Martin Van Buren actually said...

I would respectfully invite the early attention of Congress to the adoption of the legal provisions therein suggested, or such other measure...

In order to obtain such information as might serve to facilitate its attainment, the Secretary of State was directed in July last to apply t...

I regret deeply, however, to be obliged to inform you that this has not been the case.

The present year closes the first half century of our Federal institutions.