PRESIDENT'S •
M E 8.8 - A G E
Fellow•citizens of the Senate ca af the House
of Representatives: ,
The annuak meeting of congress ;is always
an interesting event. The Reer4sen.atives
of the states Ando( the people fresh crom their .
constituents to take counsel together, fur the
common good. After an exi.ten e of near
three-fourths of a century at U fre and inde
pendent repu'tlic, the problem no Monger re
,mains to be solve 1, , whether man:is incapable
of - self-government. The success of our ad
, mirable system is a conclusive refutation of
the theories of those in other countries who
maintain that "a favored Ifew'l are bor n to
rule, and that the mss of.' mankind must be
governed by force. , Subject to no arbitrary
n or hereditary authority, the people are the only
sovereigns recognised by. our constitution.—
Numerous emigranttr of every lineage and
language, attracted by the civil and religious
freedom we enjoy, and by our hap - py condition
annually crowd to our shore, and transfer
their heartynot lose than their allegience, to
the country whose dorninio belongs alone to
the'people. I
No country • has been so, much favored, or
should acknowledge with deepereverence the
tnanifeatations of the Divine pr o tection. Au
all-wise Creator directed and garded us in
our infant struggle for freedom, and has con.
istantiy watched over our surprising progress
until we have become one of the great stations
of the earth.
It is in a country thus,faeorec, and tinier a
government in which the executive an I leg
islative branches held their autl ority for lim
ited periods, alike from the peer le, and where
all are responsible to their re, pective con
stituencies, that is again my duty to corritnn
, nicate with congress upon the state of - Alm
Union, and the present coaditiot of public af
fairs..
During the past year the most gratifying
proofs are presented that our country has
been blessed with a wide-spread and univer
sal prosperity. There has been - no period
since the government wet founded; when all
the -industrial pursuits of 06 people hove
beervmOre successful, or wheti taken in all
branches of business has received a fairer or
better reward. From our abutidance we!have
been enabled to perform the pleasing duty of
furnishing food:for the millions of less favored
countries. -
In the enjoyment of the bounties of Pray :
idence - at home, Ruch as hal +rely fallen to
the lot of any people, it is cause of congratu
lation, and our intercourse with all the Pow
ers of the earth, except Alexco,; continues to be
of amicable character. "
It has ever been our ch'eridied policy „to
cultivate peace and good will With all nations;
and this policy has been steadily , pursued by
me.
No change has token place in bur relations
with' Meximi since the ad,Ournincnt or the last
Congress. Too war in which the 111140
States were forced to engage with the g vern
mentof thatcountry continues I deem it untie ,
cessary after the full expotitiun of them eon!,
tained ivny message of the 11th of may, 1846
' and in my annual message at the cominencej
meat of the session of Congress in December
- last, to reiterate the serious causes of cont.
plaint which we had noinstMexico before she
commenced hustilitiee. It is autlicient upon
the present eccasion, to say that the wan
ton violations of the rights of persons and
property of our citizens, cenimitted by Alexi
co; her repeated ictiiiif bad faith Orel gh a
ong series of years, and her disregard of
/ olemn treaty stipulations for indemnity to
ur injured citizens, not only constituted um
ple cause of war en our part, but were of such
an' aggravated chbracter as would justify us 1
before the whole world in resorting to this.
extreme remedy.
avoid a With an anxious demi e tO avoid a rupture
between the two coun ries, we forbore for
years to assert'our clew rights by force, and,
continued to seek redress for the wrongs we
had stiffened, by amicable negotiations, in
hopes that Mexico might yield to pacific coun-
sets,and the dementia ofjuatice. In this hope
• we t.eredisappointed. Our Minister of peace
sent o Mexico was insultingly rejected.,
The Mexican government - rousing even to
hear the terms of adj /villein which he was
authorized*to propose; and finally, under un
justifiable pretences, involved the two court.
tries in war, by invading the territory of the
State of Texas. striking the first blow, un
and shedding the blood of our citizens on o
own soil.
Altherigh the United- States wore the ag
grieved nation, Mexico commenced the war,
and we were compellerh•iii self defence, to re
pel the invader, and to vindicate the national
-- honor, and interests, by prosecuting it„with
vigor until we could obtain a just ante honora
ble peace. On learning that hostilities had
been commenced by Mexico, I promptly com
municated that fact accompanied with a suc
cinct statement of our other causes of csau
plaint against Mexico to Congress; arid that
body, by the act of the Nth of May, 1816. de
clared that "by the act of the republic of Mex , -
ico, a state of war exists between that gov
eminent and the United States"—this act de
claring "the war to exist by the act of the re
public of Mexico;' and making, provision for
its-prosecution "twit speedy and successful
termination," was passed with great unanim
ity by Congress, there, being butltwo negative
votes in the ornate. and but 1.1 in the House of
representatives. The existence of the war hay-,
ing been declared by congress,.it became my du
ty,under the constitution and the laws, to con
finer:rand prosecute it. This duty has been
performed, and although at every stage of its
progress I have manifested a willingness to
terminate it by a just peace, Mexico has refus
ed to accede to any terms which would. he ac
..cepted by the United States, consistently with
the national honor and interests. . /
• The rapid and brilliant successes• of our
- arms, and the vast extent of the ene
-.. ,
lay's territory n hick had been overrun i• and
- conquered, before the close of the last
session of Congress, were fully known to that
body. Since that time, the war has been
prosectited . with increased energy, and I am
gratified to stale with a success which . com
mands' (adverse) admiration. History pre
sents no parallel of so many glorious victor
lea achieved by any nation witliiii so
,short a
period. Our army,'regolarg and volunteers,
have covered themselves with imperishable
honors. Whenever and wherever our forces
hays encountered the enemy, though he was
in vastly superior numbers and often entrench
ed in fotified positii;ins of his own selection, -
and of '
great strength, he 'bes_been defeatod.
Too much praise Cannot be bestowed upon our'
officers and men, 'Solara and volunteers, for
their gallantry, discipline, indomitable courage
and perseverance, all seeking the post of dart
ger; and vieing with each other in deeds
noble daring.
While every patriots 'heart meat exult, an
ajust national pride animate every bosom, be
holding the proofs of courage,consumunite mil
, itary skill, steady discipline, and humanity to
- the vanquished enemy, exhibited by cur gal
lant army, the nation is called to mourn over
the loss of many brave officers and soldiers,
who have fallen in defense of their country's
honors and interests. The brave, dead met
I their melancholy trite line foreign lanth nobly
discharging their duty with their country's flag
waving triumphantly is the face of their foe.
Their patriotic, deeds are justly appreciate ,
and will long be reineMbered by their grateful
countrymen. The parental care of the gov
ernment they loved and served should be ex
tended to their surviving families.
Shortly after the adjournment of the last
session of Congrese, the gratifyirig intelli
• pace Was received of the signal victory of
Buena Vista, and of the fall of the city' f Vera
Cruz, with therong castle of San Jan D'
Vilna, by which it ens &feuded. Del eying
• that after these and other successes, NO I sum
s abil wont arms arid so , disastrous to 31exico
the, period wan prop ions_ to afford another ops.
portunity to enter into negotiations , for peaces
a Commissioner was appointed to proceed to
the head quarters of our army, with full pow
er to enter upon negotiatione;and to conclude
a just and honorable treaty of peace.
' lie was not directed I,a make any new overt. I
tures of peace, but was the bearer of dispatch
es from the Secretary of State of the United
States to she Minister of Fpreign Affairs of
Mexico, in reply to one received from the let
ter of 'the twenty-second of Febrdaay, 1847,
in which the Mexican Goveinment was in
formed of 146 appointment, and his presence at
the head quarters of our army; that lid was in
vested with full power to conclude a treaty of
peace, whenever the' Mexican government
might signify a
.desire to do so. While I was
yet resolved that the evils of the war should
not be protracted a day longer than might be
rendered absolutely necessary by theltexican
government.
Care was taken to give no instructions to the
com:ilnissioner which could in any. way inter
fere with our mititary eperatiotts in the prose
cution of the war. Ile possessed no authority
in any manner to control these operations. lie
was authorized to exhibit his instructions to
the General' in command of the army; and in
the event_of the treaty being concluded and
ratified on the petit of Mexico, lie was directed
to give him notice of that fact.- On the hap
pening of such a contingency, and on receiv
ing notice thereof, the general in command
Was instructed by the Secretary of War to
suspend further active military operations Un
til, further orders. These instructions were
given with a view to intermit hostilities, un
til the treaty thus ratified by Mexico could be
trensmitted to Washington, and receive the
action of the Government'of the U. States.
The commissioner ivas also directed, on
reaching the army; to deliver to.the General
in command the despatch which he bore from
The Secretary of State to the ; Minister of For
eign Affitirs, of Mexico, and, on receiving it
the General was instructed by the Secretary
of War to cause it to be transmitted-to the
commander-of the'Mexican fOrces, with a re
quest that it might be comnumicated to his
government.
The Cnmenissioner did not reach the hetid
quarters of the army until another brilliant
victory had crowned our arms at Cerro Gordo.
The despatch which he bore from the Secre s
tory of war to the general in command of the
army was received by. that otiicer, then at Ja
. laps, on the seventh day of May 1847, togeth
er with the despatch from the Secretart of
State to the Minister of Fpreign Affairs of
-Mexico, having been transmitted tia him from
Vera Cruz. The commissioner Arrived at the
headquarters of the arty a few l days after
wards. His presence with the army, and his
diplomatic character were made known to the
Mexican governme i nt on the Itwelfthof June,
1847, by,the trans Mission of the despatch from
theiSecretary of Stateitolthe Minister of For
eigo Afihirs of Mexico:' Weeks elapsed after
its receipt, but no overtures were made,nor was
there any desire expiessed by the Mexican
govertmient to enter into negotiations for
Ipcace.
Our army pursued its march uponthe ,cap-
itol, and as it approached it, was net by foil
'midable me dstance. Our foijces first encoun
tered the enemy; and achieved signal victories
in the severely contested battles of Contreras
and Churtibusco. ' It was nisi. until'after these
actions had resulted in decisive victoriesond
the capital of the enemy was within our pow
er, that the Mexican government manifested
any d:sposititin to enter into negotiations for
peace; and even then, as events have proved,
there is too much 'vase') to believe they were
insincere, and that in agreeitig to go through
the forms of negotiation, the object was to
gain time to strengthen the defences of their
capital, and to p'epare fur fresh resistance.
The General in 'command of the attny deem
ed it expedient to suspend hostilities tempo
' rarily, by eptering into en armistice with a
view to the openvig of negotiations. Com
missioners were appointed on the part of Mex
ico to meet the commissioners on the part of
the United States. The result of the confer
ence's which took place between these func
tionaries of the two governincints was a fail
ure to conclude a treaty of ,peace.
The, Commissioner' of the United States
t oo k with him the prejec6 - 11 a treaty prepar
ed, by the terms of which the iodumnity re
quired by the United States was a cession of
territory. It was well known to be the only
indemnity which it is in tile power of Mexi—
co to make, in satisfaction of the just
nod long deferred claims of our citizens
against her, and the only means by which
she can reimburse the United - States, for t l fte
expenses of the' war, is a cession th,
United States of a portion of her territ•)ry.—
Meiico has no money to pay, Slid no oti r
means of making the required indemnity -If
vv e.refune this tw,e can obtain nothing el. e.—
To reject indemnity by refusing to nceei
cession of territory, would be to abandon II
coir just detnands, and to wage the war, bear-
ing all its expenses, without a purpose or a
defined objeCt.
A state of war abrogateatreaties pre%iotts'-
ly existing between the lieliigeronts,‘and n
treaty of peace puts an en - d to all claims for
indemnity; for tortions acts committed, under
the authority of one gm'erlitnent against the
citizens or subjects of another, unless they
are prov ided for in its stipulation.. A treaty
of peace ,attich would terminate the existing
war without providing for indemnity would
enable Mexico-4e acknowledged debtor, and
herself the aggnrsor in the r—to relieve'
herself from a jestt liability. By such a Treaty
our citizens who bold just demands against her
would ha% e no remedy, either against-Mexi
co, or their government. OM ditty to our
citizens, must forever prevent such a peeve;
olefin° treaty, which dues net provide ample
means of discharging these demands, can re
ceive my L. nuirtio.n.
A treaty of pence should settle all existing
difficulties between the two cOuntries . I fan
adeirtka . te cession of territory shuld he made by
such n treaty, the United States should release
Mexico from all her liabilities, find assume
thoir payment to our own citizens. If, in
stead of this, the United States were to con
sent to t i treaty by which Mexico should airain
engage to ply the heavy amount of indebted
ness which a just in:lemnity to our govern
ment and our citizens would impose on Tier, it
is notorious that she does not possess the
testis to Meet such an undertaking,. From
bi ch a treaty no result could be anticipated,
but the same irritating disappointments which
have heretofore attended the violations of elm-
filar treaty stipulations on the part , of Mexico.
Such a treaty would be but a temporary ces
sation of hostilities, without the restoration
of the friendship and good understanding
le
which should characterize the future int r -
course between the two countries.
That Congress contemplated the newt re
ment of territ vial indemnitys when that b itiy
made provision NT the prneecution of the war
is obvious. Congress could not have meant
—when; in May, 1816, they appropriated ten
millions of dollars, and authorized" the l'r si
dent to employ the militia, naval and milie ry
a i
forcW
of the United States, and to accept the
services of fifty thousand volOnteers, to en ble
him to prosecute the war; arid when at their
last session, and after our army had invaded
Mexico, they made additional approNiationa
and authorized the raising. ofadditional troops
for the same purpose—that no indemnitY,was
to be obtained from Mexico at the , conclusion
of the war, awl yet it was certain that if no
Mexican territory was acquired, do indemnity
could be obtained.
It is further manifest that Congr its contempla
ted territorial indemnity, Nut the fact that, at
t'ibir fast se4sion, an act was passed upon the E.
ecutive itcommendationg appropriating three - mil
!mesa dollars with that cxpreasi object. This
appr ,priation was made '!lo enable the President
to canclutle a treaty of peace ' limits, and bounda
ries with the Republic or IMexico rrr ' to be used by
him in the event that said treaty,hen signed by
the amliorizeil asintsef the two l oo erninents. end
duly stifled by Mexiee..shitli cell for the expendi
rums attic same or soy, part thetiof." : The At)
1:c a a4k•ni: t'sie approp iation i tfas distinctly
, .
stated in the several messages ou the rubject which
I cominutikated to Congress. SiMilar appropri
ations made in 1803 and . 1806, which were refer
red to, were intended to be applied in part consid
-citation for the cession or Limisiana lied the Flor
idas. , In like manner it was anticipated that, in
settling the terms of a treaty of "limit, and bruin--
dune?' with .Mexteo, a ce,sion of territory esti
mated to be of greater cultic than the amount of
iitir demands against her might be obtained, and
that the prompt payment or this sum —in pint
consideration for the territory ceded—on the con
elusion of a treaty, and its ratification on her part
might be an mdticcinent with het to make such a
` cession of territory in would be satisfac ory to the
United States. And al th ough th e failure to Clin
t elude such a treaty has rendeted it unnceessary
to Use any part of the three millionsm dollar, aii-
Lptopriuted by that act, and the entire sum i einai us
in LIM treasury, it is still applicable to that object,
should the contingency occuemaking such appli•
cation proper.
I'he doctrine of no terri:ory is the- doctrine et
no indemnity, and ii sanctioned, would be a pub
lic acknowledgement that our country was wrong
and that the war deeluied by Congicas, with ex
irdorilinary unanimity, Was unjust and should be
abandoned; an admission tmfouttikkl in fact, and
degrading to the national c hal actor.
• flie tei MN i:il ti coil pi, yosttl by the U. Sates
were not only just to Mexico, but, considering
the character and autumn of our claims, the im
jus ifiable and unprovoked commencement of has
tibiae, by her, the expenses of di war to which
we have been subjett,e.l, and the success which
had attended our arms, were decimal to be of a
must libei al character.
'1 he rommist4ioner of the United States was ad- 1
- lionized to uttl'ee to the establishment °aim ltiu
Gentle as the ;bland tiy, from its entrance into '
the Gull to its intersection with the sou hero
boundary of NOW Mexico; in north litti.tithr.about
thirty two degrees, and to obtain 3 cession to the
[limed Siote - 01 . the provinces of,tNew Alexteo
and the Calitotnias, and the privilege of the light
in way nem s4he isthmus of fehilantepec.` '1 lie
boundary of the ltio Granite,, end- the Cession to
the lined States or New Mexieo and Upper Cal
iforan,'constitu ed an ultimatum which our I. OM -
musioner %,, as Under nO circuinstantes to,yicld:
'1 hat it might be manifest not only to Ale:rico
but to all other nations, ,hat the Uni ed States
sera not dispc;cil to take advantage of a feeble
power, by ins.sting upon wresting front her ell
the other proviso., including many of her prin•
cipallon its add cities, which' n e Idd conquered,
anti held in our ..military occupation, but Were
willing to conclude a treaty in a spirit of [Unroll
ty, our CUSIIIIIISSIOIIer %%as authoi itted to s:ipulate
her the Mahn aLien to Mexico of all our odic. con
(pests.
As the territory to lie winked by the bumida
ry proposed might be estimated to be of greater
value - hall u lair equivalent Mr our just remands,
our commissioner we, authorized to stipteate for
the payment of such addition..) pecuniary consid•
oration as was deemed reasonable.
The terms of a treaty proposed by the Mex
ican commissioners were wholly inadinissable
They negotiated as if Mexico were - the sic
trrious, arid not the vatiquishdd party. They
must have known that their ultimatum could
never be accepted. It'required the United
States to dismember Texas by surrendering
to Mexico that part of the territory of that
State lying between the. Nuecea and the Rio
Grande, included within tier limits by her laws
when she was an independent 1 republic,' and
when she was annexed to the United States,
and admitted by Congress as one of She States,
of our Union. It contained no provision for
the payment by Mexico 14 the just claims of
our citizens. It required indemnity to Mex
ican citizens for injuries they may have sue
tdined by our troops in the prosecution of the
war. It demanded the right fur Mexico to
levy and collect the Mexican tariff of -duties,
on goods imported into her port? while in our
military occupation during the war, the own
ers of which had paid to officers: of the United
States the military contributions which had
been levied upon them; and 4,' offered to cede.
to the United States, for a pecuniary consid
eration, that part of Upper California lying
oath of latitude thirty-seven degrees. Such
were the unreasonable terms proposed by the
Mexican commissioners.
The cession to the United States by Mex
ico of the provinces of New Mexico and
the Culiforuias as pitriensed .by the Coin
ntissioner of the United States, it. was proved,
would be more in accoronce with the con-
,
venience and interest o ' both nations than
any other cession of ter l itery which Mexico
could be induced to make. It is manifest to
nil who have obtained a knowledge of the tie- I
teal condition of the Me*, in government
for some . years past mei at present, that I
if these d provinces shuultl he retained by her'
she could not .ong continue toill and gov
tarnthem. Mexico is too fee le a power to
r"
I' govern these provinces, lying as they do nt a
distance of More,thaii a thousand miles from
her capital, and if attempted to be retained by
her, they would constitute for a. short tune, 1
etch nominally, a part tinier dominions. 'nits 1
would be especially the case with upper Cali- I
fornia.
The sagacity of powerful European nations
has Long since directed their attention to the
commercial impertatica importance of that
province, and there can be little doubt that
the moment the United Pittitei.; shall relinquish
their present occupation of it, and their Maim
to it us ilidemnity, an elrort would be made
by some foreign pOwer to possess if, either by'
conquest or by purOiase. If no foreign gov
ernment should acquire it in either of these
modes, an independent revolutionary govern
ment would probably be' established by the in
habitants and such foreigners as may remain
in or remove to the country, as ;Don as it
shall be known that I heUnited States have
abandoned it. Such a uvertiment would be
too feeltfe long to Maintain its septirato in
dependent ekistance, and would,finally be
come annexed, to becomii a depend Nit colony
oh saute morn powerful Otate. :
Should any toreigo gav t trumem attempt to pea
.se-s it asovilony, or oth r wise to incorporate it
with itself; Ito ptiticiple l avowed by President
.%fintroe in ISI I, and reaffirmed in my first undue
al ines--age, tli.et no inreign 'Juner shall, is ills our
consent le - pet nut Cu! to ) plant or establish any
tics colony ur dodo Mon on apy part of the North
Antericau continent, but be inatittatited: In main
mining !fits princtple, and tril resisting ,its kir/a
sh-in by any tom gii Poo lir, we might he involved
in other wars inure sari sive and more difficult I
thanthat m which we and now etiga L cd. '
- The provinces of .New INIeNiCO end .he rotifer
nuts are tontigtiotts to the :1 4 111111k; nut Ws. United
states, a-til it brought tisid,, the-oov eminent of
tow law s, their res)airee• -mineral, a zriculturill,
Millitliseturing, and contuttreitil a wild soon be
(1014.101m1.
Limier California is bounded on the north; by
our our Orcg)tit po- , scssions, and i f held by the
United :.,...ta es, would semi lie settled by a hardy,.
enterprising, and intelligent portion oh our point
!alien. the bay of Sun Firacisco, and oiler liar )
hors along the Cali:bridal) coast would afford
shelter liar our navy, throw numerous whale ships
a itt othetinerchant weasels employed' in tho Pa
cific ocean, and would -in a short period become
the marts of an extensive and profitable commerce
with China and other countries of the Eit,t.
rector advantages, in which the vi hole commer•
cial world would participate, e ould at once be
secured to the Untied States by the cession of this
territory, while it is certain that'as lon. , as' it re
mains a part of ,he %lexicon domains, they can be
enjoyed neither by Mexico-herself nor by ally
o.fire nation.
New Mexico is a frontier province, and has
never been of any considerabie value to Mexico.
Front hi , rurality, it is naturally connected wi h
our wester', settlements. 'Fite territorial limits
of the, State of Texas too, as defined by her laws,
befere her admispion into our Union, embrace all
that poriion of New Mexico lying east of the Rio,
Grinde, while ‘lexico sill claims to hold this'
territory its part of her domodons. Thd ad
liniment of this (pestle?) of boundary is impor
tant. . •
There is another consideration which induced
the belief that the Mexicin .overmnent might
even desire to place this province under the pro
motion ol "the government of the United States.
Numerous bands 'of fierce and warlike sathigee
wander over it, and upuntit borders. Mexico has
been, and must continue to be, too feeble to re
strain them from cummitting depredations, rob
beries and murders, not only upon the inlythitants
of New Ale , ieck itself, but upon those of the other
northern Stateg. of Mexico. It would be a bleu•
sing to 411 these northern States to have their cit
izens protected against them by the power of the
United States. Ai this moment, many Moxicand,
principally temales and children, are in caOtivity
among them. If New Mexico were held and golf•
tutted by the 'United States, we could effee:ually
prevent !hese tribes from conimittinti such ontra ,
ges, f end .coropel them to release these Captives,
and restore them to their families and friends:
lii proposing to . acquire New Mexico and
the Califoriritis, it was known that but an in
considerablZ" portion of the Mexican people
wotilil be transferred with' . thein—t lie country
embraced in those provinces, being chiefly un
inhabited. These were the leading consider
uti'ms which induced me to authorize the
terms of peace Which were proposed. Thee
were rejected, and, , negotiat ions being at -an
end, hostilities were renewed. An es
satilt was made by our gallant army upon the
strongly-fortified places near' the gates of the
city of Mexico, antupon the city it4 elf; and
after several days of sever con fl ict, the 5 10 - ,
can forces, vastly superior in numbqrs to our
own, were driven from the city, told it was
occupied by our troops.
Immediately after the information
,was re
ceived of the unfavorable result the nego
cialiiins, believing,- that his co Hued pros-,
ence with the army could be preductive of not
good, I determined to recall dhr commission
er. A despatch to this effect was transmit
ted to him on 'the sixth of October last. , The
Mexican government will be informA of his
recall;ntl that, in the; existing state of things
I shall not diem it proper to make any further
overtures of peace but shall be at all times
ready to receivaand consider ally proposals
which may be made by Mexico. - '
Since may
liberal proposition of the United
States was authorized to be made in April
last, large expenditures have beep incurred,
and the precious blood of twiny of
. mir patri
otic fellow citizens has bees shed 1;11 the pros
ebution of the war. This consideration' ndd
the obstinate perseverance of Mexico in pro
tracting the war) Must influence the terms of
peace,,which it may be deemed proper hereof
ter
to accept.' ;
Our arms having been every! where victor
lions, having subjected to.our military oceii=
potion a !urge portion of the enemy's country
including his capital, and negotiations for
peace having failed, the important qnestionsi
arise. 'ln whatmatter the war ought lobe pros
, ecuted? and what should be ottriuttire policy.
I cannot doubt that we should ,secure and ren
der available the conquests Which 1 we have
already made; and that with thi view, we
1
should hold and occupy, by , our naval and
military forces, all the ports, towns, cities,
,and provinces now in our occupation, or which
I may hereafter fall, into our possession: that
we'ishould press forward our military °Ora
-1
Lions, and levy, such military ceintribiltions
on the enemy as may, 'as far as kracticable,
delay the xpenses of the war. i
Had hie , overnment of Mexico aceded to tile
equitable and liberal terms propose d, that in ale
of adjustment would have ham preferred. Maxi
, co having declined to do this, aid tilil..d to offer.
any ether terms which could be accepted by the
Unittd States, the national honor, no less than
the public interests, requires that the war should
4 prog;!cuted uitli increased energy and power
enidajust and satisfactory peace can be otvain
-1 ed. In the meantime, as Mexico tefuses all in
1 demnlty, we should adopt measures to indemnify
ourselves, by ap.opriating.permanently a poi don
, of' her territory. Early attei the commencement,
of dia l war, New Mexico and the Californians
user token possession 01 by our forces. Ou. mil
itary au-I naval commanders were ordered 1. ovort•
quer and held theta; subject to be disposed of by
a trerry of peace.
These provinces are now in our undispoted cbe
impede!), and have been so for many months; all
resistance on the part of Mexico ham. ceased
• within their limits. I. am satisfied that they
should never he surrenderid to Mexico. Should
Congress concur with me in this opinion, and list
they stiouttl be-retained by the United States as
indemnity. I canperceive no good reason why the
civil jurisdiction and laws of the U. S. should not
at once be extended _oser diem. To nail liir, a
tre a ty of peace, such as we are willing to in Mit,
by which our relations tea:soda them would not
lie changed. cannot he good' policy; -whilst our
own interest, and that of the people iiihabitin‘z
them, require that a stable, responsible, and free
goveroment under our limitedly AlOlllll, as soon
as possilde, be estabikheil l occr them. .
t• should; Congress, tlicretbre, determine to hold.
these provinces permanently, and that they shall
hereafter be conibleicil as constituent pans of our
colliery, the early I:fitabli.shin mot' territorial goy
er iiiii ents over them it ill be important tor the
more perfect provetion of persons and revel ly;
arid 1 recousitteriti that Witch territorial ~, tvero
tam's he established: It will promote peace sell
tranquility aition4 the inhahitams, by allay ing
all appieliension that they'inal still entertain o.
beiiii agate sr.t.joetuil to the jut ktlictiott or Alex
co. I invite the early and Imitable coo , itleration
or Congress to los important solikiet,
Besides New Nlexieo and the Californias, there
are other Nlexican provinces wideh have been re•
deceit to OM. puss , .9,:i011 by Lumpiest. These oth
er Mexican provinces are now giiiverned by our
military and naval comMaa.birs, to der the 4011131*-
al authority ‘'vlfielt is conieried tilt a a conqueror
by the laws of war. They .11 eiti'l situ Mlle to r he
held as a means of c o ercing ‘I Ale(' to avecila to
just terms of peace. Civil iswell s military of
fleets aria reques:ed to conduct 6 lell a govein
men'. -
Adequate compensation to be
conrtibutiona levied on the (MCI
fixed by law for such officers as
employed. - What fiirther
come -necessary amid what find
it may be proper to make of thisi
peed on the future progress of th
the couree which'
,Mexico itiay
hereafter to pursue.
With the views f2entertain, I cannot favor
the pNcy which ha . Vbeen sort; •sted, either
to withdraw our army, or to reti o to .a des
ignated line, and to simply hold tut defend it.
(vo withdraw our army ultogeth r f.oml ne
coMpiests they have made by deeds (11 r,umor
nileled bravery, and at the expet.,e of so much
blood and treasure, in a just war in our part,
and one which l by the act of the enemy, we
. conld.not honorable %two avoided', %you'd be to
degrade the nation in its own--
es imation and
in' that of the world. -
To retire to a line, and simply hold anti, de
fend it, would not end the war. On
-the cqn-
Iraq, it would eueourage Mex co ,to perse
vere and tend to protract'it ind4lil
iitely. It is
net to be expected that Mextco,,after refusing
to establish such a line"as a pernianent bouud
ary, when our victorious army tirein. posses
aession of her capital, and in the heart of her
country, would permit us to hold it without
rosistance. That she wouldmontinue the war
and in the most harrassing and annoying form,
there can be no doubt. A border warfare of
the most savage character, extending over a
lung line, would be unceasingly waged. It
would require an army to lie kept constautly in
the field, eptioned at postsaud garrisons along
auch a line to protect and defend it. The en
emy, relieved from the pressure of our arms on
his coast and the populous parts of the hoe
;riot, would direct his attention/ to this line,
and selecting an - isSolated plat for an attack
t
would concentrate his force upon it. This
would be - a condition of allliirs which the
Mexicans pursuing their favJrite system of
'guerilla warfare, would prob l ably prefer to
any other.
Werr , ' 1 -
(Jaen.' ide nn
ee we to assume a defenitive attitiu_
,such a line, all the advantages of such a state
of war would be on the side of the enemy.—
We could levy 'no contributions upon hint or
in any other way
make hilt lef.l the. pressure
of the war, but must remain inactive and
await his approach, being in constant mice--
• tainty at what point on the heel, or the time, he
might makellan assault. He may assemble and
organiSe an overwhelrhing forbe.in the interi
or, on his own side of the line, kind concealing
his purpose, make a sudden as, ( sault upon some
one of our posts so distant from any other tre
to prevent the possibility of Lithely succor or
reinforcements; and in this Way. our 'gallant
army would be exposed to the danger of being
cut off in detail: or if, by their unequalled'
bravery and prowes every where exhibited
during this war, - they should rep ulse the en
emy, their numbers siationed at any one post '
'may he too small to pursue hi n.' If the en
emy be repulsed in one mute, he would have
nothing to do but to retreat t his own side of
the line, and being in no fear of a pursuing
army, may reinforce himself a leisure, for an
other attack on the same or so 0 other post,
Ho may, too, cross the Ii a between our
posts, nako rapid incursions I Ito the country
which we hold, murder the inhabitants, coin- I
wit depredations on the, and then retreat to
the interior before a sufficient force can be
concentrated to pursue him.
,
Such would probably be the harrassing char
acter of a more defensive mann our part. If
nor forces, when attacited,lor 'threatened with
attack, he permitted •to cross the line, drive
back the enemy, and compier'him, this would
be again to invade the enemy's cauntry; after
having lust till the advantages of the conquests
tee have already made, by paving voluntarily
,abandoned them: To hold such epic suc
ifie.sfully and inlsecnrity, it is fur from being
Itertain that it Would not require as' large an
army as w ould be necessary tol hold all the
L conquests we hive already made, and contin
ue the prosecudon of ,the war in the enemy's
country. It is also far from being certain
that the expetis .is of war would be diminished
by such It polic '.
I urn persuadiel that the best means of vin
dicating the ngtional honor arid interest, and
1 bringing the witr to an honorable close, will
ipotterie to irosecutel it. with increased energrand
potter in the,li al (tarts of tie en qn,yls ennui
r I • j,
,
i my annual mes Sage to Qont ress of Pe
l ember last, li 4clarrrl that,'"the i war has nut
been wage) with a VieW to conquest; but hav
ing been comMence4 by Mexico, it has been
carried into tholenetny's country, and will be
vigorously, protecuteJ there, witlya view to
obtain'an honorable peaCe, and thereby secure
i.ample indemnit a
. for the expenses of the war,
, i
las well as to r much injured, citizens,,who
hold large pecuniary deman Is against Mexi
co.?" Such, inlniy judgment., continues to be
our true policy indeed, the only policy which
will probably s;
It has never
an objet 'of tt,
conqueet of th-',
nihilatelter se
dent mition.
been my desire
nationality, an
dapted to her
and prosperous
wnre the first 4
her indepentlen ,
to be on terms
hood with her
By her own col
to engage in th
culion, we see
tint]; but, in v
w•ee seek to.obi
has done:us, a
mands against
hle peace;
indemnity Tor',
tore. ilitherti
modation by iv
wined.
Whilst - our , reties have advanced frotp vic- ,
tory to victory, from the commencement of
the war, it ha always been with the olive
branch of peat Lin their hands; and it has been
in the power of Mexico, at every step, to or
rqst hostilitieslbY accepting it.
'One great übStacle to the a tainment of peace
has, undoub.e4, arisen front the Met, that Melt ,
ico has been sei lung held in subjection by on
faction! of tuilipity usurper alter an alter; and
such has been the condition of insecurity in %%Inch
their siweessiv'd, governments have been pl , : .(1
that each has li#en deterred from making peace
lest troth this Ose ; a rival litclion might expel it
,from power. fine!) was the fate of President He
relies eilinittistfai ion in 1915, for being disposed
eyen,tlisten n,:t
r, d the overturesof this United States
i t,
to present the .siai is fully confirmed by in of
. flieial - , ri:resp4tlence which took place in. the
month bf Aug, st last, between him and his goV•
cram it, aco of which is herewith communi
cated, 'For rlthis cause alone, the revolution
whiclitlivlstiUd him )from power was set on
toot b • Geller o,Pareties. Such may be the con ;
dit troika' the nseeurity of the present govern 7
mendr 4' ,
'Pheie can ft. no dojiht ib4t the peaceable ,ant
well dispoNtal uthabitalts of t Mexico are convinc
ed that it is the true interest of the it country to
couchale an lionorable peace with the United
sates;, but the sptochension o becoming the '
vietinitS of .tomb mil tary faetionor usurper may
have prevented them front maniremiti4 - their feel
.ings by, any ratblic act. 'rife removal orally such '
a pprehtinsionli,:oold probably cause them to speak
their ,sent ime as Imely and LO :1(1011t thus mcatures,
ticeCN?.lry li.irf the .rosta a inn of peace. With a
people di.trat ced :toil divided by contending tac
t ions:and a L, vet anent tofbj.ct to constant theta
tzl't by slteee4,ive revt.lotiotes, the conflated on:
ceiss of our ara s may 'fail to set ore 1 sati-lautory
peace. In fuel event, it env become waiter for
our commanding general. in Ow field to ‘rive en'
court gem. nt and a -isav antes or profekton to the
triends'of pcacc in Nlin.ico in the estabiliAment
'
It Inmate. once cif a free repolilican •roVerimitmt
1 of Civir oit n choice, able and willing to conclude
a peace a hit la would he just tel them, and secure,
10 114 the inilcinnit we demand. '/ells May be
come the Only mod i oh obtaininte such a peace.-
Should such he .he result, the "iviir which Nicxi
co has fort e• 1 upon, us would thus be etinver•ed,
into i i it enditting Idessing to he'rsel.: Abler flit-i
ding Tier tot lb and if ist meted by tickets, an I rltil
ed by inditaly Tor ItlrS, - .we 0101111 i then leaie, Iter
.
with a reptiblicau goverom , , ent ,in the en , ,y ) njoent
areal indepealtitay, and dote peaci' tlinl
prosperity. pe thinning all Iter /relative:dot )
C 4 ltd
the ....!..eitt• lainib ot: itatioai, .mill pi ottintittg he
own happinc” by wise laws and their faith) 11 (RI
eeniion. • :I
' I
If, after affoolieg, thia encouragement and
protection, and after all the preserving and
sincere efforts we have,niade, from the mo
ment Mexico commenced the war, and prior to
that tittle, to adjust, our differences with her,
we shall u timately fail, then we shall have ex
luOsted all honorable means in pursuit of
peace, and _must continue to occupy her coun
try with our troopS taking the full measure of
of, indemnity into our own hands., and must
entforee the terms which our honor demands.
To net otherwise in the existing state of
things in Mexico; and to withdraw our army
without a peace, Would not only leave all the
wrongs of which we complain unredrei>sed,
bet would be the signal of new revolutions=
al 'alike hostile to peaceful relations with the
U 'heti States. : .
withdrawn
hef6 s mi t a dpaenageeer,winfsocuoriitcriourtsd,otri
that et
tl e Mexican people, wearied with successive
rvolutions, and deprived of protection for
tl t'irand roperty, might at length be
person
i i
it clined to yield j o foreign influences, and to
c st themselves Into the arms of some Euro
p an monarch foi protection from the anarchy
•
aid sulrering which would ensue. This, for
i.
ohr own safety,land Jtt pursuance of our es
ti blislual policy,lWe should be compelled to re
s at. NVe,could never consent that Mexico
s could be thus converted into a monarchy
governed by a 'foreign prince.
- Mexico is,oirr l near neighbor; and her boun
daries:are coterminous with our own, through
the who:e extent accross the North American
Continent, front o cean to ocean. : Both politi
c,lally and commercially, we have the deepest
interest in her regeneration and prosperity.—
Indeed ,is it imposible that,, with any just re-,
gab' to our own safety, we can,ever become
iriarent to her fate. .
It may be that the Mexican government end
people have misconstrued or misunderstood
our forbearance; anti our objects, in desiring
to conclude an amicable adjustment of the ex
ilding difrerencts between the two countries.
They may bevel / supposed that we would sub
mit to terms degrading to the nation; or obey
may have drayvn false inferences front the
supposed division of opinion in the U. States
on the subjectf the war, and may have cal
ciliated to gain much by protracting it; and,
tio
indeed, that we might ultimately abandon it
altogether, without insisting on any indemni
ty, territorial or otherwise. _ Whatever may
be the false impressions under which they act
ed, the adoption and prosecution of the ener
,getie policy proposed,- must soon undeceive
them. .
In the tuturelirosecution of the war the enemy
must be made to ; feel its pressure more titan they
have lieremfere,Flone., At. its commencement it
_was deemed proper to conduct it.in a spirit of for
bearance and liberality: - With this end in view
early measures were adopted to conciliate, as far
as u stale of war would permit, the mass of the
Mexican populit4ionii to convince them that the
.air was waged I not against the peaceful inhabi •
tants of Aleitice, butt aguiost their fliithless gov •
crimes, which lad tanotneured hestilitie; to re-
!raw!) from
sr should he
nay be thus
Mos may be
g dssposition
i n, must de-
Was, and
think prper
:mire a permanent.neace.
'beel;i contemplated by me, as
e war, to make a permanent
',Republic of Mexico, or to an
arate existence as an indepen-
On the - contrary, it has ever
that she shotild, maintain her
~ under a good goverment a
rmlition, be a free, independent
republic. Tyre United States
oti.tr the nations to recognize
e a n d have alwaysdesired her
)f amity awl good neighbor-
'l,llis - she would, not ;Wier,
11 we have been compelled
p esent war. In its prose
not her overthrow as a na-
ridicating our national honor,
un redress for the wrongs-she
indemnity fir our just,de
her. -We demand an honora
hav, peace must bring with it
ie past and-security for the,fu-
ttiexico has refused all accum
ich such a peace couldrhe oh-
• t
move from their minds.tha false insprest , ions which
their designing. and intcrested"rulers had artfully'
attempted to make, that the war on our part was
one of conquest;, that it was a war against theirL
religion and their clatireter, which were to botlesJ
ecrated and overthrown. and that their rtklats of
person and private property would be vielitte'd.--
l'o rein , we these fut4e impresslollg, our commanni •
era in the field w-re directed s,:rtipultauttly tO
pee( their Felt gion,their churches:a rad,thei r church \
property:which were in no manner to be viola:ad,.
they were directed also to respect the rights o
persons and 'propery of all who; should not take
ti l l aims a .tinst
Assurances to this efriet were given to thd
Mexican people by Major Gencrld Taylor, in a
proelatna , ion issued in pursuance of instructions
iiinn the Secretary of War, in the month of Juno,
1816, and again by Slaj ar General Scott, who act!
ed %j/on his own cOuvictions of the propriety ( of
issuing it in a proclamation of the 11th of May,
1817. '
11 '4l So'
MEI
la this Spirit m and conciliation, and
with a view to prevent the body of the Nlexieah
populatiori from up arm; against IN, tyaA
ihe war conducted on our part. Prbv iSiOnS ;111! - I
oilier supplies fin iti•dii•d to our army by \lexiean
citizens were paid for at lair and liberal ptiees a
gtil upon hy the to ties./ V,Ler the lapse of ,a
A li: • Months, braiii • aptent
farleta. and this mild , 'ea ti len1:, hail failed ,lap o
,idace the:rivsired Oriel upo Nlexicm pool
' Hon. Whit the war had been condnet-d on
part according to the moat Immune and lib "ral
pi inciptee; observ, d by 'civilized nation., it was
swage ld in a far different spirit i n the part of NI st•
leo. Not appi eciatin.l“lir forleara ice, shy Mex
lean people gen r illy bream.. io.ilis tnkhe Unh
i
to I States, and availed themselves of every op
portttitii y commit-the tnlat savage exeleaes up. , in
tom troops. Large nonthers of the' p imitation
took up arm 4. and en2aaani! in . :luerill I. wartit+!,
robb . cil and troodiced in !tie in is cilid mmocr,
individual soldiers, or small parties. whom acci
dent in- other cao•vs had ,ep.trat,al iroln, the in tin
body of our ariOn b,114.4 oi guerrillas and robbe i rs
infit-ted the roads, ha;irastted our rains; and.ovhen
ortir it was in their ii‘iollr, cot tiff ion. supplies.]
The Mexicans having shown themselves Ito'
be wholly incapable of appreciating our fOr
bearanee and liberality, it was deemed prop
er to change the manner of, conducting the
war, by making them feel its pressure acs r-.
ding to the usages observed under simi lir
circumstances by all,other civilized nation..
Accordingly, as early as the twenty-second
of September, 1816, instructions were given
by the Secretary (kf war to Maj. Gen. Taylor
to "draw stipples" for our army "from the
enemy, without paying for them,_ and to. re
quire contribUtions for its support," ‘ if in 'tbat.
way he was 'satisfied he could "get abtindint
supplies for his forces." ' In diriicAing the
execution of these instructions, much vras
necessarily left to the discretion of the com
manding otlicer,• who was best acquainted
I with the circumstances by which lie wassur
rounded, the wants of the army and the prim-
ticability of enforcing the measure.,
.Gen. Taylit on toe twenth- sixth of (1)
ber, 18Th, replied, from Monrercy, thatH
would have been nupos:slible hitherto, and
so now, to sustain the army to any extent],
forced ontribuiions of money or sumilie
For the reasons assigned by him, he i rdiii
adopt the prilicy of his instructions, but
clued hie readiness to do so, "should the
in its future operations; reach a porlitg,
tie country which may be made to supply
troops with advsquage." He continued
pay for the articles of supply which %rem
drown from the-enemy's country.
. Simliar instructions were issued to Alskir
General Scott on.the third of April, 1817, who
replied, from Jalapa, on the twentieth May
1847 that, if it le.t.i . xpected that "the arinY„is
to support itself by forced contributions
lcr
led upon the country. we may min and exas
perate the inhabitants, and strove ourself."
The same directinit was given, to him
had been to Gen. Taylor in this respect.--
Gen Scott, for the reasons assigned by hint,
also continued to pay . for the articles of Isup
ply for the army which were drawn 'front the ,
enemy.
Al' had-
my.l
of t
titeA
iter the army reachedl- !mart of the
most wealthy portion of Mexico, it was limp , .
posed that, the obstacles which had befdre
that time prevented it would not be such as
to render impracticable ,the levy of filmed
contributions for its,support; and on the first
of Septemier, and again on the sixth oflikt.
1811: the•order was repeated in despatches
addressed by the Secretar► of _war, to G l eir
al Scott, Cud his attention: was again d;
to the importance cif making the enemyt
the burdens. of the war by,requiring the'
furnish the means of supporting our ar
and he was directed to adopt this pulley,
less, by doing so, there was danger of de,
ing the army of the necessary suppiles. tii
ies of these despatches_ were forwarded to
Gen. Taylor for his government.
On the 3lsteil March last, I caused an or
der to be issed to our military and navalc•rn-
manders to levy and, collect a militah con ri-
billion upon all sestrels and imerchandize wh ch
might enter any ofille pi rts of Mexico in fur
military occupation, and o'apply sat It coitt.ri
butions towards de.ray.ng,tde exPeOes of the
war. By-,vir t u of Ithe right of conqiiest irvi
the laws of war the: courinCror, consulting t his
own safety or, le' oilVenieber, may either ex
clude tbreig,n c mutrce' from all such po ts,
r ; 1
or permit it up m I,t ch terms and eonditi ins
as:he-May prescribe. Before the priuciral
ports of Mexico were bloiluided by our navy,.
the revenue derived from Impost duties, under
the laws of Mexico,, vas paid into the Mexi
can treasury. After - these ports had fallen
into our military possession, the blockade *ns
raised, nal commerce with them perinitlted
upon prescribed terms hilt! eon:Wiwi:. I They
were opened to the trade) of all nations u ion
the payment of duties mire moderate ifi their
amount than those which had been preyiously
levied by'Mexico; and the revenue, which was
formerly paid into the Mexican treasury, Was
directed to becollected- by our military hnd
naval officers, -. and applied to the use„of l our
army and navy. Care etas takcin that thefof
(leers, soldiers and sailors of ri ur army Find
navy should be exempted from operation's of
the order: amd as the mercha line inipo ted
upon which the order opisrated must be (in
sullied by ,Mexican citii.tis,th contriU ,
entered were; in effect, the seiKlrv! of the
lie revenues of Mexico, and th applicatit
i i
them to our own use. In direeting
measure, the object was to compel the en,
to contribute, as far - as-practicable, tiny'
the expenses of the wart-
For
the amount of contributions whili f I
been levied in this form, I refer yo'n to ihe l
companying reports of the Secretary of 1
and of the Secretary of the Navy, by whit
appears that a sum exceeding half a mi
of dollars has been collected. 1
This amount,would undoubtedly have I
much larger, but fur the difficulty of kee
open communications between the linos
the interior, so us to enable owners of the
chnndise imported, to transport anAveMl l
the inhabitants of 'the country. It is; c
flently expected that this difficulty
great extent, be soon (removed by our hie]
ed forces which hate been sent to the fie
Measures have recently been tidolit
which the internal as. well as external
, noes of Ale'xico, in all places'in our mi
occupation, will be seized and appropria
the use of our'army and navy.
The policy of levying upon the client)
tributions in every form, consistently n
laws. of nations, which it may be praCt
for our military commenderap adopt, sl
in my judgement, be rigidly enforced, al
dere to this elYect have accordingly bee
en. By such a policy, at the same tiro;
ourown treasury will be relieved frola
drain, the'Mexican people will be ma e
the burthens of the war, and, consultint
, -
own interests, may ho induced the mein
ily to require their rulersllto accede to
peace.
After tit
Ijournment of the last
of Congress, events transpired in the
mien of the ware which, in my jut! I,
required a greater number of troops, i,
field than had been anticipated. The sti
of the army was accordingly? increasi
"accepting" the services of alt he vol,
forces authoriked by the act of_ tho thin
of Msy, 1816 wit out-setting -4 uonstr
on that act, the cerrecteeeref whigh *saw -
rictus!) , questioned. Tho voluntier forte' '
now in the field, with those which:bad b tu
"accepted," to "serve for twelve' months,'
and were discharged at the end of their tern
of service, exhauit, the fiftyttliOusand lac :a to .
thorised by that act. Had pf been clear' ti n (
a proper construction of th act warrant e d i t ,
the services of an additio l al number w ould
save been called' for end ac epted, but doubts
e itsing upon tins point, h power w as tot
•ex , rcised. , ..
i t
It is deemed important th t.Congr 1 ,4 144
at an arty period , of their ession, o n c e , tk .
author tyro raise an additional re la, force
to serve \ uring the war with Mexico, sad to
be distl's ed upon the conclusion anankeft.
cation of a, reaty of peace. I invite the at::
\
ten s i on of C !tress to th views present's{
by the Secret
, ry of War i his report um
this subject. ,
I recommend, lso, that riuthority be Eitel
by law to call for nd acct t the services ef
\
an additional nimbi, of vol nteers, to be et.
ercisecl at such time. and o 'such extent ts ,
the emergericeics of t e se vice may-re qu i re t
i., In prosecuting the :wisr w ith .11exic“-hilst I
...!'
to utmost care - has been kentoeve•d
"974
just cause of Complaint el the part of usu.'
vial nations and none has h it givers; v , k , e „ r
privileges have been gran e to. th4ir .corn? -.
il c 3
morce in the ports of the e
,' •in our talk:
1
The difficulty with the razil .n gnu ni
tary occupation. !
1,.
a \
me, whiels•at ono time tl Natalie to inter..
rapt the frit:taffy relations between, he i, ,
countries, wilt, I trust bp, speedily a •
r,i,,
I have, received infosmatio that an env : ‘ ,,f,
traurdinary and minister plenipotentiary
thci•United States will a etly be aplxn ..
by his Imperial! Majesty, c i rld it is hoped ti t
he will come instructed ,a d;prepared to C .
I just all remaining differ , nces- betvreen ty,
1 tio 4 eivernmente in a ma ineracceptable Li
1 liciciorable to both. In th ' meantime, I" ho t
every reason to believe tt tit nothing will , t ,
',cur to interrupt out' amicably relations War
I .
Brazil.
It has been my constani
and cultivate the. most i
friendship with all the in
South America: and this
tended with the happiest •
that the settlement and p.l
claims of _t rnerican eiti4e l
lions have been tong dela,
position in which they
the desire on the part of 1 1 ,
well , as myself, tix grant_
du Igence. have t.itt.erto pr
from -13e-ing u..s d ru i ,
strict instiee. tarsi
they ought to he finally ,1
ted; and efti?.rts are rum , tl
It is proper to inform yott
of hits, in good faith, f
stalments al the Indemnity
the tzreoter portion of the
execimon of the COTIVV.Itio
ment and the United State.,
which were ekchanzed at
fetober, I9IG The 'AI COI
States, catty in 10t
die ton•of the clams• tot
tri.ifitlklik report thereon, ii
of the tith or A tie_tsist, 19. if
be claimants at e e-pe....4
paid on demand at the tre:
invite the early atten
present Condition of our et:
our treaty with tlt it poste
withdrawn from the jtuisa
criminal, of the Chinese
under that of our publi
country.' By there alone
and punished for the _co
by those alone can quest
them, involving the righ
and by these alone can c
to Web they may-have
or subjects of foreign po
The'therchant yes' els
in in the N tilers oldie
to furei.m commerce are
ris fiction ul 011h:els of
Until congress shall est..
naii to try and Finnisiae
risdietiou in civil eases
iz-ens there 'are subject
Crimes may be commits
deb s may be contract
enforce their payment.
ready to,s, lied from the!
legi up - 64 thei sub . '
apprehended. The Brit',
have alre.adv romplaine
has' not provided fur th
or the entoicement or con
citizens in that country,
has t.,,tablkhed tribunals
el izens can recover debt
j •cts.
TM
ear
Accustomed as the C l
ry justice, they could n
prehend why criminals
the UMtoil States shot'',
pity, i 9 violation of tre .i
the punishment of a C
iiiittedlany crime agains t
would ho rigorously e.
consetences might h.;
merican citizens in Chi
crime he committed by
a Chihese, and should
not follow according
the treaty. 'l3his wig
troy.. Mir friendly Man('
and causa an , intcrrup
colon-10rue.
Our treaties with the l
Morrocco,
quire, the legislation c)
them into execution th
inumidiate actron may ,1
reguii.to China.
The Secretary of Stc
estimate to defray the
iliplontatic relations-wit
The - interesting. Doh
progress in these State
Bard to our commercial
opinion rendered such a
pedient.
fl:itimates have also
outfits and salaries of c
republics of Bolivia, an
cador. The izliqifcst
Ling the niost friendly
independent States ujs
induced me to recomm
cessary 'for the main
ons
üb
n of
this
my
DEMI
I recommend that an'
to be paid to the Spa
the purpose of distiihu
ants in the Atnivad c
conviction, that this is
treaty of the twentieth
mot cover. tliat, from tl
which.thit claim coot
long as it shallVernain
source of irritation and
two Countries, which t
whoa to the interest;
Good,poticy, no iless
ance 'WWI our treat:
that the inconsidM.abt,
(fed should he made.
! nc
ar
h it
nng
and
it to
EM
Ulll
d by
eve-
A detailed l stet(
now of the tinanc
in the annual repor
the Treasury. The
cal year ending on th
were of the valr of
hundred and thi ty-ei ,
amount exported WI:
thousand one hondre
ing ono hundred and
hundred and thirty f
dred and eighty della
mestie use. The val
same period was ono
million sie hundred a
six hundred and tweni
ono hundred and fifty
Jed and thirty-seven
and sixty.four dollars
productions, and eigh
and one hundred and
eign articles.
The receipts in th,
period amounted to t
hundred and torty:six
Pitary
ed to
MEM
=I
L ment,
the
l ength
Pd by
nteer
eenth
ction.
effort to maint4:
tirnate relationed
ependeut ytity'er,s ‘ :_.
Ipnlicy has !lesion
• stills, it' is 1n...,
y rrhen,t of trany jr,s
i s' tigilLnst these y .-cst. The pectn.l
- ye been placed, i t
y predecessors, k
'hem
,the utmost c.
- sventeo these 691 , 4
~anner. aemandv,i',
~. has arrived 4V3tl
i ',
ilpist et! and Ini%!:'
1 •• kirl for that is?,
that the zor._rr enit
paid the tir , t too 73.
3(),(1,)0 e!:, a 9:
crest th,to ;fa reph, r.
weer Occ. wavt:o-
the: rata s:a nel+
Linza;, en Its, .41, ;
ey G est e'r4r , arlhr I
t, "completed 11•: ;41::
01;9 :rOtiVe•TI4
pursuance of tr.
The sums: to u
wily ealitlecl, u.:
arlry.
ion of Conan-4:i) i
'menu in China. I ,i
-, tirtteriveirtFi izeiu.
I ittitoo, rt bell* r co I;
,overnment, and p 1...
:,functionaries in it
can our ci i Zell, be ir::-
1:1111iSSi011 1 -
. OFIIIC Mil"
roes be'dee idell . 6e! 4 , 1
a Of peraon and porn
ntrae.s be en ce ree j , ,,
.ntervil ii Hi the tit.:
-era- 7.
of the United 'lattif tr•
five polls of C,,ina upel
under the excluTcjc ,
, eir own ttovernaleitt
blieh competes 4 1,41*,!
iaucs, and to etertoe . it-1
in China, Aineriea / h tit;
to no Iris %.tve.e.yer.—
0-.. d with iiirponitS., a
t- Vi ithOtli. any mtar.3l ,
I: neoavenienee3 bassi
otui*uion of Cooie.ii
et, and sttllgriicery
sh authorities in COI
that i lrhl. zoi , ernsr2,
• punishment or crime'
acts riga' mit Ammo:
c1)11,4 their govern.
16y which an Amens:
duo from i3ritishrA'
inese are to stint 74!
t be made turrot-i
who arc cititet , r;
escape with iu,:. , •
ty obligations, z'..11
i mese, whir hail co, i
an American citial.
acted. Indeed 15 1
ye been fatal to A
a, shtmlil a tiagrar;
ny Acne of thou up
Hal and pupishnitt:
the requislitions c
t disturb, if not der
ns with that eursitt i
ion of our valias
sublime Porte, TO
,I Muscat, also st.
Corigress to cat
`ugh the necessity:r
;ot be so urgent a:
Ito has submitted U
expenses -of opec::
..1 ..,
the l'• %al Stow... ,
vai eve q no 1
', as weli as pit ,
interebte, tares:
measure , hlghly,(l--
eon _submitted fo.rl::f
large d'atraifs to ':°
• Guatemala, and &...
Importance of cul to
elations with all al
in this comment Ira!
I nd apiirepriationt te
enaneet of thesc v.'
•
, appropriation bend
ish Government.:*
ion anion. the
se." 1 eritertainM
Lie to Spain under/
of October, 17950 1
o earnest planner:
rums to be urged=
unsettled, it will
discord between If
iay prove highly
of the United t.:;'tatE . :
than a faithful cor4;',
- ob'igations, re4p,r
al)peupnatiun
went of the
will be prese-:‘,
of the Secretary:,
.ruports fur the la:4
, 4
) 30th :ol June. l . ''f -
'46046 thousand 4
ht dollar; 61 winc.": l :'
eight niillion
eIC'
and fifty dollars. le ,
thirty-eight Intlllon r.4 i
it thousand four 1. - -?!
s in the country
I . l:f*.
to of tho exports ic , •'..
hundred and titty-C,
...d forty-right thou-,,
ty-two dolla - rs - ; of o`- . 7 .,
eight million SIX ti
thousand loarlir.i.::,
consisted of dower; :
million clevep t i l , . ,
ifty.eight dollarscf 01`;.
•
Treaaurp for tilo 4 • l = -. 1
Iventv-six rniilton t'141,4
~„•
thowan,l etticcr,i