The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
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SPECIAL MESSAGE TO CONGRESS. |
 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
SPECIAL MESSAGE TO CONGRESS.
Washington, February 25, 1815.
To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States:
Peace having happily taken place between the United
States and Great Britain, it is desirable to guard against
incidents, which, during periods of war in Europe, might
tend to interrupt it: and, it is believed, in particular, that the
navigation of American vessels exclusively by American
seamen, either natives, or such as are already naturalized,
would not only conduce to the attainment of that object,
but also to increase the number of our seamen, and consequently
to render our commerce and navigation independent
of the service of foreigners, who might be recalled by their
governments under circumstances the most inconvenient
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to the consideration of congress; and, in deciding upon it, I
am persuaded, that they will sufficiently estimate the policy
of manifesting to the world a desire, on all occasions, to cultivate
harmony with other nations by any reasonable accommodations,
which do not impair the enjoyment of any of the
essential rights of a free and independent people. The example
on the part of the American government will merit,
and may be expected to receive, a reciprocal attention from
all the friendly powers of Europe.
| The writings of James Madison, | |