Although the aspect of our affairs has in some respects changed during the last year, yet nothing has occurred to interrupt or diminish our general prosperity. Our country sustains the relations of peace and amity with other nations. Our commercial intercourse with them is now better established than at any former period. The prejudices long entertained against our political system have been, in a great degree, removed by its favorable results; and among all enlightened nations, our example is now oftener commended as a wise improvement, than denounced as a dangerous innovation upon the customary forms of go

vernment.

At the commencement of the last session of the Legislature, the public mind was much disturbed in several of the states by schemes then on foot for abolishing domestic slavery. Some undoubtedly embarked in them with good intentions; but it is now more evident perhaps than it was then, that many of the agitators were prosecuting political designs under the mask of pretended philanthropy. As soon as the excitement ceased to subserve party purposes, it began to abate. Although these fanatical proceedings have not been entirely discontinued, they are not now of such a character as to attract much public attention here, or furnish any just cause for alarm elsewhere. The mass of our fellowcitizens, without regard to party distinctions or religious sects, reprobated them, and united in urgent and strong appeals to the agitators to forego their mischievous designs. It was then a matter of sincere regret, that any had given their sanction to measures tending to disturb the [Senate No. 1.]

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