Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-12-10
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
FSjI01r-citizenS of the Senate


m Interesting event. The Representatives. OF
the States and Of the people come fresh from
tbo;r constituents to take counsel together LOT
the common good After an existence OF near
three fourths of a century as free and mae
pendent republic, the problem no longer re,
mains to be solved, whether man is capable OIL
spIf-gOvernment The success OF our admlra-
bile system is a conclusive retutatlon OF the
theories of those in other countries, VINO MAIN
tain that 80 favored few" are born to- rule,
and that the mass of mankind must be gov
erneS bv force. Subject to no arbitrary or he
reditary authority, the people are the only
sovereigns recognised by our constitution
Numerous emigrants of every lineage and Ian
Cuage. attracted by the civil and religious free
dom we enjoy, anf.by our happy condition.
annually crowd to our shores, aud transfer
their heart, not less than their allegiance, to
the country whose dominion belongs alone TO
the people
No country has been so much favored, or
should acknowledge with deeper reverence,
the manifestations of the Divine protection
An all-wise Creator directed and guarded us in
our infant struggle for freedom, and has con-
SANITY watched over our surprising progress,
anti we have become one OF the great nations
of the earth.
1t is in a country thus favored, and under
government in which the executive and legis-
lative branches hold the authority for limited
periods, alike from the people, and where all
are responsible TO their respective constituent
cics that it is again my duty to communicate
with Congress upon the state of the Onlon,
and the present condition of public affairs.
During the past year the most gratifying
proofs are presented that our country has been
blessed with a wide spread and universal pros
prrty. There has been no period since the
government was founded, when all the indus
trial pursuits of our people have been more
successful, or when labor in all branches of
business has received fairer or better reward.
From our abundance we have been enabled to
perform the pleasing duty OF furnishing food
for the starving millions of less favored coun-
tres.
In the enjoyment Of the bountes of Provi-
+ deuce at home, such as have rarely fallen 10
the lot of any peOp c, it is cause of congratu-
la,ion, that our intercourse with all the Pow
crs OF the earth, except Mexico, continues to
be of an amcable character
1t has ever been our cherished policy to
cultivate peace and good will with all nations;
and this policy has been steadily pursued by
nc.
No change has taken place in our relations
with Mexico since the adjournment of the last
Congress. The war in which the u. States
1Tcre forced to engage with the government of
that country still continues:
deem it necessary, after the full CXpOsl-
ton of them contained in my message of the
eleventh of May, 1916, and in my annual
message at the commencement of the session
Of Congress in December last, 10 reterate the
serious causes Of complaint which we had
against Mexico before she commenced hostili-
tics.
1t is sufficient on the present occasion to
say, that the wanton violation of the rights OF
person and property of our citizens commit
ted by Mexico, her repeated acts Of bad faith,
through 2 long series of years, and her dlsre-
gard of solemn treaties, STIMULATING for ndcm-
nifty 10 our injured citizens, not only cQnstltu-
ted ample cause of war on our part, but were
Of such an aggravated character as would
have justified us before the whole world in
resorting 10 this extreme remedy. With an
anxious desire to avoid rupture between the
two countries, we forbore for years 10 assert
oufclear rights by force, and continued to seek
redress for the wrongs we had suffered by
amcabIe negotiation, in the hope that MeXl-
co might Weld TO pacific councils and the de-
uands OF Justice In this hope we were dis
appointed. Our minister OF peace sent tc
Mexico was insultingly rejected The Next
can government refused ever to hear the terms
of adjustment which he was authorized tC
proposes and finally under wholly unJustltlable
prCteYts involved the two countries III war, by
invading the territory of the State of Texas
striking the first blow, and shedding the blood
OF our citizens on our own soil.
Though the United States were the aggrlcv-
ed nation, Mexico commenced the war, and
we we're compelled, in self-defence, to repc
the Invader, and TO vindiCate the national hon
or and interests by prosecuting it with vigol
until We could obtain a ust and honorable
peace.
On learning that hostilites had been com
meaced by Mexico, promptly communicated
that fact, accompanied with sucClnct state
UOent of Ouroother causes of complaint agaInS
Mexico. to Congress; and that body, by the
act of the thirteenth of May, 1916, declared
that ''by the act of the republic of Mexico, 4
state of war exists between that government
and the United States''-ths act declaring
1.-The war 10 exist by the act of the republic OF
Mexico" and making provisions for its prose
cution "to a speedy and successful termna
tion," was passed with great unanimity BY
Congress, there being but two negative vote:
in the senate, and but fourteen in the House
OF Representatives.
The existence of the war having thus beer
declared by Congress, it became my duty, un
Der The Constitution and the laws, to conduc
and prosecute it This duty has been per
formed; and though, at every stage of its pro
gress, | have manifested willingness to ter
miuatc it by Just peace, Mexico h refuse
to accede TO any terms which could r1 accep
ted by the United States, consistently with IN
national honor and interest.
The rapid and brilliant successes OF on
arms, and the vast extent Of the enemy's tel
rtoFy which had been overrun and conquered
before the close of the last session of Cor
gress' were fully known to that body. Sine
that time, the war has been prosecuted wit
increased energy, and am grati6ed TO stat
with a success which commands universe
admiration. History presents no parallel O
OF so many glorious victorious achieved b.
any nation within so short a period. On
army, regulars and volunteers, have covere
themselves with imperishable honors. When
ever and wherever our forces have encounter
cd the enemy, though he was in vastly supe
Hor numbers, and often entrenched in fortlfie
positions OF his own selection, and of grea
strength he has been defeated. Too niue
praise cannot be bestowed upon our officer
and men, regulars and volunteers. for :he
galiantry, discipline, indomitahle courage an
perseverance, all seeking the post of danger
and veing with each other in deeds of nobl
daring.
While every patriots heart must exult, an