savages of the wilderness extended to our fathers arriving in this land?  Shall oppressed humanity find no asylum on this globe?  The Constitution indeed has wisely provided that for admission to certain offices of important trust a residence shall be required sufficient to develop character and design.  But might not the general character and capabilities of a citizen be safely communicated to everyone manifesting a bona fide purpose of embarking his life and fortunes permanently with us, with restrictions, perhaps, to guard against the fraudulent usurpation of our flag, an abuse which brings so much embarrassment and loss on the genuine citizen and so much danger to the nation of being involved in war that no endeavor should be spared to detect and suppress it?

These, fellow-citizens, are the matters respecting the state of the nation which I have thought of importance to be submitted to your consideration at this time.  Some others of less moment or not yet ready for communication will be the subject of separate messages.  I am happy in this opportunity of committing the arduous affairs of our Government to the collected wisdom of the Union.  Nothing shall be wanting on my part to inform as far as in my power the legislative judgment, nor to carry that judgment into faithful execution.  The prudence and temperance of your discussions will promote within your own walls that conciliation which so much befriends rational conclusion, and by its example will encourage among our constituents that progress of opinion which is tending to unite them in object and in will.  That all should be satisfied with any one order of things is not to be expected; but I indulge the pleasing persuasion that the great body of our citizens will cordially concur in honest and disinterested efforts which have for their object to preserve the General and State Governments in their constitutional form and equilibrium; to maintain peace abroad, and order and obedience to the laws at home; to establish principles and practices of administration favorable to the security of liberty and property, and to reduce expenses to what is necessary for the useful purposes of Government.

Th.  Jefferson.

SPECIAL MESSAGES.

DECEMBER 11, 1801.

Gentlemen of the Senate: 

Early in the last month I received the ratification by the First Consul of France of the convention between the United States and that nation.  His ratification not being pure and simple in the ordinary form, I have thought it my duty, in order to avoid all misconception, to ask a second advice and consent of the Senate before I give it the last sanction by proclaiming it to be a law of the land.

Th.  Jefferson.

DECEMBER 22, 1801.

Gentlemen of the Senate: