A supposed connection between appropriations for internal improvement and the system of protecting duties, growing out of the anxieties of those more immediately interested in their success, has given rise to suggestions which it is proper I should notice on this occasion.  My opinions on these subjects have never been concealed from those who had a right to know them.  Those which I have entertained on the latter have frequently placed me in opposition to individuals as well as communities whose claims upon my friendship and gratitude are of the strongest character, but I trust there has been nothing in my public life which has exposed me to the suspicion of being thought capable of sacrificing my views of duty to private considerations, however strong they may have been or deep the regrets which they are capable of exciting.

As long as the encouragement of domestic manufactures is directed to national ends it shall receive from me a temperate but steady support.  There is no necessary connection between it and the system of appropriations.  On the contrary, it appears to me that the supposition of their dependence upon each other is calculated to excite the prejudices of the public against both.  The former is sustained on the grounds of its consistency with the letter and spirit of the Constitution, of its origin being traced to the assent of all the parties to the original compact, and of its having the support and approbation of a majority of the people, on which account it is at least entitled to a fair experiment.  The suggestions to which I have alluded refer to a forced continuance of the national debt by means of large appropriations as a substitute for the security which the system derives from the principles on which it has hitherto been sustained.  Such a course would certainly indicate either an unreasonable distrust of the people or a consciousness that the system does not possess sufficient soundness for its support if left to their voluntary choice and its own merits.  Those who suppose that any policy thus founded can be long upheld in this country have looked upon its history with eyes very different from mine.  This policy, like every other, must abide the will of the people, who will not be likely to allow any device, however specious, to conceal its character and tendency.

In presenting these opinions I have spoken with the freedom and candor which I thought the occasion for their expression called for, and now respectfully return the bill which has been under consideration for your further deliberation and judgment.

ANDREW JACKSON.

WASHINGTON, May 31, 1830.
To the Senate of the United States.

GENTLEMEN:  I have considered the bill proposing “to authorize a subscription of stock in the Washington Turnpike Road Company,” and now return the same to the Senate, in which it originated.

I am unable to approve this bill, and would respectfully refer the Senate to my message to the House of Representatives on returning to that House the bill “to authorize a subscription of stock in the Maysville, Washington, Paris and Lexington Turnpike Road Company” for a statement of my objections to the bill herewith returned.  The message referred to bears date on the 27th instant, and a printed copy of the same is herewith transmitted,