The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-12-13
Pr esident's M age.
Fsily,.4e.,,e.ilislns l,4.,.l ef Me senale .an,.d HOUSE

The aid Of their combined wisdom in the admins
tation of public affairs. In performing, for the
first time, the duty imposed me by the constitu-
tion, of giving to you information of the state OF
the Union, and recommending TO your considera-
ton such measures as in my judgment are necessa-
ry and expedient,I am happy that can congratulate
you on the continued prosperity of our country.
Under the blessings of Divine Providence and the
benign influence OF our free institutions, it stands
before the world 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 foundation of our government.
Itbecomes US, in humility, to make dur devout
Acknowledgements TO the Supreme Ruler of the
Universe, for the inestimable civil and religious
blessings with which we are favored.
In calling the attention Of Congress to our relr-
tions with foreign powers, am gratifed TO be able
tostste, that though with some OF them there have
existed since your last session serious of ir
ritation and misunderstanding, yet no actual host-
ties have taken place. Adopting the maxim in the
conduct of our foreign affairs TO s'ask nothing that
is not right, and submit to nothing that is wrong"
it has been my anxious desire to preserve peace with
all nations; but, at the same time, to be prepared to
resist aggTessions, ,and 10 maintain all our just rights
In pursuance Of the joint resolution OF Congress,
"for annexing Texas to the United States," my
predecessor, on the third day of March, 1915,
elected to submit the first and second sections of
that resolution to the republic of Texas, as an
overture, OIL the part of the United States, for her
admission as State into our Union. This election
approved, and accordingly the charge d'affaires
OF The United States in Texas, under Instructions
of the tenth of March, lS45, presented these sec
tions of the resolution for the acceptance OF that
republic. The executive government, the Con-
gress, and the people of Texas in convention, have
successfully complied with all the terms and con-
dtions of the joint resolution. A constitution for
the government of the State of Texas, formed by
a convention of deputies is herewith laid before
Congress II is well known, also, that the people
of Texas at the polls have accepted the terms Of
annexation, and ratified the constitution
| communicate to Congress the correspondence
between the Secretary of State and our charge
daffaires in Texas; and 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 compact Of 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 footing with the original
States. Strong reasons exist Why this should be
done at an early period of the session. 1t will be
observed that by the constitution OF Texas the ex-
isting government is only continued temporarily
TIL Congress can act; and that the third Monday Of
the present month is the day appointed tor holding
the first general election. On that day governor
n lieutenant governor, and both branches of the
legislature, will be chosen by tho people The
President Of Texas is required, Immediately after
the receipt Of official information that the new
l., -. i,,Ip IIt,Ipn hy
gress, to convene the Legislature; and, upon its
meeting, the existing government will be super
seeded, and the State government organized Ques-
tons deeply interesting to Texas, in common with
the other States the extension OF our revenue laws
and judicial system over her people aud territory,
rs well as measures OF local character, will claim
the early attention of Congress- and, therefore, up
Oh every principle of republican government, she
ought to be represented in that body without un-
necessary delay. cannot too earnestly recon-
mend prompt action on this important subject.
As soon as the act to admit Texas as State
shall be passed. the union of the tw republics will
be consummated by their own voluntary consent.
This accession to our territory has been blood
less achievement. No arm of force has been raised
TO produce the result. The sword has had no part
IN the victory. We have not sought to extend our
territorial possessions by conquest, or our republl-
can institutions over a reluctant people 1t was
the deliberate homage of each people to the great
principle of our federative union.
five consider the extent Of territory involved in
the xation-its prospective influence on Amer
ica-the means by which it has been accomplished,
sprngng purely from the choice of the people
themselves to share the blessings of our union,-
the history Of the world may be challenged to fur
nish parallel.
The Jurisdiction of the Uniled States, which at
the formation of the federal constitution was bound
ed by the ST Mary's, on the Atlantic, has passed
the Capes OF Florida. and been peacefully extended
10 the Del Norte. In contemplating the grandeur
of this event. il is not to be forgotten. that the re-
suit was achieved in despite of the diplomatic in
reference of European monarchies. Even France
the country which had been our ancient ally
the country which has a common interest with US
in maintaining the freedom Of the seas-the country
which, BY the cession OF Louisiana, first opened TO
which We have been every year drawing more and
more closely the bonds Of successful commerce
most Unexpectedly, and to our unfeigned regret,
took part in that effort to prevent annexation, and
to impose on Texas as a condition of the recogni-
ton other independence by Mexico that she would
never Join herself to the United States. We may
rejoice that the tranquil and pervadng influence OF
the American principle Of self-government, was
sufficient 10 defeat the purposes Of British and
French interference, and that the almost unanimous
voice Of the people OF Texas has given I'd that inter-
ference peaceful and effective rebuke. From
this example, European governments may learn
how vain diplomatic arts and intrigues must ever
prove upon this continent against that system Of
which seems natural 10 our soil,
and which will ever resist foreign interference.
Towards Texas, / do not doubt that liberal and
generous spirit will actuate Congress in all that
concerns herinteress aud prosperity, and that she