True Democrat. (Paulding, Miss.) 1845-18??, 1846-12-30
ME S sAGE
OF THE
President of the United States.
FelloU.citizens Of The Senate


FellOD.citisens Of the Senate
and ofthe House Of Representatives.:
In resuming your labors in the service
of the people, it is asubject of congratula-
ton that there has been no period in our
past history, when all the elements ofna-
lionaI prosperity have been so fully devel-
oped. Since your last session no affecting
dlspenSation has visited our country; gen.
eral good health has prevailed; abundance
has crowned the toll of the husbandman;
and labor in all its branches is receiving an
ample reward, while education, science,
and the arts are rapidly enlarging the
means of social happiness. The progress
OF our country in her career of greatness,
not only in the vast extension OF our terri
torial limits and the rapid increase of our
population, but in resources and wealth,
and in the happy condition of our people,
is withoutexample inthe history of nations.
As The wisdom, strength and benefcence
ofour free institutions are unfolded, every
day adds fresh motives to contentment,
aud fresh incentives TO patriotism!
Our devout aud sincere acknowledge
ments are due to the gracious Giver OF all
good, for the nnmberIess blessings which
our beloved country enjoys.
1t is source Of high satisfaction TO
know that the relations ofthe United States
with all other ma tons, with one single ex-
ception are ofthe most amicablecharacter.
Sincerely attached to the policy OF peace,
early adopted aud steadily pursued by this
government, ] have anxiously desired TO
cultivate and cherish friendship aud COM
merce with every foreign Power. The
spirit and habits ofthe American people
are favorable to the maintenance Of such
international harmony. In adhering to
this wise policy, preliminary aud para
mount duty obviously consists IN the pro-
lection Of our national interests from en-
croachment or sacrifice, and our national
honor from reproach. These must be
maintained at any hazard. They admit
of no compromise or neglect, and must be
scrupulously and constantly guarded Ia
their vigiant vindication, collision and
conflict with foreign Powers may some
times become unavoidable. Such has
been our scrupulous adherence 10 the die
tates Of Justice, in all our foreign inter
course, that though steadily and rapidly
advancing in prosperity and power we
have given no Just cause ofcomplaint 70
any nation, and have enjoyed the blessings
ofpeace for more than thirty years. From
policy so sacred 10 humanity and 50 sal
utary in its effects upon our political sys-
tenn, we should never be induced volunlaf
lily 10 depart
The existing war with Mexico was
neither desired nor provoked by the Uni
ted States. On The contrary, all honorable
means were resoTted to avert X After
years Of endurance ofaggravaied and I'M
fedressed wrongs on our part, Mexico, IN
violation Of solemn treaty stpulaiious. and
OF every principle ofjustice Recognised By
civilized nations, commenced hoslilipess
and thus, BY hero aci, forced lhe var.
uponus Long before The advance Of our
army Ia The left bank on ihe Rio Grauaes
We had ample cause &c uaragainsi Mexlcs,
and bad The United States resorlcd % i1'e
extremity. We might have appealed Io ilIe
whole civilized world lor he justice oi or
cause
Idcemii % ben'f duillo present 10 yen.
onihepfesenf occs be-, g condensed Ief|e.T
of tie injuries ne had sustained, Of las
causes which iel Is ne war; nnd oi ils pro
rrc8 since ITS commcntement IDS p
rendered The mofe rrcrssarT ncc1use q
The misannlsh 5ns which have % 1o1le
extent prem. = 81 its origin hnd ifae