If we compare the present condition of our Union with its actual state at the close of our Revolution, the history of the world furnishes no example of a progress in improvement in all the important circumstances which constitute the happiness of a nation which bears any resemblance to it.  At the first epoch our population did not exceed 3,000,000.  By the last census it amounted to about 10,000,000, and, what is more extraordinary, it is almost altogether native, for the immigration from other countries has been inconsiderable At the first epoch half the territory within our acknowledged limits was uninhabited and a wilderness.  Since then new territory has been acquired of vast extent, comprising within it many rivers, particularly the Mississippi, the navigation of which to the ocean was of the highest importance to the original States.  Over this territory our population has expanded in every direction, and new States have been established almost equal in number to those which formed the first bond of our Union.  This expansion of our population and accession of new States to our Union have had the happiest effect on all its highest interests.  That it has eminently augmented our resources and added to our strength and respectability as a power is admitted by all.  But it is not in these important circumstances only that this happy effect is felt.  It is manifest that by enlarging the basis of our system and increasing the number of States the system itself has been greatly strengthened in both its branches.  Consolidation and disunion have thereby been rendered equally impracticable.  Each Government, confiding in its own strength, has less to apprehend from the other, and in consequence each, enjoying a greater freedom of action, is rendered more efficient for all the purposes for which it was instituted.  It is unnecessary to treat here of the vast improvement made in the system itself by the adoption of this Constitution and of its happy effect in elevating the character and in protecting the rights of the nation as well as of individuals.  To what, then, do we owe these blessings?  It is known to all that we derive them from the excellence of our institutions.  Ought we not, then, to adopt every measure which may be necessary to perpetuate them?

JAMES MONROE.

SPECIAL MESSAGES.

WASHINGTON CITY, December 7, 1823.

To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States: 

By an act of the last session of Congress it was made the duty of the accounting officers of the Treasury to adjust and settle the accounts of Daniel D. Tompkins, late governor of the State of New York, on principles of equity and justice, subject to the revision and final decision of the President of the United States.  The accounting officers have, in compliance with this act, reported to me a balance of $35,190 in favor of Governor Tompkins, which report I have had under