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.
The act of Congress relative to the seat of the Government of the United States, requiring that, on the first 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 for 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 accommodations satisfactory. Their report will be laid before you.
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 defence, 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 offence 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 co-operation 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.
JOHN ADAMS.
United States, December 3, 1799.
Ordered, That Messrs. Ross, Read, and Tracy, be a committee to report the draft of an Address to the President of the United States, in answer to his Speech this day to both Houses.
Ordered, That the Speech of the President of the United States, this day communicated to both Houses of Congress, be printed for the use of the Senate.
Resolved, That two Chaplains of different denominations, be appointed to Congress for the present session, one by each House, who shall interchange weekly.
The Senate proceeded to the appointment of a Chaplain to Congress on their part, and the Right Reverend Bishop White was unanimously elected.