold until he should receive further
+orders. Such was the unsettled condition of things in those States that it
+was not deemed expedient to give him any instructions on the subject of
+presenting his credential letter different from those with which he had
+been furnished by the late Administration until the 25th of June last,
+when, in consequence of the want of accurate information of the exact state
+of things at that distance from us, he was instructed to exercise his own
+discretion in presenting himself to the then existing Government if in his
+judgment sufficiently stable, or, if not, to await further events. Since
+that period Rome has undergone another revolution, and he abides the
+establishment of a government sufficiently permanent to justify him in
+opening diplomatic intercourse with it.
+
+With the Republic of Mexico it is our true policy to cultivate the most
+friendly relations. Since the ratification of the treaty of Guadalupe
+Hidalgo nothing has occurred of a serious character to disturb them. A
+faithful observance of the treaty and a sincere respect for her rights can
+not fail to secure the lasting confidence and friendship of that Republic.
+The message of my predecessor to the House of Representatives of the 8th of
+February last, communicating, in compliance with a resolution of that body,
+a copy of a paper called a protocol, signed at Queretaro on the 30th of
+May, 1848, by the commissioners of the United States and the minister of
+foreign affairs of the Mexican Government, having been a subject of
+correspondence between the Department of State and the envoy extraordinary
+and minister plenipotentiary of that Republic accredited to this
+Government, a transcript of that correspondence is herewith submitted.
+
+The commissioner on the part of the United States for marking the boundary
+between the two Republics, though delayed in reaching San Diego by
+unforeseen obstacles, arrived at that place within a short period after the
+time required by the treaty, and was there joined by the commissioner on
+the part of Mexico. They entered upon their duties, and at the date of the
+latest intelligence from that quarter some progress had been made in the
+survey. The expenses incident to the organization of the commission and to
+its conveyance to the point where its operations were to begin have so much
+reduced the fund appropriated by Congress that a further sum, to cover the
+charges which must be incurred during the present fiscal year, will be
+necessary. The great length of frontier along which the boundary extends,
+the nature of the adjacent territory, and the difficulty of obtaining
+supplies except at or near the extremes of the line render it also
+indispensable that a liberal provision should be made to meet the necessary
+charges during the fiscal year ending on the 30th of June, 1851. I
+accordingly recommend this subject to your attention.
+
+In the adjustment of the claims of American citizens on Mexico, provided
+for by the late treaty, the employment of counsel on the part of the
+Government may become important for the purpose of assisting the
+commissioners in protecting the interests of the United States. I recommend
+this subject to the early and favorable consideration of Congress.
+
+Complaints have been made in regard to the inefficiency of the means
+provided by the Government of New Granada for transporting the United
+States mail across the Isthmus of Panama, pursuant to our postal convention
+with that Republic of the 6th of March, 1844. Our charge d'affaires at
+Bogota has been directed to make such representations to the Government of
+New Granada as will, it is hoped, lead to a prompt removal of this cause of
+complaint.
+
+The sanguinary civil war with which the Republic of Venezuela has for some
+time past been ravaged has been brought to a close. In its progress the
+rights of some of our citizens resident or trading there have been
+violated. The restoration of order will afford the Venezuelan Government an
+opportunity to examine and redress these grievances and others of longer
+standing which our representatives at Caracas have hitherto ineffectually
+urged upon the attention of that Government.
+
+The extension of the coast of the United States on the Pacific and the
+unexampled rapidity with which the inhabitants of California especially are
+increasing in numbers have imparted new consequence to our relations with
+the other countries whose territories border upon that ocean. It is
+probable that the intercourse between those countries and our possessions
+in that quarter, particularly with the Republic of Chili, will become
+extensive and mutually advantageous in proportion as California and Oregon
+shall increase in population and wealth. It is desirable, therefore, that
+this Government should do everything in its power to foster and strengthen
+its relations with those States, and that the spirit of amity between us
+should be mutual and cordial.
+
+I recommend the observance of the same course toward all other American
+States. The United States stand as the great American power, to which, as
+their natural ally and friend, they will always be disposed first to look
+for mediation and assistance in the event of any collision between them and
+any European nation. As such we may often kindly mediate in their behalf
+without entangling ourselves in foreign wars or unnecessary controversies.
+Whenever the faith of our treaties with any of them shall require our
+interference, we must necessarily interpose.
+
+A convention has been negotiated with Brazil providing for the satisfaction
+of American claims on that Government, and it will be submitted to the
+Senate. Since the last session of Congress we have received an envoy
+extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary from that Empire, and our
+relations with it are rounded upon the most amicable understanding.
+
+Your attention is earnestly invited to an amendment of our existing laws
+relating to the African slave trade with a view to the effectual
+suppression of that barbarous traffic. It is not to be denied that this
+trade is still in part carried on by means of vessels built in the United
+States and owned or navigated by some of our citizens. The correspondence
+between the Department of State and the minister and consul of the United
+States at Rio de Janeiro, which has from time to time been laid before
+Congress, represents that it is a customary device to evade the penalties
+of our laws by means of sea letters. Vessels sold in Brazil, when provided
+with such papers by the consul, instead of returning to the United States
+for a new register proceed at once to the coast of Africa for the purpose
+of obtaining cargoes of slaves. Much additional information of the same
+character has recently been transmitted to the Department of State. It has
+not been considered the policy of our laws to subject an American citizen
+who in a foreign country purchases a vessel built in the United States to
+the inconvenience of sending her home for a new register before permitting
+her to proceed on a voyage. Any alteration of the laws which might have a
+tendency to impede the free transfer of property in vessels between our
+citizens, or the free navigation of those vessels between different parts
+of the world when employed in lawful commerce, should be well and
+cautiously considered; but I trust that your wisdom will devise a method by
+which our general policy in this respect may be preserved, and at the same
+time the abuse of our flag by means of sea letters, in the manner
+indicated, may be prevented.
+
+Having ascertained that there is no prospect of the reunion of the five
+States of Central America which formerly composed the Republic of that
+name, we have separately negotiated with some of them treaties of amity and
+commerce, which will be laid before the Senate.
+
+A contract having been concluded with the State of Nicaragua by a company
+composed of American citizens for the purpose of constructing a ship canal
+through the territory of that State to connect the Atlantic and Pacific
+oceans, I have directed the negotiation of a treaty with Nicaragua pledging
+both Governments to protect those who shall engage in and perfect the work.
+All other nations are invited by the State of Nicaragua to enter into the
+same treaty stipulations with her; and the benefit to be derived by each
+from such an arrangement will be the protection of this great interoceanic
+communication against any power which might seek to obstruct it or to
+monopolize its advantages. All States entering into such a treaty will
+enjoy the right of passage through the canal on payment of the same tolls.
+The work, if constructed under these guaranties, will become a bond of
+peace instead of a subject of contention and strife between the nations of
+the earth. Should the great maritime States of Europe consent to this
+arrangement (and we have no reason to suppose that a proposition so fair
+and honorable will be opposed by any), the energies of their people and
+ours will cooperate in promoting the success of the enterprise. I do not
+recommend any appropriation from the National Treasury for this purpose,
+nor do I believe that such an appropriation is necessary. Private
+enterprise, if properly protected, will complete the work should it prove
+to be feasible. The parties who have procured the charter from Nicaragua
+for its construction desire no assistance from this Government beyond its
+protection; and they profess that, having examined the proposed line of
+communication, they will be ready to commence the undertaking whenever that
+protection shall be extended to them. Should there appear to be reason, on
+examining the whole evidence, to entertain a serious doubt of the
+practicability of constructing such a canal, that doubt could be speedily
+solved by an actual exploration of the route.
+
+Should such a work be constructed under the common protection of all
+nations, for equal benefits to all, it would be neither just nor expedient
+that any great maritime state should command the communication. The
+territory through which the canal may be opened ought to be freed from the
+claims of any foreign power. No such power should occupy a position that
+would enable it hereafter to exercise so controlling an influence over the
+commerce of the world or to obstruct a highway which ought to be dedicated
+to the common uses of mankind.
+
+The routes across the Isthmus at Tehuantepec and Panama are also worthy of
+our serious consideration.. They did not fail to engage the attention of my
+predecessor. The negotiator of the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was
+instructed to offer a very large sum of money for the right of transit
+across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. The Mexican Government did not accede to
+the proposition for the purchase of the right of way, probably because it
+had already contracted with private individuals for the construction of a
+passage from the Guasacualco River to Tehuantepec. I shall not renew any
+proposition to purchase for money a right which ought to be equally secured
+to all nations on payment of a reasonable toll to the owners of the
+improvement, who would doubtless be well contented with that compensation
+and the guaranties of the maritime states of the world in separate treaties
+negotiated with Mexico, binding her and them to protect those who should
+construct the work. Such guaranties would do more to secure the completion
+of the communication through the territory of Mexico than any other
+reasonable consideration that could be offered; and as Mexico herself would
+be the greatest gainer by the opening of this communication between the
+Gulf and the Pacific Ocean, it is presumed that she would not hesitate to
+yield her aid in the manner proposed to accomplish an improvement so
+important to her own best interests.
+
+We have reason to hope that the proposed railroad across the Isthmus at
+Panama will be successfully constructed under the protection of the late
+treaty with New Granada, ratified and exchanged by my predecessor on the
+10th day of June, 1848, which guarantees the perfect neutrality of the
+Isthmus and the rights of sovereignty and property of New Granada over that
+territory, "with a view that the free transit from ocean to ocean may not
+be interrupted or embarrassed" during the existence of the treaty. It is
+our policy to encourage every practicable route across the isthmus which
+connects North and South America, either by railroad or canal, which the
+energy and enterprise of our citizens may induce them to complete, and I
+consider it obligatory upon me to adopt that policy, especially in
+consequence of the absolute necessity of facilitating intercourse with our
+possessions on the Pacific.
+
+The position of the Sandwich Islands with reference to the territory of the
+United States on the Pacific, the success of our persevering and benevolent
+citizens who have repaired to that remote quarter in Christianizing the
+natives and inducing them to adopt a system of government and laws suited
+to their capacity and wants, and the use made by our numerous whale ships
+of the harbors of the islands as places of resort for obtaining
+refreshments and repairs all combine to render their destiny peculiarly
+interesting to us. It is our duty to encourage the authorities of those
+islands in their efforts to improve and elevate the moral and political
+condition of the inhabitants, and we should make reasonable allowances for
+the difficulties inseparable from this task. We desire that the islands may
+maintain their independence and that other nations should concur with us in
+this sentiment. We could in no event be indifferent to their passing under
+the dominion of any other power. The principal commercial states have in
+this a common interest, and it is to be hoped that no one of them will
+attempt to interpose obstacles to the entire independence of the islands.
+
+The receipts into the Treasury for the fiscal year ending on the 30th of
+June last were, in cash, $48,830,097.50, and in Treasury notes funded
+$10,833,000, making an aggregate of $59,663,097.50; and the expenditures
+for the same time were, in cash, $46,798,667.82, and in Treasury notes
+funded $10,833,000, making an aggregate of $57,631,667.82.
+
+The accounts and estimates which will be submitted to Congress in the
+report of the Secretary of the Treasury show that there will probably be a
+deficit occasioned by the expenses of the Mexican War and treaty on the 1st
+day of July next of $5,828,121.66, and on the 1st day of July, 1851, of
+$10,547,092.73, making in the whole a probable deficit to be provided for
+of $16,375,214.39. The extraordinary expenses of the war with Mexico and
+the purchase of California and New Mexico exceed in amount this deficit,
+together with the loans heretofore made for those objects. I therefore
+recommend that authority be given to borrow what ever sum may be necessary
+to cover that deficit. I recommend the observance of strict economy in the
+appropriation and expenditure of public money.
+
+I recommend a revision of the existing tariff and its adjustment on a basis
+which may augment the revenue. I do not doubt the right or duty of Congress
+to encourage domestic industry, which is the great source of national as
+well as individual wealth and prosperity. I look to the wisdom and
+patriotism of Congress for the adoption of a system which may place home
+labor at last on a sure and permanent footing and by due encouragement of
+manufactures give a new and increased stimulus to agriculture and promote
+the development of our vast resources and the extension of our commerce.
+Believing that to the attainment of these ends, as well as the necessary
+augmentation of the revenue and the prevention of frauds, a system of
+specific duties is best adapted, I strongly recommend to Congress the
+adoption of that system, fixing the duties at rates high enough to afford
+substantial and sufficient encouragement to our own industry and at the
+same time so adjusted as to insure stability.
+
+The question of the continuance of the subtreasury system is respectfully
+submitted to the wisdom of Congress. If continued, important modifications
+of it appear to be indispensable.
+
+For further details and views on the above and other matters connected with
+commerce, the finances, and revenue I refer to the report of the Secretary
+of the Treasury.
+
+No direct aid has been given by the General Government to the improvement
+of agriculture except by the expenditure of small sums for the collection
+and publication of agricultural statistics and for some chemical analyses,
+which have been thus far paid for out of the patent fund. This aid is, in
+my opinion, wholly inadequate. To give to this leading branch of American
+industry the encouragement which it merits, I respectfully recommend the
+establishment of an agricultural bureau, to be connected with the
+Department of the Interior. To elevate the social condition of the
+agriculturist, to increase his prosperity, and to extend his means of
+usefulness to his country, by multiplying his sources of information,
+should be the study of every statesman and a primary object with every
+legislator.
+
+No civil government having been provided by Congress for California, the
+people of that Territory, impelled by the necessities of their political
+condition, recently met in convention for the purpose of forming a
+constitution and State government, which the latest advices give me reason
+to suppose has been accomplished; and it is believed they will shortly
+apply for the admission of California into the Union as a sovereign State.
+Should such be the case, and should their constitution be conformable to
+the requisitions of the Constitution of the United States, I recommend
+their application to the favorable consideration of Congress. The people of
+New Mexico will also, it is believed, at no very distant period present
+themselves for admission into the Union. Preparatory to the admission of
+California and New Mexico the people of each will have instituted for
+themselves a republican form of government, "laying its foundation in such
+principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem
+most likely to effect their safety and happiness." By awaiting their action
+all causes of uneasiness may be avoided and confidence and kind feeling
+preserved. With a view of maintaining the harmony and tranquillity so dear
+to all, we should abstain from the introduction of those exciting topics of
+a sectional character which have hitherto produced painful apprehensions in
+the public mind; and I repeat the solemn warning of the first and most
+illustrious of my predecessors against furnishing "any ground for
+characterizing parties by geographical discriminations."
+
+A collector has been appointed at San Francisco under the act of Congress
+extending the revenue laws over California, and measures have been taken to
+organize the custom-houses at that and the other ports mentioned in that
+act at the earliest period practicable. The collector proceeded overland,
+and advices have not yet been received of his arrival at San Francisco.
+Meanwhile, it is understood that the customs have continued to be collected
+there by officers acting under the military authority, as they were during
+the Administration of my predecessor. It will, I think, be expedient to
+confirm the collections thus made, and direct the avails (after such
+allowances as Congress may think fit to authorize) to be expended within
+the Territory or to be paid into the Treasury for the purpose of meeting
+appropriations for the improvement of its rivers and harbors.
+
+A party engaged on the coast survey was dispatched to Oregon in January
+last. According to the latest advices, they had not left California; and
+directions have been given to them, as soon as they shall have fixed on the
+sites of the two light-houses and the buoys authorized to be constructed
+and placed in Oregon, to proceed without delay to make reconnaissance of
+the most important points on the coast of California, and especially to
+examine and determine on sites for light-houses on that coast, the speedy
+erection of which is urgently demanded by our rapidly increasing commerce.
+
+I have transferred the Indian agencies from upper Missouri and Council
+Bluffs to Santa Fe and Salt Lake, and have caused to be appointed subagents
+in the valleys of the Gila, the Sacramento, and the San Joaquin rivers.
+Still further legal provisions will be necessary for the effective and
+successful extension of our system of Indian intercourse over the new
+territories.
+
+I recommend the establishment of a branch mint in California, as it will,
+in my opinion, afford important facilities to those engaged in mining, as
+well as to the Government in the disposition of the mineral lands.
+
+I also recommend that commissions be organized by Congress to examine and
+decide upon the validity of the present subsisting land titles in
+California and New Mexico, and that provision be made for the establishment
+of offices of surveyor-general in New Mexico, California, and Oregon and
+for the surveying and bringing into market the public lands in those
+Territories. Those lands, remote in position and difficult of access, ought
+to be disposed of on terms liberal to all, but especially favorable to the
+early emigrants.
+
+In order that the situation and character of the principal mineral deposits
+in California may be ascertained, I recommend that a geological and
+mineralogical exploration be connected with the linear surveys, and that
+the mineral lands be divided into small lots suitable for mining and be
+disposed of by sale or lease, so as to give our citizens an opportunity of
+procuring a permanent right of property in the soil. This would seem to be
+as important to the success of mining as of agricultural pursuits.
+
+The great mineral wealth of California and the advantages which its ports
+and harbors and those of Oregon afford to commerce, especially with the
+islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans and the populous regions of
+eastern Asia, make it certain that there will arise in a few years large
+and prosperous communities on our western coast. It therefore becomes
+important that a line of communication, the best and most expeditious which
+the nature of the country will admit, should be opened within the territory
+of the United States from the navigable waters of the Atlantic or the Gulf
+of Mexico to the Pacific. Opinion, as elicited and expressed by two large
+and respectable conventions lately assembled at St. Louis and Memphis,
+points to a railroad as that which, if practicable, will best meet the
+wishes and wants of the country. But while this, if in successful
+operation, would be a work of great national importance and of a value to
+the country which it would be difficult to estimate, it ought also to be
+regarded as an undertaking of vast magnitude and expense, and one which
+must, if it be indeed practicable, encounter many difficulties in its
+construction and use. Therefore, to avoid failure and disappointment; to
+enable Congress to judge whether in the condition of the country through
+which it must pass the work be feasible, and, if it be found so, whether it
+should be undertaken as a national improvement or left to individual
+enterprise, and in the latter alternative what aid, if any, ought to be
+extended to it by the Government, I recommend as a preliminary measure a
+careful reconnaissance of the several proposed routes by a scientific corps
+and a report as to the practicability of making such a road, with an
+estimate of the cost of its construction and support.
+
+For further views on these and other matters connected with the duties of
+the home department I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the
+Interior.
+
+I recommend early appropriations for continuing the river and harbor
+improvements which have been already begun, and also for the construction
+of those for which estimates have been made, as well as for examinations
+and estimates preparatory to the commencement of such others as the wants
+of the country, and especially the advance of our population over new
+districts and the extension of commerce, may render necessary. An estimate
+of the amount which can be advantageously expended within the next fiscal
+year under the direction of the Bureau of Topographical Engineers
+accompanies the report of the Secretary of War, to which I respectfully
+invite the attention of Congress.
+
+The cession of territory made by the late treaty with Mexico has greatly
+extended our exposed frontier and rendered its defense more difficult. That
+treaty has also brought us under obligations to Mexico, to comply with
+which a military force is requisite. But our military establishment is not
+materially changed as to its efficiency from the condition in which it
+stood before the commencement of the Mexican War. Some addition to it will
+therefore be necessary, and I recommend to the favorable consideration of
+Congress an increase of the several corps of the Army at our distant
+Western posts, as proposed in the accompanying report of the Secretary of
+War.
+
+Great embarrassment has resulted from the effect upon rank in the Army
+heretofore given to brevet and staff commissions. The views of the
+Secretary of War on this subject are deemed important, and if carried into
+effect will, it is believed, promote the harmony of the service. The plan
+proposed for retiring disabled officers and providing an asylum for such of
+the rank and file as from age, wounds, and other infirmities occasioned by
+service have become unfit to perform their respective duties is recommended
+as a means of increasing the efficiency of the Army and as an act of
+justice due from a grateful country to the faithful soldier.
+
+The accompanying report of the Secretary of the Navy presents a full and
+satisfactory account of the condition and operations of the naval service
+during the past year. Our citizens engaged in the legitimate pursuits of
+commerce have enjoyed its benefits. Wherever our national vessels have gone
+they have been received with respect, our officers have been treated with
+kindness and courtesy, and they have on all occasions pursued a course of
+strict neutrality, in accordance with the policy of our Government.
+
+The naval force at present in commission is as large as is admissible with
+the number of men authorized by Congress to be employed.
+
+I invite your attention to the recommendation of the Secretary of the Navy
+on the subject of a reorganization of the Navy in its various grades of
+officers, and the establishing of a retired list for such of the officers
+as are disqualified for active and effective service. Should Congress adopt
+some such measure as is recommended, it will greatly increase the
+efficiency of the Navy and reduce its expenditures.
+
+I also ask your attention to the views expressed by him in reference to the
+employment of war steamers and in regard to the contracts for the
+transportation of the United States mails and the operation of the system
+upon the prosperity of the Navy.
+
+By an act of Congress passed August 14, 1848, provision was made for
+extending post-office and mail accommodations to California and Oregon.
+Exertions have been made to execute that law, but the limited provisions of
+the act, the inadequacy of the means it authorizes, the ill adaptation of
+our post-office laws to the situation of that country, and the measure of
+compensation for services allowed by those laws, compared with the prices
+of labor and rents in California, render those exertions in a great degree
+ineffectual. More particular and efficient provision by law is required on
+this subject.
+
+The act of 1845 reducing postage has now, by its operation during four
+years, produced results fully showing that the income from such reduced
+postage is sufficient to sustain the whole expense of the service of the
+Post-Office Department, not including the cost of transportation in mail
+steamers on the lines from New York to Chagres and from Panama to Astoria,
+which have not been considered by Congress as properly belonging to the
+mail service.
+
+It is submitted to the wisdom of Congress whether a further reduction of
+postage should not now be made, more particularly on the letter
+correspondence. This should be relieved from the unjust burden of
+transporting and delivering the franked matter of Congress, for which
+public service provision should be made from the Treasury. I confidently
+believe that a change may safely be made reducing all single letter postage
+to the uniform rate of 5 cents, regardless of distance, without thereby
+imposing any greater tax on the Treasury than would constitute a very
+moderate compensation for this public service; and I therefore respectfully
+recommend such a reduction. Should Congress prefer to abolish the franking
+privilege entirely, it seems probable that no demand on the Treasury would
+result from the proposed reduction of postage. Whether any further
+diminution should now be made, or the result of the reduction to 5 cents,
+which I have recommended, should be first tested, is submitted to your
+decision.
+
+Since the commencement of the last session of Congress a postal treaty with
+Great Britain has been received and ratified, and such relations have been
+formed by the post-office departments of the two countries in pursuance of
+that treaty as to carry its provisions into full operation. The attempt to
+extend this same arrangement through England to France has not been equally
+successful, but the purpose has not been abandoned.
+
+For a particular statement of the condition of the Post-Office Department
+and other matters connected with that branch of the public service I refer
+you to the report of the Postmaster-General.
+
+By the act of the 3d of March, 1849, a board was constituted to make
+arrangements for taking the Seventh Census, composed of the Secretary of
+State, the Attorney-General, and the Postmaster-General; and it was made
+the duty of this board "to prepare and cause to be printed such forms and
+schedules as might be necessary for the full enumeration of the inhabitants
+of the United States, and also proper forms and schedules for collecting in
+statistical tables, under proper heads, such information as to mines,
+agriculture, commerce, manufactures, education, and other topics as would
+exhibit a full view of the pursuits, industry, education, and resources of
+the country." The duties enjoined upon the census board thus established
+having been performed, it now rests with Congress to enact a law for
+carrying into effect the provision of the Constitution which requires an
+actual enumeration of the people of the United States within the ensuing
+year.
+
+Among the duties assigned by the Constitution to the General Government is
+one of local and limited application, but not on that account the less
+obligatory. I allude to the trust committed to Congress as the exclusive
+legislator and sole guardian of the interests of the District of Columbia.
+I beg to commend these interests to your kind attention. As the national
+metropolis the city of Washington must be an object of general interest;
+and founded, as it was, under the auspices of him whose immortal name it
+bears, its claims to the fostering care of Congress present themselves with
+additional strength. Whatever can contribute to its prosperity must enlist
+the feelings of its constitutional guardians and command their favorable
+consideration.
+
+Our Government is one of limited powers, and its successful administration
+eminently depends on the confinement of each of its coordinate branches
+within its own appropriate sphere. The first section of the Constitution
+ordains that--
+
+All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the
+United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of
+Representatives.
+
+The Executive has authority to recommend (not to dictate) measures to
+Congress. Having performed that duty, the executive department of the
+Government can not rightfully control the decision of Congress on any
+subject of legislation until that decision shall have been officially
+submitted to the President for approval. The check provided by the
+Constitution in the clause conferring the qualified veto will never be
+exercised by me except in the cases contemplated by the fathers of the
+Republic. I view it as an extreme measure, to be resorted to only in
+extraordinary cases, as where it may become necessary to defend the
+executive against the encroachments of the legislative power or to prevent
+hasty and inconsiderate or unconstitutional legislation. By cautiously
+confining this remedy within the sphere prescribed to it in the
+contemporaneous expositions of the framers of the Constitution, the will of
+the people, legitimately expressed on all subjects of legislation through
+their constitutional organs, the Senators and Representatives of the United
+States, will have its full effect. As indispensable to the preservation of
+our system of self-government, the independence of the representatives of
+the States and the people is guaranteed by the Constitution, and they owe
+no responsibility to any human power but their constituents. By holding the
+representative responsible only to the people, and exempting him from all
+other influences, we elevate the character of the constituent and quicken
+his sense of responsibility to his country. It is under these circumstances
+only that the elector can feel that in the choice of the lawmaker he is
+himself truly a component part of the sovereign power of the nation. With
+equal care we should study to defend the rights of the executive and
+judicial departments. Our Government can only be preserved in its purity by
+the suppression and entire elimination of every claim or tendency of one
+coordinate branch to encroachment upon another. With the strict observance
+of this rule and the other injunctions of the Constitution, with a sedulous
+inculcation of that respect and love for the Union of the States which our
+fathers cherished and enjoined upon their children, and with the aid of
+that overruling Providence which has so long and so kindly guarded our
+liberties and institutions, we may reasonably expect to transmit them, with
+their innumerable blessings, to the remotest posterity.
+
+But attachment to the Union of the States should be habitually fostered in
+every American heart. For more than half a century, during which kingdoms
+and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who
+formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the
+proudest monument to their memory and the object of affection and
+admiration with everyone worthy to bear the American name. In my judgment
+its dissolution would be the greatest of calamities, and to avert that
+should be the study of every American. Upon its preservation must depend
+our own happiness and that of countless generations to come. Whatever
+dangers may threaten it, I shall stand by it and maintain it in its
+integrity to the full extent of the obligations imposed and the powers
+conferred upon me by the Constitution.
+
+Z. TAYLOR.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+        
+            *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES ***
+        
+
+    
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will
+be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
+law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
+so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
+States without permission and without paying copyright
+royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
+of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™
+concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
+and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following
+the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use
+of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for
+copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very
+easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation
+of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project
+Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may
+do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected
+by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark
+license, especially commercial redistribution.
+
+
+START: FULL LICENSE
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
+Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at
+www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works
+
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
+destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your
+possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
+Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
+by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person
+or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this
+agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
+Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
+of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual
+works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
+States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
+United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
+claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
+displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
+all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
+that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting
+free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™
+works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
+Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily
+comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
+same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when
+you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
+in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
+check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
+agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
+distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
+other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no
+representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
+country other than the United States.
+
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work
+on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the
+phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed,
+performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
+
+    This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+    other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+    whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+    of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
+    at www.gutenberg.org. If you
+    are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws
+    of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
+  
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is
+derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
+contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
+copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
+the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
+redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
+either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
+obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™
+trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
+additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
+will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works
+posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
+beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™.
+
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg™ License.
+
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
+any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
+to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format
+other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official
+version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website
+(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
+to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
+of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain
+Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the
+full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+provided that:
+
+    • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+        the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method
+        you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
+        to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has
+        agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
+        within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
+        legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
+        payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
+        Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
+        Literary Archive Foundation.”
+    
+    • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+        you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+        does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™
+        License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
+        copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
+        all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™
+        works.
+    
+    • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+        any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+        electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+        receipt of the work.
+    
+    • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+        distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.
+    
+
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than
+are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
+from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of
+the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set
+forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
+Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
+contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
+or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
+intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
+other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
+cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right
+of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
+with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
+with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
+lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
+or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
+opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
+the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
+without further opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO
+OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
+damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
+violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
+agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
+limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
+unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
+remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in
+accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
+production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
+including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
+the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
+or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or
+additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any
+Defect you cause.
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™
+
+Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
+computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
+exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
+from people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future
+generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
+Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
+U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws.
+
+The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West,
+Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up
+to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website
+and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread
+public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state
+visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
+donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
+Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be
+freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
+distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of
+volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
+the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
+necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
+edition.
+
+Most people start at our website which has the main PG search
+facility: www.gutenberg.org.
+
+This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+

PG5035_text.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1544 @@
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+State of the Union Addresses of Warren Harding
+
+
+
+The addresses are separated by three asterisks: ***
+
+Dates of addresses by Warren Harding in this eBook:
+
+  December 6, 1921
+  December 8, 1922
+
+
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+Warren Harding
+December 6, 1921
+
+MR. SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS:
+
+It is a very gratifying privilege to come to the Congress with the Republic
+at peace with all the nations of the world. More, it is equally gratifying
+to report that our country is not only free from every impending, menace of
+war, but there are growing assurances of the permanency of the peace which
+we so deeply cherish.
+
+For approximately ten years we have dwelt amid menaces of war or as
+participants in war's actualities, and the inevitable aftermath, with its
+disordered conditions, bits added to the difficulties of government which
+adequately can not be appraised except by, those who are in immediate
+contact and know the responsibilities. Our tasks would be less difficult if
+we had only ourselves to consider, but so much of the world was involved,
+the disordered conditions are so well-nigh universal, even among nations
+not engaged in actual warfare, that no permanent readjustments can be
+effected without consideration of our inescapable relationship to world
+affairs in finance and trade. Indeed, we should be unworthy of our best
+traditions if we were unmindful of social, moral, and political conditions
+which are not of direct concern to us, but which do appeal to the human
+sympathies and the very becoming interest of a people blest with our
+national good fortune.
+
+It is not my purpose to bring to you a program of world restoration. In the
+main such a program must be worked out by the nations more directly
+concerned. They must themselves turn to the heroic remedies for the
+menacing conditions under which they are struggling, then we can help, and
+we mean to help. We shall do so unselfishly because there is compensation
+in the consciousness of assisting, selfishly because the commerce and
+international exchanges in trade, which marked our high tide of fortunate
+advancement, are possible only when the nations of all continents are
+restored to stable order and normal relationship.
+
+In the main the contribution of this Republic to restored normalcy in the
+world must come through the initiative of the executive branch of the
+Government, but the best of intentions and most carefully considered
+purposes would fail utterly if the sanction and the cooperation of Congress
+were not cheerfully accorded.
+
+I am very sure we shall have no conflict of opinion about constitutional
+duties or authority. During the anxieties of war, when necessity seemed
+compelling there were excessive grants of authority and all extraordinary
+concentration of powers in the Chief Executive. The repeal of war-time
+legislation and the automatic expirations which attended the peace
+proclamations have put an end to these emergency excesses but I have the
+wish to go further than that. I want to join you ill restoring-, ill the
+most cordial way, the spirit of coordination and cooperation, and that
+mutuality of confidence and respect which is necessary ill representative
+popular government.
+
+Encroachment upon the functions of Congress or attempted dictation of its
+policy are not to be thought of, much less attempted, but there is all
+insistent call for harmony of purpose and concord of action to speed the
+solution of the difficult problems confronting both the legislative and
+executive branches of the Government.
+
+It is worth while to make allusion here to the character of our Clove
+Government, mindful as one must be that an address to you is no less it
+message to all our people, for whom you speak most intimately. Ours is it
+popular Government through political parties. We divide along political
+lines, and I would ever have it so. I do not mean that partisan preferences
+should hinder any public servant in the performance of a conscientious and
+patriotic official duty. We saw partisan lines utterly obliterated when war
+imperiled, and our faith in the Republic was riveted anew. We ought not to
+find these partisan lines obstructing the expeditious solution of the
+urgent problems of peace.
+
+Granting that we are fundamentally a representative popular Government,
+with political parties the governing agencies, I believe the political
+party in power should assume responsibility, determine upon policies ill
+the conference which supplements conventions and election campaigns, and
+then strive for achievement through adherence to the accepted policy.
+
+There is vastly greater security, immensely more of the national
+viewpoint, much larger and prompter accomplishment where our divisions are
+along party lines, in the broader and loftier sense, than to divide
+geographically, or according to pursuits, or personal following. For a
+century and a third, parties have been charged with responsibility and held
+to strict accounting. When they fail, they are relieved of authority; and
+the system has brought its to a national eminence no less than a world
+example.
+
+Necessarily legislation is a matter of compromise. The full ideal is seldom
+attained. In that meeting of minds necessary to insure results, there must
+and will be accommodations and compromises, but in the estimate of
+convictions and sincere put-poses the supreme responsibility to national
+interest must not be ignored. The shield to the high-minded public servant
+who adheres to party policy is manifest, but the higher purpose is the good
+of the Republic as a whole.
+
+It would be ungracious to withhold acknowledgment of the really large
+volume and excellent quality of work accomplished by the extraordinary
+session of Congress which so recently adjourned. I am not unmindful of the
+very difficult tasks with which you were called to deal, and no one can
+ignore the insistent conditions which, during recent years, have called for
+the continued and almost exclusive attention of your membership to public
+work. It would suggest insincerity if I expressed complete accord with
+every expression recorded in your roll calls, but we are all agreed about
+the difficulties and the inevitable divergence of opinion in seeking the
+reduction, amelioration and readjustment of the burdens of taxation. Later
+on, when other problems are solved, I shall make some recommendations about
+renewed consideration of our tax program, but for the immediate time before
+us we must be content with the billion dollar reduction in the tax draft
+upon the people, and diminished irritations, banished uncertainty and
+improved methods of collection. By your sustainment of the rigid economies
+already inaugurated, with hoped-for extension of these economies and added
+efficiencies in administration, I believe further reductions may be enacted
+and hindering burdens abolished.
+
+In these urgent economies we shall be immensely assisted by the budget
+system for which you made provision in the extraordinary session. The first
+budget is before you. Its preparation is a signal achievement, and the
+perfection of the system, a thing impossible in the few months available
+for its initial trial, will mark its enactment as the beginning of the
+greatest reformation in governmental practices since the beginning of the
+Republic.
+
+There is pending a grant of authority to the administrative branch of the
+Government for the funding and settlement of our vast foreign loans growing
+out of our grant of war credits. With the hands of the executive branch
+held impotent to deal with these debts we are hindering urgent
+readjustments among our debtors and accomplishing nothing for ourselves. I
+think it is fair for the Congress to assume that the executive branch of
+the Government would adopt no major policy in dealing with these matters
+which would conflict with the purpose of Congress in authorizing the loans,
+certainly not without asking congressional approval, but there are minor
+problems incident to prudent loan transactions and the safeguarding of our
+interests which can not even be attempted without this authorization. It
+will be helpful to ourselves and it will improve conditions among our
+debtors if funding and the settlement of defaulted interest may be
+negotiated.
+
+The previous Congress, deeply concerned in behalf of our merchant marine,
+in 1920 enacted the existing shipping law, designed for the upbuilding of
+the American merchant marine. Among other things provided to encourage our
+shipping on the world's seas, the Executive was directed to give notice of
+the termination of all existing commercial treaties in order to admit of
+reduced duties on imports carried in American bottoms. During the life of
+the act no Executive has complied with this order of the Congress. When the
+present administration came into responsibility it began an early inquiry
+into the failure to execute the expressed purpose of the Jones Act. Only
+one conclusion has been possible. Frankly, Members of House and Senate,
+eager its I am to join you in the making of an American merchant marine
+commensurate with our commerce, the denouncement of our commercial
+treaties would involve us in a chaos of trade relationships and add
+indescribably to the confusion of the already disordered commercial world.
+Our power to do so is not disputed, but power and ships, without comity of
+relationship, will not give us the expanded trade which is inseparably
+linked with a great merchant marine. Moreover, the applied reduction of
+duty, for which the treaty denouncements were necessary, encouraged only
+the carrying of dutiable imports to our shores, while the tonnage which
+unfurls the flag on the seas is both free and dutiable, and the cargoes
+which make it nation eminent in trade are outgoing, rather than incoming.
+
+It is not my thought to lay the problem before you in detail today. It is
+desired only to say to you that the executive branch of the Government,
+uninfluenced by the protest of any nation, for none has been made, is well
+convinced that your proposal, highly intended and heartily supported here,
+is so fraught with difficulties and so marked by tendencies to discourage
+trade expansion, that I invite your tolerance of noncompliance for only a
+few weeks until a plan may be presented which contemplates no greater draft
+upon the Public Treasury, and which, though yet too crude to offer it
+to-day, gives such promise of expanding our merchant marine, that it will
+argue its own approval. It is enough to say to-day that we are so possessed
+of ships, and the American intention to establish it merchant marine is so
+unalterable, that a plain of reimbursement, at no other cost than is
+contemplated in the existing act, will appeal to the pride and encourage
+the hope of all the American people.
+
+There is before you the completion of the enactment of what has been termed
+a "permanent" tariff law, the word "permanent" being used to distinguish
+it from the emergency act which the Congress expedited early in the
+extraordinary session, and which is the law today. I can not too strongly
+urge in early completion of this necessary legislation It is needed to
+stabilize our industry at home; it is essential to make more definite our
+trade relations abroad. More, it is vital to the preservation of many of
+our own industries which contribute so notably to the very lifeblood of our
+Nation.
+
+There is now, and there always will be, a storm of conflicting opinion
+about any tariff revision. We can not go far wrong when we base our tariffs
+on the policy of preserving the productive activities which enhance
+employment and add to our national prosperity.
+
+Again comes the reminder that we must not be unmindful of world conditions,
+that peoples are struggling for industrial rehabilitation and that we can
+not dwell in industrial and commercial exclusion and at the same time do
+the just thing in aiding world reconstruction and readjustment. We do not
+seek a selfish aloofness, and we could not profit by it, were it possible.
+We recognize the necessity of buying wherever we sell, and the permanency
+of trade lies in its acceptable exchanges. In our pursuit of markets we
+must give as well as receive. We can not sell to others who do not produce,
+nor can we buy unless we produce at home. Sensible of every obligation of
+humanity, commerce and finance, linked as they are in the present world
+condition, it is not to be argued that we need destroy ourselves to be
+helpful to others. With all my heart I wish restoration to the peoples
+blighted by the awful World War, but the process of restoration does not
+lie in our acceptance of like conditions. It were better to, remain on firm
+ground, strive for ample employment and high standards of wage at home, and
+point the way to balanced budgets, rigid economies, and resolute, efficient
+work as the necessary remedies to cure disaster.
+
+Everything relating to trade, among ourselves and among nations, has been
+expanded, excessive, inflated, abnormal, and there is a madness in finance
+which no American policy alone will cure. We are a creditor Nation, not by
+normal processes, but made so by war. It is not an unworthy selfishness to
+seek to save ourselves, when the processes of that salvation are not only
+not denied to others, but commended to them. We seek to undermine for
+others no industry by which they subsist; we are obligated to permit the
+undermining of none of our own which make for employment and maintained
+activities.
+
+Every contemplation, it little matters in which direction one turns,
+magnifies the difficulty of tariff legislation, but the necessity of the
+revision is magnified with it. Doubtless we are justified in seeking it.
+More flexible policy than we have provided heretofore. I hope a way will be
+found to make for flexibility and elasticity, so that rates may be adjusted
+to meet unusual and changing conditions which can not be accurately
+anticipated. There are problems incident to unfair practices, and to
+exchanges which madness in money have made almost unsolvable. I know of no
+manner in which to effect this flexibility other than the extension of the
+powers of the Tariff Commission so that it can adapt itself to it
+scientific and wholly just administration of the law.
+
+I am not unmindful of the constitutional difficulties. These can be met by
+giving authority to the Chief Executive, who could proclaim-additional
+duties to meet conditions which the Congress may designate.
+
+At this point I must disavow any desire to enlarge the Executive's powers
+or add to the responsibilities of the office. They are already too large.
+If there were any other plan I would prefer it.
+
+The grant of authority to proclaim would necessarily bring the Tariff
+Commission into new and enlarged activities, because no Executive could
+discharge such a duty except upon the information acquired and
+recommendations made by this commission. But the plan is feasible, and the
+proper functioning of the board would give its it better administration of
+a defined policy than ever can be made possible by tariff duties prescribed
+without flexibility.
+
+There is a manifest difference of opinion about the merits of American
+valuation. Many nations have adopted delivery valuation as the basis for
+collecting duties; that is, they take the cost of the imports delivered at
+the port of entry as the basis for levying duty. It is no radical
+departure, in view of varying conditions and the disordered state of money
+values, to provide for American valuation, but there can not be ignored the
+danger of such a valuation, brought to the level of our own production
+costs, making our tariffs prohibitive. It might do so in many instances
+where imports ought to be encouraged. I believe Congress ought well
+consider the desirability of the only promising alternative, namely, a
+provision authorizing proclaimed American valuation, under prescribed
+conditions, on any given list of articles imported.
+
+In this proposed flexibility, authorizing increases to meet conditions so
+likely to change, there should also be provision for decreases. A rate may
+be just to-day, and entirely out of proportion six months from to-day. If
+our tariffs are to be made equitable, and not necessarily burden our
+imports and hinder our trade abroad, frequent adjustment will be necessary
+for years to come. Knowing the impossibility of modification by act of
+Congress for any one or a score of lines without involving a long array of
+schedules, I think we shall go a long ways toward stabilization, if there
+is recognition of the Tariff Commission's fitness to recommend urgent
+changes by proclamation.
+
+I am sure about public opinion favoring the early determination of our
+tariff policy. There have been reassuring signs of a business revival from
+the deep slump which all the world has been experiencing. Our unemployment,
+which gave its deep concern only a few weeks ago, has grown encouragingly
+less, and new assurances and renewed confidence will attend the
+congressional declaration that American industry will be held secure.
+
+Much has been said about the protective policy for ourselves making it
+impossible for our debtors to discharge their obligations to us. This is a
+contention not now pressing for decision. If we must choose between a
+people in idleness pressing for the payment of indebtedness, or a people
+resuming the normal ways of employment and carrying the credit, let us
+choose the latter. Sometimes we appraise largest the human ill most vivid
+in our minds. We have been giving, and are giving now, of our influence and
+appeals to minimize the likelihood of war and throw off the crushing
+burdens of armament. It is all very earnest, with a national soul
+impelling. But a people unemployed, and gaunt with hunger, face a situation
+quite as disheartening as war, and our greater obligation to-day is to do
+the Government's part toward resuming productivity and promoting fortunate
+and remunerative employment.
+
+Something more than tariff protection is required by American agriculture.
+To the farmer has come the earlier and the heavier burdens of readjustment.
+There is actual depression in our agricultural industry, while agricultural
+prosperity is absolutely essential to the general prosperity of the
+country.
+
+Congress has sought very earnestly to provide relief. It has promptly given
+such temporary relief as has been possible, but the call is insistent for
+the permanent solution. It is inevitable that large crops lower the prices
+and short crops advance them. No legislation can cure that fundamental law.
+But there must be some economic solution for the excessive variation in
+returns for agricultural production.
+
+It is rather shocking to be told, and to have the statement strongly
+supported, that 9,000,000 bales of cotton, raised on American plantations
+in a given year, will actually be worth more to the producers than
+13,000,000 bales would have been. Equally shocking is the statement that
+700,000,000 bushels of wheat, raised by American farmers, would bring them
+more money than a billion bushels. Yet these are not exaggerated
+statements. In a world where there are tens of millions who need food and
+clothing which they can not get, such a condition is sure to indict the
+social system which makes it possible.
+
+In the main the remedy lies in distribution and marketing. Every proper
+encouragement should be given to the cooperative marketing programs. These
+have proven very helpful to the cooperating communities in Europe. In
+Russia the cooperative community has become the recognized bulwark of law
+and order, and saved individualism from engulfment in social paralysis.
+Ultimately they will be accredited with the salvation of the Russian
+State.
+
+There is the appeal for this experiment. Why not try it? No one challenges
+the right of the farmer to a larger share of the consumer's pay for his
+product, no one disputes that we can not live without the farmer. He is
+justified in rebelling against the transportation cost. Given a fair
+return for his labor, he will have less occasion to appeal for financial
+aid; and given assurance that his labors shall not be in vain, we reassure
+all the people of a production sufficient to meet our National requirement
+and guard against disaster.
+
+The base of the pyramid of civilization which rests upon the soil is
+shrinking through the drift of population from farm to city. For a
+generation we have been expressing more or less concern about this
+tendency. Economists have warned and statesmen have deplored. We thought
+for at time that modern conveniences and the more intimate contact would
+halt the movement, but it has gone steadily on. Perhaps only grim necessity
+will correct it, but we ought to find a less drastic remedy.
+
+The existing scheme of adjusting freight rates hits been favoring the
+basing points, until industries are attracted to some centers and repelled
+from others. A great volume of uneconomic and wasteful transportation has
+attended, and the cost increased accordingly. The grain-milling and
+meat-packing industries afford ample illustration, and the attending
+concentration is readily apparent. The menaces in concentration are not
+limited to the retardingly influences on agriculture. Manifestly the.
+conditions and terms of railway transportation ought not be permitted to
+increase this undesirable tendency. We have a just pride in our great
+cities, but we shall find a greater pride in the Nation, which has it
+larger distribution of its population into the country, where comparatively
+self-sufficient smaller communities may blend agricultural and
+manufacturing interests in harmonious helpfulness and enhanced good
+fortune. Such a movement contemplates no destruction of things wrought, of
+investments made, or wealth involved. It only looks to a general policy of
+transportation of distributed industry, and of highway construction, to
+encourage the spread of our population and restore the proper balance
+between city and country. The problem may well have your earnest
+attention.
+
+It has been perhaps the proudest claim of our American civilization that in
+dealing with human relationships it has constantly moved toward such
+justice in distributing the product of human energy that it has improved
+continuously the economic status of the mass of people. Ours has been a
+highly productive social organization. On the way up from the elemental
+stages of society we have eliminated slavery and serfdom and are now far on
+the way to the elimination of poverty.
+
+Through the eradication of illiteracy and the diffusion of education
+mankind has reached a stage where we may fairly say that in the United
+States equality of opportunity has been attained, though all are not
+prepared to embrace it. There is, indeed, a too great divergence between
+the economic conditions of the most and the least favored classes in the
+community. But even that divergence has now come to the point where we
+bracket the very poor and the very rich together as the least fortunate
+classes. Our efforts may well be directed to improving the status of both.
+
+While this set of problems is commonly comprehended under the general
+phrase "Capital and labor," it is really vastly broader. It is a question
+of social and economic organization. Labor has become a large contributor,
+through its savings, to the stock of capital; while the people who own the
+largest individual aggregates of capital are themselves often hard and
+earnest laborers. Very often it is extremely difficult to draw the line of
+demarcation between the two groups; to determine whether a particular
+individual is entitled to be set down as laborer or as capitalist. In a
+very large proportion of cases he is both, and when he is both he is the
+most useful citizen.
+
+The right of labor to organize is just as fundamental and necessary as is
+the right of capital to organize. The right of labor to negotiate, to deal
+with and solve its particular problems in an organized way, through its
+chosen agents, is just as essential as is the right of capital to organize,
+to maintain corporations, to limit the liabilities of stockholders. Indeed,
+we have come to recognize that the limited liability of the citizen as a
+member of a labor organization closely parallels the limitation of
+liability of the citizen as a stockholder in a corporation for profit.
+Along this line of reasoning we shall make the greatest progress toward
+solution of our problem of capital and labor.
+
+In the case of the corporation which enjoys the privilege of limited
+liability of stockholders, particularly when engaged in in the public
+service, it is recognized that the outside public has a large concern
+which must be protected; and so we provide regulations, restrictions, and
+in some cases detailed supervision. Likewise in the case of labor
+organizations, we might well apply similar and equally well-defined
+principles of regulation and supervision in order to conserve the public's
+interests as affected by their operations.
+
+Just as it is not desirable that a corporation shall be allowed to impose
+undue exactions upon the public, so it is not desirable that a labor
+organization shall be permitted to exact unfair terms of employment or
+subject the public to actual distresses in order to enforce its terms.
+Finally, just as we are earnestly seeking for procedures whereby to adjust
+and settle political differences between nations without resort to war, so
+we may well look about for means to settle the differences between
+organized capital and organized labor without resort to those forms of
+warfare which we recognize under the name of strikes, lockouts, boycotts,
+and the like.
+
+As we have great bodies of law carefully regulating the organization and
+operations of industrial and financial corporations, as we have treaties
+and compacts among nations which look to the settlement of differences
+without the necessity of conflict in arms, so we might well have plans of
+conference, of common counsel, of mediation, arbitration, and judicial
+determination in controversies between labor and capital. To accomplish
+this would involve the necessity to develop a thoroughgoing code of
+practice in dealing with such affairs It might be well to frankly set forth
+the superior interest of the community as a whole to either the labor group
+or the capital group. With rights, privileges, immunities, and modes of
+organization thus carefully defined, it should be possible to set up
+judicial or quasi judicial tribunals for the consideration and
+determination of all disputes which menace the public welfare.
+
+In an industrial society such as ours the strike, the lockout, and the
+boycott are as much out of place and as disastrous in their results as is
+war or armed revolution in the domain of politics. The same disposition to
+reasonableness, to conciliation, to recognition of the other side's point
+of view, the same provision of fair and recognized tribunals and processes,
+ought to make it possible to solve the one set of questions its easily as
+the other. I believe the solution is possible.
+
+The consideration of such a policy would necessitate the exercise of care
+and deliberation in the construction of a code and a charter of elemental
+rights, dealing with the relations of employer and employee. This
+foundation in the law, dealing with the modern conditions of social and
+economic life, would hasten the building of the temple of peace in industry
+which a rejoicing nation would acclaim.
+
+After each war, until the last, the Government has been enabled to give
+homes to its returned soldiers, and a large part of our settlement and
+development has attended this generous provision of land for the Nation's
+defenders.
+
+There is yet unreserved approximately 200,000,000 acres in the public
+domain, 20,000,000 acres of which are known to be susceptible of
+reclamation and made fit for homes by provision for irrigation.
+
+The Government has been assisting in the development of its remaining
+lands, until the estimated increase in land values in the irrigated
+sections is full $500,000,000 and the crops of 1920 alone on these lands
+are estimated to exceed $100,000,000. Under the law authorization these
+expenditures for development the advances are to be returned and it would
+be good business for the Government to provide for the reclamation of the
+remaining 20,000,000 acres, in addition to expediting the completion of
+projects long under way.
+
+Under what is known as the coal and gas lease law, applicable also to
+deposits of phosphates and other minerals on the public domain, leases are
+now being made on the royalty basis, and are producing large revenues to
+the Government. Under this legislation, 10 per centum of all royalties is
+to be paid directly to the Federal Treasury, and of the remainder 50 per
+centum is to be used for reclamation of arid lands by irrigation, and 40
+per centum is to be paid to the States, in which the operations are
+located, to be used by them for school and road purposes.
+
+These resources are so vast, and the development is affording so reliable a
+basis of estimate, that the Interior Department expresses the belief that
+ultimately the present law will add in royalties and payments to the
+treasuries of the Federal Government and the States containing these public
+lands a total of $12,000,000,000. This means, of course, an added wealth of
+many times that sum. These prospects seem to afford every justification of
+Government advances in reclamation and irrigation.
+
+Contemplating the inevitable and desirable increase of population, there is
+another phase of reclamation full worthy of consideration. There are
+79,000,000 acres of swamp and cut-over lands which may be reclaimed and
+made as valuable as any farm lands we possess. These acres are largely
+located in Southern States, and the greater proportion is owned by the
+States or by private citizens. Congress has a report of the survey of this
+field for reclamation, and the feasibility is established. I gladly commend
+Federal aid, by way of advances, where State and private participation is
+assured.
+
+Home making is one of the greater benefits which government can bestow.
+Measures are pending embodying this sound policy to which we may well
+adhere. It is easily possible to make available permanent homes which will
+provide, in turn, for prosperous American families, without injurious
+competition with established activities, or imposition on wealth already
+acquired.
+
+While we are thinking of promoting the fortunes of our own people I am sure
+there is room in the sympathetic thought of America for fellow human beings
+who are suffering and dying of starvation in Russia. A severe drought in
+the Valley of the Volga has plunged 15,000,000 people into grievous famine.
+Our voluntary agencies are exerting themselves to the utmost to save the
+lives of children in this area, but it is now evident that unless relief is
+afforded the loss of life will extend into many millions. America can not
+be deaf to such a call as that.
+
+We do not recognize the government of Russia, nor tolerate the propaganda
+which emanates therefrom, but we do not forget the traditions of Russian
+friendship. We may put aside our consideration of all international
+politics and fundamental differences in government. The big thing is the
+call of the suffering and the dying. Unreservedly I recommend the
+appropriation necessary to supply the American Relief Administration with
+10,000,000 bushels of corn and 1,000,000 bushels of seed grains, not alone
+to halt the wave of death through starvation, but to enable spring planting
+in areas where the seed grains have been exhausted temporarily to stem
+starvation.
+
+The American Relief Administration is directed in Russia by former officers
+of our own armies, and has fully demonstrated its ability to transport and
+distribute relief through American hands without hindrance or loss. The
+time has come to add the Government's support to the wonderful relief
+already wrought out of the generosity of the American private purse.
+
+I am not unaware that we have suffering and privation at home. When it
+exceeds the capacity for the relief within the States concerned, it will
+have Federal consideration. It seems to me we should be indifferent to our
+own heart promptings, and out of accord with the spirit which acclaims the
+Christmastide, if we do not give out of our national abundance to lighten
+this burden of woe upon a people blameless and helpless in famine's peril.
+
+There are it full score of topics concerning which it would be becoming to
+address you, and on which I hope to make report at a later time. I have
+alluded to the things requiring your earlier attention. However, I can not
+end this limited address without a suggested amendment to the organic law.
+
+Many of us belong to that school of thought which is hesitant about
+altering the fundamental law. I think our tax problems, the tendency of
+wealth to seek nontaxable investment, and the menacing increase of public
+debt, Federal, State and municipal-all justify a proposal to change the
+Constitution so as to end the issue of nontaxable bonds. No action can
+change the status of the many billions outstanding, but we can guard
+against future encouragement of capital's paralysis, while a halt in the
+growth of public indebtedness would be beneficial throughout our whole
+land.
+
+Such a change in the Constitution must be very thoroughly considered before
+submission. There ought to be known what influence it will have on the
+inevitable refunding of our vast national debt, how it will operate on the
+necessary refunding of State and municipal debt, how the advantages of
+Nation over State and municipality, or the contrary, may be avoided.
+Clearly the States would not ratify to their own apparent disadvantage. I
+suggest the consideration because the drift of wealth into nontaxable
+securities is hindering the flow of large capital to our industries,
+manufacturing, agricultural, and carrying, until we are discouraging the
+very activities which make our wealth.
+
+Agreeable to your expressed desire and in complete accord with the purposes
+of the executive branch of the Government, there is in Washington, as you
+happily know, an International Conference now most earnestly at work on
+plans for the limitation of armament, a naval holiday, and the just
+settlement of problems which might develop into causes of international
+disagreement.
+
+It is easy to believe a world-hope is centered on this Capital City. A most
+gratifying world-accomplishment is not improbable.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+Warren Harding
+December 8, 1922
+
+MEMBERS OF THE CONGRESS:
+
+So many problems are calling for solution that a recital of all of them, in
+the face of the known limitations of a short session of Congress, would
+seem to lack sincerity of purpose. It is four years since the World War
+ended, but the inevitable readjustment of the social and economic order is
+not more than barely begun. There is no acceptance of pre-war conditions
+anywhere in the world. In a very general way humanity harbors individual
+wishes to go on with war-time compensation for production, with pre-war
+requirements in expenditure. In short, everyone, speaking broadly, craves
+readjustment for everybody except himself, while there can be no just and
+permanent readjustment except when all participate.
+
+The civilization which measured its strength of genius and the power of
+science and the resources of industries, in addition to testing the limits
+of man power and the endurance and heroism of men and women--that same
+civilization is brought to its severest test in restoring a tranquil order
+and committing humanity to the stable ways of peace.
+
+If the sober and deliberate appraisal of pre-war civilization makes it seem
+a worth-while inheritance, then with patience and good courage it will be
+preserved. There never again will be precisely the old order; indeed, I
+know of no one who thinks it to be desirable For out of the old order came
+the war itself, and the new order, established and made secure, never will
+permit its recurrence.
+
+It is no figure of speech to say we have come to the test of Our
+civilization. The world has been passing--is today passing through of a
+great crisis. The conduct of war itself is not more difficult than the
+solution of the problems which necessarily follow. I am not speaking at
+this moment of the problem in its wider aspect of world rehabilitation or
+of international relationships. The reference is to our own social,
+financial, and economic problems at home. These things are not to be
+considered solely as problems apart from all international relationship,
+but every nation must be able to carry on for itself, else its
+international relationship will have scant importance.
+
+Doubtless our own people have emerged from the World War tumult less
+impaired than most belligerent powers; probably we have made larger
+progress toward reconstruction. Surely we have been fortunate in
+diminishing unemployment, and our industrial and business activities, which
+are the lifeblood of our material existence, have been restored as in no
+other reconstruction period of like length in the history of the world. Had
+we escaped the coal and railway strikes, which had no excuse for their
+beginning and less justification for their delayed settlement, we should
+have done infinitely better. But labor was insistent on holding to the war
+heights, and heedless forces of reaction sought the pre-war levels, and
+both were wrong. In the folly of conflict our progress was hindered, and
+the heavy cost has not yet been fully estimated. There can be neither
+adjustment nor the penalty of the failure to readjust in which all do not
+somehow participate.
+
+The railway strike accentuated the difficulty of the American farmer. The
+first distress of readjustment came to the farmer, and it will not be a
+readjustment fit to abide until he is relieved. The distress brought to the
+farmer does not affect him alone. Agricultural ill fortune is a national
+ill fortune. That one-fourth of our population which produces the food of
+the Republic and adds so largely to our export commerce must participate in
+the good fortunes of the Nation, else there is none worth retaining.
+
+Agriculture is a vital activity in our national life. In it we had our
+beginning, and its westward march with the star of the empire has reflected
+the growth of the Republic. It has its vicissitudes which no legislation
+will prevent, its hardships for which no law can provide escape. But the
+Congress can make available to the farmer the financial facilities which
+have been built up under Government aid and supervision for other
+commercial and industrial enterprises. It may be done on the same solid
+fundamentals and make the vitally important agricultural industry more
+secure, and it must be done.
+
+This Congress already has taken cognizance of the misfortune which
+precipitate deflation brought to American agriculture. Your measures of
+relief and the reduction of the Federal reserve discount rate undoubtedly
+saved the country from widespread disaster. The very proof of helpfulness
+already given is the strongest argument for the permanent establishment of
+widened credits, heretofore temporarily extended through the War Finance
+Corporation.
+
+The Farm Loan Bureau, which already has proven its usefulness through the
+Federal land banks, may well have its powers enlarged to provide ample farm
+production credits as well as enlarged land credits. It is entirely
+practical to create a division in the Federal land banks to deal with
+production credits, with the limitations of time so adjusted to the farm
+turnover as the Federal reserve system provides for the turnover in the
+manufacturing and mercantile world. Special provision must be made for
+live-stock production credits, and the limit of land loans may be safely
+enlarged. Various measures are pending before you, and the best judgment of
+Congress ought to be expressed in a prompt enactment at the present
+session.
+
+But American agriculture needs more than added credit facilities. The
+credits will help to solve the pressing problems growing out of
+war-inflated land values and the drastic deflation of three years ago, but
+permanent and deserved agricultural good fortune depends on better and
+cheaper transportation.
+
+Here is an outstanding problem, demanding the most rigorous consideration
+of the Congress and the country. It has to do with more than agriculture.
+It provides the channel for the flow of the country's commerce. But the
+farmer is particularly hard hit. His market, so affected by the world
+consumption, does not admit of the price adjustment to meet carrying
+charges. In the last half of the year now closing the railways, broken in
+carrying capacity because of motive power and rolling stock out of order,
+though insistently declaring to the contrary, embargoed his shipments or
+denied him cars when fortunate markets were calling. Too frequently
+transportation failed while perishable products were turning from possible
+profit to losses counted in tens of millions.
+
+I know of no problem exceeding in importance this one of transportation. In
+our complex and interdependent modern life transportation is essential to
+our very existence. Let us pass for the moment the menace in the possible
+paralysis of such service as we have and note the failure, for whatever
+reason, to expand our transportation to meet the Nation's needs.
+
+The census of 1880 recorded a population of 50,000,000. In two decades more
+we may reasonably expect to count thrice that number. In the three decades
+ending in 1920 the country's freight by rail increased from 631,000,000
+tons to 2,234,000,000 tons; that is to say, while our population was
+increasing, less than 70 per cent, the freight movement increased over 250
+per cent.
+
+We have built 40 per cent of the world's railroad mileage, and yet find it
+inadequate to our present requirements. When we contemplate the inadequacy
+of to-day it is easy to believe that the next few decades will witness the
+paralysis of our transportation-using social scheme or a complete
+reorganization on some new basis. Mindful of the tremendous costs of
+betterments, extensions, and expansions, and mindful of the staggering
+debts of the world to-day, the difficulty is magnified. Here is a problem
+demanding wide vision and the avoidance of mere makeshifts. No matter what
+the errors of the past, no matter how we acclaimed construction and then
+condemned operations in the past, we have the transportation and the honest
+investment in the transportation which sped us on to what we are, and we
+face conditions which reflect its inadequacy to-day, its greater inadequacy
+to-morrow, and we contemplate transportation costs which much of the
+traffic can not and will not continue to pay.
+
+Manifestly, we have need to begin on plans to coordinate all transportation
+facilities. We should more effectively connect up our rail lines with our
+carriers by sea. We ought to reap some benefit from the hundreds of
+millions expended on inland waterways, proving our capacity to utilize as
+well as expend. We ought to turn the motor truck into a railway feeder and
+distributor instead of a destroying competitor.
+
+It would be folly to ignore that we live in a motor age. The motor car
+reflects our standard of living and gauges the speed of our present-day
+life. It long ago ran down Simple Living, and never halted to inquire about
+the prostrate figure which fell as its victim. With full recognition of
+motor-car transportation we must turn it to the most practical use. It can
+not supersede the railway lines, no matter how generously we afford it
+highways out of the Public Treasury. If freight traffic by motor were
+charged with its proper and proportionate share of highway construction, we
+should find much of it wasteful and more costly than like service by rail.
+Yet we have paralleled the railways, a most natural line of construction,
+and thereby taken away from the agency of expected service much of its
+profitable traffic, which the taxpayers have been providing the highways,
+whose cost of maintenance is not yet realized.
+
+The Federal Government has a right to inquire into the wisdom of this
+policy, because the National Treasury is contributing largely to this
+highway construction. Costly highways ought to be made to serve as feeders
+rather than competitors of the railroads, and the motor truck should become
+a coordinate factor in our great distributing system.
+
+This transportation problem can not be waived aside. The demand for lowered
+costs on farm products and basic materials can not be ignored. Rates
+horizontally increased, to meet increased wage outlays during the war
+inflation, are not easily reduced. When some very moderate wage reductions
+were effected last summer there was a 5 per cent horizontal reduction in
+rates. I sought at that time, in a very informal way, to have the railway
+managers go before the Interstate Commerce Commission and agree to a
+heavier reduction on farm products and coal and other basic commodities,
+and leave unchanged the freight tariffs which a very large portion of the
+traffic was able to bear. Neither the managers nor the commission tile@@
+suggestion, so we had the horizontal reduction saw fit to adopt too slight
+to be felt by the higher class cargoes and too little to benefit the heavy
+tonnage calling most loudly for relief.
+
+Railways are not to be expected to render the most essential service in our
+social organization without a air return on capital invested, but the
+Government has gone so far in the regulation of rates and rules of
+operation that it has the responsibility of pointing the way to the reduced
+freight costs so essential to our national welfare.
+
+Government operation does not afford the cure. It was Government operation
+which brought us to the very order of things against which we now rebel,
+and we are still liquidating the costs of that supreme folly.
+
+Surely the genius of the railway builders has not become extinct among the
+railway managers. New economies, new efficiencies in cooperation must be
+found. The fact that labor takes 50 to 60 per cent of total railway
+earnings makes limitations within which to effect economies very difficult,
+but the demand is no less insistent on that account.
+
+Clearly the managers are without that intercarrier, cooperative
+relationship so highly essential to the best and most economical operation.
+They could not function in harmony when the strike threatened the paralysis
+of all railway transportation. The relationship of the service to public
+welfare, so intimately affected by State and Federal regulation, demands
+the effective correlation and a concerted drive to meet an insistent and
+justified public demand.
+
+The merger of lines into systems, a facilitated interchange of freight
+cars, the economic use of terminals, and the consolidation of facilities
+are suggested ways of economy and efficiency.
+
+I remind you that Congress provided a Joint Commission of Agricultural
+Inquiry which made an exhaustive investigation of car service and
+transportation, and unanimously recommended in its report of October 15,
+1921, the pooling of freight cars under a central agency. This report well
+deserves your serious consideration. I think well of the central agency,
+which shall be a creation of the railways themselves, to provide, under the
+jurisdiction of the Interstate Commerce Commission, the means for financing
+equipment for carriers which are otherwise unable to provide their
+proportion of car equipment adequate to transportation needs. This same
+agency ought to point the way to every possible economy in maintained
+equipment and the necessary interchanges in railway commerce.
+
+In a previous address to the Congress I called to your attention the
+insufficiency of power to enforce the decisions of the Railroad Labor
+Board. Carriers have ignored its decisions, on the one hand, railway
+workmen have challenged its decisions by a strike, on the other hand.
+
+The intent of Congress to establish a tribunal to which railway labor and
+managers may appeal respecting questions of wages and working conditions
+can not be too strongly commended. It is vitally important that some such
+agency should be a guaranty against suspended operation. The public must be
+spared even the threat of discontinued service.
+
+Sponsoring the railroads as we do, it is an obligation that labor shall be
+assured the highest justice and every proper consideration of wage and
+working conditions, but it is an equal obligation to see that no concerted
+action in forcing demands shall deprive the public of the transportation
+service essential to its very existence. It is now impossible to safeguard
+public interest, because the decrees of the board are unenforceable against
+either employer or employee.
+
+The Labor Board itself is not so constituted as best to serve the public
+interest. With six partisan members on a board of nine, three partisans
+nominated by the employees and three by the railway managers, it is
+inevitable that the partisan viewpoint is maintained throughout hearings
+and in decisions handed down. Indeed, the few exceptions to a strictly
+partisan expression in decisions thus far rendered have been followed by
+accusations of betrayal of the partisan interests represented. Only the
+public group of three is free to function in unbiased decisions. Therefore
+the partisan membership may well be abolished, and decisions should be made
+by an impartial tribunal.
+
+I am well convinced that the functions of this tribunal could be much
+better carried on here in Washington. Even were it to be continued as a
+separate tribunal, there ought to be contact with the Interstate Commerce
+Commission, which has supreme authority in the rate making to which wage
+cost bears an indissoluble relationship Theoretically, a fair and living
+wage must be determined quite apart from the employer's earning capacity,
+but in practice, in the railway service, they are inseparable. The record
+of advanced rates to meet increased wages, both determined by the
+Government, is proof enough.
+
+The substitution of a labor division in the Interstate Commerce Commission
+made up from its membership, to hear and decide disputes relating to wages
+and working conditions which have failed of adjustment by proper committees
+created by the railways and their employees, offers a more effective plan.
+
+It need not be surprising that there is dissatisfaction over delayed
+hearings and decisions by the present board when every trivial dispute is
+carried to that tribunal. The law should require the railroads and their
+employees to institute means and methods to negotiate between themselves
+their constantly arising differences, limiting appeals to the Government
+tribunal to disputes of such character as are likely to affect the public
+welfare.
+
+This suggested substitution will involve a necessary increase in the
+membership of the commission, probably four, to constitute the labor
+division. If the suggestion appeals to the Congress, it will be well to
+specify that the labor division shall be constituted of representatives of
+the four rate-making territories, thereby assuring a tribunal conversant
+with the conditions which obtain in the different ratemaking sections of
+the country.
+
+I wish I could bring to you the precise recommendation for the prevention
+of strikes which threaten the welfare of the people and menace public
+safety. It is an impotent civilization and an inadequate government which
+lacks the genius and the courage to guard against such a menace to public
+welfare as we experienced last summer. You were aware of the Government's
+great concern and its futile attempt to aid in an adjustment. It will
+reveal the inexcusable obstinacy which was responsible for so much distress
+to the country to recall now that, though all disputes are not yet
+adjusted, the many settlements which have been made were on the terms which
+the Government proposed in mediation.
+
+Public interest demands that ample power shall be conferred upon the. labor
+tribunal, whether it is the present board or the suggested substitute, to
+require its rulings to be accepted by both parties to a disputed question.
+
+Let there be no confusion about the purpose of the suggested conferment of
+power to make decisions effective. There can be no denial of constitutional
+rights of either railway workmen or railway managers. No man can be denied
+his right to labor when and how he chooses, or cease to labor when he so
+elects, but, since the Government assumes to safeguard his interests while
+employed in an essential public service, the security of society itself
+demands his retirement from the service shall not be so timed and related
+as to effect the destruction of that service. This vitally essential public
+transportation service, demanding so much of brain and brawn, so much for
+efficiency and security, ought to offer the most attractive working
+conditions and the highest of wages paid to workmen in any employment.
+
+In essentially every branch, from track repairer to the man at the
+locomotive throttle, the railroad worker is responsible for the safety of
+human lives and the care of vast property. His high responsibility might
+well rate high his pay within the limits the traffic will bear; but the
+same responsibility, plus governmental protection, may justly deny him and
+his associates a withdrawal from service without a warning or under
+circumstances which involve the paralysis of necessary transportation. We
+have assumed so great a responsibility in necessary regulation that we
+unconsciously have assumed the responsibility for maintained service;
+therefore the lawful power for the enforcement of decisions is necessary
+to sustain the majesty of government and to administer to the public
+welfare.
+
+During its longer session the present Congress enacted a new tariff law.
+The protection of the American standards of living demanded the insurance
+it provides against the distorted conditions of world commerce The framers
+of the law made provision for a certain flexibility of customs duties,
+whereby it is possible to readjust them as developing conditions may
+require. The enactment has imposed a large responsibility upon the
+Executive, but that responsibility will be discharged with a broad
+mindfulness of the whole business situation. The provision itself admits
+either the possible fallibility of rates or their unsuitableness to
+changing conditions. I believe the grant of authority may be promptly and
+discreetly exercised, ever mindful of the intent and purpose to safeguard
+American industrial activity, and at the same time prevent the exploitation
+of the American consumer and keep open the paths of such liberal exchanges
+as do not endanger our own productivity.
+
+No one contemplates commercial aloofness nor any other aloofness
+contradictory to the best American traditions or loftiest human purposes.
+Our fortunate capacity for comparative self-containment affords the firm
+foundation on which to build for our own security, and a like foundation on
+which to build for a future of influence and importance in world commerce.
+Our trade expansion must come of capacity and of policies of righteousness
+and reasonableness in till our commercial relations.
+
+Let no one assume that our provision for maintained good fortune at home,
+and our unwillingness to assume the correction of all the ills of the
+world, means a reluctance to cooperate with other peoples or to assume
+every just obligation to promote human advancement anywhere in the world.
+
+War made its a creditor Nation. We did not seek an excess possession of the
+world's gold, and we have neither desire to profit Unduly by its possession
+nor permanently retain it. We do not seek to become an international
+dictator because of its power.
+
+The voice of the United States has a respectful hearing in international
+councils, because we have convinced the world that we have no selfish ends
+to serve, no old grievances to avenge, no territorial or other greed to
+satisfy. But the voice being heard is that of good counsel, not of
+dictation. It is the voice of sympathy and fraternity and helpfulness,
+seeking to assist but not assume for the United States burdens which
+nations must bear for themselves. We would rejoice to help rehabilitate
+currency systems and facilitate all commerce which does not drag us to the
+very levels of those we seek to lift up.
+
+While I have everlasting faith in our Republic, it would be folly, indeed,
+to blind ourselves to our problems at home. Abusing the hospitality of our
+shores are the advocates of revolution, finding their deluded followers
+among those who take on the habiliments of an American without knowing an
+American soul. There is the recrudescence of hyphenated Americanism which
+we thought to have been stamped out when we committed the Nation, life and
+soul, to the World War.
+
+There is a call to make the alien respect our institutions while he
+accepts our hospitality. There is need to magnify the American viewpoint to
+the alien who seeks a citizenship among us. There is need to magnify the
+national viewpoint to Americans throughout the land. More there is a demand
+for every living being in the United States to respect and abide by the
+laws of the Republic. Let men who are rending the moral fiber of the
+Republic through easy contempt for the prohibition law, because they think
+it restricts their personal liberty, remember that they set the example and
+breed a contempt for law which will ultimately destroy the Republic.
+
+Constitutional prohibition has been adopted by the Nation. It is the
+supreme law of the land. In plain speaking, there are conditions relating
+to its enforcement which savor of nation-wide scandal. It is the most
+demoralizing factor in our public life.
+
+Most of our people assumed that the adoption of the eighteenth amendment
+meant the elimination of the question from our politics. On the contrary,
+it has been so intensified as an issue that many voters are disposed to
+make all political decisions with reference to this single question. It is
+distracting the public mind and prejudicing the judgment of the
+electorate.
+
+The day is unlikely to come when the eighteenth amendment will be repealed.
+The fact may as well be recognized and our course adapted accordingly. If
+the statutory provisions for its enforcement are contrary to deliberate
+public opinion, which I do not believe the rigorous and literal enforcement
+will concentrate public attention on any requisite modification. Such a
+course, conforms with the law and saves the humiliation of the Government
+and the humiliation of our people before the world, and challenges the
+destructive forces engaged in widespread violation, official corruption and
+individual demoralization.
+
+The eighteenth amendment involves the concurrent authority of State and
+Federal Governments, for the enforcement of the policy it defines. A
+certain lack of definiteness, through division of responsibility is thus
+introduced. In order to bring about a full understanding of duties and
+responsibilities as thus distributed, I purpose to invite the governors of
+the States and Territories, at an early opportunity, to a conference with
+the Federal Executive authority. Out of the full and free considerations
+which will thus be possible, it is confidently believed, will emerge a more
+adequate, comprehension of the whole problem, and definite policies of
+National and State cooperation in administering the laws.
+
+There are pending bills for the registration of the alien who has come to
+our shores. I wish the passage of such an act might be expedited. Life amid
+American opportunities is worth the cost of registration if it is worth the
+seeking, and the Nation has the right to know who are citizens in the
+making or who live among us anti share our advantages while seeking to
+undermine our cherished institutions. This provision will enable us to
+guard against the abuses in immigration, checking the undesirable whose
+irregular Willing is his first violation of our laws. More, it will
+facilitate the needed Americanizing of those who mean to enroll as fellow
+citizens.
+
+Before enlarging the immigration quotas we had better provide registration
+for aliens, those now here or continually pressing for admission, and
+establish our examination boards abroad, to make sure of desirables only.
+By the examination abroad we could end the pathos at our ports, when men
+and women find our doors closed, after long voyages and wasted savings,
+because they are unfit for admission It would be kindlier and safer to tell
+them before they embark.
+
+Our program of admission and treatment of immigrants is very intimately
+related to the educational policy of the Republic With illiteracy estimated
+at front two-tenths of 1 per cent to less than 2 per cent in 10 of the
+foremost nations of Europe it rivets our attention to it serious problem
+when we are reminded of a 6 per cent illiteracy in the United States. The
+figures are based on the test which defines an Illiterate as one having no
+schooling whatever. Remembering the wide freedom of our public schools
+with compulsory attendance in many States in the Union, one is convinced
+that much of our excessive illiteracy comes to us from abroad, and the
+education of the immigrant becomes it requisite to his Americanization. It
+must be done if he is fittingly to exercise the duties as well as enjoy the
+privileges of American citizenship. Here is revealed the special field for
+Federal cooperation in furthering education.
+
+From the very beginning public education has been left mainly in the hands
+of the States. So far as schooling youth is concerned the policy has been
+justified, because no responsibility can be so effective as that of the
+local community alive to its task. I believe in the cooperation of the
+national authority to stimulate, encourage, and broaden the work of the
+local authorities. But it is the especial obligation of the Federal
+Government to devise means and effectively assist in the education of the
+newcomer from foreign lands, so that the level of American education may be
+made the highest that is humanly possible.
+
+Closely related to this problem of education is the abolition of child
+labor. Twice Congress has attempted the correction of the evils incident to
+child employment. The decision of the Supreme Court has put this problem
+outside the proper domain of Federal regulation until the Constitution is
+so amended as to give the Congress indubitable authority. I recommend the
+submission of such an amendment.
+
+We have two schools of thought relating to amendment of the Constitution.
+One need not be committed to the belief that amendment is weakening the
+fundamental law, or that excessive amendment is essential to meet every
+ephemeral whim. We ought to amend to meet the demands of the people when
+sanctioned by deliberate public opinion.
+
+One year ago I suggested the submission of an amendment so that we may
+lawfully restrict the issues of tax-exempt securities, and I renew that
+recommendation now. Tax-exempt securities are drying up the sources of
+Federal taxation and they are encouraging unproductive and extravagant
+expenditures by States and municipalities. There is more than the menace in
+mounting public debt, there is the dissipation of capital which should be
+made available to the needs of productive industry. The proposed amendment
+will place the State and Federal Governments and all political subdivisions
+on an exact equality, and will correct the growing menace of public
+borrowing, which if left unchecked may soon threaten the stability of our
+institutions.
+
+We are so vast and so varied in our national interests that scores of
+problems are pressing for attention. I must not risk the wearying of your
+patience with detailed reference.
+
+Reclamation and irrigation projects, where waste land may be made available
+for settlement and productivity, are worthy of your favorable
+consideration.
+
+When it is realized that we are consuming our timber four times as rapidly
+as we are growing it, we must encourage the greatest possible cooperation
+between the Federal Government, the various States, and the owners of
+forest lands, to the end that protection from fire shall be made more
+effective and replanting encouraged.
+
+The fuel problem is under study now by a very capable fact-finding
+commission, and any attempt to deal with the coal problem, of such deep
+concern to the entire Nation, must await the report of the commission.
+
+There are necessary studies of great problems which Congress might well
+initiate. The wide spread between production costs and prices which
+consumers pay concerns every citizen of the Republic. It contributes very
+largely to the unrest in agriculture and must stand sponsor for much
+against which we inveigh in that familiar term--the high cost of living.
+
+No one doubts the excess is traceable to the levy of the middleman, but it
+would be unfair to charge him with all responsibility before we appraise
+what is exacted of him by our modernly complex life. We have attacked the
+problem on one side by the promotion of cooperative marketing, and we might
+well inquire into the benefits of cooperative buying. Admittedly, the
+consumer is much to blame himself, because of his prodigal expenditure and
+his exaction of service, but Government might well serve to point the way
+of narrowing the spread of price, especially between the production of food
+and its consumption.
+
+A superpower survey of the eastern industrial region has recently been
+completed, looking to unification of steam, water, and electric powers, and
+to a unified scheme of power distribution. The survey proved that vast
+economies in tonnage movement of freights, and in the efficiency of the
+railroads, would be effected if the superpower program were adopted. I am
+convinced that constructive measures calculated to promote such an
+industrial development--I am tempted to say, such an industrial
+revolution-would be well worthy the careful attention and fostering
+interest of the National Government.
+
+The proposed survey of a plan to draft all the resources of the Republic,
+human and material, for national defense may well have your approval. I
+commended such a program in case of future war, in the inaugural address.
+of March 4, 1921, and every experience in the adjustment and liquidation of
+war claims and the settlement of war obligations persuades me we ought to
+be prepared for such universal call to armed defense.
+
+I bring you no apprehension of war. The world is abhorrent of it, and our
+own relations are not only free from every threatening cloud, but we have
+contributed our larger influence toward making armed conflict less likely.
+
+Those who assume that we played our part in the World War and later took
+ourselves aloof and apart, unmindful of world obligations, give scant
+credit to the helpful part we assume in international relationships.
+
+Whether all nations signatory ratify all the treaties growing out of the
+Washington Conference on Limitation of Armament or some withhold approval,
+the underlying policy of limiting naval armament has the sanction of the
+larger naval powers, and naval competition is suspended. Of course,
+unanimous ratification is much to be desired.
+
+The four-power pact, which abolishes every probability of war on the
+Pacific, has brought new confidence in a maintained peace, and I can well
+believe it might be made a model for like assurances wherever in the world
+any common interests are concerned.
+
+We have had expressed the hostility of the American people to a
+supergovernment or to any commitment where either a council or an assembly
+of leagued powers may chart our course. Treaties of armed alliance can have
+no likelihood of American sanction, but we believe in respecting the rights
+of nations, in the value of conference and consultation, in the
+effectiveness of leaders of nations looking each other in the face ace
+before resorting to the arbitrament of arms.
+
+It has been our fortune both to preach and promote international
+understanding. The influence of the United States in bringing near the
+settlement of an ancient dispute between South American nations is added
+proof of the glow of peace in ample understanding. In Washington to-day are
+met the delegates of the Central American nations, gathered at the table of
+international understanding, to stabilize their Republics and remove every
+vestige of disagreement. They are met here by our invitation, not in our
+aloofness, and they accept our hospitality because they have faith in our
+unselfishness and believe in our helpfulness. Perhaps we are selfish in
+craving their confidence and friendship, but such a selfishness we proclaim
+to the world, regardless of hemisphere, or seas dividing.
+
+I would like the Congress and the people of the Nation to believe that in a
+firm and considerate way we are insistent on American rights wherever they
+may be questioned, and deny no rights of others in the assertion of our
+own. Moreover we are cognizant of the world's struggles for full
+readjustment and rehabilitation, and we have shirked no duty which comes of
+sympathy, or fraternity, or highest fellowship among nations. Every
+obligation consonant with American ideals and sanctioned under our form of
+government is willingly met. When we can not support we do not demand. Our
+constitutional limitations do not forbid the exercise of a moral influence,
+the measure of which is not less than the high purposes we have sought to
+serve.
+
+After all there is less difference about the part this great Republic shall
+play in furthering peace and advancing humanity than in the manner of
+playing it. We ask no one to assume responsibility for us; we assume no
+responsibility which others must bear for themselves, unless nationality is
+hopelessly swallowed up in internationalism.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+        
+            *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES ***
+        
+
+    
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will
+be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
+law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
+so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
+States without permission and without paying copyright
+royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
+of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™
+concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
+and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following
+the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use
+of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for
+copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very
+easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation
+of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project
+Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may
+do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected
+by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark
+license, especially commercial redistribution.
+
+
+START: FULL LICENSE
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
+Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at
+www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works
+
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
+destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your
+possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
+Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
+by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person
+or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this
+agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
+Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
+of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual
+works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
+States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
+United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
+claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
+displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
+all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
+that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting
+free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™
+works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
+Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily
+comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
+same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when
+you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
+in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
+check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
+agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
+distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
+other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no
+representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
+country other than the United States.
+
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work
+on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the
+phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed,
+performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
+
+    This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+    other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+    whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+    of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
+    at www.gutenberg.org. If you
+    are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws
+    of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
+  
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is
+derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
+contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
+copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
+the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
+redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
+either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
+obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™
+trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
+additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
+will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works
+posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
+beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™.
+
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg™ License.
+
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
+any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
+to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format
+other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official
+version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website
+(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
+to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
+of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain
+Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the
+full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+provided that:
+
+    • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+        the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method
+        you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
+        to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has
+        agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
+        within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
+        legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
+        payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
+        Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
+        Literary Archive Foundation.”
+    
+    • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+        you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+        does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™
+        License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
+        copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
+        all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™
+        works.
+    
+    • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+        any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+        electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+        receipt of the work.
+    
+    • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+        distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.
+    
+
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than
+are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
+from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of
+the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set
+forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
+Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
+contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
+or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
+intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
+other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
+cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right
+of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
+with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
+with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
+lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
+or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
+opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
+the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
+without further opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO
+OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
+damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
+violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
+agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
+limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
+unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
+remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in
+accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
+production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
+including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
+the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
+or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or
+additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any
+Defect you cause.
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™
+
+Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
+computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
+exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
+from people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future
+generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
+Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
+U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws.
+
+The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West,
+Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up
+to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website
+and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread
+public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state
+visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
+donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
+Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be
+freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
+distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of
+volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
+the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
+necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
+edition.
+
+Most people start at our website which has the main PG search
+facility: www.gutenberg.org.
+
+This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+

PG5047_text.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,1686 @@
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+State of the Union Addresses of George H.W. Bush
+
+
+
+The addresses are separated by three asterisks: ***
+
+Dates of addresses by George H.W. Bush in this eBook:
+
+  January 31, 1990
+  January 29, 1991
+  January 28, 1992
+
+
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+George H.W. Bush
+January 31, 1990
+
+Tonight, I come not to speak about the "State of the Government", not to
+detail every new initiative we plan for the coming year, nor describe every
+line in the budget. I'm here to speak to you and to the American people
+about the State of the Union about our world, the changes we've seen, the
+challenges we face. And what that means for America.
+
+There are singular moments in history, dates that divide all that goes
+before from all that comes after. And many of us in this chamber have lived
+much of our lives in a world whose fundamental features were defined in
+1945. And the events of that year decreed the shape of nations, the pace of
+progress, freedom or oppression for millions of people around the world.
+
+Nineteen Forty-Five provided the common frame of reference the compass
+points of the postwar era we've relied upon to understand ourselves. And
+that was our world until now. The events of the year just ended, the
+Revolution of '89, have been a chain reaction, changes so striking that it
+marks the beginning of a new era in the world's affairs.
+
+Think back think back just twelve short months ago to the world we knew as
+1989 began.
+
+One year, one year ago the people of Panama lived in fear under the thumb
+of a dictator. Today democracy is restored. Panama is free.
+
+"Operation Just Cause" has achieved its objective. And the number of
+military personel in Panama is now very close to what it was before the
+operation began. And tonight I am announcing that before the end of
+February the additional numbers of American troops, the brave men and women
+of our armed forces who made this mission a success, will be back home.
+
+A year ago in Poland, Lech Walesa declared he was ready to open a dialogue
+with the Communist rulers of that country. And today, with the future of a
+free Poland in their own hands, members of Solidarity lead the Polish
+government.
+
+And a year ago, freedom's playwright, Vaclav Havel, languished as a
+prisoner in Prague. And today it's Vaclav Havel, President of
+Czechoslovakia.
+
+And one year ago Erich Honecker of East Germany claimed history as his
+guide. He predicted the Berlin Wall would last another hundred years. And
+today, less than one year later, it's the wall that's history.
+
+Remarkable events, remarkable events, events that fulfill the long-held
+hopes of the American people. Events that validate the longstanding goals
+of American policy, a policy based upon a single shining principle: the
+cause of freedom.
+
+America, not just the nation, but an idea alive in the minds of the people,
+everywhere. As this new world takes shape, America stands at the center of
+a widening circle of freedom, today, tomorrow and into the next century.
+
+Our nation is the enduring dream of every immigrant who ever set foot on
+these shores, and the millions still struggling to be free. This nation,
+this idea called America was and always will be a new world, our new
+world.
+
+At a workers' rally in a place called Branik on the outskirts of Prague the
+idea called America is alive. A worker, dressed in grimy overalls, rises to
+speak at the factory gates. And he begins his speech to his fellow citizens
+with these words, words of a distant revolution: "We hold these truths to
+be self-evident. That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by
+their creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are
+life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." It's no secret here at home
+freedom's door opened long ago. The cornerstones of this free society have
+already been set in place: democracy, competition, opportunity, private
+investment, stewardship, and of course, leadership.
+
+And our challenge today is to take this democratic system of ours, a system
+second to none, and make it better:
+
+A better America where there's a job for whoever wants one;
+
+Where women working outside the home can be confident their children are
+in safe and loving care, and where Government works to expand child
+alternatives for parents.
+
+Where we reconcile the needs of a clean environment and a strong economy.
+
+Where "Made in the USA" is recognized around the world as the symbol of
+quality and progress,
+
+And where every one of us enjoys the same opportunities to live, to work
+and to contribute to society. And where, for the first time, the American
+mainstream includes all of our disabled citizens.
+
+Where everyone has a roof over his head, and where the homeless get the
+help they need to live in dignity.
+
+Where our schools challenge and support our kids and our teachers, and
+every one of them makes the grade,
+
+Where every street, every city, every school and every child is drug-free.
+
+And finally, and finally, where no American is forgotten. Our hearts go out
+to our hostages, our hostages who are ceaselessly in our minds and in our
+efforts. That's part of the future we want to see, the future we can make
+for ourselves. But dreams alone won't get us there. We need to extend our
+horizon, to commit to the long view. And our mission for the future starts
+today.
+
+In the tough competitive markets around the world, America faces the great
+challenges and great opportunities. And we know that we can succeed in the
+global economic arena of the 90's. But to meet that challenge we must make
+some fundamental changes, some crucial investments in ourselves.
+
+Yes, we are going to invest in America. This Administration is determined
+to encourage the creation of capital, capital of all kinds. Physical
+capital: everything from our farms and factories to our workshops and
+production lines, all that is needed to produce and deliver quality goods
+and quality services. Intellectual, intellectual capital: the source of
+ideas that spark tomorrow's products. And of course human capital: the
+talented work force that we'll need to compete in the global market.
+
+And let me tell you, if we ignore human capital, if we lose the spirit of
+American ingenuity, the sprit that is the hallmark of the AMERICAN worker,
+that would be bad. The American worker is the most productive worker in the
+world.
+
+We need to save more. We need to expand the pool of capital for new
+investments that mean more jobs and more growth. And that's the idea behind
+the new initiative I call the Family Savings Plan, which I will send to
+Congress tomorrow.
+
+We need to cut the tax on capital gains, encourage, encourage risk-takers,
+especially those in small businesses, to take those steps that translate
+into economic reward, jobs, and a better life for all of us.
+
+We'll do what it takes to invest in America's future. The budget commitment
+is there. The money is there. It's there for research and development, R
+and D, a record high. It's there for our housing initiative, hope, H-O-P-E,
+to help everyone from first-time homebuyers to the homeless. The money's
+there to keep our kids drug-free, 70 percent more than when I took office
+in 1989. It's there for space exploration, and its there for education,
+another record high.
+
+And one more, and one more thing. Last fall at the education summit, the
+governors and I agreed to look for ways to help make sure that our kids are
+ready to learn the very first day they walk into the classroom. And I've
+made good on that commitment by proposing a record increase in funds, an
+extra half billion dollars, for something near and dear to all of us: Head
+Start.
+
+Education is the one investment that means more for our future, because it
+means the most for our children. Real improvement in our schools is not
+simply a matter of spending more. It's a matter of asking more, expecting
+more, of our schools, our teachers, of our kids, of our parents and of
+ourselves. And that's why tonight, and that's why tonight, I am announcing
+America's education goals, goals developed with enormous cooperation from
+the nation's governors. And if I might I'd like to say I'm very pleased
+that Governor Gardner and Governor Clinton, Governor Branstad, Governor
+Campbell, all of whom were very key in these discussion, these
+deliberations, are with us here tonight.
+
+By the, by the year 2000, every child must start school ready to learn. The
+United States must increase the high school graduation rate to no less than
+90 percent. And we are going to make sure our schools' diplomas mean
+something. In critical subjects, at the fourth, eighth, and 12th grades, we
+must assess our students' performance.
+
+By the, by the year 2000 U.S. students must be the first in the world in
+math and science achievement. Every American adult must be a skilled,
+literate worker and citizen. Every school must offer the kind of
+disciplined environment that makes it possible for our kids to learn. And
+every school in America must be drug-free.
+
+Ambitious aims? Of course. Easy to do? Far from it. But the future's at
+stake. The nation will not accept anything less than excellence in
+education.
+
+These investments will help keep America competitive. And I know this about
+the American people: we welcome competition. We'll match our ingenuity, our
+energy, our experience, and technology our spirit and enterprise against
+anyone. But let the competition be free, but let it also be fair. America
+is ready.
+
+Since we really mean it, and since we're serious about being ready to meet
+our challenge, we're getting our own house in order. We have made real
+progress. Seven years ago, the Federal deficit was 6 percent of our gross
+national product, 6 percent. In the new budget I sent up two days ago the
+deficit is down to 1 percent of GNP.
+
+That budget brings Federal spending under control. It meets the
+Gramm-Rudman target. It brings the deficit down further. And balances the
+budget by 1993, with no new taxes.
+
+And let me tell you, there's still more than enough Federal spending. For
+most of us, $1.2 trillion is still a lot of money.
+
+And once the budget is balanced, we can operate the way every family must
+when it has bills to pay. We won't leave it to our children and
+grandchildren. Once it's balanced, we will start paying off the national
+debt.
+
+And there's something more, and there's something more we owe the
+generations of the future: stewardship, the safekeeping of America's
+precious environmental inheritance.
+
+As just one sign of how serious we are, we will elevate the Environmental
+Protection Agency to Cabinet rank. Not, not more bureaucracy, not more red
+tape, but the certainty that here at home, and especially in our dealings
+with other nations, environmental issues have the status they deserve.
+
+This year's budget provides over $2 billion in new spending to protect our
+environment, with over $1 billion for global change research, and a new
+initiative I call America the Beautiful to expand our national parks and
+wildlife preserves and improve recreational facilities on public lands.
+
+And something else, something that will help keep this country clean, from
+our forest land to the inner cities, and keep America beautiful for
+generations to come, the money to plant a billion trees a year.
+
+And tonight, and tonight let me say again to all the members of the
+Congress, the American people did not send us here to bicker. There is work
+to do, and they sent us here to get it done. And once again, in the spirit
+of cooperation I offer my hand to all of you. And let's work together to do
+the will of the people--clean air, child care, the educational excellence
+act, crime and drugs. It's time to act. The farm bill, transportation
+policy, product liability reform, enterprise zones. It's time to act
+together.
+
+And there's one thing I hope we can agree on. It's about our commitments.
+And I'm talking about Social Security.
+
+To every American out there on Social Security, to every, every American
+supporting that system today, and to everyone counting on it when they
+retire, we made a promise to you, and we are going to keep it.
+
+We, we rescued the system in 1983 and it's sound again, bipartisan
+arrangement. Our budget fully funds today's benefits and it assures that
+future benefits will be funded as well. And the last thing we need to do is
+mess around with Social Security.
+
+There's one more problem we need to address. We must give careful
+consideration to the recommendations of the health care studies under way
+now. And that's why tonight, I am asking Dr. Sullivan, Lou Sullivan,
+Secretary of Health and Human Services, to lead a Domestic Policy Council
+review of recommendations on the quality, accessibility and cost of our
+nation's health care system. I am committed to bring the staggering costs
+of health care under control.
+
+The State of the Government does indeed depend on many of us in this very
+chamber. But the State of the Union depends on all Americans. We must
+maintain the democratic decency that makes a nation out of millions of
+individuals. And I've been appalled at the recent mail bombings across this
+country. Every one of us must confront and condemn racism, anti-Semitism,
+bigotry and hate. Not next week, not tomorrow, but right now. Every single
+one of us.
+
+The State of the Union depends on whether we help our neighbor, claim the
+problems of our community as our own. We've got to step forward when
+there's trouble, lend a hand, be what I call a point of light to a stranger
+in need. We've got to take the time after a busy day to sit down and read
+with our kids, help them with their homework, pass along the values we had
+as children. And that's how we sustain the State of the Union.
+
+Every effort is important. It all adds up. It's doing the things that give
+democracy meaning. It all adds up to who we are and who we will be.
+
+And let me say, that so long as we remember the American idea, so long as
+we live up to the American ideal, the State of the Union will remain sound
+and strong.
+
+And to those who worry that we've lost our way, well, I want you to listen
+to parts of a letter written by James Markwell, Pvt. 1st Class James
+Markwell, a 20-year-old Army medic to the First Battalion, 75th Rangers.
+It's dated Dec. 18, the day before our armed forces went into action in
+Panama. It's a letter servicemen write--and hope will never, ever be sent.
+And sadly, Private Markwell's mother did receive this letter. She passed it
+on to me out there in Cincinnati.
+
+And here is some of what he wrote: "I've never been afraid of death, but I
+know he is waiting at the corner...I've been trained to kill and to save,
+and so has everyone else. I am frightened of what lays beyond the fog, and
+yet... do not mourn for me. Revel in the life that I have died to give
+you... But most of all, don't forget that the Army was my choice. Something
+that I wanted to do. Remember I joined the Army to serve my country and
+inure that you are free to do what you want and to live your lives
+freely."
+
+Let me add that Private Markwell was among the first to see battle in
+Panama, and among the first to fall. But he knew what he believed in. He
+carried the idea we call America in his heart.
+
+I began tonight speaking about the changes we've seen this past year. There
+is a new world of challenges and opportunities before us. And there is a
+need for leadership that only America can provide.
+
+Nearly 40 years ago, in his last address to the Congress, President Harry
+Truman predicted such a time would come. He said, "As our world grows
+stronger, more united, more attractive to men on both sides of the Iron
+Curtain, then inevitably there will come a time of change within the
+Communist world." Today, that change is taking place.
+
+For more than 40 years, America and its allies held Communism in check and
+insured that democracy would continue to exist. And today, with Communism
+crumbling, our aim must be to insure democracy's advance, to take the lead
+in forging peace and freedom's best hope, a great and growing commonwealth
+of free nations.
+
+And to the Congress and to all Americans, I say it is time to acclaim a new
+consensus at home and abroad, a common vision of the peaceful world we want
+to see.
+
+Here in our own hemisphere it is time for all the people of the Americas,
+North and South, to live in freedom.
+
+In the Far East and Africa, it's time for the full flowering of free
+governments and free markets that have served the engine of progress.
+
+It is time to offer our hand to the emerging democracies of Eastern Europe
+so that continent, for too long a continent divided, can see a future whole
+and free.
+
+It's time to build on our new relationship with the Soviet Union, to
+endorse and encourage a peaceful process of internal change toward
+democracy and economic opportunity.
+
+We are in a period of great transition, great hope, and yet great
+uncertainty. We recognize that the Soviet military threat in Europe is
+diminishing, but we see little change in Soviet strategic modernization.
+And, therefore, we must sustain our own strategic offense modernization and
+the Strategic Defense Initiative.
+
+But the time is right to move forward on a conventional arms control
+agreement to move us to more appropriate levels of military forces in
+Europe, a coherent defense program that insures the U.S. will continue to
+be a catalyst for peaceful change in Europe. And I've consulted with
+leaders of NATO. In fact I spoke by phone with President Gorbachev just
+today.
+
+And I agree with our European allies that an American military presence in
+Europe is essential and that it should not be solely tied to the Soviet
+military presence in Eastern Europe.
+
+But our troop levels can still be lower. And so tonight I am announcing a
+major new step for a further reduction in U.S. and Soviet manpower in
+Central and Eastern Europe to 195,000 on each side.
+
+This number, this number, this level, reflects the advice of our senior
+military advisers. It's designed to protect American and European interests
+and sustain NATO's defense strategy. A swift conclusion to our arms control
+talks--conventional, chemical and strategic--must now be our goal. And
+that time has come.
+
+Still, we must recognize an unfortunate fact: in many regions of the world
+tonight the reality is conflict, not peace. Enduring animosities and
+opposing interests remain. And thus the cause of peace must be served by an
+America strong enough and sure enough to defend our interests and our
+ideals. It's this American idea that for the past four decades helped
+inspire the Revolution of '89.
+
+And here at home, and in the world, there is history in the making, and
+history to be made. Six months ago, early in this season of change, I stood
+at the gates of the Gdansk shipyard in Poland at the monument to the fallen
+workers of Solidarity. It's a monument of simple majesty. Three tall
+crosses rise up from the stones, and atop each cross, an anchor, an ancient
+symbol of hope.
+
+The anchor in our world today is freedom. Holding us steady in times of
+change, a symbol of hope to all the world. And freedom is at the very heart
+of the idea that is America. Giving life to the idea depends on every one
+of us. Our anchor has always been faith and family.
+
+In the last few days of this past monumentous year, our family was blessed
+once more, celebrating the joy of life when a little boy became our 12th
+grandchild. When I held the little guy for the first time, the troubles at
+home and abroad seemed manageable, and totally in perspective.
+
+And now I know, I know you're probably thinking, Well, that's just a
+grandfather talking.
+
+Well, maybe you're right. But I've met a lot of children this past year
+across this country, as all of you have. Everywhere from the Far East to
+Eastern Europe. All kids are unique. Yet, all kids are alike. The budding
+young environmentalist I met this month, who joined me in exploring the
+Florida Everglades. The Little Leaguers I played catch with in Poland,
+ready to go from Warsaw to the World Series. And even the kids who are ill
+or alone--and God bless those boarder babies, born addicted to drugs and
+AIDS--coping with problems no child should have to face. But, you know,
+when it comes to hope and the future, every kid is the same: full of
+dreams, ready to take on the world, all special because they are the very
+future of freedom. And to them belongs this new world I've been speaking
+about.
+
+And so tonight, I'm going to ask something of every one of you. Now let me
+start with my generation, with the grandparents out there. You are our
+living link with the past. Tell your grandchildren the story of struggles
+waged at home and abroad, of sacrifices freely made for freedom's sake. And
+tell them your own story as well, because every American has a story to
+tell.
+
+And parents, your children look to you for direction and guidance. Tell
+them of faith and family. Tell them we are one nation under God. Teach them
+that of all the many gifts they can receive, liberty is their most precious
+legacy. And of all the gifts they can give, the greatest, the greatest is
+helping others.
+
+And to the children and young people out there tonight, with you rests our
+hope, all that America will mean in the years and decades ahead. Fix your
+vision on a new century, your century, on dreams we cannot see, on the
+destiny that is yours and yours alone.
+
+And finally, let all Americans, all of us here in this chamber, the
+symbolic center of democracy, affirm our allegiance to this idea we call
+America. And let us remember that the State of the Union depends upon each
+and every one of us.
+
+God bless all of you. And may God bless this great nation, the United
+States of America.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+George H.W. Bush
+January 29, 1991
+
+Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, members of the United States Congress.
+
+I come to this house of the people to speak to you and all Americans,
+certain we stand at a defining hour.
+
+Halfway around the world, we are engaged in a great struggle in the skies
+and on the seas and sands. We know why we're there. We are Americans--part
+of something larger than ourselves.
+
+For two centuries we've done the hard work of freedom. And tonight we lead
+the world in facing down a threat to decency and humanity.
+
+What is at stake is more than one small country, it is a big idea--a new
+world order, where diverse nations are drawn together in common cause to
+achieve the universal aspirations of mankind: peace and security, freedom,
+and the rule of law. Such is a world worthy of our struggle, and worthy of
+our children's future.
+
+The community of nations has resolutely gathered to condemn and repel
+lawless aggression. Saddam Hussein's unprovoked invasion--his ruthless,
+systematic rape of a peaceful neighbor--violated everything the community
+of nations holds dear. The world has said this aggression would not stand,
+and it will not stand.
+
+Together, we have resisted the trap of appeasement, cynicism and isolation
+that gives temptation to tyrants. The world has answered Saddam's invasion
+with 12 United Nations resolutions, starting with a demand for Iraq's
+immediate and unconditional withdrawal, and backed up by forces from 28
+countries of six continents. With few exceptions, the world now stands as
+one.
+
+The end of the cold war has been a victory for all humanity. A year and a
+half ago, in Germany, I said our goal was a Europe whole and free. Tonight,
+Germany is united. Europe has become whole and free, and America's
+leadership was instrumental in making it possible.
+
+The principle that has guided us is simple: our objective is to help the
+Baltic peoples achieve their aspirations, not to punish the Soviet Union.
+In our recent discussions with the Soviet leadership we have been given
+representations, which, if fulfilled, would result in the withdrawal of
+some Soviet forces, a re-opening of dialogue with the republics, and a move
+away from violence.
+
+We will watch carefully as the situation develops. And we will maintain our
+contact with the Soviet leadership to encourage continued commitment to
+democratization and reform.
+
+If it is possible, I want to continue to build a lasting basis for
+U.S.-Soviet cooperation, for a more peaceful future for all mankind.
+
+The triumph of democratic ideas in Eastern Europe and Latin America, and
+the continuing struggle for freedom elsewhere around the world all confirm
+the wisdom of our nation's founders.
+
+Tonight, we work to achieve another victory, a victory over tyranny and
+savage aggression.
+
+We in this Union enter the last decade of the 20th Century thankful for all
+our blessings, steadfast in our purpose, aware of our difficulties and
+responsive to our duties at home and around the world.
+
+For two centuries, America has served the world as an inspiring example of
+freedom and democracy. For generations, America has led the struggle to
+preserve and extend the blessings of liberty. And today, in a rapidly
+changing world, American leadership is indispensable. Americans know that
+leadership brings burdens, and requires sacrifice.
+
+But we also know why the hopes of humanity turn to us. We are Americans; we
+have a unique responsibility to do the hard work of freedom. And when we
+do, freedom works.
+
+The conviction and courage we see in the Persian Gulf today is simply the
+American character in action. The indomitable spirit that is contributing
+to this victory for world peace and justice is the same spirit that gives
+us the power and the potential to meet our challenges at home.
+
+We are resolute and resourceful. If we can selflessly confront evil for the
+sake of good in a land so far away, then surely we can make this land all
+it should be.
+
+If anyone tells you America's best days are behind her, they're looking the
+wrong way.
+
+Tonight, I come before this house, and the American people, with an appeal
+for renewal. This is not merely a call for new government initiatives, it
+is a call for new initiative in government, in our communities, and from
+every American--to prepare for the next American century.
+
+America has always led by example. So who among us will set this example?
+Which of our citizens will lead us in this next American century? Everyone
+who steps forward today, to get one addict off drugs; to convince one
+troubled teen-ager not to give up on life; to comfort one AIDS patient; to
+help one hungry child.
+
+We have within our reach the promise of renewed America. We can find
+meaning and reward by serving some purpose higher than ourselves--a
+shining purpose, the illumination of a thousand points of light. It is
+expressed by all who know the irresistible force of a child's hand, of a
+friend who stands by you and stays there--a volunteer's generous gesture,
+an idea that is simply right.
+
+The problems before us may be different, but the key to solving them
+remains the same: it is the individual--the individual who steps forward.
+And the state of our Union is the union of each of us, one to the other:
+the sum of our friendships, marriages, families and communities.
+
+We all have something to give. So if you know how to read, find someone who
+can't. If you've got a hammer, find a nail. If you're not hungry, not
+lonely, not in trouble--seek out someone who is.
+
+Join the community of conscience. Do the hard work of freedom. That will
+define the state of our Union.
+
+Since the birth of our nation, "we the people" has been the source of our
+strength. What government can do alone is limited, but the potential of the
+American people knows no limits.
+
+We are a nation of rock-solid realism and clear-eyed idealism. We are
+Americans. We are the nation that believes in the future. We are the nation
+that can shape the future.
+
+And we've begun to do just that, by strengthening the power and choice of
+individuals and families.
+
+Together, these last two years, we've put dollars for child care directly
+in the hands of patients instead of bureaucracies, unshackled the potential
+of Americans with disabilities, applied the creativity of the marketplace in
+the service of the environment, for clean air, and made homeownership
+possible for more Americans.
+
+The strength of a democracy is not in bureaucracy, it is in the people and
+their communities. In everything we do, let us unleash the potential of our
+most precious resource--our citizens. We must return to families,
+communities, counties, cities, states and institutions of every kind, the
+power to chart their own destiny, and the freedom and opportunity provided
+by strong economic growth. That's what America is all about.
+
+I know, tonight, in some regions of our country, people are in genuine
+economic distress. I hear them.
+
+Earlier this month Kathy Blackwell of Massachusetts wrote me about what can
+happen when the economy slows down, saying, "My heart is aching, and I
+think that you should know--your people out here are hurting badly."
+
+I understand. And I'm not unrealistic about the future. But there are
+reasons to be optimistic about our economy.
+
+First, we don't have to fight double-digit inflation. Second, most
+industries won't have to make big cuts in production because they don't
+have big inventories piled up. And third, our exports are running solid and
+strong. In fact, American businesses are exporting at a record rate.
+
+So let's put these times in perspective. Together, since 1981, we've
+created almost 20 million jobs, cut inflation in half and cut interest
+rates in half.
+
+Yes, the largest peacetime economic expansion in history has been
+temporarily interrupted. But our economy is still over twice as large as
+our closest competitor.
+
+We will get this recession behind us and return to growth soon. We will get
+on our way to a new record of expansion, and achieve the competitive
+strength that will carry us into the next American century.
+
+We should focus our efforts today on encouraging economic growth, investing
+in the future and giving power and opportunity to the individual.
+
+We must begin with control of Federal spending. That's why I'm submitting a
+budget that holds the growth in spending to less than the rate of
+inflation. And that's why, amid all the sound and fury of last year's
+budget debate, we put into law new, enforceable spending caps so that
+future spending debates will mean a battle of ideas, not a bidding war.
+
+Though controversial, the budget agreement finally put the Federal
+Government on a pay-as-you-go basis, and cut the growth of debt by nearly
+$500 billion. And that frees funds for saving and job-creating investment.
+
+Now, let's do more. My budget again includes tax-free family savings
+accounts; penalty-free withdrawals from I. R. A.'s for first-time
+homebuyers; and, to increase jobs and growth, a reduced tax for long-term
+capital gains.
+
+I know their are differences among us about the impact and the effects of a
+capital gains incentive. So tonight I am asking the Congressional leaders
+and the Federal Reserve to cooperate with us in a study, led by Chairman
+Alan Greenspan, to sort out our technical differences so that we can avoid
+a return to unproductive partisan bickering.
+
+But just as our efforts will bring economic growth now and in the future,
+they must also be matched by long-term investments for the next American
+century.
+
+That requires a forward-looking plan of action, and that's exactly what we
+will be sending to the Congress. We have prepared a detailed series of
+proposals, that include: A budget that promotes investment in America's
+future--in children, education, infrastructure, space and high technology.
+Legislation to achieve excellence in education, building on the partnership
+forged with the 50 governors at the education summit, enabling parents to
+choose their children's schools and helping to make America No. 1 in math
+and science. A blueprint for a new national highway system, a critical
+investment in our transportation infrastructure. A research and development
+agenda that includes record levels of Federal investment and a permanent
+tax credit to strengthen private R and D and create jobs. A comprehensive
+national energy strategy that calls for energy conservation and efficiency,
+increased development and greater use of alternative fuels. A banking
+reform plan to bring America's financial system into the 21st Century, so
+that our banks remain safe and secure and can continue to make job-creating
+loans for our factories, businesses, and homebuyers. I do think there has
+been too much pessimism. Sound banks should be making more sound loans,
+now. And interest rates should be lower, now. In addition to these
+proposals, we must recognize that our economic strength depends upon being
+competitive in world markets. We must continue to expand America's exports.
+A successful Uruguay Round of world trade negotiations will create more
+real jobs, and more real growth, for all nations. You and I know that if
+the playing field is level, America's workers and farmers can outwork and
+outproduce anyone, anytime, anywhere.
+
+And with the Mexican free trade agreement and our Enterprise for the
+Americas Initiative we can help our partners strengthen their economies and
+move toward a free trade zone throughout this entire hemisphere.
+
+The budget also includes a plan of action right here at home to put more
+power and opportunity in the hands of the individual. That means new
+incentives to create jobs in our inner cities by encouraging investment
+through enterprise zones. It also means tenant control and ownership of
+public housing. Freedom and the power to choose should not be the privilege
+of wealth. They are the birthright of every American.
+
+Civil rights are also crucial to protecting equal opportunity. Every one of
+us has a responsibility to speak out against racism, bigotry, and hate. We
+will continue our vigorous enforcement of existing statutes, and I will once
+again press the Congress to strengthen the laws against employment
+discrimination without resorting to the use of unfair preferences.
+
+We're determined to protect another fundamental civil right: freedom from
+crime and the fear that stalks our cities. The Attorney General will soon
+convene a crime summit of the nation's law-enforcement officials. And to
+help us support them we need a tough crime control legislation, and we need
+it now.
+
+As we fight crime, we will fully implement our nation strategy for
+combatting drug abuse. Recent data show we are making progress, but much
+remains to be done. We will not rest until the day of the dealer is over,
+forever.
+
+Good health care is every American's right and every American's
+responsibility. So we are proposing an aggression program of new prevention
+initiatives--for infants, for children, for adults, and for the elderly--
+to promote a healthier America and to help keep costs from spiraling.
+
+It's time to give people more choice in government by reviving the ideal of
+the citizen politician who comes not to stay, but to serve. One of the
+reasons there is so much support for term limitations is that the American
+people are increasingly concerned about big-money influence in politics.
+We must look beyond the next election, to the next generation. The time has
+come to put the national interest ahead of the special interest--and
+totally eliminate political action committees.
+
+That would truly put more competition in elections and more power in the
+hands of individuals. And where power cannot be put directly into the hands
+of the individual, it should be moved closer to the people--away from
+Washington.
+
+The federal government too often treats government programs as if they are
+of Washington, by Washington, and for Washington. Once established, federal
+programs seem to become immortal.
+
+It's time for a more dynamic program life cycle. Some programs should
+increase. Some should decrease. Some should be terminated. And some should
+be consolidated and turned over to the states.
+
+My budget includes a list of programs for potential turnover totaling more
+than $20 billion. Working with Congress and the governors, I propose we
+select at least $15 billion in such programs and turn them over to the
+states in a single consolidated grant, fully funded, for flexible
+management by the states.
+
+The value of this turnover approach is straightforward. It allows the
+Federal Government to reduce overhead. It allows states to manage more
+flexibly and more efficiently. It moves power and decision-making closer to
+the people. And it re-enforces a theme of this Administration: appreciation
+and encouragement of the innovative power of "states as laboratories."
+
+This nation was founded by leaders who understood that power belongs in the
+hands of the people. They planned for the future. And so must we--here and
+around the world.
+
+As Americans, we know there are times when we must step forward and accept
+our responsibility to lead the world away from the dark chaos of dictators,
+toward the bright promise of a better day.
+
+Almost 50 years ago, we began a long struggle against aggressive
+totalitarianism. Now we face another defining hour for America and the
+world.
+
+There is no one more devoted, more committed to the hard work of freedom,
+than every soldier and sailor, every marine, airman and coastguardsman--
+every man and every woman now serving in the Persian Gulf.
+
+Each of them has volunteered to provide for this nation's defense. And now
+they bravely struggle to earn for America and for the world and for future
+generations, a just and lasting peace.
+
+Our commitment to them must be equal of their commitment to our country.
+They are truly America's finest.
+
+The war in the gulf is not a war we wanted. We worked hard to avoid war.
+For more than five months we, along with the Arab League, the European
+Community and the United Nations, tried every diplomatic avenue. U.N.
+Secretary General Perez de Cuellar; Presidents Gorbachev, Mitterand, Ozal,
+Mubarak, and Bendjedid; Kings Fahd and Hassan; Prime Ministers Major and
+Andreotti--just to name a few--all worked for a solution. But time and
+again Saddam Hussein flatly rejected the path of diplomacy and peace.
+
+The world well knows how this conflict began, and when: it began on August
+2nd, when Saddam invaded and sacked a small, defenseless neighbor. And I am
+certain of how it will end. So that peace can prevail, we will prevail.
+
+Tonight I'm pleased to report that we are on course. Iraq's capacity to
+sustain war is being destroyed. Our investment, our training, our planning
+--all are paying off. Time will not be Saddam's salvation.
+
+Our purpose in the Persian Gulf remains constant: to drive Iraq out from
+Kuwait, to restore Kuwait's legitimate government, and to insure the
+stability and security of this critical region.
+
+Let me make clear what I mean by the region's stability and security. We do
+not seek the destruction of Iraq, its culture or its people. Rather, we
+seek an Iraq that uses its great resources not to destroy, not to serve the
+ambitions of a tyrant, but to build a better life for itself and its
+neighbors. We seek a Persian Gulf where conflict is no longer the rule,
+where the strong are neither tempted nor able to intimidate the weak.
+
+Most Americans know instinctively why we are in the Gulf. They know we had
+to stop Saddam now, not later. They know this brutal dictator will do
+anything, will use any weapon, will commit any outrage, no matter how many
+innocents must suffer.
+
+They know we must make sure that control of the world's oil resources does
+not fall into his hands only to finance further aggression. They know that
+we need to build a new, enduring peace--based not on arms races and
+confrontation, but on shared principles and the rule of law.
+
+And we all realize that our responsibility to be the catalyst for peace in
+the region does not end with the successful conclusion of this war.
+
+Democracy brings the undeniable value of thoughtful dissent, and we have
+heard some dissenting voices here at home, some reckless, most responsible.
+But the fact the all the voices have the right to speak out is one of the
+reasons we've been united in principle and purpose for 200 years.
+
+Our progress in this great struggle is the result of years of vigilance and
+a steadfast commitment to a strong defense. Now, with remarkable
+technological advances like the Patriot missile, we can defend the
+ballistic missile attacks aimed at innocent civilians.
+
+Looking forward, I have directed that the S.D.I. program be refocused on
+providing protection from limited ballistic missile strikes, whatever their
+source. Let us pursue an S.D.I. program that can deal with any future
+threat to the United States, to our forces overseas and to our friends and
+allies.
+
+The quality of American technology, thanks to the American worker, has
+enabled us to successfully deal with difficult military conditions, and
+help minimize the loss of life. We have given our men and women the very
+best. And they deserve it.
+
+We all have a special place in our hearts for the families of men and women
+serving in the Gulf. They are represented here tonight, by Mrs. Norman
+Schwarzkopf, and to all those serving with him. And to the families, let me
+say, our forces in the gulf will not stay there one day longer than is
+necessary to complete their mission.
+
+The courage and success of the R.A.F. pilots--of the Kuwaiti, Saudi,
+French, Canadians, Italians, the pilots of Qatar and Bahrain--all are
+proof that for the first time since World War II, the international
+community is united. The leadership of the United Nations, once only a
+hoped-for ideal, is now confirming its founders' vision.
+
+I am heartened that we are not being asked to bear alone the financial
+burden of this struggle. Last year, our friends and allies provided the
+bulk of the economic costs of Desert Shield, and having now received
+commitments of over $40 billion for the first three months of 1991, I am
+confident they will do no less as we move through Desert Storm.
+
+But the world has to wonder what the dictator of Iraq is thinking. If he
+thinks that by targeting innocent civilians in Israel and Saudi Arabia,
+that he will gain an advantage--he is dead wrong. If he thinks that he
+will advance his cause through tragic and despicable environmental
+terrorism--he is dead wrong. And if he thinks that by abusing coalition
+P.O.W.s, he will benefit--he is dead wrong.
+
+We will succeed in the Gulf. And when we do, the world community will have
+sent an enduring warning to any dictator or despot, present or future, who
+contemplates outlaw aggression.
+
+The world can therefore seize this opportunity to fulfill the long-held
+promise of a new world order--where brutality will go unrewarded, and
+aggression will meet collective resistance.
+
+Yes, the United States bears a major share of leadership in this effort.
+Among the nations of the world, only the United States of America has had
+both the moral standing, and the means to back it up. We are the only
+nation on this earth that could assemble the forces of peace.
+
+This is the burden of leadership--and the strength that has made America
+the beacon of freedom in a searching world.
+
+This nation has never found glory in war. Our people have never wanted to
+abandon the blessings of home and work, for distant lands and deadly
+conflict. If we fight in anger, it is only because we have to fight at all.
+And all of us yearn for a world where we will never have to fight again.
+
+Each of us will measure, within ourselves, the value of this great
+struggle. Any cost in lives is beyond our power to measure. But the cost of
+closing our eyes to aggression is beyond mankind's power to imagine.
+
+This we do know: Our cause is just. Our cause is moral. Our cause is
+right.
+
+Let future generations understand the burden and the blessings of freedom.
+Let them say, we stood where duty required us to stand.
+
+Let them know that together, we affirmed America, and the world, as a
+community of conscience.
+
+The winds of change are with us now. The forces of freedom are united. We
+move toward the next century, more confident than ever, that we have the
+will at home and abroad, to do what must be done--the hard work of
+freedom.
+
+May God bless the United States of America.
+
+***
+
+State of the Union Address
+George H.W. Bush
+January 28, 1992
+
+Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, distinguished members of Congress, honored
+guests and fellow citizens:
+
+I mean to speak tonight of big things, of big changes and the promises they
+hold and of some big problems and how together we can solve them and move
+our country forward as the undisputed leader of the age.
+
+We gather tonight at a dramatic and deeply promising time in our history,
+and in the history of man on earth. For in the past 12 months, the world
+has known changes of almost biblical proportions. And even now, months
+after the failed coup that doomed a failed system, I am not sure we have
+absorbed the full impact, the full import of what happened.
+
+But Communism died this year. Even as President, with the most fascinating
+possible vantage point, there were times when I was so busy helping to
+manage progress and lead change that I didn't always show the joy that was
+in my heart But the biggest thing that has happened in the world in my
+life, in our lives, is this: By the grace of God, America won the Cold War.
+And there's another to be singled out, though it may seem inelegant. I mean
+a mass of people called the American taxpayer. No ever thinks to thank the
+people who pay country's bill or an alliance's bill. But for a half Century
+now, the American people have shouldered the burden and paid taxes that
+were higher than they would have been to support a defense that was bigger
+than it would have been if imperial communism had never existed. But it
+did. But it doesn't anymore. And here is a fact I wouldn't mind the world
+acknowledging: The American taxpayer bore the brunt of the burden, and
+deserves a hunk of the glory.
+
+And so, now, for the first time in 35 years, our strategic bombers stand
+down. No longer are they on round-the-clock alert. Tomorrow our children
+will go to school and study history and how plants grow. And they won't
+have, as my children did, air-raid drills in which they crawl under their
+desks and cover their heads in case of nuclear war. My grandchildren don't
+have to do that, and won't have the bad dreams children once had in decades
+past. There are still threats. But the long drawn-out dread is over.
+
+A year ago tonight I spoke to you at a moment of high peril. American
+forces had just unleashed Operation Desert Storm. And after 40 days in the
+desert skies and 4 days on the ground, the men and women of America's armed
+forces and our allies accomplished the goals that I declared, and that you
+endorsed: we liberated Kuwait.
+
+Soon after, the Arab world and Israel sat down to talk seriously, and
+comprehensively, about peace, an historic first. And soon after that, at
+Christmas, the last American hostages came home. Our policies were
+vindicated.
+
+Much good can come from the prudent use of power. And much good can come
+from this: A world once divided into two armed camps now recognizes one
+sole and pre-eminent power, the United States of America. And this they
+regard with no dread. For the world trusts us with power, and the world is
+right. They trust us to be fair, and restrained. They trust us to be on the
+side of decency. They trust us to do what's right.
+
+I use those words advisedly. A few days after the war began, I received a
+telegram from Joanne Speicher, the wife of the first pilot killed in the
+gulf, Lieutenant Commander Scott Speicher. Even in her grief, she wanted me
+to know that some day, when her children were old enough, she would tell
+them "that their father went away to war because it was the right thing to
+do". She said it all. It was the right thing to do.
+
+And we did it together. There were honest differences here, in this
+chamber. But when the war began, you put your partisanship aside and
+supported our troops. This is still a time for pride, but this is no time
+to boast. For problems face us, and we must stand together once again and
+solve them--and not let our country down.
+
+Two years ago, I began planning cuts in military spending that reflected
+the changes of the new era. But now, this year, with Imperial Communism
+gone, that process can be accelerated. Tonight I can tell you of dramatic
+changes in our strategic nuclear force. These are actions we are taking on
+our own, because they are the right thing to do.
+
+After completing 20 planes for which we have begun procurement, we will
+shut down production of the B-2 bomber. We will cancel the ICBM program. We
+will cease production of new warheads for our sea-based missiles. We will
+stop all production of the peacekeeper missile. And we will not purchase
+any more advanced cruise missiles.
+
+This weekend I will meet at Camp David with Boris Yeltsin of the Russian
+Federation. I have informed President Yeltsin that if the commonwealth, the
+former Soviet Union, will eliminate all land-based multiple-warhead
+ballistic missiles, I will do the following: We will eliminate all
+Peacekeeper missiles. We will reduce the number of warheads on Minuteman
+missiles to one and reduce the number of warheads on our sea-based missiles
+by about one-third. And we will convert a substantial portion of our
+strategic to primarily conventional use.
+
+President Yeltsin's early response has been very positive, and I expect our
+talks at Camp David to be fruitful. I want you to know that for half a
+century, American presidents have longed to make such decisions and say
+such words. But even in the midst of celebration, we must keep caution as a
+friend. For the world is still a dangerous place. Only the dead have seen
+the end of conflict. And though yesterday's challenges are behind us,
+tomorrow's are being born.
+
+The Secretary of defense recommended these cuts after consultation with the
+joint chiefs of staff. And I make them with confidence. But do not
+misunderstand me: The reductions I have approved will save us an additional
+$50 billion over the next five years. By 1997 we will have cut defense by
+30 percent since I took office. These cuts are deep, and you must know my
+resolve: this deep, and no deeper. To do less would be insensible to
+progress, but to do more would be ignorant of history. We must not go back
+to the days of "the hollow army". We cannot repeat the mistakes made twice
+in this century when armistice was followed by recklessness and defense was
+purged as if the world was permanently safe.
+
+I remind you this evening that I have asked for your support in funding a
+program to protect our country from limited nuclear missile attack. We must
+have this protection because too many people in too many countries have
+access to nuclear arms. There are those who say that now we can turn away
+from the world, that we have no special role, no special place. But we are
+the United States of America, the leader of the West that has become the
+leader of the world.
+
+As long as I am President we will continue to lead in support of freedom
+everywhere, not out of arrogance and not out of altruism, but for the
+safety and security of our children. This is a fact: Strength in the
+pursuit of peace is no vice; isolationism in the pursuit of security is no
+virtue.
+
+Now to our troubles at home. They are not all economic, but the primary
+problem is our economy. There are some good signs. Inflation, that thief,
+is down, and interest rates are down. But unemployment is too high, some
+industries are in trouble and growth is not what it should be. Let me tell
+you right from the start and right from the heart: I know we're in hard
+times, but I know something else: This will not stand.
+
+My friends in this chamber, we can bring the same courage and sense of
+common purpose to the economy that we brought to Desert Storm. And we can
+defeat hard times together. I believe you will help. One reason is that
+you're patriots, and you want the best for your country. And I believe that
+in your hearts you want to put partisanship aside and get the job done,
+because it's the right thing to do.
+
+The power of America rests in a stirring but simple idea: that people will
+do great things if only you set them free. Well, we're going to have to set
+the economy free, for if this age of miracles and wonders has taught us
+anything, it's that if we can change the world, we can change America.
+
+We must encourage investment. We must make it easier for people to invest
+money and make new products, new industries, and new jobs. We must clear
+away obstacles to new growth: high taxes, high regulation, red tape, and
+yes, wasteful government spending. None of this will happen with a snap of
+the fingers, but it will happen. And the test of a plan isn't whether it's
+called new or dazzling. The American people aren't impressed by gimmicks.
+They're smarter on this score than all of us in this room. The only test of
+a plan is, It is sound and will it work? We must have a short-term plan to
+address our immediate needs and heat up the economy. And then we need a
+long-term plan to keep the combustion going and to guarantee our place in
+the world economy.
+
+There are certain things that a president can do without Congress, and I am
+going to do them. I have this evening asked major cabinet departments and
+federal agencies to institute a 90-day moratorium on any new federal
+regulations that could hinder growth. In those 90 days, major departments
+and agencies will carry out a top-to-bottom review of all regulations, old
+and new, to stop the ones that will hurt growth and speed up those that
+will help growth.
+
+Further, for the untold number of hard-working, responsible American
+workers and businessmen and women who've been forced to go without needed
+bank loans, the banking credit crunch must end. I won't neglect my
+responsibility for sound regulations that serve the public good, but
+regulatory overkill must be stopped. And I have instructed our government
+regulators to stop it.
+
+I have directed Cabinet departments and federal agencies to speed up
+pro-growth expenditures as quickly as possible. This should put an extra
+$10 billion into the economy in the next six months. And our new
+transportation bill provides more than $150 billion for construction and
+maintenance projects that are vital to our growth and well-being. That
+means jobs building roads, jobs building bridges and jobs building
+railways. And I have this evening directed the secretary of the Treasury to
+change the federal tax withholding tables. With this change, millions of
+Americans from whom the government withholds more than necessary can now
+choose to have the government withhold less from their paychecks. Something
+tells me a number of taxpayers may take us up on this one. This initiative
+could return about $25 billion back into the economy over the next 12
+months, money people can use to help pay for clothing, college or a new
+car. And finally, working with the Federal Reserve, we will continue to
+support monetary policy that keeps both interest rates and inflation down.
+
+Now these are the things that I can do. And now, members of Congress, let
+me tell you what you can do for your country. You must, you must pass the
+other elements of my plan to meet our economic needs. Everyone knows
+investment speeds recovery. And I am proposing this evening a change in the
+alternative minimum tax, and the creation of a new 15% investment tax
+allowance. This will encourage businesses to accelerate investment and
+bring people back to work. Real estate has led our economy out of almost
+all the tough times we've ever had. Once building starts, carpenters and
+plumbers work, people buy homes and take out mortgages.
+
+My plan would modify the passive-loss rule for active real-estate
+developers. And it would make it easier for pension plans to purchase real
+estate. For those Americans who dream of buying a first home but who can't
+quite afford it, my plan would allow first-time home buyers to withdraw
+savings from IRAs without penalty and provide a $5000 tax credit for the
+first purchase of that home.
+
+And finally, my immediate plan calls on Congress to give crucial help to
+people who own a home, to every one who has a business, a farm or a single
+investment.
+
+This time, at this hour, I cannot take "No" for an answer. You must cut the
+capital gains tax on the people of this country. Never has an issue been so
+demagogued by its opponents. But the demagogues are wrong. They are wrong,
+and they know it. Sixty percent of people who benefit from lower capital
+gains have incomes under $50,000. A cut in the capital gains tax increases
+jobs and helps just about everyone in our country. And so I'm asking you to
+cut the capital gains tax to a maximum of 15.4%. And I'll tell you, I'll
+tell you, those of you who say, "Oh no, someone who's comfortable may
+benefit from this" you kind of remind me of the old definition of the
+Puritan, who couldn't sleep at night worrying that somehow someone
+somewhere was out having a good time.
+
+The opponents of this measure and those who've authored various so-called
+soak-the-rich bills that are floating around this chamber should be
+reminded of something: When they aim at the big guy, they usually hit the
+little guy. And maybe it's time that stopped.
+
+This then is my short-term plan. Your part, members of Congress, requires
+enactment of these common-sense proposals that will have a strong effect on
+the economy, without breaking the budget agreement and without raising tax
+rates. And while my plan is being passed and kicking in, we've got to care
+for those in trouble today. I have provided for up to $4.4 billion in my
+budget to extend federal unemployment benefits, and I ask for Congressional
+action right away. And I thank the committee--well, at last. And let's be
+frank. Let's be frank; let me level with you.
+
+I know, and you know, that my plan is unveiled in a political season. I
+know, and you know, that everything I propose will be viewed by some in
+merely partisan terms. But I ask you to know what is in my heart. And my
+aim is to increase our nation's good. And I'm doing what I think is right;
+I'm proposing what I know will help. I pride myself that I'm a prudent man,
+and I believe that patience is a virtue, but I understand politics is, for
+some, a game and that sometimes the game is to stop all progress and then
+decry the lack of improvement. But let me tell you, let me tell you, far
+more important than my political future--and far more important than
+yours--is the well-being of our country. And members of this chamber,
+members of this chamber, are practical people, and I know you won't resent
+some practical advice: When people put their party's fortunes, whatever the
+party, whatever the side of this aisle, before the public good, they court
+defeat not only for their country, but for themselves. And they will
+certainly deserve it.
+
+And I submit my plan tomorrow. And I am asking you to pass it by March 20.
+From the day after that--if it must be--the battle is joined. And you
+know, when principle is at stake, I relish a good fair fight.
+
+I said my plan has two parts, and it does. And it's the second part that is
+the heart of the matter. For it's not enough to get an immediate burst. We
+need long-term improvement in our economic position. We all know that the
+key to our economic future is to insure that America continues as the
+economic leader of the world. We have that in our power. Here, then, is my
+long-term plan to guarantee our future.
+
+First, trade: We will work to break down the walls that stop world trade.
+We will work to open markets everywhere. And in our major trade
+negotiations, I will continue pushing to eliminate tariffs and subsidies
+that damage America's farmers and workers. And we'll get more good American
+jobs within our own hemisphere through the North American Free Trade
+Agreement, and through the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative. But
+changes are here, and more are coming. The work place of the future will
+demand more highly skilled workers than ever, people who are computer
+literate, highly educated.
+
+And we must be the world's leader in education. And we must revolutionize
+America's schools. My America 2000 strategy will help us reach that goal.
+My plan will give parents more choice, give teachers more flexibility and
+help communities create new American schools. Thirty states across the
+nation have established America 2000 programs. Hundreds of cities and towns
+have joined. Now Congress must join this great movement. Pass my proposals
+for new American schools.
+
+That was my second long-term proposal. And here's my third: We must make
+common-sense investments that will help us compete, long-term, in the
+marketplace. We must encourage research and development. My plan is to make
+the R and D tax credit permanent, and to provide record levels of support,
+over $76 billion this year alone for people who explore the promise of
+emerging technologies.
+
+And fourth, we must do something about crime and drugs. And it is time for
+a major renewed investment in fighting violent street crime. Its saps our
+strength and hurts our faith in our society, and in our future together.
+Surely a tired woman on her way to work at six in the morning on a subway
+deserves the right to get there safely. And surely, it's true that everyone
+who changes his or her way of life because of crime--from those afraid to
+go our at night to those afraid to walk in the parks they pay for--surely
+those people have been denied a basic civil right. It is time to restore
+it. Congress, pass my comprehensive crime bill. It is tough on criminals
+and supportive of police, and it has been languishing in these hallowed
+halls for years now. Pass it. Help your country.
+
+And fifth, I ask you tonight to fund our HOPE housing proposal and to pass
+my enterprise-zone legislation, which will get businesses into the inner
+city. We must empower the poor with the pride that comes from owning a
+home, getting a job, becoming part of things. My plan would encourage real
+estate construction by extending tax incentives for mortgage-revenue bonds
+and low-income housing. And I ask tonight for record expenditures for the
+program that helps children born into want move into excellence: Head
+Start.
+
+Step six: We must reform our health care system for this too, bears on
+whether or not we can compete in the world. American health costs have been
+exploding. This year America will spend over $800 billion on health, and
+that is expected to grow to $1.6 trillion by the end of the decade. We
+simply cannot afford this. The cost of health care shows up not only in
+your family budget, but in the price of everything we buy and everything we
+sell. When health coverage for a fellow on the assembly line costs
+thousands of dollars, the cost goes into the product he makes. And you pay
+the bill. Now we must make a choice.
+
+Now some pretend we can have it both ways: they call it play or pay. But
+that expensive approach is unstable. It will mean higher taxes, fewer jobs,
+and eventually, a system under complete government control. Really, there
+are only two options. And we can move toward a nationalized system, a
+system which will restrict patient choice in picking a doctor and force the
+government to ration services arbitrarily. And what we'll get is patients
+in long lines, indifferent service and a huge new tax burden. Or we can
+reform our own private health-care system, which still gives us, for all
+its flaws, the best quality health care in the world. Well, let's build on
+our strengths.
+
+My plan provides insurance security for all Americans while preserving and
+increasing the idea of choice. We make basic health insurance affordable
+for all low-income people not now covered. We do it by providing a
+health-insurance tax credit of up to $3750 for each low-income family. The
+middle class gets help, too. And by reforming the health insurance market,
+my plan assures that Americans will have access to basic health insurance
+even if they change jobs or develop serious health problem We must bring
+costs under control, preserve quality, preserve choice and reduce people's
+nagging daily worry about health insurance. My plan, the details of which I
+will announce shortly, does just that.
+
+And seventh, we must get the federal deficit under control. We now have in
+law, enforcable spending caps, and a requirement that we pay for the
+programs we create. There are those in Congress who would ease that
+discipline now. But I cannot let them do it. And I won't. My plan would
+freeze all domestic discretionary budget authority which means "No more
+next year than this year". I will not tamper with Social Security but I
+would put real caps on the growth of uncontrolled spending. And I would
+also freeze federal domestic government employment. And with the help of
+Congress, my plan will get rid of 246 programs that don't deserve federal
+funding. Some of them have noble titles, but none of them is indispensible.
+We can get rid of each and every one of them.
+
+You know, it's time we rediscovered a home truth the American people have
+never forgotten: the government is too big and spends too much. And I call
+on Congress to adopt a measure that will help put an end to the annual
+ritual of filling the budget with pork-barrel appropriations. Every year,
+the press has a field day making fun of outrageous examples, a Lawrence
+Welk Museum, a research grant for Belgian Endive. We all know how these
+things get into the budget, and maybe you need someone to help you say no.
+I know how to say it. And you know what I need to make it stick. Give me
+the same thing 43 governors have--the line-item veto--and let me help
+you control spending.
+
+We must put an end to unfinanced government mandates. These are the
+requirements Congress puts on our cities, counties and states without
+supplying the money. And if Congress passes a mandate, it should be forced
+to pay for it and balance the cost with savings elsewhere. After all, a
+mandate just increases someone else's tax burden, and that means higher
+taxes at the state and local level.
+
+Step Eight: Congress should enact the bold reform proposals that are still
+awaiting congressional action: bank reform, civil justice reform, tort
+reform, and my national energy strategy.
+
+And finally, we must strengthen the family, because it is the family that
+has the greatest bearing on our future. When Barbara holds an AIDS baby in
+her arms and reads to children, she's saying to every person in this
+country, "Family Matters".
+
+And I am announcing tonight a new commission on America's urban families.
+I've asked Missouri's governor, John Ashcroft, to be chairman, former
+Dallas Mayor Annetter Strauss to be co-chair. You know, I had Mayors, the
+leading mayors from the League of Cities, in the other day at the White
+House, and they told me something striking. They said that every one of
+them, Republican and Democrat, agreed on one thing: That the major cause of
+the problems of the cities is the dissolution of the family. And they asked
+for this commission, and they were right to ask, because it's time to
+determine what we can do to keep families together, strong and sound.
+
+There's one thing we can do right away: Ease the burden of rearing a child.
+I ask you tonight to raise the personal exemption by $500 per child for
+every family. For a family with four kids, that's an increase of $2000.
+This is a good start in the right direction, and it's what we can afford.
+It's time to allow families to deduct the interest they pay on student
+loans. And I'm asking you to do just that. And I'm asking you to allow
+people to use money from their IRAs to pay medical and educational
+expenses, all without penalties. And I'm asking for more. Ask American
+parents what they dislike about how things are going in our country, and
+chances are good that pretty soon they'll get to welfare.
+
+Americans are the most generous people on Earth. But we have to go back to
+the insight of Franklin Roosevelt who, when he spoke of what became the
+welfare program, want that it must not become a narcotic and a subtle
+destroyer of the spirit. Welfare was never meant to be a life style. It was
+never meant to be a habit. It was never supposed to be passed on from
+generation to generation like a legacy. It's time to replace the
+assumptions of the welfare state and help reform the welfare system.
+
+States throughout the country are beginning to operate with new
+assumptions: that when able-bodied people receive government assistance
+they have responsibilities to the taxpayer. A responsibility to seek work,
+education, or job training. A responsibility to get their lives in order. A
+responsibility to hold their families together and refrain from having
+children out of wedlock. And a responsibility to obey the law. We are going
+to help this movement. Often, state reform requires waiving certain federal
+regulations. I will act to make that process easier and quicker for every
+state that asks our help. And I want to add, as we make these changes, we
+work together to improve this system, that our intention is not
+scapegoating and finger-pointing. If you read the papers or watch TV you
+know there's been a rise these days in a certain kind of ugliness: racist
+comments, anti-Semitism, an increased sense of division. Really, this is
+not us. This is not who we are. And this is not acceptable.
+
+And so you have my plan for America. And I am asking for big things, but I
+believe in my heart you will do what's right.
+
+And you know, it's kind of an American tradition to show a certain
+skepticism toward our democratic institutions. I myself have sometimes
+thought the aging process could be delayed if it had to make its way
+through Congress. But you will deliberate, and you will discuss, and that
+is fine. But my friends the people cannot wait. They need help now. And
+there's a mood among us. People are worried. There has been talk of
+decline. Someone even said our workers are lazy and uninspired. And I
+thought, "Really? Go tell Neil Armstrong standing on the moon. Tell the
+American farmer who feeds his country and the world. Tell the men and women
+of Desert Storm." Moods come and go, but greatness endures. Our does.
+
+And maybe for a moment it's good to remember what, in the dailyness of our
+lives, we forget. We are still and ever the freest nation on Earth, the
+kindest nation on Earth, the strongest nation on Earth. And we have always
+risen to the occasion. And we are going to lift this nation out of hard
+times inch by inch and day by day, and those who would stop us better step
+aside. Because I look at hard times and I make this vow: This will not
+stand. And so we move on, together, a rising nation, the once and future
+miracle that is still, this night, the hope of the world.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+        
+            *** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES ***
+        
+
+    
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will
+be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
+law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
+so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
+States without permission and without paying copyright
+royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
+of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™
+concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
+and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following
+the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use
+of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for
+copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very
+easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation
+of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project
+Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may
+do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected
+by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark
+license, especially commercial redistribution.
+
+
+START: FULL LICENSE
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
+Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at
+www.gutenberg.org/license.
+
+Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works
+
+1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
+destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your
+possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
+Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
+by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person
+or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
+paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this
+agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
+Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
+of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual
+works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
+States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
+United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
+claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
+displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
+all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
+that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting
+free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™
+works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
+Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily
+comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
+same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when
+you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
+in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
+check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
+agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
+distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
+other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no
+representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
+country other than the United States.
+
+1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
+immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear
+prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work
+on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the
+phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed,
+performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
+
+    This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+    other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+    whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
+    of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
+    at www.gutenberg.org. If you
+    are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws
+    of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
+  
+1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is
+derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
+contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
+copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
+the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
+redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project
+Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
+either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
+obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™
+trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
+additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
+will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works
+posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
+beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™.
+
+1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg™ License.
+
+1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
+any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
+to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format
+other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official
+version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website
+(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
+to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
+of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain
+Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the
+full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+provided that:
+
+    • You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+        the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method
+        you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
+        to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has
+        agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
+        within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
+        legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
+        payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
+        Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
+        Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
+        Literary Archive Foundation.”
+    
+    • You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+        you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+        does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™
+        License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
+        copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
+        all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™
+        works.
+    
+    • You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
+        any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+        electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
+        receipt of the work.
+    
+    • You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+        distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.
+    
+
+1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than
+are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
+from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of
+the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set
+forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
+Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
+contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
+or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
+intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
+other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
+cannot be read by your equipment.
+
+1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right
+of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
+with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
+with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
+lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
+or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
+opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
+the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
+without further opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO
+OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
+LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
+damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
+violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
+agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
+limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
+unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
+remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in
+accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
+production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™
+electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
+including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
+the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
+or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or
+additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any
+Defect you cause.
+
+Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™
+
+Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
+computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
+exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
+from people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future
+generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
+Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.
+
+Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
+U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws.
+
+The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West,
+Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up
+to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website
+and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
+
+Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread
+public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
+DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state
+visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
+donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.
+
+Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
+Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be
+freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
+distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of
+volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
+the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
+necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
+edition.
+
+Most people start at our website which has the main PG search
+facility: www.gutenberg.org.
+
+This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+