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.