The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-04-04

i MESSAGE FROM THE PRESl-
/ DENT TO THE SENATE, ON
/ THE NATIONAL DEFENCES--
i DEBATE THEREON.
! In the United States Senate, on the
oath of March, the following Message
was received from the President, and
which, on motion of Mr.. Allen, was
read:
To the Senate of the United States:
In answer 10 inquiries of the Senate,
contained in their resolution fthe 18th
inst, whether, IN my 'judgment, any
circumstances connected with, or grow
ing out of, the foreign relations OF this
country, require, at this time, an in
crease of our naval or military Forces"
and, if so, "what those circumstances
are" | have to express the opinion, that
a wise precaution demands such an in
crease.
In my annual message Of the cd Of
December last, | recommended TO the
favorable consideration Of 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 our citizens as might
think proper to emigrate to Oregon
Since thauperiod, have seen no cause
to recall or modify those recommends
tions. On the contrary, reasons exist,
which, in my judgment, render it prop
er, not only that they should be prompt
ly carried into effect, but that addi-
tional provision should be made for the
public defence.
The consideration Of such additional
provision was brought before appro-
pirate committees of the two houses of
Congress, in answer to calls made by
them, inreports sprepared, with my sane
ton, by the Secretary of War and the
Secretary of the Navy, on the 29lh Of
December and the 9th of January last;
mode of communication with Con-
gress not unusual, and, under existing
circumstances, believed to be most ell
gible. Subsequent events have con-
irmed me in the opinion, that these rec
concentrations were proper as precau-
tionary measures.
1t was 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, "avoid-
ing occasions ofexpense by cultivating
peace" we should "remember, also,
that timely disbursements to prepare
for danger frequently prevent much
greater disbursements to repel it,
The general obligation to perform this
duty, is greatly strengthened by facts
known to the whole world. A con-
troversy respecting the Oregon terri
tory now exists between the United
States and Great Britain; and while, as
far as we know, the relations ofthe lat
ter with all European nations, are of
the most pacific character, she is max
ing unusual and extraordinary arma-
ments and warlike preparations. 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. Whatever may have
been the original purpose ofthese prep
arations, the fact is undoubted that they
are now proceeding, in part, at least,
with view to the contingent possibi-
ity of a war with the United States
The general policy of making addition
al warlike preparations was distinctly
announced in the speech from the
throne, as late as January last, and has
since been reiterated by the ministers
of the crown in both houses of Parlia-
ment. Under this aspect OF our rela-
tions 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 Of
fence, nor increase the danger of a rup-
ture. If, on the contrary, we should
| fold our arms in security, and at last be
suddenly involved in hostiities for the
maintenance of our just rights, without
any adequate preparation, our respon-
sibllity to the country would be of the
gravest character. Should collision
between the two countries be avoided,
as sincerely trust it may be, the ad-
ditional charge upon the treasury, in
making the necessary preparations, will
not be lost; while, in the event of such
collision, they would be indispensa-
BILE for the maintenance of our national
rights and national honor.
| have seen no reason to change or
modify the recommendations of my an
nual message in regard to the Oregon
question. The notice to abrogate the
treaty of the 9th OF August, 1927, is