Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1843-12-14
l3resinent's Mesaage.
To the Senate and
House of Repr esentafires Of the us.

NfN~Nf'NfN~NN
If any People ever had cause TO render
up thanks TO the Supreme Being for paren-
tai care and protection extended to them
IN all the trials and difficulties TO which
they have been from time to time exposed,
we. certainly are that People. From the
first settlement Of our forefathers on this
continent-through the dangers attendant
upon the occupation of savage wilder
ness-through long period of Colonial
dependence-through the war Of the Re-
volution-in the wisdom which led to the
adoption Of the existing Republican forms
of Government-in the hazards of war
subsequently waged with one of the most
powerful nations of the earth--in the in
crease of our population--in the spread
of the arts and sciences, and in the strength
and durability conferred on political insti-
tutions emanating from the People and sus-
tanned by their will--the superintendent
of an overriding Providence has been
plainly visible. As preparatory, there
fore, TO entering once more upon the high
duties oflegslation, il becomes us humbly
to acknowledge our dependence upon him
as our guide and protector, and to implore
continuance of His parental watchful-
ness over our beloved country. We have
new cause for the expression OF our graft
tude in the preservation OF the health OF
our fellow-citizens, with some partial and
local exceptions, during the past season.
for the abundance with which the earth
has yielded up its fruits to the labors OF the
husbandman-for the renewed activity
which has been impaired to commerce.
for the revival of trade in all its depart
ments-for the increased rewards attend
ant on the exercise of the mechanic arts
for the continued growth Of our population
and the rapidly reviving prosperity of the
whole country. shall be permitted to
exchange congratulations with you, gen.
tlemen of the two Houses of Congress,
on these suspicious circumstances, to as
sure you, in advance, of my ready dispo-
sition to concur with you in the adoption
Of all such measures as shall be calculated
to increase the happiness of our constitu-
ents and to advance the glory of our COM
mon country.
Since the last adjournment of Congress,
the Executive has relaxed no effort to ren-
der indestructibe the relations of amity
which so happily exist between the Uni
ted States and other countries. The trea-
ly lately concluded with Great Britain has
tended greatly to increase the good under
standing which reciprocity Of interest is
calculated to encourage, and it is most ar
IDENTIFY hoped that nothing may transpire
to interrupt the relations of amity which it
is so obviously the policy of both nations to
cultivate,
A question of much Importance still re-
mains TO be adjusted between them. The
territorial limits of the two countries in re-
laton to what is commonly known as the
Oregon territory, still remains in dispute.
The United States would be at all times
indisposed TO aggrandise 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 demand for territory which
does not belong TO them, they would as
unwillingly consent to surrender OF their
rights. After the most rigid, and as far as
practicable, unbiased examination of the
subject, the United States have always
commended that their rights appertain to the
entire region of the country lying on the
Pacific, and embraced within the AID and
54th degrees, 40 minutes Of North lati-
tude. This claim being controverted by
Great Britain, those who have preceded
the present Executive, actuated, no doubt,
by an earnest desire TO adjust the matter
upon terms mutually satisfactory to both
countries, have caused to be submitted to
the British Government, propositions for
settlement and final adjustment, which,
however, have not heretofore proved &C
ceptable to it. Our Minister at London
has, under instructions, again brought the
subject 10 the consideration of that Gov
ernment; and while nothing will be done
10 compromit the rights, or honor Of the
United States, every proper expedlent will
be resorted to in order to bring the nego-
tiaton now in the progress of resumption,
to speedy and happy termination. In
the meantime 1t is proper TO remark, that
many of our citizens are either already es-
| ldOlSuFu III thc 'cililpll VI hic Oh thtii
way thither for the purpose of forming per-
manent settlements, while others are pre-
pairing to follow--and in view of these
facts, must repeat the recommendation
contained IN previous messages, for the
establishment of military posts, at such
places, on the line of travel, as will furnish
security and protection to our hardy ad,
venturers against hostile tribes OF Indians
inhabiting those extensive regions. Our
laws should also follow them, SO modified
as the circumstances of the case may seem
to require. Under the influence OF oul
free system of government, new republics
are destined 10 spring up, at no distant day
on the shores Of the Pacific, similar IN pol
icy and feeling 10 those existing on this
side ofthe Rocky Mountains, and giving
a wider and more extensive spread to the
principles of civil and religious liberty.
lam happy 10 inform you that the cases
which have arisen, from time to time, o.
the detention of American vessels by Brit
ish cruisers on the coast of Africa, under
pretence of being engaged in the slave
trade, have been placed in fair train Of
adjustment. In the case Of the William
& Francis full satisfaction will be allowed
In the cases of the Tygris and Seamew