Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1846-04-03
The IS War MeSSagc.,,

Below we present our readers with mes
sage from James K. Polk, President Of the
United States, in answer to a resolution Of the
Senate, the purport Of which will be seen by
Perusng the message itself. We see by our
exchange papers that considerable excitement
was created in the Northern cities in conse-
quence Of the Presidents recommending that
the country be placed in a position whereby
she will be able, in case of emergency, to de-
fend her rights, honor and integrity. Now in
all this, we see nothing to create any excite
ment whatever. The President has recon-
mended nothing more than is to be found in
shs message of the End Of December. He re-
peats what he then stated, and nothing more.
His views are not in the least changed with
regard to our foreign af1ars-and We should
think it was beginning to be time for the
world to know that James X. Polk is the
same that he was when he was first installed
into office. He loves his country-and he is
determined, let what may come, TO stand by
his country. Blu: here is what he says, and
here is all he has said, which has licked I'D
such terrible stir with the spectators at the
North.
MESSAGE FROM THE ESIDENT.
The following is the message of President Polk to
the Senate, recommending an increase of tho ma
val and military forces of the country.
To The Senate Of the United States:
In answer to the Inquiry ofthc S. nate, contain
ed in their resolution Of the 18th instant, wheth-
or, i'll my 'jud gement, any circumstances conn &C.
ted WITH or growing out of, foreign relations of
this country, require at this time an increase Of
our naval military force" and, if 80, "what
those circumstances are," have to express the
opinion, that wise precaution demands such in
crease.
In my annual message of the I'd December last,
| recommended 10 the favorable consideration oil
Congress an increase of our naval force, especially
of our steam navy, and the raising of an adequate
military force to guard and protect such of oul
citizens might think proper to emigrate to Ore.
gon. Since that period, have seen no Cause to
recall or modify these recommendations. On the
contrary reasons exist which, in my judgement
render it proper not only that they should be
promptly carried into effect, but that additional
provision should be made for the public defence.
The consideration of such additional provision
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 Secretary of the
Navy, on the 29th of December and the 9Th OF Jan
uary last; mode of communication with Con
greSs not unusual, and, under existing circum
stances, believed to be the most eligible. Subse
qnent events have confirmed me in the opinion
that these recommendations were proper as pre-
cautionary measures.
1t was wise maxim Of the Father fhis eoun
try that ito be prepared for war, is one of the
efficient means of preserving peace, and that
avoiding locations of expense by cultivatIne
peace" we should remember, also, that timel,
disbursements TO prepare for danger frequently
prevent much greater disbursements to repel it.
The general obligation to perform this duty i.
greatly strengthened by facts known to the Who'll,
world. A controversy respecting the Oregon ter
ritory now exist between the United States anc
Great Britain; and while, az far as we know, the
relations of the latter with all Europeannations ar.
of the most pacific character, she is making un
usual and extraordinar;- ornaments and warlikC
preparations naval and Military, both at home ant
in her North American possessions.
1t cannotbe disguised that, however sincere may
be the desire of peace, in the event of rupture
these ornaments and preparations would be USED
against our country. Whatever may have been
the original purpose ofthese preparations the fact
undoubed that they are now proceeding, in part
| at least with view to the contingent possibiIi-