According to my judgment it can not be derived from either of those powers, nor from all of them united, and in consequence it does not exist.

Having stated my objections to the bill, I should now cheerfully communicate at large the reasons on which they are founded if I had time to reduce them to such form as to include them in this paper.  The advanced stage of the session renders that impossible.  Having at the commencement of my service in this high trust considered it a duty to express the opinion that the United States do not possess the power in question, and to suggest for the consideration of Congress the propriety of recommending to the States an amendment to the Constitution to vest the power in the United States, my attention has been often drawn to the subject since, in consequence whereof I have occasionally committed my sentiments to paper respecting it.  The form which this exposition has assumed is not such as I should have given it had it been intended for Congress, nor is it concluded.  Nevertheless, as it contains my views on this subject, being one which I deem of very high importance, and which in many of its bearings has now become peculiarly urgent, I will communicate it to Congress, if in my power, in the course of the day, or certainly on Monday next.

JAMES MONROE.

WASHINGTON, May 4, 1822.

To the House of Representatives: 

I transmit the paper alluded to in the message of this day, on the subject of internal improvements.

JAMES MONROE.

VIEWS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ON THE SUBJECT OF INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.

It may be presumed that the proposition relating to internal improvements by roads and canals, which has been several times before Congress, will be taken into consideration again either for the purpose of recommending to the States the adoption of an amendment to the Constitution to vest the necessary power in the General Government or to carry the system into effect on the principle that the power has already been granted.  It seems to be the prevailing opinion that great advantage would be derived from the exercise of such a power by Congress.  Respecting the right there is much diversity of sentiment.  It is of the highest importance that this question should be settled.  If the right exist, it ought forthwith to be exercised.  If it does not exist, surely those who are friends to the power ought to unite in recommending an amendment to the Constitution to obtain it.  I propose to examine this question.

The inquiry confined to its proper objects and within the most limited scale is extensive.  Our Government is unlike other governments both in its origin and form.  In analyzing it the differences in certain respects between it and those of other nations, ancient and modern, necessarily come into view.  I propose to notice these differences so far as they are connected with the object of inquiry, and the consequences likely to result from them, varying in equal degree from those which have attended other governments.  The digression, if it may be so called, will in every instance be short and the transition to the main object immediate and direct.