The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1840-12-10
MESSAGE
From the President Of the United States 10 the two
Houses Of Congress, at the commencement OF the
Second Session of the Twenty Sixth Congress

FcHOu- ltltzcHS U INC SENATE
and House Of Representatives.
Our deyout gratitude is due TO the Supreme Being
for having gracously continued 10 beloved coun-
Try through the yicssitudes OF another year. the in
valuable blessings of health plenty, and peace. Sci
dom has this favored land been generally exempted
from the Tavages OF disease the labor of the hus-
bandman amply rewarded and before
have relations with other countries been placed
favorable basis ,han that which they happily
occupy at this critical conjuncture in the affairs OF
the world. rigid md perseyering abstinence from
oil interference with the domestic and political rea-
tons Of other States, alike due to the genius and die
tinctive character of Government and the prin
ciples 10y which il is directed faithful observance,
in the management of our foreign relations, OF the
practice Of speaking plainly, dealing justly, and re-
qurng truth and justice in return the best conser-
yatiyes of the peace of nations; strict importantly
in manifestations Of friendship, in the CONNER
cial privileges we concede and those we require from
others these accompanied by disposition AZ prompt
To maintain in every emergency our own rights,
from principle avcrse to the invasion vi those
OF Others have given TO our country and Government
standing in the great family Of nations OF which we
have Just to be proud and the advantages OF
which are experienced by our citizens throughou
every portion OF the earth which their enterprslng
and adventurous spirit may carry them. Few any,
remain insensibe TO the value Of our friendship or
ignorant of the terms which it be acquired, and
b, which it can alone be preserved
series of questions Of long standing, difficult IN
their adjustment, and important IN their consequences,
in which the rights of our citizens and the honor OF
the country deeply involved, have in the course
of few years, THE most of them during the success
full administration of my immediate predecessor been
brought to satisfactory conclusion; and the most
important of those remaining are, am happy to be-
eve, in fair way OF being speedily and satisfactorily
adjusted
With all the Powers of the world our relations
those of honorable peace. Since your adjournment
nothing serious has occurred 10 interrupt or threaten
this desirable harmony Ii clouds have lowered above
hnnn,c hal aya
tous shadows upon our happy shores Bound by no
cntangling alliances, yet linked by a common nature
and interest with the other nations Of mankind,
aspirations for the preservation Of peace in whose
solid and civzing riumphs all may participate with
generous emu alton Yet it behooves to be pre-
pared tor any event. and to be always ready to main
those just and enlightened principles of national
intercourse for which this Government has ever con-
tended In the shock Of contending empires 1t Is
only by assuming icsolute bearing, and clothing
themselves with defensive armor, that neutral nations
maintain their independent rights.
The excitement which grew out of the territorial
controversy between the United States and Great
Britain having in great subsidized, it is hoped
that favorable period is approaching for its final set
Element. Both Governments must now be convinced
of the dangers with which the question is fraugh;
and it must be their DESIRE il is their interest," that
this perpetual Of irritation should be removed
speedily as practicable. In my last annual message
you were informed that the proposition for commits
sion of exploration and survey promised by Great
Britain nau Deen received, ana tnat
including also provision for the certain and final adj
juslment of the limits in dispute then before the
British Government for Its consideration The an
swer of that Government, accompanied by additional
propositions OF ITS own was received through Its mi
mister here since your separation. These prompt
ly considered such deemed correct in prncl-
pie and consistent with due regard to the just rights
Of the United States and of the State of Maine,
CURED in and the reasons for dissenting from the
residue, with an additional suggestion part,
communicated by the Secretary of State to Mr. Fox.
That minister not feeling himsef efficiently instruct
ed upon of the points raised in the dscusson felt
to be his duty to refer the matter to his own Govern
ment for its further decision Having now been for
some time under its advsement, speedy answer may
be confidently expected. From the character of the
points still in difference and the undoubted DISPOSE
ton of both parties to bring the matter to early
conclusion, look with entire confidence to prompt
and satisfactory termination OF the negotiation Three
commissioners appointed shortly after the ad-
ournment Of Congress- under the act Of the last
sion providing for the exploration and survey of the
line which separates the States of Maine and New
Hampshire from the British Provinces they have
been actively employed until their progress inter
rupted by the inclemency of the season. and will re-
sumo their abors as soon as practicable in the ensuing
year.
1t is understood that their respective examinations
will throw new light upon the subject in controversy,
and serve to remove any erroneous Impressions which
may have been made elsewhere pre- judicial to the rights
OF the United States 1t was among other reasons,
with view of preventing the cmbarassmcnts which,
in our peculiar system of government impede and
plicate negotiations involving the territorial rights of
State that thought my duty, you have been in
formed on previous OCCASION propose to the British
Government through its minister at Washington that
carly steps should be taken to adjust the points of diff
ference on the line of boundary from the of
Lake Superior TO the most northwestern point of the
Lake of the Woods by the arbitration Of friendly
Power, IN conformity with the seventh article of the
treaty OF Client No answer has vet been returned by
the British Government to this proposition
With Austria, France, Prussia Russia, and the re-
naming Powers of Europe, am happy to inform you
relations continue to be of the most friendly cha
racter With Belgium treaty OF commerce and ma
yigation, based upon liberal principles Of reciprocity
and equality, was concluded in March last and hav-
ing been ratified by the Belgian Government, will be du
y laid before the Senate Ii is subject of congratula
ton that it provides for the satisfactory adjustment of
long standing question of controversy thus renov
ing the only obstacle which could obstruct the friendly
and mutually advantageous intercourse between the
two nations. "A messenger has been despatched with
the Hanovcran treaty to Berlin, where, according to
stipulation, the Notifications to be exchanged. ]
am happy to ANNOUNCE to you that after many delays
and difficulties, treaty of commerce and navigation
between the United States and Portugal, was conclu-
ded and signed at Lisbon the 26th Of August last
by the plcnipotentiarcs Of the two Governments Its
stipuatons a,e founded upon those principles Of mu-
tual hberalty and advantage which the u ned States
have always sought 10 make the basis Of their inter
with foreign Powers and il is hoped they will
tend TO foster and strengthen the commercial inter
couIse OF the two countries.
Under the appropriation Of The last session Of Con
grcss agent has been TO Germany for the pur
pose OF promoting the interests of tobacco trade
The commissioners appointed under The convention
for the adjustment of claims Of citizens Of the United
States upon Mexico having met and organized at
Washington, in August last the papers in the posses
sion of the Government relating those claims were
communicated to the Board. The claims not cmbrs-
ced by that convention The subject Of nepot
alton between the Governments, throu III tho inc.
dun Of our minister at Mexico.
Nothing has occurred TO disturb the harmony Of nur
relations with the different Governments IL South
America. | regret however to be obItgesI 10 inform
You that the claims Of ciiizena nnnn lie nic Rct