The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-03-26

States aud Great Britain and while. 40 f.,
we know, the relations of the latter with ,Ii
European nations are of the most pacific CHI,
acteI, she is making unusual and extr,ord;na
ry ornaments and warlike preparations, naval an
military. both at home and in her North Arc;
can possessions.
1t cannot be disguised that, however sinro,.
may be the desire of peace, in the event of rur,
ture these ornaments and preparations would bo
used against our country. Whatever may have
been the original purpose Of these preparations
the fac, is undoubied that they are now proceod
ing, in part, at least, with view 10 the con,in
gent possibility of war with the United States
The general policy of making additional warliko
preparations was distinctly announced in tbo
speech from the throne, as late as January las,
and has since been reiterated by the ministers #
the crown In both houses of Parliament. Under
this aspect of our relations with Great Britain
cannot doubt the propriety of increasing our means
of defence, both by land and sea- This can yiro
Great Britain no cause Of offence nor increase tho
danger of rupture. If, on the contrary. we
should fold our arms in security and at last h
suddenly involved in hostilites for the main,o,
nance of our just rights, without any ADEQUATE
preparation, our responsibility to the country wouh
be OF The gravest character. Should collision he
tween the two countries be avoided as sincere
~ trust ii may be, the additional charge upon tho
treasury, in making the necessary organizations
VIII MOI DO loSlj white, In The event of such a
collision, they would be indispensable for tho
main enance Of our national rights and national
honor.
have seen no reason TO change or modify tho
recommendations of my annual message in regard
to the Oregon question. The notice 10 abropa,e
the treaty of the 9th of August, 1927, is author.
lzed by the treaty itself, and cannot be regarded
| as warlike measure; and | cannot withhold NV
strong conviction that it should be promptly given
ut
with the existing treaty, and would afford to A.
-merican citizens In Oregon more than the same
measure OF protection which has long since been
extended 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 revolution has taken place in
that country, by which the government has passed
into the hands of new rulers. This event has
procrastinaIed, and may possibly defeat, the SET
Element of the differences between the United
Siaes and that country. The minister of tho
United States to Mexico, at the date of the last
| advces, had not been received by the existing
| authorities. Demonstrations of a character hos
tile to The United States continne to be made in
Mexico, which has rendered it proper, in nv
Judgment, to keep nearly two thirds of our army
on our southwestern frontier. In doing this, many
OF the regular military posts have been reduced
10 small force, inadequate to their defence should
an emergency arise.
In view of these circumstances" it is my
Judgment" that Sc an increase of our naval and
military force is at this time required" TO place
the country in suitable state of defence. At
the same time, it is my settled purpose to pursue
such course of policy as may be best calculated
to preserve, both with Great Britain and Mexico,
an honorable peace; which nothing will so cf-
fectually promote unanimity in our councils
and firm maintenance of all our just rights
JAMES K. POLK.
WASHINGTON, March "a, 1916.