The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-12-11
J. I. MCCLELLAN, Printer.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Felloio- Citizens Of lie Senate
and House Of Representatives

LII is TO me source of unaffected salts.
faction to meet the Representatives of the
States and the people in Congress assem-
bled, as it will be to receive the aid of their
combined wisdom in the administration of
public affairs. In performing, for tie
firsI4lme, the duty imposed on me by the
constitution, OF giving TO you Information
Of the state of the Union, and recommends
ing to your consideration such measures
as in my judgment are necessary and ex-
pedient, | am happy that | can congratu-
late you on the continued prosperity of
our country. Under The blessings of Di-
vine Providence and the benign influence
of our free institutions, it stands before the
world a spectacle Of national happiness.
With our unexampled advancement in
all the elements Of national greatness, the
affection of the people is confirmed for the
union of the States, and for the doctrines
OF popular liberty, which lie at the foun-
dalton OF our government.
Ii becomes US, in humility, 10 make our
devout acknowed gements to The Supreme
Ruler of the Universe, for the inestima-
bic civil and religious blessings with
which we ale favored,
In calling the attention Of Congress to
our relations with foreign powers, am
gratifed 10 be able TO state, that, though
with some of them there have existed since
your last session serious causes of irrila-
ton and misunderstanding, yet no actual
hostlities have taken place. Adopting
the maxim in the conduct of our foreign
affairs, to TASK nothing that is not right,
and submit to nothing that is wrong" it
has been my anxious desire 10 preserve
peace with all nations but, al the same
time, 10 be prepared to resist aggression,
and to maintain all our just rights.
ln pursuance Of the joint resolution Of
the United states," my predecessor, on
The third day of March, l845. elected 10
submit the first and second sections of that
resolution to the Republic of Texs, rs an
overture, on the part Of the United States,
for her admission as a Safe into our Un-
ion. This election approved, and ac-
cordingl y the charge datfars Of the Uni
ted States in Texas, under instructions Of
the 9th of March, IS45, presented these
sections OF the resolution for the accept
ance of that Republic. The executive
government, the Congress, and the people
of Texas in convention, have successfully
complied with all the terms and conditions
of the joint resolutions. A constitution of
the government of the State of Texas,
formed by convention of deputies, is
herewith laid before Congress. 1t is well
known also, that the people of Texas at
the polls have accepted the terms of an
nexaion, and ratified the constitution.
communicate to Congress the CORES
pondence between the Secretary Of STATE
and our charge d'affairs in Texas aud
also the correspondence of the latter with
the authorities of Texas together with
the official documents transmitted by him
TO his own government.
The terms Of annexation which were
offered by the United States having been
accepted by Texas, the public faith OF both
parties is soemnly pledged to the COM
pact oil their union. Nothing remains to
consummate the event, but the passage of
an act by Congress to admit the State of
Texas into the Union upon an equal foot.
ing with the original States. Strong rea-
sons exist why this should be done OF an
early period ofthe session. It will be
observed that, by the constitution of Texas,
the existing government is only continued
temporarily till Congress can act; and that
the third Monday of the present month is
the day appointed for holding the first
general election. On that day a govern
} or, a lieutenant governor, and both branch
es of the Legislature. will be chosen by
the people.
The President Of Texas is required, i'm.
medialely after the receipt Of official in
formation that the new State has been adj
mit;ed into our Union by Congress, to
convene the legislature and upon its
} meeting, the existing government will be
superseded, and the State government or
ganlzed. Questions deeply interesting 10
Texas, in common with the other States !;
the extension of our revenue laws and ju-
dcial system over the people and terri>
tory, as well as measures of local char
acler, will claim the early attention of
Congress; and, therefore, upon every
principle OF republican government, she
ought to be represented 10 that body with~
out unnecessary delay. cannot TOO
earnestly recommend prompt action on
this important subject.
AS soon as the act 10 admit Texas as a
r State shall be passed. the Union of the TWO
3 republics will be consummated BY their
own voluntary consent.
This accession to our territory has been
s bloodless achievement. No arm of
: force has been raised TO produce the re-
3 suit. The sword has had no part in the
victory. We have not sought to extend
our territorial possessions by conquest or
t our republican institutions over reluc-