American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1846-03-26
E FROM THE PRESIDENT


The following is the message of President
&olk 10 the Senate, recommending an increase
the naval and military forces of the country.
10 the Senate ofihe United States:
In answer to the inquiry of the Senate, con-
lined in their resolution Of the nth instant,
neither, in my judgment, any circumstances
Ebnnected with, or growing out Of, the foreign
3lations ofthis country, require at this time an
lcrease Of our naval or miltary force" and, if
d, ''what those circumstances are, ;" have to
cypress the opinion, that wise precaution de-
bands such increase.
In my annual message of the Cd December
Rst, recommended to the favorable consider
Stion Of Congress an increase of our naval
Ibrce, especially Of our steam navy, and the
Using of an adequate military force to guard
nd protect such of our citizens as might think
roper to emigrate to Oregon. Since that Pc
cd, have seen no cause to recall or modify
aese recommendations. On the contrary, rea-
ions exist which, in my judgment, render it
roper not only that they should be promptly
arred into effect, but that additional provis-
Dn should be made for the public defence.
The consideration of such additional pro-
sion was brought before appropriate commit
ees of the two houses of Congress, in answer
b calls made by them, in reports prepared,
9TH my sanction, by the Secretary of War
d the Secretary of the Navy, on the 29th of
December and the Sth OF January last mode
bf communication with Congress not unusual,
md, under existing circumstances, believed
% be the most eligible. Subsequent events
ave confirmed me in the opinion that these
Recommendations were proper as precautions
y measures.
1t was wise maxim of the Father of his
country, that "to be prepared for war, is one
IF the most efficient means of preserving peace
nd that, ''avoiding occasions of expense by
ultivating peace" we should remember, also,
hat timely disbursements to prepare for dan
FeI frequently prevent much greater disburse-
nents to repel it." The general obligation to
,erform this duty is greatly strengthened by
acts known to the whole world. A contro-
7ersy respecting the Oregon territory now ex-
SITS between the United States and Great Bri-
Jain; and while, as far as we know, the rela-
Ions Of the latter with all European nations
Are Of the most pacific character, she is max
ing unusual and extraordinary ornaments and
warlike preparations, naval and military, both
bit home and in her North American posses.
eions.
It cannot be disguised that, however sincere
may be the desire of peace, in the event of a
rupture these ornaments and preparations
would be used against our country. Whatever
may have been the original purpose of these
preparations, the fact is undoubted that they
are now proceeding, in part, at least, with q
view to the contingent possibility of a war with
the United States. The general policy of max
ing additional warlike preparations was dis
tinctly announced, in the speech from the
throne, as late as January last, and has since
been reiterated by the ministers of the crown r
both houses of Parliament. Under this as.
pect of our relations with Great Britain,
cannot doubt the propriety of increasing oul
means of defence, both by land and sea. Thu
! can give Great Britain no cause of offence
nor increase the danger of a rupture. If, or
the contrary, we should fold our arms in secu
rty, and at last be suddenly involved i'll hos
tities for the maintenance of our Just rights
without any adequate preparation, our respon
sbility to the country would be of the graves
character. Should collision between the tw,
countries be avoided, as sincerely trust i
! may be, the additional charge upon the treasu
! ~, in making the necessary preparations, viii
not be lost; while, in the event of such COLI
sion, they would be indispensable for the main
tenance OF our national rights and nationa
= honor.
have seen no reason to change or modf
/ the recommendations ofmy annual message j
regard to the Oregon question. The notice t
abrogate the treaty of the 9Th of August, 1897
! IS authorized by the treaty itself, and canno
be regarded as warlike measure; and canno
withhold my strong conviction that it shout
be promptly given. The other recommends