Sunbury American and Shamokin journal. [volume] (Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Pa.) 1840-1848, 1846-04-04
pRpsuDENr,s MESSAGE.

pREsIDENT5 MESSAGE.
PRpsipssr Polk, on the goth ult., sent the fol-
rwing message to the Senate, in answer TO the
rail- uron him, in regard 10 the increase of our
naval and military forces He says he has seen
M cause to change his opinion, expressed in his
last annual message, in relation to the matter
;,d that subsequent events have strengthened
tiat opinion lie further says:
II was wise maxip OF the Father ofhs coun-
fry. that "to be prepared for war, is one of the
most efficient means of preserving peace" and
That avoiding occasions of expense by cnitIva-
tag peace" we should "remember, also, that
timely disbursements to prepare for danger fire.
,nently prevent much greater disbursements to
prevent it," The general obligation to perform
t.is duty i. greatly strengthened by facts known
% the whole world 4 controversy respecting
the Oregon territory now exist between the
United States and Great Britain and while, as
r,r as we know, the relations Of the latter with
all European nations are ofthe most pacfc char
act,r she is making unusual and extraordinary
a~inanents and warlike preparations, naval and
military, both at home and in her North Amer-
can possessions.
It cannot be disguised that. however sincere
may be the desire of peace, in the event OF rup-
fnre these armameuts and preparations would be
used against our country Whatever may have
been the original purpose of these preparations.
the fact is undoubted that they are now proceed
ing, in part at least, with view TO the contin-
gent possibility ofa war with the United States
The general policy ofmaking additional war'likc
preparations was distinctly announced, in the
speech for the throne late as January last, and
has since been reiterated by the minister Of the
crown in both houses of Parlment Under this
asnect of our relations with Great Britain, can
not doubt the propriety of increasing our means
ocdefence, both by land and sea- This can give
Great Britain no cause Of offence, nor increase
tae danger OF a rupture. If, on the contrary, we
SHOULD told our arms in security, and at last be
suddenly involved in hostilties for the mainten-
auce of our just rights without any adequate
preparation, our responsibility TO the country
would be Of the gravcst character. Should COLI
on between the two countries be avoided as
sincerely trust it NAV be, the additional charge
upon the treasury, in making the necessary pre-
para'ions, will not be lost while, in the event
Of such collision, they would be indis spensable
Tor the maintenance of our national rights and
national honor.
have seen no reason to change modify
The recommendations OF my annual message il
regard to the Oregon question, The notice to a
brosatc the treaty of the 9th of August, 1897, is
authorized by the treaty ITSELF and cannot be re-
sarjed as warlike measure and cannot with
hold my strong conviction that it should bt
promptly given. The other recommendation
are in conformity with the existing treaty, anC
would afford to American citizens in Oregon nc
more than the same measure of protection which
has long since been extended TO British subjects
IN that territory.
The state of our relations with Mexico is still
in an unsettled condition. Since the meeting o
Congress another revolution has taken place il
that country, by which the government has pas
sed into the hands Of new rulers, This even
has proorastnated, and may possibly deirat
the settlement of the differences between tn
United States and that country. The mnste
Of the United States to Mexico, at the date c
the last advices, had not been received by tn
existing authorities Demonstrations of a cha
acter hostile to the United States continue TO !
made in Mexico, which has rendered il prone
in my Judgment TO keep nearly two-thirds
oar army on our southwestern frontier. In d
,ng this many of the regular military posts hav
been reduced to a small force, inadequate
their defence should an emergency arise.
In view Of these circumstances" it is m
'llgment' that "an inc rease of our naval and mi
,tary force is at this time required" to place Il
country in a suitable state of defence. At Il
same time, it is my settled purpose to pursl
such a course Of policy may be best calculate
o preserve, both with Great Britain and Mexic
an honorable peace which nothing will SO effe
ually promote as unanimty in our councils, al
firm maintenance of all our just rights.
JAMES K. POLK.
WASHINGTON, March "a, 1916.
SCENE IN CouRT-Whle a Mr.. Estes W