From the commencement of our Revolution to the present day almost forty years have elapsed, and from the establishment of this Constitution twenty-eight.  Through this whole term the Government has been what may emphatically be called self-government.  And what has been the effect?  To whatever object we turn our attention, whether it relates to our foreign or domestic concerns, we find abundant cause to felicitate ourselves in the excellence of our institutions.  During a period fraught with difficulties and marked by very extraordinary events the United States have flourished beyond example.  Their citizens individually have been happy and the nation prosperous.

Under this Constitution our commerce has been wisely regulated with foreign nations and between the States; new States have been admitted into our Union; our territory has been enlarged by fair and honorable treaty, and with great advantage to the original States; the States, respectively protected by the National Government under a mild, parental system against foreign dangers, and enjoying within their separate spheres, by a wise partition of power, a just proportion of the sovereignty, have improved their police, extended their settlements, and attained a strength and maturity which are the best proofs of wholesome laws well administered.  And if we look to the condition of individuals what a proud spectacle does it exhibit!  On whom has oppression fallen in any quarter of our Union?  Who has been deprived of any right of person or property?  Who restrained from offering his vows in the mode which he prefers to the Divine Author of his being?  It is well known that all these blessings have been enjoyed in their fullest extent; and I add with peculiar satisfaction that there has been no example of a capital punishment being inflicted on anyone for the crime of high treason.

Some who might admit the competency of our Government to these beneficent duties might doubt it in trials which put to the test its strength and efficiency as a member of the great community of nations.  Here too experience has afforded us the most satisfactory proof in its favor.  Just as this Constitution was put into action several of the principal States of Europe had become much agitated and some of them seriously convulsed.  Destructive wars ensued, which have of late only been terminated.  In the course of these conflicts the United States received great injury from several of the parties.  It was their interest to stand aloof from the contest, to demand justice from the party committing the injury, and to cultivate by a fair and honorable conduct the friendship of all.  War became at length inevitable, and the result has shown that our Government is equal to that, the greatest of trials, under the most unfavorable circumstances.  Of the virtue of the people and of the heroic exploits of the Army, the Navy, and the militia I need not speak.