Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1844-12-12


One of the strongest objections which has
been urged against confederacies, by writers or
Government, is, the liability of the members to
be tampered with by foreign Governments, oil
the People of foreign States, either in their To-
cal affairs, or in such as affected the peace o1
others, or endangered the safety of the whole
Contederacy. We cannot hope to be entirely
exempt from such attempts on our peace and
safety. The United States are becoming too
important in population and resources not to al
tract the observation of other nations. 1t, there
fore may, in the progress of time, occur that
opinions entirely abstract in the States in which
they may prevail, and in no degree affecting
their domestic institutions, NAV be arttuily, but
secretly, encouraged with view to undermine
the Union. Such opinions may become the
foundation of political parlies until at last, the
conflict of opinion, producing an alienation OF
friendly feeling among the People Of the differ
ent States, may involve in one general destruc-
ton the happy institutions under which we live.
1t should ever be borne in mind, that what is
true in regard to individuals, is equally so in
regard to States. An Interference OF one in the
affairs of another, is the fruitful source Of FAM
lily dissensions and nelghborhood disputes; and
the same cause affects the peace, happiness and
prosperity of States. 1t may be most devoutly
hoped that the good sense of the American
People win ever be ready to repel all such at
tempts, should they ever be made.
There has been no material change in our
foreign relations since my last Annual Message
TO Congress. With all the powers of Europe
we continue on the most friendly terms. In
deed 1t affords me great 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 becom-
ing deeper amongst the enlightened every where;
and there is no people who have stronger IN
terest in cherishing the sentiments, and adopt
ing the means of preserving and giving it per-
manence, than those of the United States. A
mong these, the first and most effective are, no
doubt, the strict observance of justice and the
honest and punctual fulflment of all engage
ments. But it is not to be forgotten that, in the
present state of the world, it is no less neces-
sary to be ready to enforce their observance
and tul6lment in reference to ourselves, than to
observe and fulfil them on our part in regard to
others.
Since the close of your last session, nego-
tiation has been formally entered upon between
the Secretary OF State and Her Britannia Ma
jestv's Minister PlenIpotenllary and Envoy EX-
traordinary 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 de6nitive conclusion, the result
will be promptly communicated to Congress.
would, however, again call your attention to the
recommendations contained In previous mes
sages. designed to project and facilitate emlgra-
ton to that Territory. The establishment OF
military posts at suitable points upon the ex-
tended line of land travel, would enable our Cit
liens to migrate in comparative safety TO the
fertile regions below the falls of the Columbia,
and make the provision of the existing conven-
ton for the Joint occupation OF the Territory by
subjects of Great Britain, and the citizens oi
the United States, more available than hereto
fore to the latter These posts would constitute
places OF rest for the weary emlgrant, where he
would be sheltered securely against the danger
Of attack from the Indians, and be enabled to
recover from the exhaustion Of long line Oi
travel. Legislative enactments should also be
made which should spread over him the egis oi
our laws, so as to afford projection to his per-
son and property when he shall have reached
his distant home. In this latter respect the
British Government has been much more care.
ful Of the interests of such Of her people as are
to be found in that country, than the United
States. She has made necessary provision foI
their security and protection against the acts oi
the viciously disposed and lawless and her en-
grant reposes in safety under the panopy oi
ner laws. Whatever may be the result of the
pending negotiation, such measures are neces-
sary. 1t will afford me the greatest pleasure to
witness happy and favorable termination TO
the existing negotiation, upon terms compatible
with the public honor; and the best efforts oil
the Government will continue to be directed to
this end
1t would have given me the highest gratifica-
ton, IN this, my last annual communication to
Congress, to have been able to announce to you
the complete and entire settlement and adjust
ment of other matters in difference between the
United States and the Government of Her Bri-
tannic Majesty, which were adverted to in a
previous message 1t is so obviously the inter-
est OF both countries, in respect 10 the large and
valuable commerce which exists between them.
that all causes of complaint, howeve: inconsd-
era5le, should be, with the greatest prompitude,
remoyed-that it must be regarded as cause OF
regret. that any unnecessary delays should be
permitted to intervene 1t is true that. in Pc
cuniary point of view, the matters alluded to,
are, Altogether, Insignificant ia amount, when
compared with the ample resources OF that great
nature but they, nevertheless, more particular
Iy that limited class which arise under seizures
and detensions OF American ships on the coast
of Africa, upon the mistaken supposltion IN
duleed in at the time the wrong was committed.
of ineirbein2 engaged in the slave trade, ,--deep
iy aifec. the seDsbiiilles Of THIS Government
and People. Great Britain having Recognized