The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-23 00:00:00

AM ER ICAN- NEWS.

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

By the Sea, Captain Freeman, from New York,
which has made a quick passage of seventeen days to
Liverpool, we have received the Message delivered
by President Polk, to Congress, at Washington, on
the 2d instant.

This document, as expected, is very decided as to
the right of the States to the Oregon territory, and
recommends that notice be given to Great Britain of
the wish to terminate the convention of joint occu-
pancy at the end of twelve months.
The national finances of the States are represented
as very prosperous, and the Message recommends a
reduction of the tariff to a standard required only for
revenue purposes.

OPENING OF THE TWENTY-NINTH CONGRESS.
(From the Journal of Commerce.)

The first session of the twenty-ninth Congress com-
menced at Washington city on Monday last. Both
Houses are Democratic ; the Senate by a majority,
including vacancies which are certain to be filled by
Democrats, of six ; the House, by a majority of
nearly two to one. The annexed letter from our cor-
respondent presents an outline of the introductory
proceedings :

WASHINGTON, DEC. 1.

The Democratic Caucus re-assembled at ten o'clock
this morning, and there were present one hundred and
fifteen Members.

On the first ballot for Speaker, the Hon. John W.
Davis, of Indiana, had 65 votes ; George W. Hop-
kins, of Virginia, 16 votes ; George C. Dromgoole,
of Virginia, 7 ; C. J. Ingersoll, 12 ; Mr. Bowlin, 1;
Mr. M'Clelland, 2. Scattering 9.
Subsequently, a number of Members changed their
votes, and Mr. Davis received 77 votes, which is two-
thirds the whole number given. So Mr. Davis was
nominated both in conformity with the majority rule
and two-thirds rule. This is a memorable election
on many accounts. It is the first distinct and un-
disguised assumption of the power of the West, and
the first marked proof of the declension of the power
of the South.

The following is
THE MESSAGE.

FELLOW-CITIZENS OF THE SENATE, AND ROUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES,

It is to me a source of unaffected satisfaction to meal

the Representatives of the States and the people in Con-
gress assembled, as it will be to receive the aid of their
combined wisdom in the administration of public affairs.
In performing, for the first time, the duty imposed upon
me by the constitution, of giving to you information of
the state of the Union, and recommending to your con-
sideration such measures as in my judgment are neces-
sary and expedient, I am happy that I can congratulate
you on the continued prosperity of our country. Under
the blessings of Divine Providence, and the benign in-
fluence of our free institutions, it stands before the world
a spectacle of national happiness.
With our unexampled advancement in all the elements
of national greatness, the affection of the people is con-
firmed for the union of the states, and for the doctrines
of popular liberty, which lie at, the foundation of our
Government.
It becomes us, in humility, to make our devout acknow-
ledgments to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the
inestimable civil and religious blessings with which we
are favoured.

In calling the attention of Congress to our relations
with foreign Powers, I am gratified to be able to state
that, though with some of them there existed since your
last session serious causes of irritation and misunder-
standing,: yet no actual hostilities have taken place.
Adopting the maxim in the conduct of our foreign affairs,
" to ask nothing that is not right, and submit to nothing
that is wrong," it has been my anxious desire to preserve
peace with all nations ; but at the same time to be pre.
pared to resist aggression, and to maintain all our just
rights.

madertbieeeria legislation.
tr,
t},,
Tr_. 0
Thant,
by
the
tots f mpsieo, ell , vernment of Me:eico to the ?gent,
ma3n.sdeleaewtahrartanGtenc-i
tore 1 etahsot d'
claimantsasto
_ Ise . , tetra
oivneu vernment ,
dischargeoirrefeecti
directing
en
gtht has
reeaclaim,
payment
without
Ihi therefore, eoo
not:buter efu,
suspended.dliiienttiheat
an attitude of hostility towards the United States—oeuay.
intercourse
time,
liex
Mexico
tiwlaese,riuntilthe
two
recently, countries
occupiedwh as
s
ease is, undoubted! one of much
been marshalling and organising armies, issuing pr . , o y,hardship ; and it
decide,
n the remains for Congress to whether any and
mations, and avowing the intention to make war o
vs:net relief ought to begranted to
them. Our Minister
United States, either by open declaration, or by invading .
hasinstructed . ,
ion of the people to Mexico been to ascertain the facts of
Texas. Beth the Congress and Convent
of Texas invited this Government to send an army into the case from the Mexican Government, in an authentic
that territory to protect and defend them against the and official form, and report the result with as little
menaced attack. The moment the terms of annexation delay as possible, I
offered by the United States were :k ccepted by Texas, THE ORCGOIy QUESTION.
the latter became so far a part of our u‘vu country as to My attention was early directed to the negotiation,
make it our duty to afford such protection and defence. which, on the 4th of March last, I found pending at
I, therefore, deemed it proper, as a precautionary mete- Washington between the United States, and Great Bri-
sure, to order a strong squadron to the coasts of Mexico, taro, on the subject of the Oregon territory. Three
and to concentrate an efficient military force on the several attempts had been previously made to settle the
western frontier of Texas. Our army was ordered to questions in dispute between the two countries, by ne-
take position in the country between the Nueces and the gotiation, upon the principle of compromise; but each
Del Norte, and to repel any invasion of the Texan ter- had preyed unsuccessful.
ritory which might be attempted by the Mexican forces, These negotiations took place at London, in the years
1
Our squadron in the gulf was ordered to co-operate with 1818, 1824, and 1829; the two first Tinder the adminise
the army ; but, though our army and navy were placed tration of Mr. Monroe, and the last nnder that of Mr,
in a position to defend our own and the rights of Texas, I Adams. The uegotietion of 1818 having failed to ac-
they were ordered to commit no act of hostility against 1 complish its object, resulted in the convention Of the '
Mexico, unless she declared war, or was herself the ags 20th of October of that year. By the third article of
gressor by striking the first blow. The result has been, that convention it was " egret(' that any country that
that Mexico has made no aggressive movement, and our may be claimed by either party on the north=west coast
military and naval commanders have executed their of America, westwerpsf tise §tony Aloontains, shall, to-
orders with such discretion, that the peace of the twe gethsr with its lisarbour.s, bays, arid creeks, and the na-
republics has not beer. disturbed. vigation of all rivers within the same, be free and open
Texas had declared her inglepen4ollP, 44R0 maintained for the term of ten years from the date of the signature
it by her arms for more than nine yeaps, she hag hag lof the I.)M.P,Pt Collinti"i to the Vesaela, eitieena, and
an organised Government in suceessful operatioP dßring 1 subigPtS a llie two powers; it being well understood
that period. Her separate existence as an independent that this agreement is not to be construed to the preju-
state had been recognised by the United States and the dice of any claim which either of the two high contract-
principal powers of g4rope, Treaties of commerce and ing parties may have to any part of the said country,
navigation had been concluded with hpr by different . nor shall it be taken to affept the chtices
1
of any other
nations, and it had become manifest to the whole woad power or slate to any part of the said country; the only
that any fiirf,her attempt on the part of Mexico to con- I
iobject of the high contracting parties in that respect
quer her, or overthrow fief Government, would be vain. ueing to prevent disputes and differences among them.
_'even Mexico herself had leecoose siniersed of this fact ; selves!"
and while the question of annexation was pending The negotiation of 1814 was productive of no result,
before the people of Texas, during the past summer, and the convention of 1818 was left unchanged.
the Government of Mexico by a formal act agreed to The negotiation of 1826, having also failed to effect an
recognise the independenee of Texas on condition that adjustment by compromise, resulted in the convention of
she would not annex herself to any other power. The August 6th, 1827, by which it was agreed to continue in
agreement to eeknowledge the independence of Texas, force, for an indefinite period, the provisions of the third
whether with or without this oondition, is conclusive article of the convention of the 20th of October, 1818
against Mexico. The independence of 'Texas is a fact and it was further provided, that "it shall be competent,
conceded by Mexico herself, and she has no right or au, however, to either of the contracting parties, in case either
thority to prescribe restrictions as to the form of go- should think fit, at any time after the 20th of October,
vernment which Texas might afterwards assume. But 1828, on giving due notice of 12 months to the other
though Mexico cannot complain of the United States on contracting party, to annul and abrogate this convention ;
account of the annexation of Texas, it is to be regretted and it shall, in such case, be accordingly entirely an-
that serious causes of misunderstanding between the two nulled and abrogated after the expiration of the said term
countries continue to exist, growing out of unredressed in- of notice." In these attempts to adjust the controversy,
juries inflicted by the Mexican authorities and people on the parallel of the 49th degree of north latitude had been
the persons and property of citizens of the United States offered by the United States to Great Britain, and in
through a long series of years. Mexico has admitted thoseof 1818 and 1826, with a furtherconcession of the free
these injuries, but has neglected and refused to repair navigation of the Columbia River south of that latitude.
them. Such was the character of the wrongs, and such The parallel of the 49th degree, from the Rocky Moun-
the insults repeatedly offered to American citizens and tains to its intersection with the north-easternmost branch
the American flag by Mexico, in palpable violation of the of the Columbia, and thence down the channel of that
laws of nations and the treaty between the two countries river to the sea, had been offered by Great Britain, with
of the sth of April, 1831, that they have repeatedly been an addition of a small detached territory north of the
brought to the notice of Congress by my predecessors. Columbia. Each of these propositions had been rejected
As early as the Bth of February, 1837, the President of by the parties respectively.
the United States declared, in a message to Congress, In October,lB43, the Envoy Extraordinary and Minis-
that " the length of time since some of the injuries have ter Plenipotentiary of the United States in London was
been committed, the repeated unavailing applications for authorised to make a similar offer to those made in 1818
redress, the wanton character of some of the outrages and 1826. Thus stood the question when the negotia-
upon the persons and property of our citizens, upon the tion was shortly afterwards transferred to Washington,
officers and flag of the United States, independent of re- and, on the 23d of August, 1844, was formally opened
cent insults to this Government and people by the late under the direction of my immediate predecessor. Like
extraordinary Mexican Minister, would justify in the all the previous negotiations, it was based upon princi-
eyes of all nations immediate war." He did not, how- pies of " compromise ;" and the avowed purpose of the
ever, recommend an immediate resort to this extreme parties was, "to treat of the respective claims of the
measure, which he declared, " should not be used by two countries to the Oregon territory, with the view to
just and generous nations, confiding in their strength for establish a permanent boundary between them westward
it-juries committed, if it can be honourably avoided," but of the Rocky Mountains in the Pacific Ocean," Ac
in a spirit of forbearance, proposed that another demand cordingly, on the 26th of August, 1844, the British
be made on Mexico for that redress which had been so Plenipotentiary offered to divide the Oregon territory by
long and unjustly withheld. In these vie we, Committees the 49th parallel of north latitude, from the Rocky
of the two douses of Congress, in reports made to their Mountains to the point of its intersection with the north-
respective bodies, concurred. Since these proceeedings easternmost branch of the Columbia River, and thence
more than eight years have elapsed, during which, in down that river to the sea, leaving the free navigation of
addition to the wrongs then complained of; others of an the river to be enjoyed in common by both parties—the
aggravated character have been committed on the per- country south of this line to belong to the United
sons and property of our citizens. A special agent was States, and that north of it to Great Britain. At the
sent to Mexico in the summer of 1838, with full autho- same time, he proposed, in addition, to yield to the
rity to make another and final demand for redress. The United States a detached territory, north of the
demand was made; the Mexican Government promised Columbia, extending along the Pacific and the Straits
to repair the wrongs of which we complained ; and after of Fuca, from Bulfinch's Harbour, inclusive, to
much delay a treaty of indemnity with that view was Hood's Canal, and to make free to the United
completed between the two powers on the llth of April, States any port or ports south of latitude 49 degrees,
1839, and was duly ratified by both Governments. By which they might desire, either on the main land or
this treaty a joint committee was created to adjudicate on Quadra and Vancouver's Island. With the exception
and decide on the claims of American citizens on the of the free ports, this was the same offer which had been
Government of Mexico. The commission was organised made by the British and rejected by the American Go-
at Washington on the 25th day of August, 1840. Their vernment in the negotiation of 1826. This proposition
time was limited to 18 months, at the c-xpiraiion of which was properly rejected by the American Plenipotentiary
they had adjudicated and decided claims amounting to on the day it was submitted. This was the only propo-
-2,026,139 dolls. 66c. in favour of citizens of the United sition of compromise offered by the British Plenipoten-
States against the Mexican Government, leaving a large tiary. The proposition on the part of Great Britain,
amount of claims undecided. Of the latter the American having been rejected, the British Plenipotentiary re-
commissioners had decided in favour of our citizens quested that a proposal should be made by the United
claims araountieg to 928,627 dolls. 88e., which were left States for "an equitable adjustment of the question."
unacted on by the umpire aathorised by the treaty. When I came into office I found this to be the state
Still further claims, amounting to between 3,000,000 and of the negotiation. Though entertaining the settled
4,000,000 dolls, were submitted to the board too late to conviction that the British pretensions of tide could not
be considered, and were left undispostd of. The sum of be maintained to any portion of the Oregon territory
2,026,139 dolls. 68c., decided by the board, was a liqui- upon any principle of public law recognised by nations,
dated and ascertained debt due by Mexico to the claim- yet, in deference to what had been done by my predeces-
ants, and there was no justifiable reason for delaying sors, and especially in consideration that propositions of
its payment according to the terms of the treaty. It compromise had been thrice made by two preceding
was riot, however, paid. Mexico applied for further in- Administrations, to adjust the question on the parallel
dulgence ; and in that spirit of indulgence and liberality of 49 degrees, and in two of them yielding to Great
and forbearance which has ever marked the policy of the Britain the free navigation of the Columbia, and
United States towards that republic, the request was that the pending negotiation had been commenced
granted; and on the 30th of January, 1843, a new treaty on the basis of compromise. I deemed it to be my duty
was concluded. By this treaty it was provided that the not abruptly to break it off. In consideration, too, interest 'due on the'awards in favour of claimants under that under the conventions of 1818 and 1827, the
the convention of the 11th of April, 1839, should be paid citizens and subjects of the two powers held a joint oc-
on the 30th April, 1844, and that " the principal of the cupancy of the country, 1 was induced to make another
said awards and the interest arising thereon shall be effort to settle this long-pending controversy in the
paid in five years, in equal instalments every three spirit of moderation which had given birth to the re-
months ; the said five years to commence on the 30th nerved discussion. A proposition was accordingly made,
day of April, 1843, as aforesaid." The interest due on which was rejected by the British Plenipotentiary, who,
the 30th day of April, 1843, and the three first of the 20 without submitting any other proposition, suffered the
instalments, have been paid. Seventeen of these instal- negotiation on his part to drop, expressing his trust that
ments remain unpaid, seven of which are now due. the United States would offer what he saw fit to call
Tha claims which are left undecided by the joint com- " some further proposal for the settlement of the Oregon
mission,
amounting to more than 3,000,000 dollars, question more consistent with fairness and equity, and
together with other claims for spoliations on the pro- with the reasonable expectations of the British Govern-
perty of our citizens, were subsequently presented to went." The proposition thus offered and rejected re-
the Mexican Government for payment, and were so far posted the offer of the parallel of 49 degrees of north
recognised that a treaty, providing fur their examine- latitude, which had been made by two preceding Ad-
tion and settlement by a joint commission, was con- ministrations, but without proposing to surrender to
eluded and signed at Mexico on the 20th day of No- Great Britain, as they had done, the free navigation
vember, 1843. This treaty was, ratified by the United of the Columbia River. The right of any foreign power
states, with certain amendments, to which no just ex- to the free navigation of any of our rivers, through the
ception couid have been taken ; but it has not yet re- heart of our country, was one which I was unwilling to
ceived the ratification of the Mexican Government. In concede. Italse embraced a provision to makefree to Great
the meantime our citizens, who suffered great losses Britain any port or ports on the Cape of Quadra and Van-
and some of whom have been reduced from affluence to couver's Island, south of this parallel. Had this been a
bankruptcy, are withot remedy, unless their rights be new question, coming under discussion for the first time,
enforced by their Government. Such a continued and this proposition would not have been made. The extra-
unprovoked series of wrongs could never have been tole- ordinary and wholly inadmissible demands of the British
rated by the United States had they been committed by Government, and the rejection of the proposition made in
one of the principal nations of Europe. Mexico was, deference alone to what had been done by my prede-
however, a neighbouring sister republic, which, follow- cessors, and the implied obligation which their acts
ing our example, had achieved her independence, and seemed to impose, afford satisfactory evidence that no
for whose success and prosperity all our sympathies were compromise which the United States ought to accept can
early enlisted. The United States were the first to ac- be effected. With this conviction the proposition of
knowledge her independence, and to receive her into compromise which had been made and rejected was by
the family of nations, and have ever been desirous of my direction subsequently withdrawn, and our title to the
cultivating with her a good understanding. We have, whole Oregon territory asserted, and as is believed
therefore, borne the repeated wrongs she has committed maintained by irrefragable facts and arguments.
with great patience, in the hope that a returning sense The civilised world will see in these proceedings a
of justice would ultimately guide her councils, and that spirit of liheral concession on the part of the United
we might, if possible, honourably avoid any hostile col- States, and this Government will be relieved from all
lision with her. responsibility which may follow the failure to settle the
Without the previous authority of Congress, the exe- controversy.
cutive possessed no power to adopt or enforce adequate All attempts at compromise having failed, it becomes
remedies for the injuries we bad suffered, or to do more the duty of Congress to consider what measures it may
than be prepared to repel the threatened aggression on be proper to adopt for the security and protection of our
the part of Mexico. After our army and navy had re- citizens now inhabiting, or who may hereafter inhabit
mained on the frontier and coasts of Mexico many Oregon, and for the maintenance of our just title to
wee ks, without any hostile movement on her part, though that territory. In adopting measures for this pur-
her menaces were continued, I deemed it important to pose, care should be taken that nothing be done
put an end, if possible, to this state of things. Vs ith this to violate the stipulations of the convention of 1827,
view, I caused steps to be taken, in the month of Sep- which is still in force. The faith of treaties, in
tember last, to ascertain distinctly, and in an authentic their letter and spirit, has ever been, and I trust will
form, what the designs of the Mexican Government were, ever be, scrupulously observed by the United States.
whether it was their intention to declare war or invade Under that convention a year's notice is required to be
Texas, or whether they were disposed to adjust and given by either party to the other, before the joint oecu-
settle;in an amicable manner, the pending differences pancy can terminate, and before either can rightfully
between the two countries. On the 9th of November assert or exercise exclusive jurisdiction over any portion
an official answer was received, that the Mexican Go- of the territory. This notice it would, in my judgment,
vernment consented to renew the diplomatic relations be proper to give ; and I recommend that provision be
which had been suspended in March last, and for that made by law for giving it accordingly, and terminating,
purpose were willing to accredit a Minister from the in this manner, the convention of the 6th of August,lB27.
United States. with a sincere desire to preserve It will become proper for Congress to determine what
peace, and restore relations of good understanding legislatien they can, in the meantime, adopt without
between the two republics, I waived all ceremony violating this convention. Beyond all question, the pro-
as to the manner of renewing diplomatic intercourse tectiun of our laws and our jurisdiction, civil and cri-
between them ; and assuming the initiative, on the mival, ought to be immediately extended over our cid-
10th of November, a distinguished citizen of Louisiana zens in Oregon. They have had just cause to complain
was appointed Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plee of our long neglect in this particular, and have, in con-
nipotentiary to Mexico, clothed with full power to ad• sequence, been compelled, for their own security and
just, and definitely settle, all pending differences between protection, to establish a Provisional Government for
the two countries, including those of bounders between themselves. Strong in their allegiance and ardent in their
Mexico and the State of Texas. The Minister appointed attachment to the United States, they have thus been
has set out on this mission, and is probably by this time cast upon their own resources. They are anxious that
near the Mexican capital. He has been entrusted to our laws should be extended over them ; and I recom-
bring
the negotiation with which he is charged to a con- mend that this be done by Congress with as little delay
elusion at the earliest practicable period ; which, it is as possible, in the full extent to which the British Par-
exrected, will be in time to enable me to forbear to re- liament have proceeded in regard to British subjects in
commend to Congress such ulterior measures of redress that territory, by their Act of July 2, 1821, " for regu-
for the wrongs and injuries we have so long borne as it lating the fur trade, and establishing a criminal and civil
would have been proper to make had no such negotiation jurisdiction within certain parts of North America." By
been instituted, this Act, Great Britain extended her laws and jurisdiction,
Congress appropriated at the last session the sum of civil and criminal, over her subjects engaged in the fur
275,000 dollars for the payment of the A pril and July trade in that territory. By it, the courts of the province
instalments of the Mexican indemnities for the year of Upper Canada were empowered to take cognisance of
1844 ; " provided it shall be ascertained to the satis- causes civil and criminal. Justices of the peace and other
faction of the American Government that said instal- judicial officers were authorised to be appointed in
meets have been paid by the Mexicen Government to Oregon, with power to execute all process issuing from
the agent appointed by the United States to rem ive the the courts of that province, and to "sit and hold courts of
same, in such manner as to discharge all claim on the record for the trial of criminal offences and misde-
Mexican Government, and said agent to be delinquent meanours," not made the subject of capital punishment,
in remitting the money to the United States." and also of civil cases, where the cause of action shall
The unsettled awe of our relations with Mexico has not "exceed in value the amount or sum of 2001."
involved this subject in much mystery. The first infor- Subsequent to the date of this Act of Parliament, a
!nation, in an authentic form, from the agent of the grant was made from the "British Crown" to the Hud-
United States, appointed under the administration of my son's Bay Company, of the exclusive trade with the In-
predecessor, was received at the State department on the dian tribes in the Oregon territory, subject to are serva-
9th of November last. This is contained in a letter, tion that it shall not operate to the exclusion "of the
dated the 7th of October, addressed by him to one of subjects of any foreign states who, under or by force of
our citizens then in Mexico, with the view of having it any convention for the time being, between us and such
communicated to that department. From this it ~.- y foreign states respectively, may be entitled to, and shall
pears that the agent, on the '2oth September, 1844, gave be engaged in the said trade."
a receipt to the treasury of Mexico for the amount of It is much to be regretted, that, while under this Act
the April and July instalments of the indemnity. In the British subjects have enjoyed the protection of Bri-
the set tie eppeaunfoation, however, he asserts that he tish laws, and British judicial tribunals throughout the
had riot received a single dollar in eash; but that he w-0.0 t. i eto the Oregon, " the American citizens in the
holds such securities as warranted him at the time in same teritory have enjoyed no such protection from their
giving the receipt, and entertains no doubt that he will Government. At the same time, the result illustrates the
eventually obtain the money. Ag these instalments character of our people and ;their institutions. In spite
appear never to have been actually paid by the Go- of this neglect they have multiplied, and their number is

rapidly ineresieinz in that teritory. They have made no
appeal to artee, but have peaceably fortified themselves in
their new homes, by the adoption of republican institu-
tions for themselves ; forming another example of the
truth that self-government is inherent in the American
breast, and must prevail. It is due to them that they
should be embraced and protected by our laws.
It is deemed important that our laws regulating trade
and intercourse with the Indian tribes east of the Rocky
Mountains should be extended to such tribes as dwell beyond them.
The increasing emigration to Oregon, and the care and
protection which is due from the Government to its
citizens in that distant region, make it our duty, as it is
our interest, to cultivate amicable relations with the In-
dian tribes of that territory. For this purpose, I recom-
mend that provision be made for establishing- an Indian
agency and such sub-agencies as may be deemed neces-
sary beyond the Rocky Mountains.
For the protection of emigrants whilst on their way
to Oregon, against the attacks of the Indian tribes occu-
pying the country through which they pass, I recom-
mend that a 'suitable number of stockades and block-
house frrts be erected along the usual route between our
fr-litier settlements on the Missouri and the Rocky
Mountains, and that an adequate force of mounted rifle-
men be raised to guard and protect them on the journey.
The immediate adoption of these recommendations by
Congress will not violate the provisions of the existing
treaty. It will be doing nothing more for American
citizens than British laws have long since done for Bri-
tish subjects in the same territory.
It requires several months to perform the voyage by
sea from the Atlantic States to Oregon ; and although
we have a large number of whale ships in the Pacific,
but few of them afford an opportunity of interchanging
intelligence, without delay, between our settlements in
that distant region and the United States. An overland
mail is believed to be entirely practicable, and the im-
portance of establishing such a mail, at least once a
month, is submitted to the favourable consideration of
Congress.
:It is submitted to the wisdom of Congress to deter-
mine whether, at their present session, and until after
the expiration of the year's notice, any other measures
may be adopted, consistently with the convention of
1827, for the security ni our rights, and the government
and protection of our citizens in Oregon. That it will
ultimately be wise and proper to make liberal grants of
land to the patriotic pioneers, who, amidst privations
and dangers, lead the way through savage tribes inha-
biting the vast wilderness intervening between our fron-
tier a ttlements and Oregon, and who cultivate, and are
ever ready to defend the soil, lam fully satisfied. To
doubt whether they will obtain such grants as soon as
the convention between the United States and Great
Britain shall have ceased to exist would be to doubt the
justice of Congress ; but, pending the year's notice, it
us worthy of consideration whether a stipulation to this
effect may be made, consistently with the spirit of that
convention.
The recommendations which I have made as to the
best manner of securing our rights iu Oregon are sub-
mitted to Congress with great deference. Should they,
in their wisdom, devise any other mode better calculated
to accomplish the same object, it shall meet with my
hearty concurrence.
At the end of the year's notice, should Congress think
it proper to make provision for giving that notice, we
shall have reached a period when the national rights of
Oregon must either be abandoned or firmly maintained.
That they cannot be abandoned without a sacrifiut of
both national honour and interest is too clear to admit
of doubt.
Oregon is a part of the North American continent, to
which it is confidently affirmed the title of the United
States is the best now in existence. For the grounds on
which that title rests, I refer you to the correspondence
of the late and present Secretary of State with the Bri.
tish Plenipotentiary during the negotiation. The British
proposition of compromise, which would make the Colum-
bia the line south of 49 degrees, with a trifling addition
of detached territory to the United States north of that
river, and would leave on the British side two-thirds of
the whole Oregon territory, including the free navigation
of the Columbia and all the valuable harbours on the
Pacific, can never, for a moment, be entertained by the
United States, without an abandonment of their just and
clear territorial rights, their own self-respect, and the
national honour. For the information of Congress, I
comtnunicate heree ith the correspondence which took
place between the Governments during the late nego-
tiation.
The rapid extension of our settlements over our terri-
tories heretofore unoccupied, the addition of new States
to our confederacy, the expansion of free principles, and
our rising greatness as a nation, are attracting the at-
tention of the Powers of Europe ; and lately the doc-
trine has been broached in some of them of a " balance
of power" on this continent, to check our advancement.
The United States, sincerely desirous of preserving rela-
tions of good understanding with all nations, cannot in
silence permit any European interference on the North
American continent ; and should any such interference
be attempted, will be ready to resist it at any and a
hazards.

It is well known to the American people and to all
nations that this Government has never interfered with
the relations subsisting between other Governments.
We have never made ourselves parties to their wars or
their alliances ; we have not sought their territories by
conquest ; we have not mingled with parties in their do-
mestic struggles; and, believing our own form of govern-
ment to be the best, we have never attempted to prof agate
it by intrigues, by diplomacy, or by force. We may claim
o❑ this continent a like exemption from European inter-
ference. The nations of America are equally sovereign
and independent with those of Europe. They possess
the same rights, independent of all foreign interposition,
to make war, to conclude peace, and to regulate their in-
ternal affairs. The people of the United States cannot,
therefore, view with indifference attempts of European
powers to interfere with the independent action of the
nations on this continent. The American system of
Government is entirely different from that of Europe.
Jealousy amongst the different Sovereigns of Europe,
lest any one of them might become too powerful for the
rest, has caused them anxiously to desire the establish-
ment of what they term the " balance of power." It
cannot be permitted to have any application on the
North American continent, and especially to the United
States. We must ever maintain the principle that the
people of this continent alone have the right to decide
their own destiny. Should any portion of them, consti-
tuting an independent state, propose to unite themselves
with our confederacy, this will be a question for them
and us to determine, without any foreign interposition.
We can never consent that European powers shall inter-
fere to prevent such a union, because it might disturb
the " balance of power" which they may desire to main-
tain upon this continent.
Near a quarter of a century ago the principle was dis-
tinctly announced to the world, in tho annual message of
one of my predecessors, that " the American continents,
by the free and independent condition which they have
assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be con-
sidered as subjects for future colonisation by any Euro-
pean power." This principle will apply with greatly
increased force, should any European power attempt to
establish any new colony in North America. In the ex-
isting circumstances of the world, the present is deemed
a proper occasion to reiterate and re-affirm the principle
of by Mr. Monroe, and to state my cordial con-
currence
in its wisdom and sound policy. The re -asser-
tion of this principle, especially in reference to North
America, is at this day but the promulgation of a policy
which no European power should cherish the disposi-
tion to resist. Existing rights of every European nation
should be respected ; but it is due alike to our safety and
our interests, that the efficient protection of our laws
should be extended over our whole territorial limits,
and that it should be distinctly announced to the
world as our settled policy, that no future European
colony or dominion shall, with our consent, be planted
or established on any part of the North American con-
tinent.

THE PRUSSIAN TREATY.
A question has lately arisen under the tenth article of
the subsisting treaty between the United States and
Prussia. By this article, the Consuls of the two coun-
tries have the right to sit as judges and arbitrators " in
such differences as may arise between the captains and
crews of the vessels belonging to the nation whose inte-
rests are committed to their charge, without the interfe-
rence of the local authorities, unless the conduct of the
crews or of the captain should disturb the order or
tranquillity of the country ; or the said Consuls should
require their assistance to cause their decisions to be
carried into effect or supported."
The Prussian Consul at New Bedford, in June, 1844,
applied to Mr. Justice Story to carry into effect a deci-
sion made by him between the captain and crew of the
Prussian ship Borusisa ; but the request was refused on
the ground that, without previous legislation by Con-
gress, the judiciary did not possess the power to give
effect to this article of the treaty. The Prussian Go-
vernment, through their Minister here, have complained
of this violation of the treaty, and have asked the Go-
vernment of the United States to adopt the necessary
measures to prevent similar violence hereafter. Good
faith to Prussia, as well as to other nations with
whom we have similar treaty stipulations, requires
that these should be faithfully observed. I have deemed
it proper, therefore, to lay the subject before Congress,
and
1 to recommend such legislation as may be necessary
to give effect to these treaty obligations.
SPANISH (NAVIGATION) TREATY.
By virtue of an arrangement made between the
Spanish Government and that of the United States, in
December, 1831, American vessels, since the 29th of
April, 1832, have been admitted to entry in the ports
of Spain, including those of the Balearic and Canary
Islands, cn payment of the same tonnage duty of five
cents per ton, as though they had been Spanish vessels ;
and this, whether our vessels arrive in Spain directly
ft off, the United States, or indirectly from any other
country. When Congress, by the Act of July 13, 1828,
gave effect to this arrangement between the two Go-
vt rnments, they confined the reduction of tonnage duty
merely to Spanish vessels "coming from a port in
Spain," leaving the former discriminating duty to remain
against such vessels coming from aport in any other
country. It is manifestly unjust that, whilst American
vessels, arriving in the ports of Spain from other coun-
tries, pay no more duty than Spanish vessels, Spanish
vessels arriving in the ports of the United States from
other countries should be subjected to heavy discrimi-
nating tonnage duties. This is neither equality nor
reciprocity, and Is in violation of the arrangement
concluded in December, 1831, between the two
countries. The Spanish Government have made re-
peated and earnest remonstrances against this inequality,
and the favourable attention of Congress has been se-
veral times invoked to the subject by my predecessors.
I recommend as an act of justice to Spain that this in-
equality be removed by Congress, and that the discri-
minating duties which have been levied under the Act
of the 13th July, 1832, on Spanish vessels coming to the
United States from any other foreign country, be re-
funded. This recommendation does not embrace Spa-
nish vessels arriving in the United States from Cuba