Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1846-03-31

commune alton with Congress not uh-
usual and. under existing circumstances
believed TO be most eligible. Subse-
oueDt events have confirmed me ~ the
opinion that these recomme nda''ohs were
proper as precautionary measures.
Ii was "a wise maxim Of the Father oil
his Country that to be prepared Tor war
/ is one of the most efficient means oil pre-
serving peace; and iha, avoiding oc.
o sions OF expense by cullivating peace,
we should 'renembeT, also that timely
di.burse emen,s to prepare for danger fre-
qucnilv prevent much greater disburse-
nents to repel it, The general obl'ea-
ton to perform this duty is greatly
strengthened by facts known to the whole
world. A controversy respecting The
Ofegon territory now exists between the
United States and Great Britain and
while, as far as we know, the relations
of the latter with all European nations
are of the most pacific character, she is
making unusual and extraordinary nrmn-
menis aud warlke preparations, nava'
and military, both at home and IN her
H North American possessions
\ 1t cannot be disguised that however
/ sincere may be the desire Of peace, IN
the event of rupture these ornaments
4 and preparations would be used against
our country. Whatever may have been
the original purpose Of these PrePara-
tons, the fact is undoubied that they
are now proceeding, in part nj least, with
view to the contingent possibility OF
war with the United States. The gen.
era policy of making additional warlike
pre- paraions was distinctly announced,
in the speech from the throne, rs late as
/ January last, and has since been reile-
rated 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 increas-
! ing our means of defence both by land
! and sea. This can give Great Britain
/ no cause Of offence, nor increase the
danger Of rupture. IL, on the contrary
We should fold our arms in security, aud
at las, be suddenly involved in hosiili,ies
| for The maintenance OF our just rights,
without any adequate preparation, our
responsibility to the country would be OF
! the gravest character. Should collision
! between the two countries be avoided,
ms 1 sincerely trust it may be, the ad-
! ditional charge upon the treasury, ~
making the necessary preparation will
not be lost while in the event OF such
n collision, they would be indispensable
for the maintenance OF our national rights
and national honor.
L have seen no reason TO change or
modify the recommendations .ot my an
nual message in regard to the Oregon
| question. The notice to abrogate the
treaty Of the 9th Of August, 1927, il
authorized by the treaty itself, and can
not be regarded as warlike measure;
and Cannot withhold my strong convic-
.ion that it should be promptly given
The other recommendations are in con-
lormity with the existing treaty, and
would afford to American citizens in Or
egon no more than the same measure Of
protection which has long since been ex-
tended TO British subjects in that terrific.
I,ry.
Il The state of our relations with Mex
leo is still in an unsettled condition.
Since the meeting of Congress another
revolution has taken place 10 that country,
by which the government has passed in
to the hands of new rulers. This event
has procr estimated, and may probably de-
feat, the settlement of the differences be-
tween the United States and that country.
\ The minister ol the United States To Mex
ico, at the date of last advices, had not
been received by the existing authorities.
nctr of oh tnr h.,c tle -,
the United States continue to be madc
in Mexico, which has rendered it proper,
in roy judgment, to keep nearly two
thirds Of our army on our southwestern
frontier. In doing this, many OF the
regular military posts have been reduc-
ed to a small force inadequate to their
defence should an emergency arise.
H In view Of these 'circumstances,' il is
my Judgment that ian increase of our
naval and Military force is at this time
required to place the country in a suit
able state Of defence. At the same
time, it is my settled purpose to pursue
such course Of policy as may be best
calculated TO preserve, both with Great
Britain and Mexico, an honorable peace;
which nothing will so cfIeclually promote
as unanimity in our councils, and firm
maintenance of all our Just rights.
Il JAMES X. POLK.
\ Washington March "a, 1916.
| The clerk having read the me essagc,
/ On motion of MIR. Allen, it was laid
on the table, and ordered to be printed.
/ MIR Webster then arose and said. |
rise for the purpose Of submitting an en-
I quny relative TO n matter referred 10 in
the message, and not for the purpose of
making any commentary or remark what
ever on the message itself. We per-
ceive, from the message just read, that il
IS the judgment Of the President that an
increase Of our means Of dcfence-both
military and nava|--has become neces-
sary by the circumstances OF the country.
1 The amount or extent Of that necessary