Today marks the anniversary of the first State of the Union speech given by an American President. Washington fulfilled his constitutional mandate to tell Congress the state of the country at Federal Hall in New York City – our nation’s first capital.
Unlike the presidents who would follow him Washington had a delicate task. The American public were use to the addresses from the throne by the Kings of Great Britain. There was in 1790 a real fear that this new untried government would fall back into a monarchial system. Washington had to find a balance that directed the Congress without sounding like a king.
From the press coverage as well as the official Congressional response, Washington fulfilled the expectations of his audience. If you read his speech today, you realize that almost every president since has followed Washington’s pattern. He began by congratulating Congress on the achievement of just existing (which it was) and the admission of North Carolina to the union. He then went to military affairs, calling for a standing army connecting it to a strong foreign policy for the nation. He then discussed topics that sound familiar: immigration, education and the state of the nation’s economy. One that does not sound familiar was his call to establish a postal system for the nation. A reminder of the newness of the republic in 1790.
He left for last what was the most controversial issue – the public debt and the state of American credit. Washington was well aware of the power of his image and his words. It is one of the reasons he was so cautious in many political situations in his presidency. By reminding Congress that this was a vital topic, he used his prestige to move them towards a solution. Of course, little did he know that the solution would bring about the one thing he hated about politics – factions. But on January 8, Washington, like us, was unaware of the future.
Bowery & Canal 