Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1846-04-10
TIE NATIONAL DEFENCES.

~ tttN 1Nnutrs
WASHINGTON, March "a, Is4s.
To The SeHaie ofthe UaRed SIaieE
In answer to the inquiry Of the Sen.
ate, contained in their resolution OF the
l1th instant, whether, in my judgment.
"any circumstances connected with, or
growing ont OF, the foreign relations oi
This country, require at this time an in
crease Of our naval or military lolcei" and,
u 60, "what those circumstances are"
have 70 express the opinion that a wise
precaution demands such increase.
In my annual message OF the 2d Of De-
cember last / recommended to the iavora.
hle consideration OF Congress on increase
OF our naval force, especially Of our steam
navy, and the raising Of an adequate mill.
lary force to guard and protect such oil
our citizens as might mink proper 10 emi.
giaIe 10 Oregon, Since thar peTiod, have
seen no cause TO recall or modify these re-
commendations. On the contrary, rea-
sons exist which, in my Judgment, render
II proper not only that they should be
promptly carried into effect, but that ad.
ditional provision should be made for the
public defence.
The consideration Of such additional
provision was brought before appropriate
committees OF the two house Of Congress,
in answer 10 calls made by them, IN re-
ports prepared, with my sanction Jy the
Secretary ofWar and the Secretary OF the
Navy, on the 29Ih December aud the 8th
OF January lasti a mode of communication
with Congress not unusual, and, under
existing circumstances, believed to be
most eligible. Subsequent events have
confirmed me In the opinion that these
recommendations were proper as precau-
uonary measures.
II Was q wise maxim Of the Father Of
his Country, that ITO be prepared iol war,
ts one Of the most efficient means OF pre-
serving peacei" and that, "avoidng occu.
sions oi expense by culiivating peace"
WeshOuld "remember also that timely dis
bnrsemeais 10 prepare for danger frequent
Iy prevent much greater disbursements 10
rePel It," The general obligation TO per-
form Ihis duty is greatly strengthened by
iacs known TO the whole world A con
toyersy respecting the Oregon territory
now exists between the United States and
Crest BrlIaini and while, az far as we
Know, the relations OF the latter with all
European nations are Of the most pacific
character, she is making unusual and ex-
traordlnary armaments and warke prepa-
Tatlons, naval and military, tolh at home
and in her North American possessions
II cannot be disguised that, however
sincere may be the desire of peace, in the
event oil rupture these ornaments and
preparations would be used against ou,
country, Whatever NAV have been the
original purpose Of these preparations, the
iact is undoubted that they are now pro-
seeding, in part at leust, with view TO
the contingent possibility OF Il war with
the United States. The general roIicy OF
making additional warIIke preparations
waS distinctly announced in The speech
tT0u the thone, as late as January last,
and has since been reiterated by The Min.
isters Of tue Crown in both llou, es Of Par.
lament Under this aspect Of our rela-
tions with Great Britain cannot doubt the
propriely ot increasing our means of de-
fence, both by land and sea. THIS c.n
give Great Britain no cause OF offence, nor
Increase the danger OF u rupture. II, on
the contrary, we should fold our arms in
security, and at last be suddenly involved
III hosliIities for the maintenance OF oul
just rights without any adequate prepara
ton, our responsibility to The counry
would he eot the gravest character Should
collision between the Two countries b,
avoided, as sincerely trust it may ue, the
additional charge upon The Treasury il
makng the necessary preparations, vii
not be lost while, in the event ol such ;
collision, they would be Indispensable oI
lha maintenance ol our national rights ant
national honor.
have seen no reason 10 change or mo,
diy the recommendations OF my unnua
message in regard 10 the Oregon question
Tie notice to nhrogale the treaty OF the
9th Of August, 1897, is authorized by the
treaty Itself, aud canno: he regarded AZ a
WRgIIkc measure, and | cannot Withhold
my strong CONVICTION that il should uc
promptly given. The other recommcndu.
llans are in conformity with the existing
treaty, and would afford To American ctI-
zenp in Oregon no mnre thun the game
measure OF protection which has long since
oeHh tAlended 10 blhlsh euupclB ~ that
territory,
Ihe state of our relations with Mexico
Ia still IN an unsettled condition, Since
the meeting OF Congress another revolu.
ton has taken place in that country, 10y
which The Government has passed into
the h0uds of new rulers. This event has
prooraslnaIed, aud may possibly defeat.
the settlement oil the differences between
the United States and that country. The
Minister Of the United States to Mexico.
nj lhe date Of the last ad vices, had not been
received hy the existing uuthorIes. De.
monsiral0na of character hostile to the
United States continue TO lie made in
Mexico, which has rendered It proper, In
my Judgment, 10 keep nearly lwo.lhirds
OF our army on our Southwes,es frontier
in dong this many oi the regular military
posts have been reduced to small force,
iuudgnpntp m thpir IaT,n,. ~ ''