But on whom does this imputation bear? On those
who have excluded from office every shade of opinion which was not
theirs? Or on those who have been so excluded? I lament sincerely
that unessential differences of political opinion should ever have
been deemed sufficient to interdict half the society from the rights
and the blessings of self-government, to proscribe them as characters
unworthy of every trust. It would have been to me a circumstance of
great relief, had I found a moderate participation of office in the
hands of the majority. I would gladly have left to time and accident
to raise them to their just share. But their total exclusion calls
for prompter correctives. I shall correct the procedure; but that
done, disdain to follow it, shall return with joy to that state of
things, when the only questions concerning a candidate shall be, is
he honest? Is he capable? Is he faithful to the Constitution?
I tender you the homage of my high respect.
_First Annual Message_
December 8, 1801
FELLOW CITIZENS OF THE SENATE AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
It is a circumstance of sincere gratification to me that on
meeting the great council of our nation, I am able to announce to
them, on the grounds of reasonable certainty, that the wars and
troubles which have for so many years afflicted our sister nations
have at length come to an end, and that the communications of peace
and commerce are once more opening among them.
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