Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1843-12-15
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
To The Sen ale and

the tTidiS ana OfiiiCuItfcS 10 winch tNey nave
been from time to time exposed, we certainly
are that People. From the first settlement
Of our forefathers on this contlnen,-through
the dangers attendant upon the occupation OF
o savage wderness-throuGh long period
of Colonial ependence-thfough the war OIL
the Revolution-in the wisdom which led to
the adoption of the existing Republican forms
Of Government-in the hazards incident to
var subsequently, waged with one OF the most
powerful nations on earth-ln the increase OF
our popuIalion-in the spread of the arts and
sciences, and in the strength and durab nity
conferred on political institutions emanatlng
from the People and sustained by their will
the superintendent OF an overriding ProvI-
dence has been plainly visible. As preparato-
ry, therefore, TO entering once more upon the
the high duties OF legislation, II becomes US
humbly 10 acknowledge our dependence upon
Him our guide and protector, and TO i'm
plore a continuance OF His paternal watchtul-
moss over our beloved country. We have
new cause for the expression OF our gratitude
in the preservation of the health of our fellow
citizens, with some partial and loca! exccp-
tons, during the past season-lOr the abun-
dance with which the earth has yielded up
its fruits to the labors of the husbandman-
for the renewed activity which has been i'm
parted to commerce--tor the revival of trade
IN all its experimentation the increased
rewards attendant the exercise of the
mechanic arts-for the continued growth Of
our population and the rapidly revlving pros
perty OF the whole country. | shall be
permitted to exchange congratulations with
you, gentlemen OF the two Houses of Con
gress, on these suspicious circumstances, and
to assure you, IN advance, of my ready dis
position to concur with you in the adoption OF
all such measures shall be calculated to
increase tho happiness of our constituents,
n
country.
Since the last adjournment OF Congress the
Executive has relaxed no effort to render in
destructible the relations of amity which so
happily exist between The United States and
other countries. The treaty lately concluded
With Great Britain has tended greatly 10 in
crease the good understanding which reel
procity OF interest is calculated TO encourage
and j. is more ardently to be hoped that no.
thing may transplre to interrupt the relations
Of amity which il is obviously the policy Of
both nations 10 cultivate.
A question Of much Importance still re
mans to be adjusted between them. The
territorial limits Of the two countries in rela-
ton to what is commonly known the Or
egon territory, still remains IN dispute. The
United States would be at all times indlspo-
sed to aggrandize themselves at the expense
Of any other nation; but while they would be
restrained by principles OF honor which
should govern the conduct Of nations as well
as that Of individuals, from setting up de-
mand for territory that does not belong to
them, they would asunwil!inglv consent to
surrender OF their rights. After the most
rigid, and as far practicable, unbiased cx-
animation of the subject. the United States
have always contended that their rights ap-
pertain 10 the entire region of country lying
ON the Pacific, and embraced within the
forty second and fitty-iourth 40 of North lat
itude. Fhis claim being controverted by
Great Britain, those who have preceded the
present Executive, actuated, no doubt, ty an
earnest desire 10 ad Just the matter upon terms
mutually satisfactory TO both countries, have
caused to be submitted 10 the British Gov
eminent, propositions for settlement and final
adjustment, which, however have not proved
heretofore acceptable to II. Our Minister at
London has, underinstructlons, again brought
the subject to the consideration Of that Gov
eminent; and while nothing will be done TO
compromit the rights, or honor of the United
States, every proper expedlent will be Tesor- +.
ted TO in order to bring the negotiation now
in the progress of resumption, to Il speedy
and happy termination. In The meantime it /
is proper to remark, that many of our citizens
are either already established in the territory
or ale on their way thther for the purpose
OF forming permanent settlements. while 9th T
ers are preparing 10 foow-and in view OF
these facts, must repeat the recommend .
alton contained in previous messages. for the I
establishment OF military posts, at such places
on the line of travel, as will furnish security
and protection TO our hardy adventures
against hostile tribes Of Indians inhabuinr
those extensive regions. Our laws should .
also fellow them, SO modified as the circum- .
stances of the case may seem TO reQuIre.--
Under the influence Of our free system Of
government, new republics are destined 10
spring up. at no distant day, on the shores Of
the Pacific, similar in policy and IN feeling to
those existing on this side of the Rocky .
Mountains, and giving a wider and more ex,
tensive spread to the principles of civil and .
religious liberty.
am happy to inform you that the cases