Litchfield enquirer., 1849-05-10
MESSAGE.

Mr.. President and Gentlemen Of the Sen
ate-IMr. Speaker and Gentle'neR Of
the House Of Representatives:
We are assembled for the discharge of
the duties assigned us by our fellow citi-
zens, under circumstances most auspi-
eious. While other countries have suf-
fered from famine, pestilence, internal
connections, and civil discords-we in
the goodness of God, have been spared.
For all of which we are bound to render
him our tribute of gratitude and praise.
Notwithstanding we have, within the
last year, been materially restrained in
some of the departments of manufactu
ring, and mechanical industry, I suppose
that the people Of Connecticut were new
er, as community, more prosperous
never, less oppressed by debts-never
surrounded by more of the conveniences
and enjoyments of life.
Among the other blessings bestowed
upon us by a benifcent Providence, per-
init me to felicitate you upon the final ter
mination of war the paternity of which
no one seemed willing to own and the real
design of which, no one dared to avow; a
war that has cost us millions of money and
thousands of lives, and by many of us
believed to have been unnecessary and
unjust.
In so far, however, as concerns the
skill, the valor, and the idomit" bic pers-
everance exhibited by our troops in the
prosecution of the ware and in so far as
respects the beneficial effects produced
abroad, in the estimate of our national
character for prowess, we have much
reason to be grati6ed and even proud.
After those in power had begun the
war, its progress could not well be resist
ed by people scrupulous of the honor
of their country and therefore it not only
was not opposed, but energeti> ally sus-
tanned by many to whom it was exceed
ingly offensive; at the same time intend
ing and openly avowing then determine
ton to hold its authors in the public esti-
mate to strict accountability.
This resolution our fellow citizens have
most signally and effectually accom-
plished. by elevating to the chief magis-
tracy Of the Union, a man eminently dis
tinguished among the best and bravest
of their brethren-who from the begin
ming was known to be in sentiment and
feeling, opposed to the war-but who in
obedience to the imperative cal! Of his SUI
periors in command, evinced himself
ready to make any and all personal sac
rifces, in case, which, by those entrus-
ted with authority, was declared to be
the cause of justice and of his country.
Thus has our Republic been afforded
the opportunity Of exhibiting to the world
anation "victorious over its enemies, vic.
torious over ITSELF
BY the treaty with Mexico, the United
States have acquired title to great ex-
tent of country, reaching even to the
Pacific Ocean, some portions of which
will probably for long time remain un-
important to us. But the discovery of
mineral products in other portions has
excited, to an unexampled degree, the
capidity of our countrymen, and of the
world.
If the representations correspond in
any reasonable proportion With the truth,
perhaps we may be permitted to antici-
pate, many and great advantages to indi-
viauals, and to the nation. More espe-
eially, II, instead of being intoxicated by
golden hopes, the Adventures shall sub
init themselves to be governed by that
sound discretion and uniform prudence
which in times past, have characterizeC
the people Of New England.
But unless the benefits Of history sha
all be lost upon US, We cannot fail to pei