The Charlotte journal. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1835-1851, 1846-04-03

ted States and Great Britain and while as far as
we know. the relations Of the latter with all Euro
pean nations are OF The most pacific character, she
Is making unusual and extraordinary aruiamenis
ana waTlike preparations, naval and military,
both at home and in her N orlh American posses.
sions.
IL cannot be disguised, that, however sincere
may be The desire OF peace in the event Of rup
tnre these ornaments and preparations would be
used against our country. Whichever may have
been the original purpose Of these preparations
the fact Is undoubied that thoy are now proceed
ing, IN part, at least, with a view 10 the coutin-
gent possibility of a war with the United States
The general policy of making additional wurlike
preparations was distinctly announced, ia 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 Parliament. Under
this aspect Of our relations with Great Britain, I
cannot soubt the proprlety OF increasing our
meaas OF defence. both by land and sea. This
can give Great Britain / . cause Of offence, nor
increase the danger Of ardpture. H. ON The con.
trary, we should fold our arms in security, and at
last be suddenly Involved in hostiliies Tor the
maintenance of our just rights without any ade
quaic preparation, our responsibility 10 tho eoun-
Try would be OF the gravest character. Should
collision between the two countries be avoided as
sincerely trust It may be. the additional charge
upon Tho treasury, IN making the necessary pre-
paratlons, wall not DO lost while, in tho event oil
such collision, they would be indispensable for
The maintenance Of our national rights and ma
tona honor.
have seon no reason TO change or modify the
Recommendations of my annual message in re
gard 10 the Oregon question. The notice TO ab
rogate the treaty Of the 9th of August, 1927, il
authorized by the treaty itself, and cannot be re
AaI. IL
hold my conviction that II should be promptly
given. The other recommendations are in con.
formity with the existing treaty. and would afford
to American citizens in Oregon no more than the
same measure Of protection winch has long since
been extended to British subjects in TINT territory
! The state of our relations with Mexico is still
in az unsettled condition. Since the meeting oil
Congress another revolution has taken place in
that country. by which the government has pass
ed into the hands OF new rulers This event has
procrastinated, and may possibly defeat. The Get
Element Of the differences between the u. States
and that country. Tho Minister o9 the L. Stalcs
10 Mexico. at the date of the last dyices had not
been received by tho existing authorities. Dem
constructions Of character hostile to the L. States
continue TO be made 10 Mexico, which has rem.
dcred it proper, in my judgment, TO keep nearly
two thirds Of our army on our southwestern from.
tier. In doing This, many Of the regular militia
~ posts ha7 been reduced TO a small force, inad
cqualu 10 their defence should an emergency a.
rise
In view Of these " circumstances" It is nv
"judgmeur that ian increase Of our naval and
military force is al this time required" TO place
tie country in suitable state OF defence Al the
same time. it smy settled purpose TO pursue such
q coutse cf policy as may be best calculated to
preserve, both with Great Britain and Neac an
honorable peace which nothing " al so eiIectu
ally promote as unanimy IN our councils, and d
firm maintenance Of all our just rights
JAMES Il, POLK
WAsHScroS. March 24 lci6.