State of the Union Addresses

A series of annual addresses to the legislature presents an assessment of national condition and concrete recommendations for legislation, blending domestic economic concerns with foreign-policy matters. Topics range from maritime and commercial policy, the state of the merchant marine and naval preparedness, and immigration policy with attention to humane treatment, to diplomatic relations with neighboring republics and other powers, international conferences and treaty negotiations, boundary and fisheries disputes, and the settlement of claims. Each address combines reporting of recent developments with targeted requests for congressional action to promote commerce, peace, and orderly administration.