Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1840-12-17

H'uses q Congress, at tie commencement of
me second session Of the hcenty-sirM Con-
SreSs.
feilow-CItizens Of the Senate
and House of Representatives
Our devout gratitudeis due to the Supreme
bcing Tor having graciously continued to our
oeioVed country, through the vicissitudes of
another year, the invaluable BLESSINGS of
health, plenty, and peace. Seldom has This
favored land been so generally exempted
from the ravages of disease, or the labor of
me husoandman more amply rewarded; and
never before have our relations with other
countries been placed OH a more favora
ole OASIS than that which they so happilv
occupy at this critical conjuncturc in the al
iairs OF the world. A rigid and perseverino
abstinence from all Interference with the do
mestic and political relations of other States.
alike due to the genius and distinctive char
acter OF our Government and to the princi
pies oy which 1t Is directed; a faithful OBJ
eerVance, In the management of our toreipn
reiations, OF the practice of speaking plainly.
ueaiing justly, and requiring truth and JUS
uce In return, as the best conservatives ofthe
peace OF nations; strict impaltiality in our
manifestations of friendship, in the commer.
siai privileges we concede, and those we re-
~
"'sPosition as prompt to maintain, in every
emergency, our own rights, as VIC are from
PiihoiPie aVerse to the invasion Of those of
''nerS' nave given to our country and Gov
erhhent standing in the great family of ma
mons, OF which we have lust cause to he
proud, and the advantages of which are ex-
perienced by our citizens throughout every
portion OF the earth to which their enterpris-
ing ana adventurous spirit may carry them.
fe", IL any, remain insensible to the value of
cur friendship, or ignorant of the terms on
which 1t can be acquired, and by which it can
alone be preserved.
"A series OF questions of long standing, Diff
hcnlt In their adjustment, and important in
their consequences, in which the RIGHTS of our
eitizens and the honor of the country were
deePiy Involved, have, In the course of a few
years (the most of them during the success
lnl administration of my immediate predeces
sor') Deen brought to satisfactory conclu-
Sion; and the most important of those remain
Ing are, am happy to believe, in fair way
OF being speedily and satisfactorily adjusted.
With all the Powers of the world our reIa-
lions are those of honorable peace. Since
your adjournment, nothing serious has occur
red 10 interrupt or threaten this desirably har-
mony. IT clouds have lowered above the
other hemisphere, they have not cast their
Bound by no entangling alliances, vet linked
by a common nature and interest with the
other nations OF mankind, our aspirations are
Tor the preservation of peace, in whose solid
ana ciVllizing trlumphs all may participate
with generous emulation. Yet it behooyes
lis 10 De prepared for any event, and to be al
ways ready to maintain those lust and en-
lightened principles of national intercourse.
Tor which this Government has ever contend
ed In the shock of contendinr empires. il
is only by assuming a resoiute hearing, and
clothing themselves with defensive armor.
'hat neutral nations can maintain their indie
pendent rights.
The excitement which grew out of the ter
TItorial controversy between the United States
and Great Britain having in Il great measure
subsidized, it is hoped that favorable period
Is approaching for its final settlement. Bot!
governments must now be convinced of the
dangers with which the question is fTauglit,
ana IL must be their desire, as it is their inter
est, that this perpetual cause of irritation
should be removed as speedily as practicable
an my last annual message you were inform
ed that the proposition for a commission of
exploration and survey promised by Great
ssrltain had been received, and that a coun-
GerproIect, including also provision for the
certain and fna! adjustment of the limits in
dispute, was then before the British Goyern-
ment for its consideration.
The answer Of that Government. accom-
panied By additional propositions of its own.
was received, through its minister here, since
your separation. These were promptly con-
sidered; such as were deemed correct In
principle, and consistent with due regard
to the just rights of the United States and ofl
the State of Maine, corcurred in; and the
reasons for dissenting from the residue, with |
an additional suggestion on our part, COM |
InunIcated by the Secretary of State to Mr.. |
4 OK. That minister, not feeling himself suf- |
hcient!y instructed upon some Of the points |
raised IN the discussion, felt it to be his dutv
70 refer the matter to his own Government
Tor It's further decision. Having now been
Tor some time under its advisement, a speedy
answer may De confidently expected. From
'he character Of the points still in difference,
ana inc undou5ted disposition Of both parties
20 oring the matte to Az early conclusion. I
'ook with entire confidence to prompt and
Sr satisfactory termination of the nego;ialoa-
n hiee commissioners were appointed shortly
"i,ei sIie adJournnent Of Congress, under the
ict % Tie iast session. providing for The explo-
'H'0n ana survey Of the line which separates
ne states OF Maine and New Hampshire
rom the British Provinces thew have bcnn
ictigely employed until their progress was
interrupted by the inclemency Of the season.
nd Will resume their labors as soon as prac.
Icable IN the ensuing year. 1t is understood
nat their respective examinations will throw
ew lights upon the subject in controversy.
nd serve to remove any erroneous impress
IONS which may have been made elsewhere /