The debt was to be reduced and finally paid by a fixed annual appropriation.

The revenue was to be raised by imposts on importation and tonnage, and by direct taxation, if necessary.

The public land system was to be developed.

A scheme of internal improvements by land and water highways was to be devised.

All these purposes except the last had been declared by the opposition during the last part of Washington's second term and during Adams's presidency, and had been lucidly expounded by Madison, Gallatin, Giles, Nicholas, and others of the Republican leaders.