Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1846-04-02
Increase Of the National Defences.

w. ove below the Message Of the President OF the
IIn,sd States in reply TO the call Of the Senate, ask
in, Inflammation whether " in his judgment, any cir-
cnms,ances connected WITH or growing out OF, the io'
eon relations of the county, require at TINS ume III
Increase of our naval or military force" The message
ss transmitted 10 the Senate ofihe United states on
Tuesday Of last week.
To he Senate of he United Stafes ,.,..a
In answer 10 The enquiry Of the Senate, contained
in their resolution Of the nth Instant wheheI, W NY
/" judgment, any circumstances er,ts re-
growing out of the foreign relations oil 'hs county, e
ooire nj this time an increase OF our naval OF Wa'
1orce - and, if So " what those circumstances are,
have TO exrfess the opinion, that wise pfeeau''o"
demands such increase. - , -.
recommended 10 the favorable consideration oil Con
pres an increase Of naval torcei especAy o. OUT
steam navy. and the raising oil an adequate hl.a,y
force to guard and protect such OF our cltl1ehs as s
think proper to emigrate 10 Oregon Since that perou
have seen no cause recall or modify these recon-
mendalionr On the contrary, reasons exist when, IN
my judgment, render II proper not only that lney
should be promptly carried into effect, but that add-
tona nrovision should be made for the pubc defence
The consideration Of such additional provision was
brought before appropriate committees OF the t"o
houses of Congress, in answer 10 calls made Dy heih
in reports prepared with my sanction by the Secreta
nv Of War aud the Secretary Of the Navy on the 29t
Of December and the 9Th Of January last, mode Of
communication with Congress not UNUSUAL and undef
existing circumstances DeNtfcu 70 NC ho1A
Subseo uent events have confirmed me 10 the opinion
that these recommendations were proper and pFecau-
tionary measures.
It was a wise maxim of the Father Of his country,
that to be prepared for war, is one Of the most ELI
cieni Of preserving peace :; and that, avoid
ing occasion Of expense by cutvating peace" we
should remember, aso that timely disbursements 10
prepare for danger frequently prevent mneh greater
disbursements to repe IT," The general obligation to
prevent this duty is greatly strengthened by laes
known to the whole world controversy respecting
the Oregon territory now exists between the United
States and Great Britain and WHILE as lar as we
know the relations Of the latter with oil European ma
tons Of the most pacific character, she Is making
unusual and extraordinary ornaments and wafke pre-
psTatons, pavs and military, both at home and IN her
North American possessions.
II cannot be disguised that, however sincere may be
the desire of peace in the event Of rupture those in
siruments and preparations would be used against our
country. Whatever may have been the original puT-
pose Of these preparations, the fact is undoubled that
they proceeding, in part, at least with view
the contingent possibility OF war with the UniIed
States. The general policy OF making additional war
like preparations was distinctly announced, IN the
speech from the throne, late January last, aud
has since been reiterated BY the ministers Of the
10 both houses OF Parliament. Under this aspect oil
our relation with Great Britain, cannot doubt the
propreiy Of increasing means OF defence, both by
land and This can give Great Britain no cause
of offence, nor increase the danger Of rupture. IT.
on the contrary, should told our arms 10 security
and at last be suddenly involved in hostiies for the
maintenance Of our Just rights, without any adequate
preparation responsibility TO the country would be
of the gravesi 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, will not be lost while, in The
event oil such collision, they would be indispensable
for the maintenance Of our national rights and nation
| oil honor.
| have seen no reason 10 change modify the re
Communications Of my annual message in regard 10 the
Oregon question. The notice abrogate the treaty
OF the 9th Of Augus, 1884, is authorized by the treaty
itself, and cannot be regarded a warlike measu re
and cannot withhold my strong conviction that 4
should be promptly given The other recommends
tons in conformity with the existing treaty, and
would afford 10 American citizens in Oregon no NOR,
than the same measure Of protection which has long
since been extended British subjects in that terrific
ny.
unsettled condition Since the meeting Of Congress
another revolution has taken place in that country, bS
which the Government has passed into the hands o
new rulers. This event has procrastinnied, and may
possibly defeat the settlement OF The differences be
tween the United States and that county. The Min
sier Of the United States 10 Mexico al the date Of
last advces had not been received by the existing
lhoites. Demonstrations Of a character hostile u
the United States continue TO be made in Mexico
which has rendered il proper, in my Judgment keel
frontier. In doing this, many Of the regular military
posts have been reduced to small iorce inadequate 4
their defence, should an emergency arise.
In view OF these I" circumstances" IL is my ludg
meni" that an increase Of our naval and miliiar,
force is at this time Tequired, place the country
suitable state of defence At the same time, il is m
settled purpose to pursue such course OF policy q
may be best calculated 10 preserve both with Grea
Britain and Mexico, an honorable peace which moth
ing will so etiectualy promote, unanimiy in gu
councils, and firm maintenance Of all Just rights
JAMES X. POLK.
Washington, March "a, 1886