, 1844-12-21

borhood disputes; and the same cause affects the peace,
happiness and prosperity of States. 1t may be most de-
voutly hoped that the good sense of the American people
will ever be ready to repel all such attempts, should they
ever be made.
The. &c ha been no material change in our foreign rela-
tons since my last annual message to congress. With all
the powers Of Europe we continue on the most friendly
terms. Indeed, it affords me much satisfaction to state,
that at no former period has the peace of that enlightened
and important quarter of the globe ever been, apparently,
more firmly established. The conviction that peace is the
true policy of nations, would seem to be growing and be-
coming deeper amongst the enlightened every where: and
there is no people who have a stronger interest in cherish
ing the sentiments, and adopting the means OF preserving
and giving it permanence, than those of the United States.
Amongst these, the first and most efficient are, no doubt,
the strict observance of Justice, and the honest and pune
tual fulflment of all engagements. But it is not TO be for
gotten that, in the present state of the world, it is no less
necessary to be ready to enforce their observance and full
flment, in reference TO ourselves, than TO observe and il-
fill them, on our part, in regard TO others.
Since the close Of your last session, a negotiation has
been formally entered upon between the secretary OF state
and her Britanic majestyS minister plenlpotentiary and en-
voy extraordinary, residing at Washington, relative to the
rights of their respective nations in and over the Oregon
territory. That negotiation is still pending. Should it,
during your session, be brought TO a definite conclusion,
the result will be promptly communicated TO congress-. l
would, however, again call your attention to the recommen-
dations contained in previous messages, designed to pro-
tect and facilitate emigration to that territory. The estab-
lishment of military posts at suitable points upon the eX-
tended line of land travel, would enable our citizens to
migrate in comparative safety TO the fertile regions below
the falls of the Columbia, and make the provision for the
joint occupation Of the territory by subjects of Great Brit
ain and The citizens of the United States, more available
than heretofore TO the latter.
These posts would continue to be places of rest for the
weary emigrant, where he would be sheltered securely
against the dangers of attack from the Indians, and be en-.
abled TO recover from the exhaustion of a long line of ira.
vel. Legislative enactments should also be made which
should spread over him the agis of our laws, SO as to al.
ford protection to his person and property when he shall
have reached his distant home. In this latter rpSDpci. tht
British government has been much more careful Of the in
terests Of such of her people as are TO be found in that
country, than the United States. She has made necessar,
provision for their security and protection against the acts
of the viciously disposed and lawless; and her emigran
reposes in safety under the panoply of her laws. What
ever may be the result of the pending negotiation, sncl
measures are necessary. Ii will afford me the creates
pleasure TO witness a happy and favorable termination T.
the existing negotiation, upon terms compatible with tn
public honor; and The best efforts of the government vii
continue to be directed TO this end.
Ii would have given me the highest qualification, in this
my last annual communication tie congress, TO have bee
able to announce to you the complete and entire seitlemen
and adjustment of other matters in difference between In
United States and the government of her Britanic majesty
which were adverted TO in a previous message. II S $
obviously the interest of both countries, in respect TO tn
large and valuable commerce which exists between then
that all causes of complaint however inconsiderable, shout
be with the greatest promptitude removed-that 1t must b
regarded as cause OF regret, that any unnecessary della
should be permitted TO intervene. IL Is true that, IN a pr
CuHidIN poiIt " VIEW, tt HndtttIs dIiuueut " ai' hoSS
er, insignificant in amount, when compared with the an
pie resources of that great nation; but they, nevertheless
more particularly that limited class which arise under sc
cures and detentions of American ships on the coast
Africa, upon the mistaken supposition INDUCED IN at III
time the wrong was committed, of their being engaged
the slave trade-deeply affect the sensibilies OF tins GOV
eminent anG people. Great Britain having recognized hi
responsibility to repair all such wrongs, by her action
other eases, leaves nothing TO be regretted on this subIec
as to all cases prior TO the treaty Of Washington than u
delay in making suitable reparation in such of them as ia
plainly within the principle of others, which she has Tor
since adjusted. The injury inflicted by the delays in Il
settlement Of these claims, fall with severity upon the IL
dividual claimants, and makes a strong appeal to her MAJ
nanimity and sense of justice for a speedy settlement
Other matters arising out of the construction OF existlr
treaties, also remain unadjusted, and will continue t"
urged upon her attention.
The labors of the jeint committee appointed by the tw
governments TO run the dividing line, established by u
treaty of Washington, were, unfortunately, much delay
in the commencement of the season, by the failure OF col
gress, at the last session, to make a timely appropriation
funds to meet the expenses of the American party, and
other causes. The United States commissioner, howeve
expresses his expectation that, by increased diligence al
energy, the party will be able 10 make up for lost time.
We continue to receive assurance OF the most friend
feelings on the part of all the other European power
with each, and all of whom, it is so obviously our intere
to cultivate the most amicable relations. Russia, the gre
northern power, under the judicious sway OF her en- aero
is constantly advancing III the road OF science ana Il
proyement; while France, guided by the counseis oil D
wise sovereign, pursues a course calculated to consoiida
=. the general peace. Spain has obtained a Dreaming sP
of some duration from the internal commissions which ha,
THROUGH so many years married her prosperity: while Al
tria. the Netherlands, Prussia, Belgium, and the 9th
noyers of Europe, reap a rich harvest Of blessings frt
q the prevailing peace.
Informed the two houses of congress in my message
Dooomber last, that instructions had been given to ~
Wheaton, our minister al Berlin, TO negotiate a treaty W
' a, oo,,nosin the /ol kereIn. NJ II col