Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1847-12-15
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Feiioc citizens Of The Senate
and Of hc House Of RcprcscntctircS /:

Feilo,c- citizens Of The Senate
and Of The House Of Representatives.
The annual meeting OF Congress is always interest
ing event The Representatives of the States and OF
the People fresh from their constituents TO take
counsel together for the common good After an cxs-
tcncc Of three ourths of century free and
independent Republic, the problem no longer remains
TO be solved whether capable OF ligovcrnmcnt
The success of our admirable system is conclusive
utation If the theories of those in other countries who
maintain that favored few born to rule, and that
the mass of mankind must be governed by force. Sub
jcc TO arbitrary hereditary authority, the people
are the only sovcrcignS recognised by our constitution
attracted by the civil and religious freedom we enjoy,
and by our happy condition, annually crowd TO our
shores and transfer their heart not less than their al
cgiancc TO the country whose dominion belongs alone
TO the people
No country has been much favored, or should ac-
knowledge with deeper reverence the manifesto of
the Divine protection. An all wise Creator directed
and guarded us in infant struggle for freedom, and
has constantly watched surprising progress,
until VIC have become Of the great nations of the
earth.
1t is in a country thus favored and under Govern
mcnt in which the executive and legislative branches
hold their authority for limited periods alike from the
people, and where all responsible TO their respect
i've constituencies that IL is again my duty 10
ncac with Congress upon the state of the Union and
the present condition of public affairs.
During the past the most gratifying proofs arc
presented that our country has been blessed with
wide spread and universal prosperity. There has been
no period since the Government was founded, when all
the industrial pursuits OF our people have been
successful when labor in all branches of sincs has
received a iaircr or better reward. From album
dance we have been enabled 10 perform the pleasing
duty Of furnishing food for the starving millions of
favored countries.
in the enjoyment of the bountics of Providence at
home, such have rarely fallen the lot of any pco
pie, it is cause of congraulaon that intercourse
| tnucs to be of an anicablc character.
1t has ever been cherished policy TO cultivate
peace and good will with all nations; and this policy
has been steadily pursued by
No change has taken place in relations with Mex
leo since the adjournment of the last Congress. The
war i'll which the United States forced 10 engage
with the Government of that country still continues
i deem il unnecessary, after the full exposition of
them contained IN nay message OF the eleventh of May,
1916, and IN my annual message at the commencement
OF the session OF Congress IN December last rccratc
the serious causes of complaint which had against
Mexico before she commenced hostitcs
1t is sufficient the present occasion say that the
wanton violation OF the rights OF and property
our citizens committed by Mexico her repeated acts of
bad faith, through long series of years and her dsrc
gard ot solemn treaties STIMULATING Tor indemnity TO
injured citizens, not only constituted ample of
war ON our part but OF such aggravated cha
ractrr as would have justified us before the whole
world in rcsortins TO this extreme remedy. With
anxious desire to avoid rupture between the two
countries orborc for years clear hts
by force and continued TO seek redress for the wrongs
we had suffered by amicablc negotiation, in the hope
that Mexico might yield to pacific counscls and the de-
mands OF justice In this hope were disappointed.
Our minister OF peace sent TO Mexico insultiugly
rejected. The Mexican Government refused even to
hear the of ad ustmcn which he was authorized
to propose and finally under wholly unjustilablc pre-
texts, involved the two countries in by invading
the territory OF the State of Texas striking the first
blow, and shedding the blood OF citizens on our
own SOIL
Though tho United States were the aggricvcd nation
Mexico commenced the war; and compelled,
in sclf-dcfcncc to rcpc the invader and TO yindcatr
the honor and interests by prosecuting il with
vigor until we could obtain just and honorable peace
On learning that hostlites had been commenced by
Mexico promptly communicated that fact accomoa-
MED with uccinct Of our other causes OF
complaint against 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 a state of
war exists between that Government and the United
States"-ths act, declaring "thc to exist by the
act of the Republic of Mexico, and making provision
for its prosecution 'so speedy and successful tcrmi
nation,'' passed with great unanmity by Congress-
there being but two negative in the Senate and
but fourteen in the House of Rem cscntotves
The existence of the having thus been declared
by Congress- il became my duty under the consti,n
tion and the laws, to conduct and prosecute it, This
duty has been performed and though, at every stage
Off progress, have manifested a Willingness to ter
inmate il by just peace, Mexico has refused to acccd
10 any Terms winch could be accepted by the United
states, consistently with the national honor and inter-
est .
ne iPa ana brilliant successes OF our arms and the
vast extent OF the enemys territory which had been
overrn ana conquered before the close OF the last
SION OF Congress- were fully known to that body Since
that time the war has been prosecuted with increased
energy and am graticd TO state with success which
commands universal admiration History presents no
parallel OF so glorious victories achieved by any
nation within so short period. Our army, regulars
and volunteers, have covered themselves with impcr
iShaOie honofs. whenever and wherever our forces
nave encountered the enemy, though he in vastly
superior numbers and often enrcnched in fortified posi-
lions OF ms own selection and OF great strength he has
been defeated. Too much praise cannot be bestowed
upon our officers and men, regulars and volunteers for
their gallantry, discipline, indomitablc courage and
all seeking the post OF danger, and yieng
VIZ" Wt to o'l.er IN uceeS o' hooc daring
national mid oni;naat go h mus SNiai Ih9 just
i:, ptiuc an'na'c every oosom' IN Dehoidng the
oJ Vi courage cohsumate military skill, stca-
yh;,,i n nv 'u n ,,. " inc 'anquiSnco enemy
cNhloed by our gallant army the nation is called to
I h c ne loss H many praVc officers ana soldiers
,en III uc'Shce OF MGR coun'ryS honor and
in foreign land nobv d;scbar S thr % tate