United
States; at such a moment their government makes a treaty of amity
with their ancient tyrant, the implacable enemy of their ancient
ally! O Americans! covered with noble scars! O you, who have so
often flown to death and to victory with French soldiers! you who
know those genuine sentiments which distinguish the true warrior!
whose hearts have always vibrated with those of your companions in
arms! consult them to-day to know what they experience. Recollect,
also, that magnanimous souls, if they resent an affront with
liveliness, know also how to forget one. Let your government return
to itself, and you will still find in Frenchmen faithful friends
and generous allies!"

The second session of the fourth Congress convened on the fifth of
December, and Washington met both houses, for the last time, on the
seventh. His message was short, but comprehensive, dignified, and
temperate. He took a general view of the condition of the country, in
which he adverted to the existing relations with the Indians; the delay
in delivering up the western posts, according to the provisions of Jay's
treaty; the proceedings of the commissioners to determine the
northeastern boundary of the United States; the action of other
commissioners under the treaty; the appointment of agents to reside in
Great Britain and the West Indies, "for the protection and relief of
American seamen;" and the relations with Algiers. He urged an increase
of the naval force of the United States as indispensable. "It is in our
own experience," he said, "that the most sincere neutrality is not a
sufficient guard against the depredations of nations at war. To secure
respect to a neutral flag requires a naval force, organized and ready to
vindicate it from insult or aggression. This may even prevent the
necessity of going to war, by discouraging belligerent powers from
committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party, as may,
first or last, leave no other option." He advised them to "begin,
without delay, to provide and lay up the materials for the building and
equipping of ships-of-war," and to be prepared for all future
contingencies.

He urged upon them the importance of measures for fostering and
encouraging domestic manufactures, especially those articles which might
be needed in the event of war. "Ought our country," he said, "to remain
in such cases dependent on foreign supply, precarious,