The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1846-04-01
Message from the President ts the ses
nate on she National Defences.


March. the following Messsge was teceivedfrom
the President, aud which, on motion Of Mr.. Al
len, was read;
TO he Senate Of fke United States:
In answer 10 inquiries of the Senate, Contain
ed ia their resolution of the 18th inst, whether,
in my Judgment, any circumstances connected
with, OF growing out Of the foreign relations of
this country, require, az this time, an increase Of
our naval or military force and if So. 'what
those circumstances are,' | have to express the
opinion, that wise precauiion demands such an
increase.
10 my annual message of the I'd OF Decem-
ber last, recommended tothe favorable consid-
CITATION of Congress, an increase of our naval
furee, especially Of onr steam navy, and The rni-
sing Of an adequate military force. 10 guard and
protect such of our citizens as might think pro-
per to emigtale toOregon. Since that period,
have seen no cause to recall or modify those re-
commendaiions On the contrary, reasons ex-
st, which, in my judgment, render il proper, moi
only that they should be promptly carried into
effect, but thai additional provision should be
made for the public defence,
The consideration Of such additional provision
was brought before appropriate con- Tmiiiees Of
the two houses of Congress, in answer 10 calls
made by them, in reports prepared, with my
sanction, by The Secretary Of War and the Sec
rotary Of the Navy, on the 29lh Of December and.
the 9Th Of January last; mode Of communca-
ton with Congress not unusual, and, under ex-
listing circumstances, believed 10 be most eligi-
ble Subsequent events have confirmed me in
the opinion, that these recommendations were
proper as precautionary measures,
Ii was wise maxim Of The father ofhis couu-
try, that Fto he prepared for war, is one of the
most efficient means of preserving peace;1 and
that, avoiding occasions of expense by cultva-
ting peace we should remember, also, thai
timely disbursements TO prepare for danger tre-
quenlly prevent much greater disbursements 10
repe it, The general obligation 10 perform this
duty, is greatly strengthened by facts known 10
the whole world. Acontroversy respecting The
Oregon territory now exists between the United
1 States and Great Britain; and while, as tar as we
know, the relations Of the latter with all Euro
lpean natIons.are ofthe most pacific characteristic
1 is making unusual and extraordinary armaments
and warlike Preparations, naval and military, bo'h
at home and in her north American possessions
1t cannot be disguised that, however sincere
may he the desire of peace, in The event Of
rupture these armaments and preparations would
be used against our country. Whatever may
have beenthe original purpose Of these prepa-
rations, the fac, is ndonbted that they are now
proceeding, in part, At least, wl'lla view 10 NE.
Fl contingent possibility of a war with the United
States The general policy OF making addilton7
i, al warike preparations was distinctly announced
lin the speech from the throne, as late as January
/ last, and has since been reiterated by the nlnls-
: ters Of the crown in both houses OF Parliament
Under this aspect OF our relations with Gfeat
In. - ~ tnty ~ tnnra
Isnu our means Of defence, both by land and sea.
This can give Great Britain no cause OF ofiences
NOR increase the danger If rupture. Ii, on the
contrary, we should fold our arms N security,
, and at last he suddenly involved in hos'ies for
i the maintenance Of our Just rights, without any
Eadeouate preparation, our responsibility 10 the
fcountry would be Of the grayest character
I: :tShould collision between tic two countries be
. avoided as sincerely trust if may be, The addi-
/, Itional 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 our ma
tional rights and national honor.
y have seen no reason 10 change or modify the
q recommendations Of my annual message re-
' GARD to the Oregon question. The notice to
!. abrogate the treaty Of the 9th of August, 1927,
is authorized by the treaty itself, and cannot be
regarded as a warlkc measure; and | cannot
withhold my strong conviction that i should be
r, promptly given. The other recommendations
t, are in conformity with the existing treaty, ane
Y would afford to American citizens in Oregon nc
$ more than the same measure of protection which
d has long been extended to British subjects in
j, that territory.
ID The state Of our relations with Mexico is still
in an unsettled condition. Since the meeting o
y Congress another revolution has taken place il
IS tha, country, by which the government has pass
ed into the hands ofsnewrule This eventha
er Iprocrasnated, and may possibly defeat the sci
osl tlement Of the difiicaltas between tie Unite'
States and that country. The minister Of N
United States 10 Mexico, at the date of the las
adyices, had not been received by the existing
W. nuthoriies. Demonstrations Of Ia character hos
~ tile to the Uniied States continue TO be made i
Mexico, which has rendered it proper, in m
Judgment, to keep nearly two-tbirds of our arm
on 0ur southwestern frontier. In doing this
an many ofsihe regular military posts have been re
4 duced to smalf force, inadequate to their Dc
J y fence should an emergency arise.
ne In view of these circumstances it is m
ne sud6menti that IAN increase Of our naval an
at military forcesis at this time requred' TO plac
ak the country IN d suitable state of defence. A
he the same time, II is my sculed purpose 70 pursu
sW such a course Of policy as may be best calculi
To- ted ia preserve, both with Great Britain an
e's Mexico. an honorable peace; which nothing wi
ay So efTectually promote as unanmity i'll our coui
ellis and firm maintenance of allonr Just right
JAMES *. POLK.
WAsH1NeToN, March "a, 1916.
a., .~~oNN-N-Nr~-~NN-~S~L 9s9
From the Washington Union, March 25.
? ? False Runner. S
no American Consul at Mdtamoras
me The following official letter has been receive
'hc in this city, dated =