Morning herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1837-1840, 1840-12-11
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

tle commencement Of the Second Session of
the T>venty-sixth Congress.
Felio,, Citizens Of he Senate and House Of Repre-
sentatioes:
Oar deyout gratitude is due to the Supreme Being
for having gracously continued TO our beloved
country through the ycissitudes of another year,
the invaluable blessings of health plenty and peace.
Seldom has this favored land been so generally ex-
emped from the rayages Of disease, or the labor of
the husbandman more amply rewarded; and never
before have relations with other coun ries been
placed on a more favorable basis than that which
they happily occupy at this critical conJuncture
In the affairs of the world rigid and persevering
abstinence from all interference with the domestic
and political relations of other states, alike due to
the genius and distinctive character OF our govern
ment and to- the principles by which it is directed
faithful observance, IN the management OF our TO-
reign relations, of the practice OF speaking plainly
dealing justly, and requiring truth and justice In re-
turn, the best conservatives of the peace oil ni
tons; strict impartiaty in our manifestations OF
friendship, in the commercial privileges we con-
coed, and those require from others: these, ac-
companied by disposition prompt TO maintain in
every emergency, our own rights, as we are from
principle averse to the invasion of those of Others
have ven to oar country and government stand
ing in the great family Of nations OF whc. We have
Just to be proud, and the ad vantages OF which
are experienced by our citizens throughout every
portion Of the earth to which the cir enterprzpg and
adventurous spirit may carry them. Few, II any,
remain nsensibs to the value of our friendship, or
ignorant Of the terms which it can be acquired,
and by which it can alone be preserved.
their adjustment, and important in their conse-
quences, in which the rights of citizens and the
honor OF the c1Hntry were deeply Involved, have, IN
the course OF a few years. (the most of them during
the successful administration of my immediate pre-
decessor )been brought to satisfactory conclusion;
and the most important Of those remaining are, am
happy TO believe, in fair way ofbeing speedily and
satisfactorily adjusted.
With all the Powers of the world, our relations
are those Of honorable peace. Since your adjourn
ment nothing serious has occurred to interrupt
h. Hal ktA har oil nds
have lowered above the other hemisphere, they
have not cast their portentous shadows upon cur
happy shores. Bound By no entangiing alliances,
vet linked by a common nature and interest with
the other nations Of mankind aspirations are for
the preservation of peace, in whose solid and civil
izing triumphs all may participate with generous
emulation. Yet it behooves us to be prepared for
any event. and to be always ready to.mantain those
iust and enlightened principles Of national in.
tercourse, for which this government has ever con-
tended. In the shock Of contendng empires, it is
only BY assuming resoiute bearing, and clothing
themselves with defensive armor, that neutral ma
tons can maintain their independent rights.
The excitement which grew out OF the territorial
controversy between the United States and Great
Britain, having ia a great measure subsidized, it is
hoped that favorable period is approaching Tor its
FINAL settlement. Both Governments must now be
convinced Of the dangers with which the question is
fraugh and it must be their desire, as II is their
interest that this perpetual cause OF irritation should
be removed as speedily as practicable In my last
annual message you were informed that the PROPOSE
mon for commission Of exploration and survey pro-
missed by Great Britain had besn received, and that
acouuter-project including also provision for tho
certain and final adjustment OF the limits In dispute,
was then before the BrishGovernment for its cons-
Iteration. The answer OF that Government, accom-
panied by additional propositions oil It's own, was re-
ceived through its minister here, since your separa-
tion. These were promptly considered; such as
were deemed correct in principle, and consistent
with due regard to the Just rights OF the nited
States aad of the State of Maine, concurrsd in; and
the reason for dissenting from the residue with an
al mails fion m
the Secretary Of State to Mr.. Fox That minister,
NO feeling himself sufficiently instructed upon some
of the points raised in the discussion, felt it to be
his duty refer the matter to his own government
for its further decision Having now been for some
time under its adyisement, speedy answer may BIO
confidently expected. From the character OF the
points still in difference, and the undoubted dispe
sion Of both parties to bring the matter to early
eonclusio look with entire confidence to prompt
and satisfactory termination OF the negotiation n
Three commits sioners were appointed shortly after
the adjournment Of the act Of the last
session proudng 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
was interrupted by the incemency OF the season,
and will resume their iabors soon as practicable
IA the ensuing year.
IL is understood that their respective examina-
lions will throw light upon the subject in CON
troversy, and serve to remove any erroneous i'm
pressi0ns which may have been made elsewhere
preiudieial to the rights Of the United States. Ii
was among ether reasons, with a view Of prevent
ing the emba easements which, in peculiar sys-
ten of government impede and complicate negoci-
ations involving the territorial rights OF a State,
that thought il nay duty, you have bssn inform
ed previous occasion, to propose TO the British
GoyeTement, through its minister at Washington,
that early steps should be taken 20 adjust the points
nj difference on the line OF boundary from the
trance of Lake Superior to the most northwestern
poin, 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 yet
beea returned by the British Government to this
PROPOSITION.
With Austria, France, Prussia, Russia, and the
remaining Powers of Europe, am happy TO inform
You our relations continue to be Of the mos I
friendly character. With Belgium, treaty OF com
and navigation, based upon liberal principles
OF reciprocity and equality, was concluded in
March lat, and having been ratified by the Belgian
government, will be duly laid before the Senate Ii
Is subject cf congratula ion that IL provides for the
satisfactory adjustment OF lons-sisnding question
OF controversy thus removing the only obstacle
which could Distract the fieDdly and mu'saliy I'D.
vsntageous intercourse between the two nations 49,
A mcsseng n has been despatched with the iisneve-
risa treaty e. Berlin, where, according to stipulation,
the rat ihcaticns are to be exchanged. i sm happy
20 announce TO you that, after many delays and Diff
eulties, treaty Of commerce and navigation, be-
tween tho U. States aud Por'~eal, was concluded
and signed at Lisbon on the Goth Of August last by
che plenipotentaries OF the two Governments. Its
stiPulatons are founded upon these principles Of
mutual liberality and Vantage which the U. States
have always souga to make the basis of their inter
with foreign powers, and hoped they will
tend TO foster and strengthen the commsrc inter
cosrse OF the two countries.
Underthe appropriation Of the last session Of Con.
Eress agent has been sent to Germany the pur
pose Of promoting the interests Of our tobacco
trade.
The commissioners appointed under the conven.
ton for the adjustment Of claims Of citizens Of the
Usited States upon Mexico having met and organic
cd at Washington, in August last, the papers In the
possession Of the Government, relating TO those
claims, were communicated to the board. The
claims not embraced by that convention are new the
subject Of negotiation between the two Govern.
meats, through the medium Of our Minister at Mex
leo.
Nothing has occurred TO disturb the harmony Of
our relations with the different Governments Of