The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1846-04-10
VOL. VINO. ~,
~ 1>aAtsE.
The following message 'o,n The Pnsidsn, ~es
read in the SENATE on III, 24th nh: r,e3 ~

/
read in the senule on TIT 24ih uir.: 18e3 I'd
To the Senate IF he 9Uniled
Sfofes:-ln answer to the inquiry
OF the senate, contained in their re-
solution of the Eth inst, whether,
in my Judgment, any circumstan-
ces connected with, or growing out
of the foreign relations of this coun-
try, required at this time an increase
of our naval or military force )" and,
if so, "what those circumstances
are" | have to express the opinion,
that wise precaution demands such
increase. oaIuo
In my annual message of the cd
of December last, | recommended
to the favorable consideration of
congress an increase of our naval
force, especially of our steam navy /;
and the raising of an adequate mill
tary force to guard and protect such
OF our citizens as might think proper
to emigrate to Oregon. Since that
period, l have seen no cause to re-
call or modify those recommends
lions. On the contrary, reasons ex-
list which, in my judgment, render it
proper not only that they should be
promptly carried into effect, but that
additional provisions should be made
for the public defence.
The consideration CT such addi-
tional provision was brought before
the appropriate committees Of the
two houses of congress, in answer
to calls made by them, in reports
prepared, with my sanction, by the
secretary of war and the secretary
OF the navy, on the 10Th of Decem-
Der and the 9Th of January last; a
mode OF communication with con-
gress 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 precautionary means.
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 "avoiding occasions of expense
by cultivating peace,'' we should
remember, also, that timely dis
bursements 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 con-
troversy respecting the Oregon ter
ritory now exists between the Uni
ted States and Great Britain and
while as far as we know, the rela-
lions OF the latter with all European
nations are of the most pacific char
acter, she is making unusual and ex-
ordinary ornaments and warlike
preparations, naval and military,
both at home and ilrher North Amer
lean possessions.
1t cannot be disguised that, how
ever sincere may be the desire of
peace, in the event of a rupture
these ornaments and preparations
would be used against our country.
Whatever may have been the origin
al purpose of these preparations,
the fact is undoubted that they are
now proceeding in part, at least,
with a view to the contingent pos
sibility of war with the United
States. The general policy of max
ing additional warlike preparations
was distinctly announced, in the
speech from the throne, as late as
January last, and has since been re-
lterated by the ministers Of the
crown in both houses oil 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 give Great Britain
no cause Of offence, nor increase
the danger Of a rupture. II, on tho
contrary, we should fold our arms
in security and at last be suddenly
involved in hostillities for the main
tainance Of our just rights, without
my adequate preparation, cur re-
spnsibiIity to the country would
De { the gravest character. Should
coiiis'n between the two countries
De avoNed, as sincerely trust it will
w. .ne az !itional charge upon the
treasury, II. making the necessary
preparations yill not be lost; while
IN the event OF -,ch a collision, they
would be indispensable for the main
tenance OF our naional rights and
national honor.
have seen no CEASE, 10 change
or modify the recomme.1a atoms of
my annual message in regal to the
Oregon question. The notic,to ab-
rogatc the treaty Of the 9Th OF An.
gust, 1897, is authorized by bo
treaty, and cannot be regarded as
Warlike naaSuro. Md o.~.&s