Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1846-04-11
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
We have received an extra containing
the Presidents Message in answer to Mr.
Dayton's resolution. It was delivered on
the Gath ult.
! MESSAGE.
To the Senate Of the United States:
In answer to the inquiry of the Senate,
contained in their resolution Of the nth
inst, whether, in my Judgment, any cir
cumstances connected with, or growing out
Of the foreign relations Of this country,
require at this time an increase of our naval
or military force;" and, if so, "what those
circumstances are" have to express the
opinion, that a wise precaution demands
such increase.
In my annual message Of the I'd Of De-
cember last, recommended TO the favor
able consideration of Congress an increase
of our naval force, especially of our steam
navy, and the raising of an adequate mill
tary force to guard and protect such of our
citizens as might think proper 10 emigrate
to Oregon. Since that period, / have seen
no cause to recall or modify those recon.
mendations. On the contrary, reasons
exist which, in my judgment, render it
proper not only that they should be prompt.
ly carried into effect, but that sectional
provision should be made for the public de-
fence.
The consideration of such additional
provision was brought before the appro-
pirate committees Of the two Houses Of
Congress, in answer to calls made by them,
in reports prepared, with my sanction, by
the Secretary of War and the Secretary
of the Navy, on the goth of Dec. and the
9Th of Jan. last; mode of communication
with Congress not unusual, and, under ex-
listing circumstances, believed be most
eligible. Subsequent events hav91confirmed
me in the opinion that these recommends
tions were proper as precautionary meas
ures.
1t was a wise maxim Of the Father of
his country, that ito be prepared for war,
is one of the most efficient means of pre-.
serving peace;" and that avoiding occa-
sions Of expense by cultivating peace" we
should remember, also, that timely dis
bursements to prepare for danger frequently
prevent much greater disbursements to re-
pei it." The general obligation to perform
this duty is greatly strengthened by acts
J known to the whole world. A contro-
versy respecting the Oregon Territory
now exists between the United States and
Great Britain; and while as far as we
know, the relations of the latter with all
European nations are of the most pacific
; character, is making unusual and extraor.
binary ornaments and warlike prepara-
. tons, naval and military, both at home and
, in her North American possessions.
, 1t cannot be disguised that, however sim
, cere may be the desire of peace, in the
event of rupture these ornaments and
r 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 pro.
ceeding in part, at least, with view to the
, contingent possibility of war with the Uni
( ted States. The general policy of making
t 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
D the crown in both houses of Parliament
, Under the aspect of our relations with
Great Britain, cannot doubt the propriety
of increasing our means of defence, both
ny iouu ouo oCo' AuiS Cdu SlSO oICot
Britain no cause Of offence, nor increase
the danger of rupture If, on the con.
|? trary, we should fold our arms in security
and at last be suddenly involved in hostili
8 ties for the maintenance of our just rights
: without any adequate preparation, our re.
sponsibility to the country would be Of the
r gravest character. Should collision be.
tween the countries be avoided, and sin.
cerely trust it may be the additional charge
upon the treasury in making the necessary
,, preparations, will not be lost; while in the
event of such collision, they would be
indispensable for the maintenance of oul
, national rights and national honor.
l have seen no reason to change ormod
, fly the recommendations of my annua
message in regard to the Oregon question
The notice to abrogate the treaty of the
9th of August 1887, is authorized by the
treaty, and cannot be regarded as war
} like measure; and l cannot withhold my
conviction that it should be promptly given
The other recommendations are in con-
formity with the existing treaty, and would
afford to American citizens in Oregon no
more than the same measure Of pro.
lection which has long since been extend
ed to British subjects in that territory.
The state of our relations with Mexico
is still in an unsettled condition. Since
the meeting of Congress another revou-
ton has taken place in that country. by
which the government has passed into the
hands of new rulers. This event has pro.