Indiana State sentinel., 1847-12-10
By Telegraph for Louisville Democrat.
Presidents Message
Z reltOlc-c1tlzenS Of Tie Sendte,


terestlng event. The representatives of the States
and OF the people fresh from their constituents
10 take counsel together for the good After
an existence Of three quarters of century, as
Tree and independent republic. the problem no long
er remains to be solved, whether man is capable of
seii-government. The success of our admirable sys-
e - conclusive refutation of the theories of those
IN other countries, who maintain that favored few
are born 10 rule, and that the mass of mankind must
be governed by force
Subject to no arbitrary hereditary authority, the
people are the only sovereigns recognized by
stitution Numerous emigrants. of every lineage
ana language, attracted by the civil and religious
freedom we enjoy, and by our happy condition, con-
nualy crowd to shores, and transfer their hearts,
not less than their allegiance, TO the country where
dominion belongs alone to the people,
No country has been much favored, or should
acknowledge, with deeper reverence, the manifesto
ton of the Divine protection. An all-wise Creator
directed and guarded in infant struggle for
freedom and has constantly watched over our surpri-
sing progress until have become one of the great
nations Of the earth 1t Is in n country thus favored
and under government in which the executive and
Legislative branches hold their authority for limited
periods alike from the people, and where all
spOnslbe TO their respective constituencies that it is
again my duty to communicate with Congress upon
the state OF the Union and the present condition of
public affairs.
During the past year, the most gratifying proofs
are presented that country has been blessed with
widespread and universal prosperity. There has
been no period, since the government was founded,
wien all the industrial pursuits OF people have
been more successful; when labor, in all branches
of business, has received fairer better reward.
From our abundance, we have been enabled to per-
form the pleasing duty of furnishing food for the
starving millions of less favored countries.
In the enjoyment of the bounties Of Providence at
home, such have rarely fallen TO the lot of any
il of afulat that info
course with all the powers of the earth, except Dex
CO, continues to be of amicable 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 me.
No change has taken place in our relations with
Mexico since the adjournment of the last Congress.
The war, in which the United States were forced to
engage with the government Of that country, still
continues.
deem it unnecessary, after the full exposition of
them contained in my message of the llth Of MAY,
1916, and my annual message, at the commencement
of the session of Congress, In December last reit
crate the serious Of complaint which we had
against Mexico, before she commenced hostilities.
1t Is sufficient the present occasion to say. that
the wanton violations Of the rights of person and
property of our citizens committed by Mexico her
repeated acts of bad faith through long series of
years, and her disregard Of solemn treaties stpula
ting for indemnity to injured citizens, not only
IT,
Of such aggravating character, as would have
justified before the whole world, in resorting this
extreme remedy. With an anxious desire to avoid
rupture between the two countries, forbore for
years. to assert our clear rights by force and contin-
ued 10 seek redress for the wrongs had suffered,
by amicable negotiations, in the hope that Mexico
might yield to pacific councils and the demands of
justice. In this hope, we were disappointed. Our
minister of peace, sent TO Mexico, was inSutingly
rejected. The Mexican Government refused even to
hear the terms of adjustment, which he was author
lied 10 propose, and finally, under wholly uniusfa-
bic pretexts, involved the two countries in war, by
invading the territory of the State of Texas, striking
the first blow and shedding the blood of our own citl-
zeDs, soil.
Though the United States were the sggrieved nation
Mexico commenced the war. and compelled in self
defence 10 epel the invader and to vindcae the nations
honor and interest," by prosecuting il with until
could obtain just and honorable peace.
On learning that hosues had been commenced by Mex
leo, promptly communicated that fact accompanied with
succint statement Of other of complaint against
Mexico to Congress, and that body, by the act Of The 18th
of May 1885, declared that by the act of the republic of
Mexico, state OF existed between that government
and the United States This act declared the TO exist
by the act of Mexico; and making provisions for its prose-
cutOn a speedy and successful termination passed
with great unanimity by Congressthee being but two
gave the Senate and but fourteen in the House Of
Representatives
The existence Of having declared by
Congress- il became my duty, under the Constitution and
the conduct aud prosecute it, This duty has
performed and though at every stage Of its progress have
manifested willingness TO terminate it by just peace
Mexico has refused to accede which could be
accepted by the United States consistently with the national
honor and interests. The rapid and brilliant OF
arms and OF the enemys territories which
had been and conquered before the close Of the last
session Of Congress- fully known to that body Since
that time the mas been prosecuted with increased energy
and grated to state with success which commands
universal admiration. History presents parallel Of
many glorious victories achieved by any nation within so
short period Our army, regulaJs and volunteers, have
themselves
wherever forces have encountered the enemy Though
he in vastly superior numbers aud often enenched in
neutrality-suspicious. Of his 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 garanty, discipline.
indomabe courage aud perseverance, all seeking the posts
Of DANGER and veng with each other in deeds Of noble DAT
ing While every paot heart must exut and just na-
tiOnal pride animate every bosom IN beholdng the high
proofs Of courage, consummate military skill, steady dsc-
pne and humanity to the vanqushed enemy, exhibited by
army, nation has of
brave officers and soldiers who have fallen in defence Of
their countTy's and interests The dead
their melancholy fate in foreign land noby dschargng
their duty and with their countTys flag waving triumphant
Iy the face Of the foe. Their patriotic deeds justly
appreciated and will long be remembered by their grateful
eouniTymen The parental Of the government they
loved and served should be extended to their surviving
families
Shortly after the adjournment of the last session of Con-
gess, the gratifying intelligence received of the battle
Of buena Usa aud OF the fall OF the city OF Neia Cruz and
with it the strong castle OF Jan Juan dUOa by which it
defended.
Believing that after these and other successes
able and disastrous Mexico the period
p1opicus qffd another opportunity she thought
proper embrace IT, negotiations for peace
commissioner appointed to proceed to the headquarters
Of army, with full powers negotiations and
conclude just and honorable treaty Of peace He
not directed make any oyeIures of peace but
the bearer Of despatch from the Secretary Of Of
United States to the Minister Of Foreign Affairs of Mexico
lin reply received latter of the 22d of Feb
IusIy. lS47 in which the Mexican government in