Simplicity and economy in the affairs of state have never failed to chasten and invigorate republican principles, while these have been as surely subverted by national prodigality.

At the time I entered upon my present duties our ordinary disbursements, without including those on account of the public debt, the Post-Office, and the trust funds in charge of the Government, had been largely increased by appropriations…

I have heretofore assigned to Congress my reasons for believing that the establishment of an independent National Treasury, as contemplated by the Constitution, is necessary to the safe action of the Federal Government.

The weight which presses upon a large portion of the people and the States is an enormous debt, foreign and domestic.

The financial operations of the Government during the present year have, I am happy to say, been very successful.

It is indispensable that its finances should be untrammeled and its resources as far as practicable unencumbered.

I can not think that a serious objection would anywhere be raised to the receipt and payment of gold and silver in all public transactions were it not from an apprehension that a surplus in the Treasury might withdraw a large portion of it…

The people of the United States feel, as it is hoped they always will, a warm solicitude for the success of all who are sincerely endeavoring to improve the political condition of mankind.

I regret that I can not on this occasion congratulate you that the past year has been one of unalloyed prosperity.

I regret to state the appearance of a different spirit among Her Majesty's subjects in the Canadas.

Nothing can compensate a people for a dependence upon others for the bread they eat.

The present condition of the defenses of our principal seaports and navy-yards calls for the early and serious attention of Congress

Most of the arguments that dissuade us from employing banks in the custody and disbursement of the public money apply with equal force to the receipt of their notes for public dues.

I withheld my approval from the joint resolution.

I nominate him to be a captain in the Navy from the 8th of December, 1838

and withdrawing the nomination of Commander William D. Salter

I have received the resolution of the Senate of this day, upon the subject of a communication made to you by the Postmaster-General on the 27th ultimo, and have the satisfaction of laying before the Senate the accompanying letter from that…

I recommend the subject for your favorable consideration.