No measure can be more desirable, whether viewed with an eye to its intrinsic importance, or to the general sentiments and wish of the nation." The addresses of the two houses in answer to the speech, were, as usual, respectful and affectionate.

The several subjects recommended to the attention of congress were noticed either in general terms, or in a manner to indicate a coincidence of sentiment between the legislative and executive departments.

The turbulent spirit which had manifested itself in certain parts of the union was mentioned by both houses with a just degree of censure, and the measures adopted by the President, as well as the resolution he expressed to compel obedience to the laws, were approved; and the house of representatives, in the most unqualified terms, declared opinions in favour of systematic and effectual arrangements for discharging the public debt.

But the subsequent proceedings of the legislature did not fulfil the expectations excited by this auspicious commencement of the session.
At an early day, in a committee of the whole house on the President's speech, Mr.Fitzsimmons moved "that measures for the reduction of so much of the public debt as the United States have a right to redeem, ought to be adopted: and that the secretary of the treasury be directed to report a plan for that purpose." This motion was objected to by Mr.Madison as being premature.

The state of the finances, he thought, was not sufficiently understood to authorize the adoption of the measure it contemplated.