Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-04-02

as far as possible towards the head waters Of
the Platte, and to communicate TO the overland
couriers-B BAIT. american.
SPECIAL MESSAGE OF THE PREsI-
DENT TO CONGRESS.
Tothe Senate Of The United States;
In answer TO the inquiry of the Senate, con-
tanned in their resolution OF the 18th instant,
whether, in my Judgment, any crcums;an-
ces connected with, or growing out OF, the for
eign relations Of this country, require at this
time an increase Of our naval or military
force y and, If so. "what those circumstances
are,' have to express the opinion, that a
wise precaution demands such increase
In my annual message of the "a Of Decem
Der last, recommended to the favorable con-
sideration of Congress an increase ofour naval
force, especially of our steam navy, and the
raising Of an adequate military force to guard
and protect such ofout citizens as might think
proper TO emigrate to Oregon. Since that pc
rod have seen no cause to recall or modify
these recommendations. On the contrary, rea-
sons exist which, in my Judgment, render II
proper not only that they should pc promptly
carried into effect, but that additional provision
should be made for the public defence.
The consideration ofsueh addtlonalproyislon
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 War and the Sc
cretary Of the Navy. on the 29th of December
and the 9Th of January last !; a mode ofcommu-
nlcation with Congress not unusual, and, under
existing circumstances believed 10 be most eli
giblc. Subsequent events have confirmed me
in the opinion that these recommendations
were proper as precautionary measures.
1t was a wise maxim of the Father OF his
country, that "to be prepared for war, is one OF
the most efficient means ofpreserving peace !"
and that, "avoiding occasions OF expense by
culiyatng peace" we should remember also,
that timely disbursements TO prepare for danger
| frequently prevent much greater disburse-
men,s torepelit.n The generaoblisa tiontoper-
form this duty is greatly strengthened by facts
known to the whole world. A controversy
respecting the Oregon territory now exists be-
tween the United States and Great Britain
and while, as far as we know, the relation Of
the latter with all European nations are OF the
most pacific character, she is making unusual
and extraordinary ornaments and warllkeprep-
arations, naval and military both at home and
in her North American possessions.
| 1t cannot be disguised that, however sincere
may be the desire Of peace, in the event of a
rupture these ornaments and preparations
would be used against our country. What
ever may have been the original purpose of
these preparations, the fact is undoubted that
they are now proceeding, in part, with view
to the contingent possibility ola 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. and has since been reit-
Grated by the ministers of the crown in both
houses of 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 the contrary,
we should fold our arms IN security, anu at
last be suddenly involved in hostllltes for the
maintenance OF our Just rights, without any ade-
quate preparation our responsibility to the eoun
try would be of the gravest character Should
collision between the two countries be avoi-
ded, as sincerely trust ii may be, the add
tional charge upon the treasury, IN making the
necessary preparations, will not be lost while,
in the event of such collision, they would be
indispensable for the maintenance ofournatIon-
al rights and national honor.
have seen no reason TO change or modify
me VI MY ANNUAL iAtto-dEst
in regard TO the Oregon question. The notice
TO abrogate the treaty of the 9th Of August,
1927, is authorised by the treaty itself, and can
not be regarded as a warlike measure; and
cannot withhold my strong conviction that 1t
should be promptly given. The other recon-
mendations are in conformity with the existing
treaty, and would afford to American citizens
in Oregon no more than the same measure OF
protection which has long since been extended
10 British subjects in that territory.
The state ofour relations with Mexico IS sun
in an unsettled condition. Since the meeting
of Congress another revolution has taken place
in that country, by which the government mas
passed INTO the hands of new rulers. Tins
event has proerastinated, and may possibly de-
feat. the settlement of the difference between
the United States and that country The min
ister of the United States to Mexico, al the
date of the last advices, had not been received
bv the existing authorities. Demonstrations
ofa character hostile to the United States CON
tinue to be made in Mexico, which has rem
dered it proper, in my Judgment, to keep near
ly two-thlrds of our army on our southwestern
frontier In doing this, many of the regular
military posts have been reduced TO a small
force. inadequate to their defence should an
emergency arise.
In view Of these circumstances, il is my
Judgment" that San increase Of our naval and
military force is at this time required" to place
the country in a suitable stateof defence. AT
the same time, il is my settled purpose TO pur-
sue such course Of policy as may be best cal
eulated TO preserve, both with Great Britain
and Mexico, AN honorable peace which moth
ing viii so ehectually promote as unanimlty IN
our councils, and firm maintenance q All our
Just rights. JAMES X, FOLK.
I. WAsHlSGroN. MARcH "a, 1916.