Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-06-22
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
TO the Senate and House Of
REPRESENTATIVES of the United States.


FELLOW CITiZE Ns-You have been assembled in
your respective halls of Legislation under procla-
nation bearing the signature of the iliusEious citizen
who SO lately called by the direct sufrages of
the people, to the discharge ofthe important functions
of their chief Executive Oice--upon the expiration
Of a single month from the day of his installation he
has paid the great debt of nature leaving behind hun
q name associated with the recollection of numerous
benefits conferred upon the country, during long
life of patriotic devotion. With this public bereaye.
ment are connected other associations which will not
escape the attention Of Congress. The preparations
necessary for his removal TO the Of government
in view of residence of four years must have do
volved upon tho late President heavy expenditures
which if permitted TO burden the limited resources
of his private fortune may tend 10 the serious en-
harrIssment of his surviving family; and il is there
fore respectfully submitted 60 Congress whether the
ordinary principles justice would not dictate the
propriety of its legislative nerpOsiou. BY the pro-
visions of the fundamental law, the powers AMI du-
ties of the high station 10 which he elected have
devolved upon and in the disposition of the re-
personalities of the People, will be found to great
extent n solution of the problem to which our nst-
tutionS are, for tho first Time subjected.
In entering upon the duties of this office do not
feel that it would be becoming in 10 disturb what
had been ordered by my iustrous predecessor
Whatever therefore, may have been my opinion ORR
ginalIy to the propety of converting Congress at
so early day from thar of its late adjournment, |
found q now and controlling inducement not TO in
ier(erc with the patriotic desire of the late President
IN the nONSILy OF lHo SITUATION III WnlCi was
expectedly placed. My first wish under such cir.
cumsances. would necessarily have been 10 have
called TO my aid in the administration of public ar
fairs, the combined wisdom of the two Houses of
Congress in order TO take their counsel and advice
as 10 the best mode of extricating the government
and tho country from the omba rrassments weighing
heavily on both am then most happy in finding
myself after my accession TO the Presidency
surrounded by the immediate representatives of the
States and People.
No important changes having taken place in our
foreign relations since the last session of Congress-
il deemed necessary this OCCASION TO 90 into
q detailed statement in regard to them. | am happy
10 say see nothing destroy the hope Of being able
TO preserve peace.
The ratification Of the treaty with Portugal has
been duly exchanged between the two Governments.
The government has not been inattentve 10 the in
terestS Of those of our citizens who have claims on
the Government of Spain, founded on express treaty
stpulations; aud hope is INDUCED that the repre-
sensations which have been made to that Govern
mont that subject, may lead ere long, to beneficial
results.
A correspondence has taken place between the
Secretary of State and the Minister of Her Brltanic
Majesty accredited TO this Government on the sub
ject of Alexander Mcleod imprisonment and ndIct-
ment copies of which are herewith communicated
to Congress.
In addition 70 what appears from these papers, it
may be proper state, that Alexander Mel cod has
been heard by the Supreme Court Of the Stale OF
New York, his motion 10 be discharged from i'm
orisonment and that the decision of that court has
not yet been pronounced.
The Secretary of State has addressed 10 me pa
per upon two subjects, interesting TO The commerce
of the country which will receive my consideration,
and which have the honor to communicate to Con-
gress.
So far as it depends upon the course of the Gov
eminent, our relations of good will and friendship
will be seduously cultivated with all nations. The
true American policy Will be found consist in the
exercise of q spirit of Justice to be manifested in the
discharge of all our international obligations to the
weakest of the family of nations ell to the most
powerful. Occasional conflicts of opinion may arise,
but when the discussions incident TO them are con-
ducod in the language of truth, and with strict re-
gard to Justice the scourge of will for the most
part be avoided. The time ought TO be regarded as
having gone by when a resort to arms IS to be es-
teomed as the only proper aFbiteF of national dor,
enceS.
The census recently taken shows a regularly pro-
gressive increase in our population pom the brea-
king up of the of the Revolution, our numbers
scarcely equaed 3 600. coo of soIls. They already
oxceed II 600 600 and will continue TO progress IN
a ratio which duplicates in period OF about y years
The old States contain territory sufficient IN Itsel
to maintain population of additional millions. ard
the most populous Of the new States, may ever vel
be regarded as partially settled, while the new land:
on this side of the Rocky Noun taus TO say nothing
of the immense region which stretches from the base
Of those mountains TO the mouth of Columbia river
about 30 90 of acres, CeLed and unccded still
remain 10 be brought into market. We hold out {,