Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1847-01-20
penses attending the intercourse between

dent had declared that he was DESTROYS of
concluding peace with Mexico on the
most liberal terms, and that he desired
special supply ofthe means Of negotiation
The first section appropriu,es $4,000
for the expenses attending the opening of
negotiations. The second section prohib-
its in perpetuily, the existence Of slavery
in any territory to be hereafter acquired by
the United States, but provides that any
fugitive into said territory from labor or
service elsewhere, may be lawfully re-
claimed.
The last section proposes the apPropria-
ton OF t,co millions of dollars, TO enable
the President to conclude a tren;v Of
peace with Mexico, for the expenditure of
which he shall account in the usual man
ner. Objections were Immediately raised
TO the reception Of this bill, but Mr.. King
had it read for information, md procured
the withdrawal Of the objection so as TO get
it before the House.
| Mr.. King then moved the postponement
of the special order OF the day, the bill for
increase of the army, and take up this one
On the motion 10 postpone, The ayes and
nays were called, and The motion was los.
by one majority. The vote was ayes 80,
noes 80.
Your readers will perceive how nearly
the result Of this first movement at this
| session, on the N erBorable two million
proposition, corresponds with what | have
! advised them as 10 the stale of feeling in
the House upon that subject.
Soon after the meeting Of Congress it
was ascertaned to be such as would PRO.
badly produce nearly tie vote when the
project should first be again brought for
ward. But this Of course is not the end of
| it. The motion TO postpone did no, re-
qure direct vote upon the great question
Of slave or free territory, which must yet
be met.
A message from the President, upon the
matter of increasing the army, and the APP
pointment Of q deputy comma nder- mischief
of all the forces, was received. This being
i very important document. and withal
CONNIE ndably short, we publish it entire:
'A''s PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
10 the Senate and House of Representa-
tiyes:
In order TO prosecute the war against
Mexico with vigor and success, ii is neces
sary that authority should be promptly
given by Congress TO incense the regular
lrmy, aud to remedy existing defects in lis
nganiz2t;on. With this view, your favor
able attention is invited to tie annual re
port of the Secretary Of War, which ac
componled my message ofthe s;h instant,
in which he recommends that ten addition
al regiments Of regular troops shall be
raised, TO serve during he war.
Of,he additional regiments OF volunteers
which have been called from several Of the
states, some have been promptly raised,
but this has not been The case in regard TO
all. The existing way, requiring that they
should be organized BY the independent &C
ton Of the state governments. has n some
instances occasioned considerable delay,
and It is yet uncertain when the troops
required can be ready for service in the
field.
1t is our settled policy 10 maintain, in
time Of peace, as small regular army a
the exgencies Of the public will permit
In a state Of war, nelw outstanding The great
adva ntages with which our volunteer cit
zen soldiers can be brought into the field,
this small army must be Incl eased in IFS
numbers in order 10 rendsr the whole force
more efficient.
Addition officers, as well as men, then
become indispensable. Under the circum
stances Of our service, peculiar propriety
ex sis for increasing the officers, especially
in the higher grades. The number Of such
officers who. f'om age or other causes,
are rendered incapable Of active service ia
the fed, has seriously impaired the fiji
cheney of The army.
From the repor, Of the Secretqry Of war
it appears that about two thirds Of the
whole regmental field officers are either
prematurely or necessarily detached tiofn
their commands on other duties. The long
enjoyment oil peace has prevented US from
sxperiencieg much embarrassment from
This cause, but now, in a state of war, con
ducIed in foreign country, it has Produced
serious injury to the public service.
An efficient organization of the army.
composed ,f regulars and voluntee rs, while
prosecuting the war in Mexico. il is be
c'Ih "ou'u TUG oPPO vi n
general officer TO take command of oil our
military forces in the field. .-
Upon the conclusion OF the war, the ser
vices ofsuch an officer would TO longer be
necessary, and should be dispensed with
| upon the reduction Of the army to peace
| establishment recommend that provis
ION be made. by law, FOR the appointment
Of such general officer, to serve during the
war.
1t is respectfully recommended that
| early action should be hadb by congress upon
the suggestions submitted for their con
sderation. as necessary 10 ensure active
aud efficient servl ce in prosecuting the
war, before the present favorable season
for military operations in the enemy's
country shall have passed away.
JAMES X. POLK. <
Ii Washington, % Dec, 1916.
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