The question depending between the United States and Great Britain respecting the construction of the first article of the treaty of Ghent has been referred by both Governments to the decision of the Emperor of Russia.

I can not regard the pressures to which I have adverted otherwise than in the light of mild and instructive admonitions.

The commercial relations between the United States and the British colonies in the West Indies and on this continent have undergone no change.

An attempt has been made with the Government of France to regulate by treaty the commerce between the two countries on the principle of reciprocity and equality.

Considerable progress has also been made in the construction of ships of war, some of which have been launched in the course of the present year.

The late change in the Government of Spain, by the reestablishment of the constitution of 1812, is an event which promises to be favorable to the revolution.

With the Indians peace has been preserved and a progress made in carrying into effect the act of Congress making an appropriation for their civilization.

Our military positions have been maintained at Belle Point, on the Arkansas, at Council Bluffs, on the Missouri, at St. Peters, on the Mississippi, and at Green Bay, on the upper Lakes.

On the subject of claims of citizens of the United States for Spanish spoliations upon their property and commerce.

I transmit herewith to the Senate a report from the Secretary of State

together with the returns of causes depending in the courts of the United States

collected conformably to a resolution of the Senate of the 18th of January, 1819

In regard to the stipulation proposed as the condition of the ratification of the treaty, that the United States shall abandon the right to recognize the revolutionary colonies in South America, or to form other relations with them when in…

It appears, however, that the treaty is still unratified and that the minister has no authority to surrender the territory.

Unexpected as such complaints and such a demand were under existing circumstances, it was thought proper, without compromitting the Government as to the course to be pursued, to meet them promptly and to give the explanations that were…

He admits that the other objections are essentially removed and will not in themselves prevent the ratification, provided the difficulty on the third point is surmounted.

With these remarks I submit it to the wisdom of Congress whether it will not still be advisable to postpone any decision on this subject until the next session.

Had the minister of Spain offered an unqualified pledge that the treaty should be ratified by his Sovereign on being made acquainted with the explanations which had been given by this Government, there would have been a strong motive for…