The banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1844-1847, 1846-04-01
WARLIKE PREPARATIONS.

o'i A"esoay, lalo on the
table and ordered to be printed.
To the Senate eftAe United States:
In answer to the inquiry of the SEN
ate, contained in their resolution of the
18th instant, whether, in my "judgment,
any circumstances connected with, or
growing out Of the foreig relations of
this country, require at this time an in
crease of our naval or military force :"
and if so, "what those circumstances
are" [ have to express the opinion, that
a wise precaution demands such an in
crease.
In my annual messag of the I'd of
December last, I recommended to the
favorable consideration of Congress an
increase of our naval force, especially of
our steam navy, and the raising of an
adequate military force to guard and pro-
tect such OF our citizens as might think
Proger to emigrate to Oregon. Since
that period, l have seen no cause to re-
call or modify these recommendation.
On the contrary, reasons exist which,
IN my judgment, render it proper not
only that they should be promptly car
ried into effect, but that additional proyi
sion should be made for the public de.
fence.
The consideration of such additional
provision was brought before appropri
ate committees of the two houses of
Congress, in answer to calls made bv
them, in reports prepared, with my sane
ton, by the Secretary of War and the
Secretary of the Navy, on the 29th of
December and the 9th Of January last
mode OF communication with Congress
not unusual, and under existing circum-
stances, believed to be most eligible.
Subsequent events have confirmed me
IN my opinion that these recommends
tons were proper as precautionary mea-
sures.
1t was wise maxim of the Father of
his country, that "to be prepared for
war, IS one of the most efficient means
OF preserving peace;;" and that, "avoi-
ding occasions of expense by cultivating
peace" we should remember, also.
that timely disbursements to prepare
for danger frequently prevent much
greater disbursements to repel it,"
The general obligation to perform this
duty is greatly strengthened by facts
known to the whole world. A contro-
versy respecting the Oregon territory
now exists between the United States
and Great Britain and while, as far as
we know, the relations of the latter with
all European nations are of the most pa
'clflc character, she is making unusual
and extraordinary armaments and war
like preparations, naval and military.
both at home and in her North Ameri-
can possessions.
1t cannot be disguised that, however
sincere may be the desire of peace, in
the event of rupture these armaments
and preparations would be used against
our country. Whatever may have been
inc original purpose of these prepara-
tions, the fact is undoubted that 1hev
are now proceeding, in part; at least,
with view to the contingent possibili-
ty of war with the United States.
The general policy of making additional
warllke preparations were distinctly an
nounccd, in the speech from the throne,
as late as January last, and has since
been reiterated by the ministers of the
crown in both houses of Parliament.
Under this aspect Of our relations with
Great Britain, 1 cannot doubt the propri-
ETY. OF increasing our means of defence,
both by land and sea. This can give
Great Britain no cause of offence, nor
increase the danger of rupture. If on
the contrary, we should fold our arms
in security, and at last be suddenly in
vOlv: 4 in hostilities for the maintenance
OF our just rights, without any adequate
preparation: our responsibility to the
country would be of the gravest charac-
ter. Should collision between the two
countries be avoided, as sincerely hope
it may be, the additional 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 national rights and national honor.
have seen no reason to change or
H.