The Evansville journal. (Evansville, Ind.) 1834-184?, 1846-04-02
SPECIAL MESSAGE OF THE PREslDENT
TO CONGRESS

SPECIAL MESSAGE OF THE PRESIDENT
TO CONGRESS,
The following is an authentic copy of the |
Special Message transmitted to the Senate OF
the United States. on Tuesday:
To THE SENArR OF THE UNITED STATES:
In answer to the inquiry of the Senate, con-
tanned IN their resolution OF the sl7Ih instant,
whether, In my judgement, any circumstances
connected with, or growing out OF, the foreign |
relations OF this country, require, at this time.
an increase IN our naval or military iorce,'' and
II SO, 'what those circ umstances are, - have to
express the opinion, that wise precaution de-
mands such increase.
In my annual Message of the Cd December
last, recommended 10 the favorable cOnsldera-
alton OF Congress an increase OF our naval force.
especially OF our steam navy, and the raising oi
an adequate military force TO guard and protect
such OF our citizens as might think proper to EN-
igTate TO Oregon. Since that period lhave seen
no cause 10 recall or modify those Recommend
atons. On the contrary reasons exist which in
my judgment render IT proper not unly that they
ghonid promptly be Carried into effect, but thai
additional provision should be made Tor the pub
lie defence.
The consideration Of such additional provis>
ion was brought before 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 w ar and the Sec
IeIary OF the Navy, on the 29th December and
the 9Th January lasts; mode OF communication
with Congress no: unusal, and under existing
: circumstances deemed TO be most eligible. SUB
sequcnI events have confirmed me IN the opin-
ion that these Recommendations were proper as
precautionary measures.
1t was a wise maxim of the Father OF his coun-
try. that" be prepared Tor war, Is one OF the
most efficient means OF preserving peace;' and
that btaVOIdInu OF eXpeuSS Dk cuItVa-
ting peace,' we should 'reLle der also, that
timely dish. rsements 10 prepare tor danger ire
qaently prevent much greater disbursements to-
Tepel IT, general obligation TO perform
this duty isgreatl yistrengthened, by facts known
10 the whole world A controversy respecting
the Oregon territory now exists between the
United States and Great Britain; and while,
far as WI know, the relations OF the klatter with
all European nations are OF the most pacific
charaCte she is making unusual and extraordI-
nary armamenls and warlike preparations. naval
end military. both at home and in her North A
merIcan possessions.
1t cannot be disguised that, however siecere
may be the desire peace, in the event OF ruL-
tuTe these ornaments and preparations would be
used agalnst our coua Try. Whstever may have
been the original purpose of these prep aratons,
the Tact Is undOubted that they are now proceed
ing, III part, at least, with a view the con-
tingent possibility cf with the U. States
The general policy oil making additional war
like preparations was distinctly announced, IN
The speech from the throne, late January
last, and has since been rated by tire mi nj
tiers oi the crown in both houses oil Parliament
Under this aspect of our relations with Great
Britain, cannot d uDt the propriety OF increas-
ing our means OF defence, both by land and sea,
This can give Great Briloin no cause OF offence,
nor increase the danger OF rupture.
II, on the contrary, we should fold our arms
IN security. and at last be suddenly involved III
hOstIllles Tor the maintenance Of pur iust n
without any adequate preparation, our respun-
sIbIlny 10 the country would be of the gravest
character. Should collision between the two
countries be avoided, as | sincerely trust il may
be, the additional charge upon the treasury, IN
making the necessary preparations, VIII not be
lost while, III the event OF such collision, they
would be indispensable for the maintenance OF
our national H. hts aud national honor.
have seen no reason TO change or modify the
Recommendations of my annual message in
gard TO the Oregon question. The nOtlce to ID
rogate the treaty of The 9th of August, 1927, Is
authorized by the treaty itself, and cannot be
regarded a warlike measure; and | cannot
withhold my strong conviction that 1t should be
promptly gwen. The other Recommendations
in conformity with the existing treaty, and
would afford to American cliIZens IN Ore gon nc
more than the same measure OF protection winch
has long since BEEN extendt to British subjects
IN that territory
The state OF our relations with Mexico 10 still
III unsettled cOnOllioH OinCe the meeting
OF Congress another revolution as taken place
in that country, by which the government has
passed IL ITO the HANDS OF new rulers. THIS even
has procrastinated. and mag possibly dele at, tho
settlement oil the differences betw cen the United
States and that country. The Minister of III,
U. States TO that country, at the last advices
had not been received by the existing auhori
ties. Demonstrations OF a character bosule (,
the u. States continue to be made in Mexico
which has rendered it proper. in my judgemen
to keep nearly two-thirds oil our army on gu
southwestern frontier. In doing this, many o
the regular military posts have been reduced Il
small force inadequate 10 their defence shoult
an emergency arise.
In view of these "clreums anees," it is my
Judgment" that san increase OF our naval AMI
military force is at this time reqrlred' TO place
the country in suitable state OF defence. A
the same time, 1t is my settleu purpose to pur
sue such course OF policy may be best cal
cnlated 10 preserve, both with Great Britain an
Mexico. an honorable peace; which nothing
will so efiectualy promote unanimity in GU
councils, and firm maintenance OF all our Jus
rights. JAMES X. POLK.
WASHINGTON, March "a, BAG.
a -