The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1846-04-04
IMPORTANT
MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT
TO the Senate oftAe Uaited States.

LII answer w tue inquiry Oh we senate
conlalned in their resolution of the 18th ins
slant whether in my judgment any circum-
stance connected with or growing ou, of ihe
foreign relations of this country requHe al
this lime an increase of our naval or militia
ry forces aud ifso what those circumstan.
ces are. l have TO express tho opinion that
wise precauIion demands such increase.
In my annual message of the 2G OF De-
cember last recommended TO the favora'
BILE consideration Of Congress an increase Of
our naval force especially of our steam navy
and tie raising OF an adequsduc, military
force 10 guard and protect such Of our ciIi-
zsns that might think proper to emigrate 10
Oregon. Since that period have seen no
cause TO recall or modify these recommen-
datons. On the contrary reasons exist
which in my judgment render it proper noi
only that they should be promptly carried
into effect but that additional provisions
shonld be made for the public defence.
The consideration of such additional pro-.
osion wss brought before appropriate com
niteess oislhe two houses ot Congress IN
auewcr 10 calls Tade by Them, in reports pie
pared, with ny sancuisn by The Secretary
VI w at hBN lub ocNIbiilN VI Nlo L'"F WV
the 29lh Of December and the 9Th OF Janua-
y last mode OF communication with Con.
gresF not unusual, and under existing cir
cnmst,uces, believed 30 be most eligible
Subsequent events have confirmed me in
The opinion that these recommendations
we're proper as precautionary nesslres.
Ii was a wise maxim Of ihe Father Of his
country, that so be prepared for war, is one
Of he most efficient means of preserving
peace and that avoiding occasions Of ex,
expense by culva'ing peace. we should
remember also that timely disbursements
| TO prepare for danger frequently prevent
much greater disbursements to repel il, The
general obIig igation to perform this duty is
greatly strengthened by facts known to the
whole world. A controversy respecting
the Oregon territory now exists between
The Uni,ed States and Great Britain aud
while as far as we know the relations OF The
latter with all European nations are Of the
mos, pacific character, she is making unu-
snaI and extraordinary armamenis and war
like preparations, naval and military, both
q home and in her North American pos
sessions.
1t cannot be disguised that, however sim
cere may be the desire Of peace, in the e.
rent of rupture these armamenls and pre-
pataiOrs would be us ed against our country
Whatever may have been the original puf-
pose Of these preparation the fac. is un-
| doubted that they are now proceedings, IN
part, al least, with view So the contingent
possibility Of a war vita the United Siales.
The general policy Of making additional
warllke prepara'loos was distinctly az
I-----,, -,,'s-.,----f-.--.--s.-----~ - Lrane as
ate as January last, and has since been re-,
lelated by the ministers Of the crown il
both houses of Parliament. Under this as
pect Of aur relations with Grea, Britain,
cannot doubt the propriely ofincreasing ouI
means Of defence, both by land and sea
This can give Great Britain no cause Of Of
fence. nor increase the danger of a rupture
| If, on the c0nraly,we should fold our arms
IN security. and at last be suddenly involv-
ed in hosliIities for the maintenance of ouI
Just rights. without any adequate prepara,
ton, our responsibility 10 the counNry would
be Of the gravest character. Should coliso
ion between The two countries be avoided
as sincerely trust ii may be, The additional
lcharge 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 maintain,
ance of our national rights and nalioua
honor
= | have seen no reason 10 change or mod.
|iGy the recommendations Of my aunua
message in regard to tho Oregon question
: The notice 20 abrogaie ihe treaty of the Gil
. of August, 1927, is authorized by lhe rea.
" itself, and cannot be regarded as wal
like measure; and | Cannot withhold my
strong conviction that it should be promp,
ly given. The other recommendations az,
in conformity with the existing treaty, AM
would afford TO American citizens in Ore
gon no more than The same measure Of pro
lection which has long since been exlenGe
: 10 British subjects in that territory.
). The slate o( our relations with Mexico
still in an unsettled condition Since tn
Getting of Congress another revolution ha
8 taken place in that country, by which III
government has passed into the hands
new rulers This event has procras Iihalet
and may possibly defeat. the settlement
The differences between ihe United Stait
!" and that country. The minister of the |
y nieG States 10 Mexico, al the dates Of II
10 aN advlces, had not been received by Il
existing anlhoriues. Demonstrations of
character hostile to the United States CO.
W Inue 10 be made in Mexico, which has re-
dered il proper, ia my judgement, to ket