Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1846-04-15
Congressional SnnlInaEy.

was speat 10 Executive session las suppos
ed) On tho Belgian treaty.
II House. The House had under conside
ration to-day the bin 10 raise Two regiment
fIof mounted riilcmen, which was not 4
naIly acted on.
! MARcH 25. Senate. "A debate sprung
IMP between Messrs. Davis and Benton OF
the repeal of The duties On salt, and 0
the fish bounty, which continued until tht
hour for taking UP The special order.
II Predatory TO the continuance OF the de-
bate on The Oregon resolutions, Mr.. Allen
urged upon the Senate the propriety 81
fixing an early day for The conclusion o.
The debate.
i Mr.. Chalmers, Of Mi, addressed the
Senate, as we understand from the sketch
Of his remarks before us, in favor Of MIR.
ColquItl's amendment.
THE DEFENCE OF THE COUNTRY.
/ Whilst Mr. Chalmers was speaking, the
following message was received from the
President:
To The Senate Of the United States:
In answer 10 the inquiry Of the Senate,
contained in their resolution of the 18th
instant, whether, in my "judgment, any
circumstances connected with, or growing
out Of, the foreign relations Of this coun.
TRY, 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 wise pre-
caution demands such increase.
In my annual message Of the Cd Of De-
cember last, recommended to The favora-
able consideration of Congress an increase
Of our naval force, especially of our steam
navy, and The raising Of an adequate mi
litary force 70 guard and protect such Of
our citizens as might think proper 10 emf
CRATE to Oregon. Since that period, J.
have seen no cause 10 recall or modify
these recommendations On the contra
ry, reasons exist which, in my Judgment,
render It proper not only that they should
be promptly carried into effect, but that
additional provision should be made for
the public defence.
The consideration Of such additional
provision was brought before appropriate
committees of the two Houses Of Congress,
in answer to calls made BY them, in re-
ports prepared, with my sanction, by the
Secretary Of War, and the Secretary Of
the Navy, on the 10Th Of December and
the 9Th Of January last; a mode Of COM
municatlng with Congress not unusual,
and, under existing circumstances, beliey.
ed to be most eligible. Subsequent events
have confirmed me in the opinion that
these recommendations were proper and
precautionary measures.
It was wise maxim Of the Father Of
his Country, that, SO be prepared for war
is one Of the most efficient means Of pre-
serving peace;' and that, "avoiding occa-
slons OF expense by cultivating peace,"
we should remember, also, that timely
disbursements, 10 prepare for danger, fire.
quently prevent much greater disburse-
ments to repel it." The general obliga-
ton to perform this duty is greatly streng
lhened by facts known 10 the whole world.
4 controversy respecting the Oregon ter
rtory now exists between The United
States and Great Britain; and while, as
Tar as we know, the relations Of the latter
with all European nations ure OF the mos,j
pacific character, she is making unusual
and extraordinary armaments and warlke
preparations, naval and military, both at
home and in her North American pos
sessions.
Il cannot be disguised that, however
sincere may he the desire Of peace, in The
event OF 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 pro-
ceedlng, in part at least, with view 10
the contingent possibility Of war with Il
tho United States. The general policy Of
making additional warlike preparations
was distinctly announced, in the speech
from the throne, as late as January last,
and hassince been reiterated by the Mi
nisters Of the Grown in both Houses of
Parliament. Under this aspect Of our re-
lations with Grea, Britain, cannot doub, |
the propriety Of increasing our means oil
defence, both by land aud sea. This can
give Great Britain no cause Of offence,
nor increase The danger If a rupture. II,
on the contrary, we should fold our arms
in security, and at las, be suddenly involy-
Cd in hostilites for the maintenance Of our
Just rights, without any adequate prepa-
ration, our responsibility to the country
would be Of the grayest character. Should
between the two countries be !
avoided, as ! sincerely trust il may be, the
additional charge upon the treasury, in .
the necessary preparations, will I