REPOR
Wednesday, .December 141844.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
To the Senate and House of Represen
tatives of the United States.
-
We have continued cause for expres
sing_our gratitude to, the Supreme Rul
er of the Universe for the benefits and
blessings which our country, under his
kind Providence, has enjoyed during
the past year._ Notwithstanding the
exciting scenes through which we have
passed, nothing has occurred to disturb
the general peace, or to derange the
harmony of our political system. The
great moral spectacle has been exhibi
ted of a nation, approximating in num
ber
. to 20,000,000 of people, having
performed the high andimportant func
tion of electing their Chief Magistrate
for the term of four years, without: the
commission of any acts of violence, or
the manifestation of a spirit of insubor
dination to the laws. • The great and
inestimable right of suffrage, has been
exercised by all who were invested
with it, under the laws of the diffeient
States, in a spirit dictated alone by a
desire; in the selection of the agent, to
advance the interests of the country,
and to place beyond jeopardy the insti
tutions under which it,is our happiness
to live, That the deepest interest has
be,en manifested by Uri our courdryMen
in the result of the election, is not tr,z, 3
true, than highly creditabla to them—
Vast mulitudes have assembled, from
time to time, at various-places, for the
purpose of canvassing the merits and
pretensions of those who were present
ed for their suffrages ; but no i armed
soldiery has been necessary to restrain,
within proper limits, the popular zeal,
or to prevent violent outbreaks. A
principle much more controlling was
found in the love of order andebeence
to the laws, which, with mere individ
ual exceptions, every where - possesses
.the A.mericari; mind, and controls with
ah influence far more powerful than
hosts of armed Men. We cannot dwell
upon this picture without recognising
in it that deep and devoted attachment on
the part or the People, to the institution
under which we'lkve,& which proclaims
their perpetuity. •_ The great objection
which has always prevailed against the
election, by the People, of their Chief
Executive officer, has been the appre
hension of tumults and disorders, which
might involve, in ruin the entire Gov
ernment. A security against this, is
found not only in the fact before allud
ed to, but in the additional fact that,
we live under a confederacy embracing ,
already twenty-six States; .no one of
which has power to control the election.
The popular 'rote in each State is taken
-at the time aploointed by the laws, and
such vote is announced by the Electo
ral College, without reference to the
other States. The right of suffrage,
and the mode of conducting the election,
is regulated by the laws of each State ;
and the election is distinctly federative
in its prominent features. Thus it
is that, unlike what might be the results
under a consolidated system, riotous
proceedings, should they prevail, could
only affect the elections in single States,
without disturbing, to any dangerous
extent, the tranquility of others. The
gredt experiment of a political confeder
acy—each member it which is supreme
—as to all matters appertaining to ita
local interests, -and its internal peace
and happiness,—while by a voluntary
. compact with others, it confides to the
united power of all, the protection of
its 'citizens, in matters not domestic—
has been so far crowned with complete
success. - The world has witnessed its
rapid gr:Owda in wealth and populatiOn;
and, under the-guide and direction of
a superintending Providence, the devel
opments of the past may be regarded
but as the shadowing forth of the migh
ty future. In the bright prospects of
that future, we shall find, as patriots
and_ philanthropists, the inducements to
cultivate and 'cherish a love of union,
and to frown down every measure or
effort which may be triode to alienate
the States, 'or the People of the States,
; in . sentiment and feeling, from each
oto.er; A rigid - and close adherence to
at4:l Bl , ,ms of our political compact, and,
„above elf, a sacred observance of the
guaranties of the Constitution,. will
preserve our union on a foundation which
mot be .shaker: ;' while personal lib
-arty is placed beyoed hazard or jeopar
dy. The guarantee of religions free
dom. of the freedom of the press, of
'the liberty of spee.ch,‘ of the trial by
Jury, of the habeas corpus, sod of the
Aemcstia institutiona-lof each of the
States--leaving the private citizen in
,the full exercise of the high and enno
bling attributes of his' nature.' and' to
each State the privilegeleshich„ can
ly be judiciously exerted by itself, of
,consulting the means best calculated to
adv'ance its own :happiness; these are
The great important guarantees of the
Constitution, which the lovers of !that.•
ty must cherish and the advocates of
union must ever ctiltiv.te. Preserving
these. and avoiding all interpolations
by, forced construction, tinder the guise
<of an imagined :expediency. Open the
Conatitutionoheioffuence,of oar po
litical 'system is destined to be as ae.
lively and as beneficially , felt on the
destined to be as on the distant shores of
the Paeifie", - as it is noween those of the
Atlantic .oceart.', ,The onlyformidable
impediments in the way of its ,success
tit eximnsion (time and space) are so,
far in the progres of Modification. by ,
the improvements of the age, as to ren
der no longer speculatiVe the ability of
Repiesentatives from that remote region
to' come up to the Capitol, so that their
constituents shall participate all the
benefits.of Federal legislation. Thus
it is, that in the progress of timer the,
ineatimable principles of civil liberty
will be enjoyed by millions yet unborn,
and the great benefits of our system of
Government be extended to now dig
tont and uninhabited regions. In view
of the vas wilderness yet to be reclaim
ed, we may well invite the lover of
freedom, of every land . . to take up his
abode among us, and assist us in the
great work of advancing the standard
of civilization, and giving a wider
spread, to the arts, and refinements of
cultivated life. Our prayers should
evermore be orered up to the Father of
the Universe for his. wisdom to direct
us in the path of our duty, so as to
enable us to consumate these , high pur
poses.
LII.
One of the strongest objections
which has been urged against confeder-
acies, by writers on Government, is,
the liability of the members to bb tam
pered with by foreign Governments, or
the People of foreign States, either in
their local affairs, or in such is affected
the' peaee of others t or entlangertd
safety of tht Vaal° Confeicerady..—•
rst
yr e cannot hope io be entirely exempt
iritm such attempts on our peace and
safety.. The United States are becom
ing toolimportant in population and re
sourceq not to attract the observation
of other nations. It, therefore, may,
in -the i progress of time, pecur that
opinions entirely abstract in the States
is which they may prevail, and in no
degree affecting their domestic institu
tions, may bec-artfully, but secretly, en
couraged with a view to undermine the
Union. Such opinions may become
the foundation of political partia l , until
at last; the conflict of opinion, producing
as alienation of friendly feeling among
the People of the different States, may
involve in one general destruction the
happy institutions under which we
live. It should ever be borne in mind,"
that
. what is true in regard to individu
als, is equally so in regard to States.—
An interference of on in the affairs of
another is the fruitful source of faMily
dissensions and neighborhood disputes;
and the same cause affect the peace,
happiness and prosperity of States.—
It may be most devoutly hoped that the
good sense of the American People
will tiver,be ready to repel all such
attempts, should they ever be made.
There has been / no material change
in our foreign relations since my last
Annual Message to Congress. With
all the Powers of Europe we continue
on the most friendly terms. Indeed,
it affords me much satisfaction to state,
that at no former period has the peace
of that enlightened and important quar
ter of the globe ever been, apparently,
more firmly established. - The convic
tion that peace is the true policy of na
tions, would seem to be growing and
becoming deeper amongst theenlighten
ed everywhere-; and there is no people
who have a stronger in cherishing the
thesentiments,and adopting the means of
preserving and giving it , permanence,
than those of the United States.—
Amongst these, the first and most effec
tive are, no doubt, the strict observance
of justice, and the honest and punctual
fulfilment of all engagements. But it
is not to be - forgotten that, in the pres
ent state of the world, it is no less ne
cessary to be ready to enforce their. ob
servance and fulfilment, in reference
to ourstives, than to observe and ful
fil them, on our part, in regard to oth
ers.
Since the close of our last session, a
negotiation has been formally entered
upon between the Secretary of State
and Her Britannic 'Majesty's Midister
Plenipotentiary. and Envoy Extraordi
nary residing at Washington, relative
to the rights of their respective nations
in and over the Oregon territory. That
negotiation is still pending. Should it,
during your session, he brought to a
definite conclusion, the result will be
promptly communicated to Congress.
I would, however, again call your at
tention to the recommendation contain
ed in previous messages, designed to
protect and facilitate emigration to that
Territory. The establishment of mili
tary posts at suitable points upon the
extended_line of land travel, would'en
able our citizens to migrate in compar
ative safety to the fertile- regions below
the falls of the Columbia, and make the
provision of the existing convention for
the joint occupation of the Territory
by subjects of Great Britain, and the
citizens of the United States, more_
aysilable-than heretofore to the latter.
!These posts would continue places of
ievi,for the weary emigrant, where he
itc t uhl:he sheltered securely against the
danger of attack froin the Indians, and
be - enabled to recover from the exhaus
tation of a tang line of-travel. Legisla
tive enactrieets should also be made
which' ehoild spread over him the tegis
of,our so as to afford , protection
in his: per and property ..vithen_ he
shalt have reached , his distant home.-. 1 -:
In this hitter respect,-the Brigs!' Gov.
ernment has been mobjpore careful
of the interests or such of her people
as are , to be found in that ioUntry: than
the United Stites. She has-Made ne
cessary provision for their security and
protection againstihe acts of tho-vicous
ly disposed and lawless ; an‘ther emi
grant reposes in safety• : tinder - the pan
oply of her laws. Whatever may be
the result of the pending ne , getiation,
such meaeures are necessary: It will
afford Me thel greatest pleasure to wit
ness a happy and favorable termination
.to the existing negotiation. ution_terms
compatible with the public honor: , and
the best efforts of the Government will
continue to be directed to this end,
It would have given me :the _high
est gratification, in this, my last annual
communication to Congress; to have
been able to announce to you Abe com
plete and entire settlement and adjust
ment of other matters . in difference be
tween the United States and the Gov
ernment -of Her Britannic:- Majesty,
which were adverted to in a previous
message. It is so obviously the inter
est of both countries, in respect to the
large and valuable commerce which ex
ists between them, that all -causes of
complaint, however inconsiderable,
should be, with the greatest, prompti
tude, removed—that it must be regard.
ed as cause of regret, that any unneces
sary delays should be permitted to in
tervene.
It is true that, in a pecuniary
point of view, the matters alluded to,
are, altogether, insignicant in amount, '
when comparedwith the ample Misour
ces of that mai natiOn ; but They,nev
ertheless, more particularly that limited
class which arise under seizures and
detentions of American ships on the
coast of Africa, upon the 'mistaken sup
position indulged in at the time the
wrong was committed, of their being
engaged in the slave-trade,—deeply af
fect the sensibilities of this Goveihment
and People. Great Britain having re
cognised her responsibility to repair all
such wrongs, -by ,her action in other ca
ses, leaves nothing to be regretted upon
this subject, as to all cases prior to the
Treaty of Washington, than the delay
in making suitable reparation ,in such
of them as fall plainly within the prin
ciple of others, which she has tong since
adjusted. The iujury inflicted by de.
lays in the settlement of these claims,
fall with severity upon the individual
claimants, and makes a strong appeal
to her magnanimity and sense ofjustice
for a speedy settlement. Other mat
ters, arising outs . of the construction of
existing treaties, also remain unadjust
ed, and will continue to be urged upon
her attention. .
The labors of the joint committeeXp
pointed by the two Governments to run
the dividing line, established by the
Treaty of Waithington, we're unfortun
ately, much delayed in the commence
ment of the season, by the failure of
Congress, at the last session, to make
a timely appropriation of funds to meet
the expenses of the American party. - and
by other. causes. The United States
Commissioner, however, expresses his
expectation that,.by increased diligence
and energy, the party will be able to
make up for lost time.
We continue to receive assurances
of the most fribndly feelings on the
part of all other European powers ;
with each, and all of whom, it is so ob
viously our interest to cultivate the
most amicable relations. Nor can I
anticipate the occurrence of any event
which would be likely, in any degree,
to disturb those relations. Russia, the
great northern power, under the judi
cious sway of her Emperor, is con
stantly advancing in the road of science
and improvement; while France, guid
ed by the councils of her wise sover
eign. pursues a course calculated to
consolidate the general peace. Spain
has obtained a breathing spell of some
duration from the internal convulsions
which have, through so many years,
marred her prosperity ; while Austria,
the Netherlands, Prussia, Belgium, abil
the other powers of Europe, reap a rich
harvest of blessings from the prpvaiiing
peace.
I informed the two Houses of Con
gress in my message of December last,
that-instructions had been given to Mr.
Wheaton, our Minister at Berlin, to ne
gotiate a treaty with the Germanic
States composing the Zoll Verein, if it
could be done—stipulating, as far as it
was practicable to accomplish it, for a
reduction of the heavy and onerous du
ties levied on our tobacco, rand other
leading articles of agricultural produc
tion; and yielding, in return, on our
part, a reduction of their industry, as
should not come into. competition, or
but a limited one, with articles, the
product of our manufacturing industry.
The Executive, in giving such instruc-
tions, considered itself as acting. in
strict conformity with the wishes of
Congress, as made known through sev
eral measures which it hid adopted ;
all directed to the accomplishment of
this important result. The treaty was,
therefore, negotiated ; by which essen
tial reductions were secured in the au
ties levied by the Zoll Vereiii, on to
bacco, rice and lard, accompanied by a
stipulation for the admission of raw
cotton, free of duty. 'ln _ exchange for
which-highly important concessions, a
reduction _of duties, imposed by the
laws of the United States on a !Fiat,'
of articles, most of which were admil z
ted - free of all duty under, the tact of
Congress commonly 1 91 (mg sai the
Compromise btw, and but few of which
were produced, in the United Stites,
. .
was stipulated on Our p art, This trea
ty was communicatedto the Senate at
ii
an early day of its last, session, but pat
acted upon until-near its :close . ; wheni
for the want;'as I am,bOund to presuine,
of full time tO'contider it, it was laid ,
upon the , table. This proCedure -'.had
..the effect of virtuallyr rejecting it; in
consequence of a stiptilation contained
"in the treaty; that its ratification shOuld
be exchanged on or before: a day which
has already passed. r_ The Executive,
acting upon the fair inference tha(the
Senate did not,intettlyiiii . absolute 're
jection, gave instructions to our Minis
ter at Berlin tore-open the negotiation,
so far as to - obtain'an extension of time
fOr the exehange of ratifications. I, re
gret, however, to say that his efforts
in this respect have , been urisuccelieful.
I am nevertheless not without horne that
the great advantages , which were in
tended to be secured by.the treaty,; may
yet - be realized.- , i ,
I am happy, to inform you that Bel
gium has, by an 4 , Tete rciyal,'_'.iissu
ed in . July last, assimilated the flag of
the United Slates to her own, so fu as
the direct Trade bettdeen the two poun
ivies is concerned. This measure Will
prove of great service to our shipping
interest; the trade shaving heretofore
been carried on chiefly in foreign hot
-1 toms. I flatter myeelf that she will
seedily resort to a modification of her
svetem relating to the tobacco trade,
.
which would decidedly benefit the ag-
Ytculture of the United States, aid op
erate, to the mutual) advantage of both
countries. 1 . ;
No definitive intelligence has yet
been received front our Minister, of
the conclusion of a #ea,ty with the Chi
nese Empire ; but enough is known to
induce the strongest hopes.thatthe mis
sion will be crowned with success.
- With Brazil our relations continue
on the 'most friendly footing.' The
commercial intercourse between that
growing Empire and the United States,
is becoming daily of greatest-import
ance to both that the , firmest relations
of amity and good will should; contin
ue to be cultivated between them.
.. . .
The Republic of New Gretteda still
withholds, . notwithstanding `the most
preserving efforts ihave been employed
by , ' our Charge d'Affaires, Mi. Black
ford, to produce A different result, in
demnity in the case of the brig ', Mor
rie." And the Congress of Venezuela,
although an arrangement has been ef
fected between our Minister and the
Ministers of Foreign Affairs pr that
Government, for 'the payment of $lB,-
000, in discharge of its liabilities in the
same case, has altogether neglected to
make provision for its payment. It is
to be hoped that a sense of justice . will
Bonn ini uce a settlement of these claims.
Our ate Minister to Mr. Pen
dleton, has returned to the United
States, without having effected an ad
justment in the second claim of the Ma
cedonian, Which' is delayed on grounds
altogether frivolous and untenable.—
Mr. Pendleton's successor ha's been di.
rested to urge the claim in the strong.
est terms ; and, in the event of a failure
to obtain a permanent adjustment, to
report the fact to the Executive at as
early - i day as possible, so; that the
whole matter luny be communicated to
Congress.
At your last session, I submitted to
the attention of Congress, the Conven
tion with the Republic of Peru, of the
17th of March, 1841, providing for the
adjustment of claims 'of citiiens of the
United States against that Republic ;
but no definitive action was taken noon
the subject. I regain invite to it your
attention and prompt action. *
in my last Annual Message, I felt it
to be my duty to make known to Con
gress, in terms both plain and emphatic,
my opinion in regard to the 'war which
has so long existed . betwee'n Mexico
and Texas ; which, since the battle of
San Jacinto, his consisted altogether of
predatory incursions, attended by cir
cumstances revolting to • huinanity. I
repeat now, what I then said, that, af
ter eight years 'of feeble and ineffectual
efforts to recover Texas, iti was time
that the war should have ceased. The
United States; had a direct interest in
the question. I The contiguity of the
two nations tcOur territorywas but too
well calculated to involve our peace.—
Unjust suspiciOns were engendered in
the \mind of one or the other of the
belligerents against us,; and, as a ne
cessary consequence, 'American inter
ests were made to suffer, and our peace
became daily endangered. ; In addition
to which, it Must have been obvious to
all, tha t the . the ; exhaustion produced by
the war sUbj . ected both Mexico 'and
Texas t the interference of other pow
ers; which. without the interposition
of this Government, might eventuate in
the most'serious injury to the United
States. Thie Government, from time
to time, exerted its friendly offices to
bring about anermination of hostilities
upon terms honorable alike to both the
belligerents.; Its efforts in this behalf
proved unavailing. Mexico seemed,
almost without an object, ' to persevere
in the war, and no other alternative was
left the Exeeutive but tetike advantage
of the well-known dispoeitions of Tex
as, and to inVite her toenter intpa tree"...
ty for.annexing her territory to ' that of
the United States. I 1
Sjape yoUr last assign, i
, Meopo has
threatened to renew the Iwir, Orid has
"hiker made; or poilipseond rtitike; for
in)4o4B Proinrationo for fl!lkiJiit,g 'reig
ns, She h Wind &scree" an , pp*,
i - I . -
mations, prepaatory to the commence
mini of hostilities, full of threats, re
voking , to - humanity; ands , which; if
carried inttreffect,-wouldlitronenthe,at
tentifin. 0(01 - Christendom. This new
demonstration of! feeling;; there is too
much Toon has been pro.
duced tit ;consequence of the negotiation
of , the late , treaty of annexation With
Texas. Thn . Executive, therefore,
could 'not be tedifferent, to such pro
eedings ; and it felt it to, be due, as
well to itself as l to the' honor of the
country, that a :strong 'representation
should be made to the Mexican Govern
ment upon' the subject. This.was ac
cordingly done; ' : as will' be seen by the
copy of the accompanying despatch
frordithe Secretary of State to the Uni
ted States Envoy at . Mexico. Mexico
has no ,right tojeopard,the peace of the,
world by urging any longer, a useless
and -fruitless contest. Such a condition
of things would not be tolerated on the
European continent. Why should it ,
be on this I A 'war of desolation, such
as is now threetened by l Mexico ; cannot I
00 waged without involving our peace
and tranquility. It is idle to believe
that such a war could be looked upon
with indifferenee by our own citizens,
inhabiting adjoining States ; and our
neutrality would be violated, in despite
of all efforts on the part of the Govern-:
ment to prevent it. The country is
settled by emigrants , from the United
States, under -invitations held out to
them by Spain and Mexico.: Those
emigrants have left behind them friends
and relatives who would not fail to
sympathise with them in their difficul
ties, and who would be led by , those
sympathies to, participate in their strug
gles, however energetic the action of
Government to prevent it. Nor would
the numerous, and formidable bands of
Indians, the most warlike to be found
in any. land, which occupy the exten
sive regions contiguous to the States of
Aritansae and Missouri, and who are in
possession • of large tracts of country
within the limits of Texas, be likely to
remain passive. The inclination of
those numerous tribes lead them inva
riably to war whenever pretexts exist.
Mexico had no just ground of dis
pleasure .against this Government of
People for negotiating the treaty. What
interest of hers was effected by the
treaty ? She was despoiled of nothing,
since Texas was forever lost to her.—
The independence of Texas was re
cognized by several of , the leading
Powers of the earth. She was free to
treat—free to adopt her own line of
policy—free to take the course which
she believed was best calculated to se
cure her happiness.' Her Government
and People decided on annexation to
the United States ; and the Executive
saw, in the acquisition of , such a terri
tory, the means of advancing their per
manent happiness and glory. What
principle of good faith then was viola
ted ? what rule of political morals tram
pled under foot ? So far as Mexico
herself was concerned. the measure
should have be'n regarded by her as
highly beneficial. ; Her inability to re
conquer Texas had been exhibited, I
repeat, by eight—now nine—years of
fruitless and ruinous contest. In the
meantime, Texas has ) been growing in
population and resources.. Emigration
has flowed into her territory, from all
parts of the world, in a current which
continues ;to increase in strength.—
Mexico requires a permanent boundary
between that young republiC and her
self. Texas, at no distant day,, if she
continues separate, and detached from
the United States,- will inevitably seek
to consolidate her strength by adding
to her domain the contiguous provinCes
of Mexico. The spirit, of revolt from
thocontrol of the Central Government
has, heretofore, manifested itself in
some of those provinces; and it is fair
to infer that they would be inclined to
take the first favorable opportunity to
proclaim their independence, and to
form closer alliances with Texas. The
War would thus be endless ; or, if ces
sations of hostilities should occur, they
would only endure for a season. The
interests of Mexico, therefore, could in
nothing be better consulted than in a
peace with her neighbors, which would
result in the establishment of a perma
nent boundary. Upon the ratification
of the treaty; the Executive was pre
pared to treat with her on the - mospiab
eral basis. Hence the boundaries of
Texas were left ndefined bythe treaty.
The Executive proposed to settle these
upon terms, that all the world -should
have "pronounced just and reasonable.
No negotiation upon that point'could
have been undertaken between the Uni
ted States and 'Mexico, in advance of
the ratification of treaty. We
should have had goright—iio
no authority, tolave conducted such a
negotiation ; and to have undertaken it,
would have been an assumption equally
revolting to the4iride of Mexico and
Texas, and subjecting us to the charge
of arrogance: while to' have proposed
in advance of annexation, to satisfy
Mexico for any contingent interest she
might have in Texas, would have been
to have treated, Texas; not as an inde
pendent power, but as a there depen
deney'of
Mexico. This assumption
could not have been acted on . by the
Executive, without setting at defienee
your Own solemn declaration that ;that
Republic-was an independent State.-
Mexico had, it -t tine,• threatened War
'against the
.United State*, event
OM Treat, of Anue;atio4 brae ; ratified.
The. Executive could not pe rm i t
lo be influenced by -this threat.
presented in this, the spirit of ou r
plc; who are read y to sacrific e I
for. peace , but nothing to intinudat
A war, under any circumstances
greatly to be deplored, and the p a t
States•is the last !inflow to :desire
butif, as the condition of Diace, h
required due to forego-the engin*
ble right of treating with an ind t
dent power, of Continen4
on matters highly interesting t o
and thaupon a naked and unseats'
pretension .Of claim by, a third p r
to control the free-will of the ,
with whom we treat—devoted i s
may be to peace, and anxious to
vase friendly relationi with the
world, the Executive, does not h et
to say that, the People of the
States would be ready to ,brave al'
sequences, sooner than submit to
condition. But no apprehension
was entertained by the Executive
I must express frankly the opinion,
had the Treaty been ratified by
Senate; it would haveheen follow (
a prompt settlement. to the entire)
faction of Mexico, of every mid i
difference.. between the two count
Seeing then that new preparati o n- 5
hostile invasion - Of Texas were
to be adopted by Mexico, and that,
were brought about beepuse Texas
adopted the suggestions of the Ea
Live
,upon the subject of Aunexati(
could not passively have folded its
and permitted.a war, threatened
accompanied .by every act th 7
mark a barbarous agei. to be
against her, because she had di
Other considerations of a controllir
ter influenced the course of the Exei
The treaty.vvhieh had thus been negot
failed to
_receive the ratification at •
One of the chief objections which
against it, was found In consist in t
the question of annexation had not
witted to the ordeal of public, opinion
United States. However untenable
objection was esteemed to be, in view
unquestionable power of the Executir
gotiate the treaty , and the great and F
rests involved in the question, I felt it
duty to submit the whpTe subject to
as the best expounders of popular sen
No definite action having, been tab
subject by Congress, thequestion ref,
directly to the decision of the Sul
People. The great popular elect
has just terminated, Wonted the '
. .
nitiof ascertaining the Will of the
People upon it. Pending that issue,
the imperative duty of theyiecatio
Mexico that the question of onof
. .
still before the American People, s
til their decision was pronounced,
invasion of Texawsiould be rem!'
tempt to forestall their judgement,
not tie looked upon with indifference.
most happy to inform you that no er
sion has taken place, and I trust that, I
your action may be upon it, Mexico
the importance of deciding the matter
sort to peaceful expedients, in preference
of arms. The decision of the Peeph
States, on this great and interesting sal
been decisively manifested. The qv
annexation has been presented naked!
consideration. By the treaty itself,r
ral and incidental issues, which were
to divide and distract the ptiblic corn
careftilly avoided. Theie were left
dom of thifuture to determine. I
I repeat, the isolated question of sent.
and in that form it has been submitted
ordeal of public sentiment. A contrail
jority of the People, and a large =jam
Slates, Base declared in favor of irnmedi
Aciation`N Instructions bare thus come
both houses of Congress, from their
constituents the most emphatic. It is
of both the People and the States, that
shall be annexed to the Union prompt
immediately. lt may be hoped tbst,ir
ing into execution the public wit, they
ed, all collateral issues may be suite
lure Legislatures can best decideuv
her of States which should he formed
territory, when the time has arrived fa
that question. So with all others.'
treaty the United States assumed the
of the debts of Texas, to an amount nr
ing 01,000,000, to be paid, with, tht
of a sum falling short of her public
We could not, with honor, take the lam
out assuming the full payment of all
branees upon them.
Nothing has occurred since year last
to induce a doubt that the disposition
remain unaltered. No intimation of
ed determination, on the part of her t
ment and People, has been furnished
Executive. She still desires to throw
under the protection of-our laws, and
take of the blessings of our federative s
while every American interest would
require it. The extension of our re
and foreign trade, to an amount almost
table—the enlargement of the market
manufactures--a constantly growing
for our agricultural productions—safety
frontiers, and additional strength and s
to the Union—.-these aro the results
would raptdly develope themselves, '
consumation of themeasure of anneutii
such event, I will not doubt but that
would find her true interest to consist
ing the advances of this Government'
of amity. '
Nor do I apprehend any serious
from any other quarter; no Bach
exists for such complaint. as
fere in no respectwith the rights of
nation. There cannot be gathered
act, any design on our part to do so situ'
possessions on this Continent. We hol
terposed no impediments in the way of rod ,
quisitions of territory, large -and esterdl,
many of them are, as the leading posers ° J
rope have made, from time to time is°
part of the world. We seek no coagoes tl
by war. No intrigue, will have been
to, or acts, of diplomacy essayed, to see m
the 'annexation of Texas. Free an .
dent herself, she asks to be recewid in,
Union. It is a question for our own
whether she shell be received or act.
The two goveromenti having goad!
,through their respective organs, el'
of annexation, I would recommend lb"
don by Congress in the form of a jo . ild b . ,
Lion. or act, to tarperfeeted and P ide f
adeet"
on the the two' euntries, when
Manner by the Government of Toss
In order that the sullied de _ •
all its bearings, the corresponnce