The Mississippi Creole. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1841-1851, 1846-04-11

be used against our country. Whatever may
have been the original purpose Of these prep
a%ratioas, the fact is undoubied that they are
now proceeding, inpart, al least, with view to
the contingent possibility of a war with the
United States, The general policy Of making
additional warlike preparations was distinctly
announced, in the speech. from the throne, as
late as January last, aud has since been relter-
ated by the ministersIof the crown in both hOu-
SEES Of Parliament. Underthis aspect Of our re-
%lations with Great Britain, | cannot doubt the
proprieiy 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. If, on Inc con-
trary, we should fold our n in security,
and at last be suddenly involved in hostilties
for the maintenance Of our ust'rights, without
any adequate preparation, our responsibility 10
the county would be Of the greatest character
Should collision between the two countries pc
avoided, asI sincerely ustitma be, the addl-
tional charge upon the treasury, in making the
necessary preparations, will not be lost, while
in the event Of such a collision, they would be
indispensable for the maintenance Of our ma
tional rights and national honor.
l have seen no reason to change or modify the
recommendations Of myannual message IN re-
gard to the Oregon question. The notice to
abrogate the treaty Of the 9th August, 1927, II
authorized by the treaty itself, and cannot Dc
regarded as a warlike measure, and canno
withhold my strong conviction that 1t should b'
promptly given, the other recommendation
are in, conformity with the existing treaty
and would afford. to American citizens in Ore
gon no more than the same measure Of Protec
ton which has long since been extended Z
British subjects in that territory.
The state of oui relations with Mexico Il
still in an unsettled condition. Since the meet
ing Of Congress another revolution has takeI
place in that country, by which the govern
mentb has passed into the hands Of new rulers
This event hasprocrastinated, and may proba
bly, defeat the settlement Of the differences be
tween the United States and that country. Tn
minister Of the United States to Mexico, a
/, the dates of the last advices, had not been re
ceived by the existing authorities. Demon
STATIONS Of q character hostile to the Unite
States, continue to be made in Mexico, whicl
has rendered it proper, in my judgment, to keeE
nearly two-thirds Of our army on our south
western frontier. In doing this, many Of tn
regular military posts have been reduced to
small force, inadequate to their defence shout
an emergency arise.
In view Of these circumstances" it is m
! "iudgment that an increase Of our naval an
military force is at this time required, tt
j place the country .n a suitable state {
defence. At the same time it is my settle
purpose to pursue such a course Of policy I
may be best calculated to preserve, both wit
Great Britain and Mexico, an honorable peace
, which nothing will soSeGectually promote I
3 unanimity in our councils, and firm maintain
ance Of our just rights.
JAMES X. POLK.
Washington, March "a, 1916.