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: ' - '-' 2 IIIIIRSDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 9,1847
• Tan lizssaes.-We present the Message, in
-all its length, before our readeri. It is mainly fill.
el With the Mexican:War, a Subject Of the deep.
est interest to all, and will secure for the Message
• careful reading. '
By Telegraph.
• 'PRESIDENT'S 'MESSAGE.
To the Senate and Rouse of Repreeentatives of
the United States:
The annual meeting of Congress is always an
interesting event. The Representatives of the
States and of the people come fresh from their
• constituents' to tske counsel together for the corn
mon good.;; After an existence of near three
fourths of a century, as a free and Independent
`Republic, the problem no longer remains to be
solvediwhether man is competent of self-govern.
runt. The success of our admirable system is a
'eolith:wive refutation of the theories of those in
Other countries, who maintain that a favored few
.
arkbomto rule and that the mass of mankind
must be governed by forte. Subject to no arta
trary or hereditary authority, the people are the
`only sovereigns recognized by our Conatitutien.
:Numerous emigrants of every lineage and lin
. gage, attracted by the civil and religiour freedUm
we enjoy, and by our happy condition, annually
crowd to our shores, and transfer their hearts, not,
less than their allegiance, to the country whose
dominion belongs alone to the people.
No country has been so much favored, or should
acknowledge with deeper reverence the umoifes
tations of the Divine Protection.
An all wise Creator directed and guarded us in
our infant struggle for freedom, and has constant.
ly watched over our surprising progress, until we
''- have become one of the great nations of the earth.
It is in a country thus favored, and under a
government in which the executive and legislative
branchesjuild their authority for limited periods
alike from the people, and where all are responsi
ble to their respective constituencies, that it is
again my duty tars - communicate with Congress
upon the state of the Union and the present con
dition of public grans.
During the past year, the most gratifying proofs
• are presented that our country has been blessed
with a wide spread and universal prosperity.—
There has bean no period since the government
was founded, when all the industrial pursuits of
our people have been more successful, or when la
bor, in all branches of business, has received a
fairer or better reward.. From our abundance we
have been enabled to perform the pleasing duty of
,furnishing food fos . .the starvint,taillions of less fa.
eared countries.
In the enjoyment of the bounties of Providence
at home, such as have rarely fallen to the lot of
any people, it is cause of congniudation that our
intercourse with all the powers of the earth, ex
cept Mexico, continues to be of an amicable char
seer.
e c lt has ever been our cherished policy to culti.
vote peace and good will with all nations, and this i
policy has been steadily preserved by me.
No change has taken place in our relations with
Mexico since the adjoinnment of the last Congress. J,
The war in which the United States was forced
to engage with the Government of that country
till continues. • .
I deem it unnecessary; after the full exposition!,
of them contahrd in my message of the Ilth of,
May 1846, and in my annual message at the corn.
mencement of the session of Congress in Decerre
ber last, to reiterate the serious causes of com
plaint
which we, had against Mexico before she
commenced hostilities.
It is sufficient on the present occasion to say
that the wanton ,violation of the rights of persons
and property of oar citizens, committed by Mesh. '
co, her repeated acts of bad faith through a long
series of years, and her disregard of solemn treat
. les 'stipulating for indemnity to our injured cid.
tens not only constituted ample cause of war on
our part but were of such in aggravated character
as would have justified as before the whole world
..,- ha resorting to this extreme remedy. With an
etre i o cs desire to avoid a rupture between the two
countr ies, gni forbore for years to assert our clear
rights by force, iieel . continued to seek redress for
the wrongs we had suffered by amicable negotia
. -Oen, in the hope that Mein:ay-night hold to pacific
councils and demands of justice. in this hope we
wore dieappOinted. Our minister of peace sent to
r'exiCo was insultingly rejected.
• ,ae Mexican government refused even to hear
iho terms of adjustment which he was authorized
ii i propose, and finally under wholly unjustifiable
pretexts involved the two countries in war, by in.
ading the territory of the State of Texas, strik*
iog the first blow, and shedding the blood of our
own citizens on oar own soil.
Though the United States were the aggrieved
nation Mexico commenced the war, and we were
compelled in self defence to repel invaders, and
to vindicate the national honor and interests, by
- prosecuting itewith vigor, until we could obtain a
j ast and honorable peace.
.On bearing that hostilities had been commen.l
cad by Mexico, I promptly communicated that I
fact, accompanied with a succinct statement of I
our other causes of complaint against Mexico, to
Congress, and that body, by the act of the 13th
• of May 1846, declared that "by the act of the Re. I
public .of Mexico, a state of war exists between
that government and the United States." 1
This act declaring the war to exist by the act
of the. Republic of Mexico, and making provis. l
ion for its prosecution to a speedy and successful
termination, was passed with great unanimity by 1
Congaess, • there being but two negative votes in
• the Senate, and but fourteen in the house of Rep. ,
tesentatives.
The existence of the war having thus been de- I
aired by Congress, it became, my ditty, under the
constitution and the laws, to conduct and prose.
cute it. This duty has been performed, and tho'
at every stage of its progress, I have manifested
a willingness to terminate it,
I by a just .peace,
Mexico has refused to accede to any terms which
could be accepted by the United States consistent.i
; ly with the National Honor and interest. •
. The rapid and brilliant successes of our arms,.
• and the vast extent of the enemy's territory which
had been overrun and conquered before the close
of the last session of Congress were fully known
to that body.
Since that time, the war has been prosecuted
with increased energy, and I em gratified to state
with a success which commands universal admi.
' ration. History presents no parallel of so , many
glorious victories achieved by any nation within
so short a period. Our army, Regulars and Vol
. misers, have covered themselves with imperieha
ble honors. Whenever and wheurver our forces
. have encountered the enemy, though he was In
' vastly superior numbers, and often entrenched in
• fortified positions of hie own selection, and of
great strength, he has been defeated. Too much
praise cannot be bestowed upon our officers and
men, regulars and volunteer*, and their gallantry;
- - discipline, indomitable courage and perseverance,
all seeking the post of danger, and vieing with
each other in deeds of noble daring.
While every patriot's heart must exult, and a,
jest national pride animate every bosom In behold- I
ing the high proofs of consummate military skill,
0064 discipline and humanity to the vanquished
loamy, exhibited by out. gallant army, the nation
le ealligi to mourn over the loss of many brave of
, &pre end soldieufwho harie fallen in the defence .
of their country's honors and interests. The brave
. dead met their nnilaneholy fate in a foreign lend,
nobly discharging their duty, with their country's
flaw waving triumphantly in the face of the foe.—
' Their patriotic deeds are justly appreciated, and
will long be remembered by their grateful country
men. ' The parental care of the government, they
loved and served, - sheuld be extended to their sur
viving
_ '. Shortly alter the adjournment of the Isst,session
of Congress, the gmtitying intelligence yess receiv
ed or Vie signal: victory of Buena Vista, and of, the
• fall of the city of Vera Cruz, and with it the _alien
- . castle of San Juan De Cflioa, , by which ift was de.
teedg,d. Believing that after these and other anc.l
ewes 10 - honorable. to our snag,l and so dierustrenne
- to Mexico the period was prep tiotie-te , Clet heti
soother o p portunity , if she tho , iiii
ht proper to ea'`
brace it, to enter intienegotiations ler - eon:
missioner was appointed to ,p tolie a /feint
•
~.....At-A4.i.ajrlVl-1.
Y. 121
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.1
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1 - 1 { 1:, ..'..• ' t
' - Ir .w ;i '
, 4 . 14' - f[ . •.:31';. , ,
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'quarters of oeflarmy, whitetail power to ente r upon.
'Aegotiatioas idul: to conclude a just and h welds
treety-of mind., i Ili was not directed to make
new overtime of penile, but was the bearer of =:a
dispatCh troni the;Seetittag-of State of the] United ,
Statei to the Mtbiater at Foreign Attain of ,Mexico
in reply to one received from the latter, of the 23nd,
of . February, ilBO, in , which the Mexican G overn=',
ment was tnlOrmed of his appointrinnt, and of his
presence at the bead quarters ii our army, Ind that i
be was invested With lull powers to conclude a de- ,
finite treat, o'f' peace whenever the Mexichn Gov-
ernment might signify a desire to do so. While I
wa s unwillingly, subject the United States to anoth.l
er indignant Ireland, I was yet resolved that the'
evils et the vt'ae, should not be protracted ittlay lon-
ger than might be rendered absolutely necessary by i
the Mexicans:. 1
,Care ;wasWien to give no instructions to the
Citirnissiorl4ltiethich could in any . way interfere'
with our mittari op erations, or relax our energies
in the proselution of the War. Be poetised no
authority, in sfitY, manner to contille_these operal.
tient. lie ,eras I authorized `to exhibit biro', instrun
Bona to thir ; Cleneral in command of the army;
end the ieiretit of a treaty being conchided and
;ratified on the part of Mexico, he was directed to
; give him nonce of that fact. On the happening' s
of such contingency and otzreceiving notice there
,'of, the Generial in command was instructed by the!
Secretary of j War *suspend farther active oper- 1
ations until further I orders. These irtructional
Were . givetr With a view to intermit host' Ries un
, til the treaty, thus ratified by Mexico, ;could be
transmitted to Washington, and recline the action
of the GoVekriment of the United States'}
The cotwiteiioner was also directed, on reach•
ing the army, , to deliver to the General
the
Com- ,
ii i to
mend the deapitc.h wit' be bore form Seas, ,
nay of State to the ' of Foreign, ffairs of 1
- cif Mexicc4atid on wing it the General was '
instructed 17 the Secretary of War to cause it to
be transmitted to the commandift of the I Mexicali
forces with 'ergo:pest that it might be conimunicat.
ea to his GOS9rnment.
The Commissioner did not reach the head quer.
term of the :briny until after another brilliant vic
tory hid Crowned our arms at Cerro Gordo. t
The deipateh which ho bore from the Secretary o_
'War to the Ordered in command of the enty, was ref
ceired by 'that officer, then at Jalapa, on the 7th day o
May, 1847, ftether with the despa eh of the Secretary
of thine toter; Minister of foreign affairs of Mexico,
having here transmitted to him from Vera cruz. The
Commisucieee I arrived at the head [quarters of the
army a fewt•days afterwards. His presence with Me
army, arable diplomatic character, were made known
to the Metimmltiovernment from Feeble.. op the 12th o r
June, 1547, by the transmission of the despateh tram the
secretary . or , Bete to the Minister of Foreign Alain of
Mexico ' I
Many weeks after its receipt and no overtures were
made, nor was any desire expressed by the Mexican
Government to enter into negotiations of
_peace. I
Our aratpprlrlitted Oa mired upon the Capitol, and as
it epproacd it, was met by formidable resistance. Our
forces first encountered the enemy and achieved signal
I victories ,iii the sevetsly contested battles of Contreras
and churn ingeo. It was not untii after these actions
had resulted' in decisive victories, and the Capitol Maus
enemy urea ',titbit:Lour power, that the !demean Govem•
menu manifested any dispostuan to enter n lnto negotia•
liens forp e sad even then events p ved there is
too Mnehqtasein to believe they were insincere, and that
in agreeint to go through the forms of negotiation, tte
object wat to; gaol time to strengthen the defences of
their Capitol end prepare for fresh resionsace.-
The gel; in command or the army deemed it
expedien toa l uspend hostilities temporarily, by ea
tering lite'a armistice with a view to the opening
of negotratiline. Comiributoners were appointed
on the pert of Mexico to meet the Commission
ere on ,l Oa part; of the United States. The
result ,Ol_ th e conferences which took place
betwese!AhiSe functionaries in the two Govern
menu, vie a failure to conclude a treaty of peace.
The Oamieissioner of the U• 5, took with him
the prol6it,.lof the treaty already pnepared, by the
terms of 'illicit, the indemnity required by the
United `states was a cession of territory.
It is 'Well known that the only Indemnity which
is in the po er of Mexico to make, in satisfaction
of the 'last nd long deferred claims of oar citizens
against her, and the only means by which she can
reunbuirke the United States for the expenses of
the war t y is .' a cession to the tinned States of a
portion ,:d.. ber territory. Mexico has not money
_to pay end no other means of making the required
indemnity, I It we refuse this we cad obtain astir.
ing else;. . To reject indemnity, by refusing to ae•
cept a ssion of territory, would be, to abandonell
our prez'dernands, and to wage the war, leaving all
its expanses without a purpose or definite object.
A Waite of war abrogates moles previously ex
isting[ &Worsen the beligerents, ands treaty of
peacslPotel an end to all claims, for indemnity—
for tortuous acts committed under the authority
of mat!. grivernment against the citizens or sub. ,
jects , of ahother, unless they are provided for in ,l
its sti pulations. A treaty of peace which would ,
terminate the existing war without providing for '
indeninity, would enable Mexico, the acknowledg- '
ad debtor,l and herself the aggressor in the war,-
to relieie herself from her just liabilities. By
such i ;redly, our citizens who hold just. demands
agsinSt: her, wouldhave no remedy either against
Mexico or their own government. Our duty toe
these: l 4*e must forever prevent such a peace,
and . 18o,treaty which does not provide ample I
meani of discharging those demands can receive l
my eatictiOn. ,
. A 0,07
of peace should settle all existing dif
ferent:le between the two countries. If en ads
gnats `',.•lesajon of tar: gory should be made by such
a treat t ir the United States should release Mexico
from ;eft ' her liabilities, and assume their praymeat
to onZowti citizens. It instead of this the Uni
ted elates were to consent to a treaty by which
Malin should again engage to pay the -heavy
amomitof indebtedness, which a just indemnity
to our ernment and our citizens would Impose
on he', it is notorious that she does not possess
the nouns to meet such an undertaking. From
such 0, treaty no result could be anticipated, bur
the :sjiale irritating disappointments which have
heretofore attended the violations of similar treaty
stipnittitiur on the part of Mexico. Such a Rea.
ty would be but a temporary. cessation of Wean•
ties,Leithout the restoration of the friendship and
good Understanding which should characterise the
futon' , intercourse between the two countries.
. Thal Congre ss contemplated the aopisition of territorial
todeoulty w hen that body made provision for the prosecution
of the war , is obvious. Congress could not. have meant .
when, In 106, they appropriated sit t 0,000,000, szut authenrca
the Pr'esident to employ the Militia acid to accept the serrices
of 50,1:190 volunteers to enable him to prosecute the war,• arid
when st thcir last session . and after our army had hooded
Mexico, they made additt'onal appropriations and anthori.ed
the raising' of additional troops for the Nine purpose, that no
indembity gas to be obtained from Mexico at the conclosiou
of th'eMar,• and yet it was certain Mat if co Mexican territo
ry writ acibired. no indemnity would be obtained.
It luVurtber manifest that Congress ou ntemplated territo
rial inAelithity, from the fact that at their last session an act
was pessei t oon the Executive recommendation,' apprppria
nog 3,000, with that eapress object. This appropriation
was otade enable the President to conclude, a treaty of
peseerlitnita and boundaries, with Me Republic of Mexico,
to be aired b y him in the event that said treaty when signed,
[k:.
by thena dud spots of the two governments, and duly
ratified , Melte), shall all for the expenditure of the same
or ant portion thereof. The object of elitism this appropri
ation was distinctly stated in the g eneral meuage On the sub
ject ivhichl I communicated to Congress.
Sitniiiir appropriations, made in 1803 and 1806,
which 'Were referred to, were intended to be ap;
pliid : in part consideration for the cession of
Louisiana and the Floridan; in like manner. It
was ,anticipated that in settling the terms of a
treaty of limits and boundaries with Mexico, a
cessidn of territory, estimated to be of greater var.
ue than,lthe amount of our demands against her,
might be obtained. and that the pompt payment;
of this elm in part consideration for the territory
ceeded,On the'conclusion of,ri treaty, and is yeti- ,
ficatiori,lin her part, might be an Inducement with
her k m e such mansion of territory as would be
satisfactory to the United States; and although the
fail: conclude such a treaty has rendered it l
, t o
until vie, to use any part of the $0,000,000
„
appropriated by that act, and tho entire sum re..
mails in the treasury, it is still applicable Ito
thaw object, should the contingency occur; making I
sack appropriation proper.
71he rdoetrine of no territory ie the doctrine of
ao . thdeinnity, and if sanctioned would be a public
aclolowledgement that our country was wrong—
theZ:thsi, war deelared by Congress with extraor- '
dinery }unanimity was unjust, and should be
abairdoned, an admission unfounded in fact, and
digleiiirg to the national character. The terms '
of Are treaty proposed by the United States were
I not;I:on1y just to Mexico, but considering the
chSiecter and amount of our claims the unjustifi.
abiti ena unprovoked commencement of hostilitiee
by LA y the expense of the war to which we have
been subjected, and the excess which had attain
ed our arms, were deemed to be of a most liberal
chat:icier:
'the !Commissioner of • the United States was
authorized to agree to the establishment of the
Rio Giande as the boundary,; from its extension
Lad' this Gulf to its intersection with the south-
em' boindary of New Mexico, in the North, lati.
tudi about 32 deg., and to obtain a eeelliee to. the
United States of the provinCe of New Mexico
and the California,,, and the privilege of the
Right of Way across the Isthmus of Tehaimte
peso., The boundary of the Rio Grande and the
cession to the United States of New Mexico and
uppari California, constituted an ultimatum
i Welt lour Comd... - mban
WU, Under no Cllntn.
'.--wit ••t, • •
iVij . „ , - „. • .",' . • -
.ti
fis t '
=ll 5
stances, to'i.Re • : ,- - '-( '
1 : That It mqght be manifest noVonlyttexico,
but- to-all other nations, that the Unitk a Statea
were not disposed te take advantage b .' feeble
- *rarer; hy r ineliting upon Wresting frini her •all
the other provinces, including Many Of* prin-,
Iclpal towns and cities, which we had th nquered
and lied in our military occuPationn, l 4..ut were
I willing to conclude a treaty, in a spirit 6 liberal
i ity, our commissioner was authorized
for this restoration to Mexicoof all: Wm other
conquests. ' t
As Vie territory to be acqu ired 4. tt, bound-
I
tug proposed might beatimat to be, f greater
Vane than a fair equivalent for i pur jus t . emends,
our commissioner was authorized to litltulate for
the payment of such additional peOhAary con-
Isideration as was deemed reasonable) ti
The terms of a treaty prop sad byane Mexi
can Commissioners were who ll y inedetissable.—
They negociated se if Mexic wash gib victori
ous rand not the vanqulshedParty : : :!'hey must
,have known , that the ultimat um would never he
l accePted. It required the Utlited ataula to dis
member Texas, by surrendering td Mexico that'
part of the territory , of that State lying between'
the Nueces and the Rio Grande, in:dolled within!,
her-limits by her laws when she 'wits an inde-i
pendent republic—anff whenl i te Nits annexed
to the United States, and ad
,admitted h t y Congress
as one of the States of our Union.) It contained
no provision for the paymently,lll4.tico of the
just claireis of our citizens. lit relished indem
nity to Mexican citizens for iojuriio the y may
have sustained by our troops', in the:Prosecution
of the war. It demanded the right for Mexico
to-levy and collect the MexiCan ILVINfr of duties
on goods imported into her portibt 7 ehile in our
military occupation during the ;war, and the
owners of which had paid toofficeni: l of the Uni
tedl. States the military cent ibutloti which had
been levied upon them ; and it offeod to cede to
the United States for a pecunia ry tonsideration
that part of Upper California lyinOtorth of lati
tude 37 deg. Such were thd unrea&nable terms
proposed by the Mexican COmminers.
The cession to the United Seattle by Mexico
of-the province of New Mexico itiil the Califor
luias, as proposed by the ComMillioner of the
I United States, it was belielved, r vOuld be more
in accordance with the convenitotle and inter
leets of both nations than any other cession of
i territory which it was probable Mexico would
Ilse induced to make.ll`
, It is manifest to all wh havitlotaerved the
lactual condition of the ftlexicais government
I for some years put, and at
. prisent, that if
I these provinces should be ' reta ined by her, she
1 could not long continue to hat and govern
I them. Mexico is too feeble a
pcAer to govern
these provinces—lying, as theyi2do, at a die
' lance of more than a thousand riailhe from her
capital ; and-if attemptedbe retained by her,
, they would constitute but for a short time, even
nominally, a part of ber dominion'. This would
Ibe especially the case with Ur California.
i e
The sagacity of powerful lEu re _, ti nations has
long since directed their Ma in n to the com
mercial importance of that pram ,. kce, and there
can be little doubt that the anoMent the United
States shall relinquish their preient occupation
of it, and their claim to it as indeatuity, an ef
fort will be made by some ramie power to pos
sess it, either by conquest or by purchase. If
no foreign government should kfiquire it, in ei
ther of these mode', an indepedffent reVolution
ary government would Probahlitbe establishedl
by the inhabitants, and each d' - -ipers u may
remain in Sr remove to the cotibtry, as soon nal
it shall be known that the li,n4d States have
abandoned it. Such a goveranAt would be too l
'feeble to maintain its separate independent ezz'
Mance, and would finally beco tlne annexed to,
or be, a dependent colony of sane more power- ,
ful State. -•
Should say foreign Govern Sent attempt to ,
pansies it as a colony, or otheilibise to iucorpo-1
rate it with itself, the prtnciple*aiwed by Pres
ident Monroe, in 1E324, and -rr.leffirmed in my I
first Annual Message, that sic ;Foreign Power,
would, with our consent, be pi spitted to plant
or eitablish any new colony or4onainion on any!
part the North American Cfntinent, must be
maintained. In maintaining vibe principle, and
in resisting its invasion; by any foreign power,
we Might be involved in othfr wars more ex
pensive and more difficult NM that in which ,
vie are now engaged. The }evinces of New
Mexico and the Califonsiu thanontignotas to the
territory of the United Staten, find if brought un
der the government of our Imen, their resources,
. mineral, agricultural, manufacturing, and com
mercial, would soon be developd.
Upper California is bounded on the North by
our Oregon possessions, and ifs held by the Uni
ted Stets, would soon be I setleal by a hardy,
enterprising, intelligent portiota of our population.
The Bay of San Fraseisco, nod other harbors
along the California coast: would afford a shelter
for our Navy, for our numerdrs mode ships and
other merchant vessels, emplilyed in the Pacific
ocean, and would in a short riesiod become the
marts of au extensive and gittfitable commerce
with China and other countries of the coast.
These advantages, in whith the whole com
mercial world paaticipate, would at once be se-1
cured to the United States by thA cession of this ' ,
territory,'whlle it is certaiktllftt so long at it re-,
mains a part of the Mexiedwdoniaina, they can
be enjoyed ',neither by Mexico herself nor by
•
any other portion. 1 . 111 1
New Mexico is a frontiert- - proOince, and hee l
never been of any considereVe vitlue to MeAico.l
From its locality, it is naturpdly connected with
our western settlements. The territorial limits
of the State of Texas, too„", as , defined by her
laws, before her admiesion into. our Union, em
brace all that portion of Nein Milkico lying east
of the Rio Grande, whlie Mexico still claims to
hold this territory as a part 4.l'' her dominions.—
Thia adjustment of this question ,of boundary is
important
There is another consideratlitipich induced the
belief that the Mexican goverAnent might oven de•
sire to place this province unattate protection of
the goveremopt of -the US. 1 dmerous bands of
fierce and warlike savages Wordlist peer it. Mexico
has been and must contlnun be tOq feeble to!,
restrain them from eonamilli ! depredations, rob 1
banes and murders, not. only - . ... 'nthe inhabitants oil
New Mexico itself,' bat upon ithole of the other.
Northern States of Moslem i It itould-be a blessing
to all these Northern States 0,114-Ve their citizens
Srotected against them by thb 'dower of the United
tates. - q't 1
At this moment many Mezifipoi, principally fe
males and children, are in esp(lo4 among therm—
If New Mexico were held •;arflt: governed by the
United States, we conld effeettially prevent these
tribes from committing such Mdrages, and compel
them to release their captives -14 W restore them to
their (similes and friends. ! •,'
In proposing to acquire; Now Mexico and the
Caltforniu, it was known that but an inconsiderable
portion of the Mexican people., uld be translerred
with them, the country etribraeK within these pro
vinces being chiefly au uoinhaffitid region. -
These were the leading edelliterations which in•
duced me to authorise the , tehAts of peace which
were proposed to .Menco. : "Iltey were rejected,
and stephanotis bang at alt illid, hostilities were
renewed, and an assault was i' e by our gallant
artampon the strongly forthi , ' places near the
sunroof the City of Mexico, al , upon the city it
aelf4ind altar several days of tvere conflict, the
Melfcan forces, vastly superfo k in 'numbers to our
own, were driven from the city' Rend it was occupied
by our troopm
Immediately after information was received of the
unfavorable result of die negoiiitions,beiievoig that his
continued presence with theould be productive
of no good, I determinud to fecal 0 Commissioner. A
dispatch to this effect was 'ramro d. . d to him ma the 13th
arm. y e
of October last. Th&hlexican:G 'ferment will be in
farmep of his meal, and that tine existing state of
things I shall not deem it Moue . make any further
overtures of pence, but shall Sc t all nines ready to
receive And consider any propane: .which may be made
by Mexico. • : .
Since the liberal proposition or, ie. United Slates was
authorised to be made. in Aprll,l i large expenditures
: i.
have been incurred, and the pre ms blood of many of
oarsmen:Me fallow citizens barb 4n shed in the prose •
cutton of the war. This considera Am,, and the obstinate
perseverance of Mourn in prot •senng the war, must
influence the terms of peace vidi.l,li it may be deemed
pmper,ltereafter to accept. I i .
Our arms having been every syls „le victorious, having
subjected to our military compile i a large portion of
the enemy's country, incloding l hi ;Capitol, and negoti
ations for peace having failed. it important question
arose in what manner.the war but p to be prosecuted.
and what should be our future' pe. icy. I cannot doubt
that we should secure and ran d .. 3 available the con.
quests which we have already due e, and that with this
part we should hold intui oecupy,h, : our naval and mtli
. tary forces, all the port towns, 'Ad Pr, evinces now Moor
occupation, or whichi may hereCtOl• fall into our port
' session; that we should 'press forward our mi itary opt:.
I rations, and levy such • military Oentributions ors the
enemy as may a far as, predictable, defray the future
expenses of the war. -1, ;
Had the government of Me s tiCo acceeded to the
favorable terms proposed, that stink of adjustment
would hive been preferred.' ?Mexico having des
clined to do this, and faileli , 4 offer any other
terms: 'which could be acoePted by the United
States, National Honor no , loot than the publie
interest requires'' -- shfful' ' -- -oted
with increased i
eelisfectory per
. ~: _.
_ . ,
In the meantime, aelifixica'refuese ell indem
nity,:we should adept measures to, indetrinify our
selves,' by apPropriating perMituentij &portion of
her territory. : Early after the 'Commencement of
I the war, New. Merino and the ' Califondes were
taken possessionot by our_forces: ..Oor military
and naval commander. were ordered to conquer
and hold them subject to be disposed of by a tree.'
ty of peace._, _
These preiinces are now in our undispUted cm.
au - Elation, and have been so for many months—
all resistance on the part of Mexico having' ceased
Within their limits. I am satisfied that they
should never be surrendered to iMexico. Should
Congress COMM With MO in this opinion, and
that they should be retained bylthe United States
as indemnity, I can perceive no good r e ason why
the civil jurisdiction and laws of the United States;
should . not at once be !extended over there. To,
wait for a treaty .of peke, :such as we are willing,
to make, by which our relations towards them
would be ehanged, cannot be good policy, whilst ,
our own interest, and that of the people inhabit.'
ing them, require that a stablej responsible, and
free government, and r our authority, should be
as soon as possible establiMedTer ;them.
Should Cmgrees thereforeetermine to hold
,
these provinces pertnanently, and hat they shell)
hereafter be considered air constituent pelts of our;
country, the early establishment of territorial gee
ernments over them will be im r
ii,:.
taln
t for ,the more;
perfect. rotection -s of persensd roperty; and I
i l itit
recommend that such territo ' governments be
established., It will Promote_ , co anl tranquil.'
ity among the inhabifenti, yl allaying all appre_
hension that they may still entertain of being a.
gain subjected , tourisdiction i of Mexico. I!
invite the early and th earnest eorwideration of Cong.;
rem to this importentjaibject. te I
- Besides New Maim° and Californias, there
are other Mexican previnces which have been re:
slimed to our possession by aniqueit. These otirj,
er Mexican provinces are not. go!verned by owl
military and naval commanders . , under the general
authority which is cdnfettedponla conqueror by
the Laws of war. They sh o uld continue -to be
held, as *means coercing Mleo to made to just
terms of peace. Cihil as well as Military officer,
are required to conduct such ' l li government. Ade.
quate compiansadon,i to he drawn from contribn,
none levied on, the enemy. should be fixed by law
for each officers as May be tints employed. Whet
further provision may been* necesary, and whit
final dimposition it May be pr per too make of them
must depend on the further Progress of the war,
and the course whieh Mexico may think proper
hereafter so pursue.: 1 !
With the views I entertain. I cannot favor the
policy which has been suggested, either to with
draw our army altogether, or to retire tux desig.
need line and simply hold and defend it. To
withdraw our armyi altogether from the conquests
they have made by deeds of unparalleUed bravery,
and at the 'spaniel of so much blood and treas
ure, in a just war on our part, and one which, by .
the act of the =OM, we conld not have honorably
avoided, would be degrede th 4 nation in its own
:1,
estimation and tha of 'the tar . To retire to a
line and simply hold and d end it, would not ter
minate the war. Oa ;the. Contrary, it would en.
, courage Metbm to pereevere, and tend to protract
it indefinitely._ 1 ' I 1 i
It is not to be expected th at Mexico, after refa •
sing to establish such a lin eas la boundary, when
our victorious army are in possession of her capi
tal and in the heert of hits country, would per.
I mit us to hold it! without,: resistance. That ;she
; would continua die war, and In the most ber ran ,
sing and annoying theme, !there can be no doubt.
A border warfare of the 'moat , femur. character,
extending over along line, would be uncemingly
waged. It would require a large army to be kept
, continually in the field, ' at poets and or
, risons along such a line, pretect and defend it.
. The enemy, relieved from the presents of, our
arms on his mains and In the populone parts of
. the interior, would direct ila attention to 'hie line,
, and selecting an I isolated post for attack, would
• concentrate his forces open it. I ;
. This would bd a condition Of affairs which! the
I Mexicans, petteulng their favorite 'system of guer.
, rills warfare, would probably prefer to any other.
Were.we to assume adel: g amin attitude on such
. a line, all the advantag of such estate of war
' would be on the of the enemy.; We could
I levy no contributioni on him, or in any way Make
• him feel the mare or, dor War but' must remain
, :.
inactive and await hie arroselt, being in constant
' uncertainty at what!pOin 'of the line or at what
time he,might :ink e the , asaidt.
Ho may asseteblennd reorganize an overwhelm
ing force in the interior on hi. own aide of the
line, andealing _hie pu r pose, make a sadden
' essault upo n of our poets, to distant; from
' any other as td pistentithe ipoirsibility of timely
succor or Minforcemimte. and in this way:an gal-
I hint army would be exposed to the denier' Of be;
: ing cut off in detail, or if by !their unrivalled bra
very and proweneverywhent exhibited during this
war, they should reputw the ienemy, their num
bers stationed id any one point may be too small
to pursue himl If theenemy be repulsed in one
attack he would have nothing else to do but to
retreat to his own side of the line; and being in
no fear of a ilursiting army, may reinforce him
self at leisure for another attack on the same or
some other poet. lie may, too, cross the line bo.
mem our ports, make rapid incursions into the
country which We hold, m urder the inhabitants on
them and then! retreat t the interior before:a auf.
ficient force can be content. ted to pursue him.
Such would prObably be the harassing character
of a mere defebeive war op our part.. If emir for
eel, when attacked, or threatened with attack, be
permitted to cross the li ne , drive backit* enemy
and conquer him, this amidd be again to invade
the country.after having lost all the advantages of
the conquests Iwe have already made by having
voluntarily abandoned heni.
To hOld 8 44 1 1 fl 4 6 01 4 0 4 0 o!hi II Y and lq i t secu
rity, it is far m bet ;certain that it would not
require as la rge an army he would be necessa
ry to hold al the , c onquests we have already
made, anti toy pontinq Blir prosecution of the
war in the heart of the enemy's oountry.i It is
also far from being certain that the expenses of
the war would be diminished by such II policy.
I am persuaded that the best means of vindi
cating the National Honor and interest,' and of
bringing the war to an hcinorable close '
will' be
to prosecute it with increased energy an d power
in the vital parts of the enemy's country:
In my annual Message to emigrate, Ipf De
cember, I, declared that the war has not been
waged with a view to conquest, but having been
commenced by Mexico, it has been carried into
the enemy's country, and' will be vigorously
prosecuted there, with a view to obtain en-hon
orable peace, and thereby secure ample indern
nity for the expenses of the war, as well as to
our much injured citizens, who hold large peon:
Mary demands against Mexico. Such; in my
judgment, cerninues to be our true policy—in
deed, the only policy which will probably secure
a permanent peace.
It has never been contemplated by me he en ob•
jest of the war to make a permanent conquest of
,the Republic of Mexico, or to annihilate her sap.
mate existences. an independent nation.; On the
contrary, it bas over been toy desire that she
should maintain her nationality, and under a good
government; adapted to her condition, be a free,
independent, and prosperous Republic. The Uni
ted States were the @rat among the nations to re.
cognize her independence, end hive alWays desir
ed to be on terms of amity and good neighbor'
hood with her.
This she would not suffer. By her own con•
duct we have , been compelled to engage in the
present war. In its prosecution we seek not her
overthrow as a nation, but in vindicating out na
tional_honor, we seek to obtain redress for the
wrongs she has done us, and indemnity for just
demands against her. We demand an honorable
peace, and that peace must bring with it indem
nity for the past, and security for the future. Hith
erto Mexico has refused all accommodation by
which such ' : a peace could be obtained.
Whilst our armies have advanced f r om v i c t or y
to victory, from the iximmencement of the war, it
has always ;been witli the olive branch; of peace
in their hands, and' it" has been in the power of
Mexico at every see to arrest hostilities by ac
cepting it. ! ;
hi j
One greet o to'
has undoubtedly anion I
has baui so low held ha
or militeryl . usurpuriefted
been the condition. bf and
(weave troderninendi hid
hes been deterred from
cictir
MitalttitiOn in 1845. for hetet disposed , :even to
listen to the War, - asfs fay confintood by the of.
tidal correspondence which took pilot,' in' the
month of August last, between him and his wry.
arm:pent; *copy of -which is herewith controcuri
aided. For this cense alone, the resolution which
displaced blm from'power was set on foot by Gen.
Paredes, - Serb' may be the condition of insecuri
ty of thipresent government.
There can be no doubt:that the peaceable and
well disposed inhabitants of Mexico are convin
ced that it. is the true-interest of their country
to conclude an honorable peace with the United
States, but the apprehension of becoming the
Victims of some military faction or.asurper, may
have prevented them from manifesting _their
feelings-by any public act. The removal of any
such apprehension would probably cause :them
to speak their sentiments freely, and' to adopt
the measures necessary for the .sfirtoration of
peace. „With a people distracted and (bided by
contending factions, and a government subject
to constant changes by successive revolutions,
the continued success of our arms may fail to
secure a satisfactory peace. In -such an event
it may become proper for our commanding gen
lemerals in the,field to give encouragement and
assurance of protection to the' friends of peace
in Mexico, in the estaldishment and maintain,
ance of a free Republican government of their
own choice, always willing to conclude a peage
whiCh would be just to them, and secure the
indemnity we demand. •
This may become the only mode of obtaining
such a peace. Should such be the result, the war
which Mexico has forced upon us would thus be
converted into an enduring blessing to herself Af•
ter finding her torn and distracted by factions and
ruled by military usurpen, we should then leave,
her with a Republican government, in the enjoy
' went of real independence, domestic peace, and
prosperity, performing all her relative duties in the
great family of nations, and promoting her own
happiness by wise laws and their faithfill execu
tion.
If after aff ording, this encouragement and pro
tection, If after all the persevering and sincere
efforts we have made from the moment Malice
commenced the war and prior to that time to ad-
I just oar Matinees with her, we shall ultimately
fail, then we shall have exhausted all honorable
means. in pursuit of peace, and most continue to
occupy her country with our troops, taking the
full measure of indemnity into our own hands,'
and must enforce the terms which our honor de.'
mends. 1 ,
To itil otherwise, in the existing state of things',
in Mexico, and to withdraw our army without a 1
peace, would not only leave the wrongs of which'
wiscomplaln unredressed, but would be the signal
for DOW and fierce civil dissensions, and new revos
lutions, all alike hostile to peaceful relations with
the United States, [
Besides, there is' deager, if our troops were
withdrawn before a peace was concluded, that the
Mexican people, wearied with successive revolu
tions, and deprived of protection for their persona
and property, might at length be inclined to -yield
to foreign influence, and to cast themselves into
the arms of some European Monarch for protec
tion from the anarchy and suffering which - would
mine. This for our own safety, and in pursu-1
once of our established policy, we should be com.
pelted
_to resist. We could never continent diet'
Mexico should be thus converted into s monarchy,
governed by a foreign Prince.
Mexico Is our next neighbor, and her bounil. l
arks are coterminous , with our own, through the
whole extent, amiss the North American Conti
neat, from ocean to ocean. Both politically and
commercially we have the deepest interest in her'
regeneration and prosperity. Intleed,it so imposeht,
hie that with any lust regard to our own safety,
we eau over become indifferent to her fate. 1
It may be that the Mexican Government and
people have misconstrued or misunderstood our
forbearance and our objects, in desiring to conclude
an amicable adjustmeai of the existing differences
between the two countries. .
They may hava supposed that we would submit
to the terms- degrading to the nation, or they may'
have drawn false inferences front the supposed'
division of opinion in the United States on the
subject of the war, and many hies calculated to
gam' much by protracting it, and indeed that we
might ultimately abandon it altogether, without
insisting on any indemnity—territorial or other
wise. Whatever - may have been the false ion
preselects under which they have acted, the adult!
lion and prosecation of the energetic policy pro ,
posed must soon undeceive them..
In the future prosecution of the war, the enemy must
mast be made to feel us pressure mote than they have
heretofore done, At its commencement, It was deemed
pr to conduct it in a spirit of forbearance and fib=
e:CRY* With thie end in view, early measures were
adopted to conciliate, as far as a mate of war would
permit, the mass of the Mexican population: to can.
vines them that the war was not waged against the
peaceful inhabitants of Mexico, but against'their faith
less government, which had commenced hostilities • to
,*
remove from their minds the false impression, which
their designing and interested rulers bad artfully it
tempted to make; that the war on our pert was one M .
conquest—that it was a war against their religion and
their churches, which'. were to be desecrated and over
thrown, and that their rights of person and privatepro
perty would" be violated. To remove these false
impressions, bur commanders in the beld were directed
scrupulously to respect their religion their churches and
their church property, which were in no manner to be
violated. They were directed also to respect the rights
of persons and the property of all who should not take
up arms against,us. '.
Anumeees to this effect were gitea to the /*lien people
by Maj. Om. Taylor, is a Mvelatnetion issued in pursuance
Drina/pet:luau from the Secretary of War, in the month of
dire,' WM, and sash by hisiartUuletal lirdtt,ltho salad ap
on has own couvictices of the propriety of intuit% it in a pro.
claination of the 11th of 1547. In thisspir i t of liberal
ity and conniliatien, sad with a view to prevent the body of
the blealean pop/hake from akin epoxies against us—was
the war coadueled oa our part.
Provisions and other *applies furnished to oar
army by Mexican citizens were paid for at fair and
liberal prices agreed upon by the parties. After the
lapse of a few months it become apparent that these
assurances and this mild treatment had failed to
produce-the desired elect upou the Mexican .popti'
lation. While the war had been conducted on our
part according -to the moat humane and liberal
principles, observed by civilized nations, it was
waged in a far different spirit op the part-of Meal.
go, .
Not appreciating our forbearance, the Mexican 1
people generally became hostile to the United
States, and availed themselves of every opportuni
ty to commit the most savage excesses upon our,
troops. Large numbers of the population took up
arms, and engaged in ,Guerrille tom fare, robbed and
murdered in the most-cruel manner individual vol.
diets or small parties whom accident or other causes
had separated from the main body of our army,
Bands of Guerrillas and robbers infested the road,
harreastid our trim, and whenever it was in their
power cutoff our supplies.
The Mexicans have thus shown themselves to be
wholly Incapable of appreciating our' forbearance
' and liberality, it was deemed proper to change the
manner of conducting the war, by making them
feel its pressure according to the usages observed
under similar circumstances by all other civilised
nations. Accordingly, as early as the tild of Sew.
terober, 1846, instructions were given by the Sec
retsry of War to Major General Taylor, to draw
supplies for our army front the enemy, paying fo
them, and to require contributions for its support,
if in that. ay be was satisfied he would get abun
dant supplies for his forces.
In directing the execution of these instructions,
• much was necessarily left to the discretion of the
commanding officer, who was best acquainted with
the circumstances by which - he was surrounded, the
waits of the army and the practicability of enfor
cing the measure. ,
General Taylor, on the 26th of October, 1846
replied from Monterey, that it would have been
impeasible hitherto, and is now, to sustain the
army to any extent by forced contributions of
money or supplies. For the reasons assigned by
him he did not adopt the policy. of his instructions
but he declared his readiness to do so, should the
army in its future operations reach a portion of
the country which may be made to supply the
troops with advantage. Ile continued to pay
for the articles of ,supply which were drawn
from the enemy's , country.
. Similar instructions were issued to Maj. Gen.
Scott, on the 34 of - April, 1847, who replied from
Jalapa on the 20th of May, 1847, that if it be
expected that the army is to support itself by
forced contributions levied upon the country, we
may ruin and exasperate the inhabitants and
starve ourselves. - The same discretion was given
to him that had been, to General Taylor in this
respect. General Scott, for the reasons assigned
by him, also continued to pay for the articles of
supply for the army, which were drawn from the
enemy. 1 .
. After the army had reached the heart of the
most wealthy portion of Mexico, it was supposed
that the obstacles which bad before that time pre
vented it, would notbe such as to render imprac
ticable the levy of forced contributions for its
support, and on the lat of September, and again,
on the 6th Of October 1847, the "order was 're
peated in dispatches addressed by-the-Secretary
of War to Gen. - Scott, and `his attention was
lafahl called to the importance of ipakint 0 1 ,1
1
the attainmeM of peace
.m the fact chit Mexico
objection by one action
another.. i And inch has
.curity in which the Inc
e been placed; that each
g peace, lest for Wu
might expel it from pow.
Preeident genwree sit!
a~ ~ ~,
enemy bear the burdens of the war, by remit- State*, should eicapkwith'lmtimaity in viola •
riing them tollurnish the means of supporting tion oftreatr obligations, whilst the punish-.
ourermy, end he was directed to` adopt this meet of a Chinese, who had committed any
policy, unless! by doing so there was danger of crime against an American citizen, would be
depriving the army of the necessary supplies.-- rigoiousllexecuted. Indeed the coneequences
Copies of these despatches were forwarded to might be fatal to American citizens in China,
Gen. Taylor for his government. should a flagrant crime be committed by any
On the 31st of March last, I caused an order one Of • them upon a Chinese, and should trial
to be issued to our military and naval common and punishment not follow according to the se
ders, to levy and"collect a military contribution quisitions of the,treaty. This might disturb, if
"upon all vessels bed merchandize which might not destroy Our friendly relations ; with that
enter any of the ports of*Mexico, in our mill- Empire, and cause an interruption of our vain.
tary occupation, and to apply such contribu- able commerce. ! ° . .
lions towards defraying the expenses of the 'Our treaties with the Sublime Forte; Tripoli,
war. By virtue of the right of conquest and Minis, Morocco and " - Muscat; : also require the
the laws Of war, the conqueror, consulting hie" legislation of Congress to carry them into axe
own safety or convenience, may either exclude cution, though the necessity' of imniediate ac.
foreign commerce altogether, from all such tion may not be so urgent as in regard to China.
ports, or permit it upon such terms and condi- The Secretary of State has 'submitted sus esti
dons as he May prescribe. , • mate to defray the expense of opening diplomat-
Before the principal ports of Mexico were is relations with the Papal States. The .inter.
blockaded lijour navy, the revenue derived from eating political events now in progress in thesei' J
import duties under the''laws of pdexico was -States, as Well as a just regard to our ern:rimer. - • ,
paid into the Mexican Treasury." :Although cial interests, have, in my opinion, rendered
these ports had fallen into our military.possea. such a.measure highly expedient.. ~ ,•,,
don, the - blockade was raised, and commerce Estimates have also been submitted, for the
with them permitted upon proscribed terms and outfits and salaries of Charge d'Affairs to `the
conditions. 'They were opened to the;.trade of Republics of Guatemala and Ecuador. The
all nations, upon the payment of duties -more manifest importance of cultivating the-most
moderate inltheir amount than those which bad friendly relations with all the independent States
been previoUsly been, laid try , Mexico, and the upon this continent, has induced me to recoils;
revenue'which was formerly paid into the•Mexi- mend appropriations necessary for the maintm .'
can treasury was directed to be collected by our armee of these missions.
military and naval officers, and- applied to the I recommend to Congress that an approprim ,
use of our army and navy. Care was taken tion be made to be paid to the govern.
that the offiters and soldiers, and sailors of our went, for the purpose of distribution among the _
army and navy should be. exempted from the claimants in the Amistad Case. lentestainthe '
operations of the order, and as the merchandize conviction that this is due to Spain under the
imported, upon which the order operated, must treaty of 20th October, 1795, and moreover that .
be consumed by Mexican citizens, the - contribu- from the earnest manner in , which the'claim •
lions exacted were in effect the seizure of the continues to be urged, an long as it shall remiim -.-
public revenues of Mexico, and the application unsettled, it will, be a source of irritation and ,
of them to ,our own use. In directing this mem discord between the two countries, which may,
sure, the object was to compel the enemy to prove highly prejudicial to the interests of the .
contribute as far as practicable towards the ex- United States. Good policy, no, less than a ,
penses of the war. faithful compliance with our treaty obligations, 1
For the amount of contributious which have requires : that the inconsiderable appropriation. - t
been levied in "this form,l refer you to the ac• demanded should be mvde. - 1
companying reports' of the Secretary of War, A detailed statement of the condition '
ofthe. } „
and of the! Secretary of the Navy, by which it finances will be presented in the annual report l
appears diet a sum exceeding Half a Million of of the Secretary of the Treasury. The import, t
Dollen hate been co ll e c te d . , for the last fiscal year, ending on the 30th Of Jane. !'
1847,were of. the value of $146,645,6340f which” -,..
This amoun t would undoubtedly have been the amount exported was $8,011,158 leaving I .
much larger, but for the !difficulty of keeping $138,534,480 in the country for domestic use.— I
open communications between the coast and The value of the exports for the same pe ri od Was ' I
the interior, so Ow to enable the- owners of mer- $158,648,622; of which $150,637,464 consisted f
ehmidize imported. to " transport and vend it to of domeatie productions, and $8,011,158 ef for. i
the inhabitants oftbe country. eige articles. The receipts into the Treasury for L.
it is confidently expected that this difficulty. the same period amounted to 5 26 . 346 . 79 0,3 7 , of •
will, to a great extent, be soon removed by our which there was , derived from customs $23,747s- , •
increased forces which have been sent to the 864,66, from sales of P ublic Lands $2,498,335,20, !
and incidental and miscellaneous sources $lOO,-." 4
field. Measures have recently" been adopted by 570,51. The last fiscal year, duringwhich thie i
which the internal as well'as external revenues amount was received ' embraced five monthsun- !,
of Mexico,' in all places 'in our - military occu- der the operation of the Tariff act of 1842. and " f
maim; will be received and appropriated to the seven months during which the Tariff act of 1846,.. „ ,,
use of our arm( and navy. was in force. During the five months under the i .
The policy of levying- upon_ the enemy con- act of 1842, the amount received from custom. ; .
tributione !in every form, consistently with the was 37,482,306,90; and during the
' same months f
law of nations, which it may'be practicable 'for under the act of 1846, the ;Mount received was ,‘
- $17,905,557,76.
militaty commanders to adopt, s ho u ld , in my ..,,,e
revenue from Customs daring th e year
judgment! be rigidly enforced, and orders to "*“
ending n e tt
'on the letof December, 1846, being the
this effect! have accordingly been given. By last year, under the operation of the Tariff Act of
such a pAicy, at the same tithe that our own 1842, was 322,971,403,10, and the nett revenue
treasury will be relieved' from a heavy drain, from Customs during the year ending on the Ist
the Mexican people wilt be made to feel the of December, 1847, being the first year under the
burdens of the war, and consulting their own operation of the Tariff Act of 1846, was about I
interests, may be induced the more readily to $31,600,000, being an increase of revenue for the I
require their rulers to accede to a just peace. first year ender' the Tariff Act of 1846, 'of more
t t l h m e n Tarie sB,soo of loo B42 over that of the last year, under i
After the adjoinment of the- last session of
Congresa,leventa transpired in the proseeution The expenditures during the fiscal year ending
of the wet, which in my judgment, required a on the 311th June last, were $59.451,177 65, of
greater Welber:of troops in the. field than had which $1,522,082,3'7 was on account of payment i .
been antidiprited. The strength of the army was ,
of r • 1 and interest of the public debt, inclu. !
p incipa
~
accordingly increased by accepting the services ding treasury notes, redeem and not funded. 1
of all the!volunteer forces authorized by the' act
• The expenditures Miclusi f payment of pub. •
of the 13th May, 1845, without putting'a con- lic debt were $55,929,095 28
eduction On that act, the correctness of which It isestimated that the receipts into the Treas.
was seriously questioned. The volunteer forces ury, for the fiscal year. ending '
on the 30th of
now idthe field , with those which had been June, 1848, including the balance in the Treau
raccepted to serve for twelveinonth . s, and were ry on the Ist of July last, will amount to $42,-
discharged at the end of their 'term of service,
866545 80, of which $31,000,000 it is estimated - !
exhaust the fifty th ousand men authorized by ___.... '._ •
. wiu or. derived from customs,s3,soo,ooo from .
that act. • Had it been clear th at a proppercon - the sales of the public lands, 00,000, from im
station of Act warranted, the services of an -_,..i d
additional number would-have been ,called and "'"..": 1
Solicito includingexpenses, sales made by the
r of the Treasury, and $6,285,294 55
accepleeliit diubta existing upon this "point
3, . - ' ' from loans already authorized by law, which tb
thepower,Was not exercised. - ' gather with the balance in the Treasury , on the
It ietheemed important that Congress should
•
at an-early period of their session confer the au- first of July last, make the arm estimated.
The expenditures.for the same period, if peace
thority tit raise an 'additional regular force to with Mexico shall not bd concluded, and the ar.
serve during the _war. with Mexico,- and to be my shall !he increased, 'as ill proposed, will a.
discharged upon the conclusion and ratification mount, includingthe necesarg , payments "%ee
-lof a treaty of peace. I invite the attention of count of princip al and interest if the fillic • .
, Congress, to the views presented by the Secre
tary
.6 .--
debt th e _x_reatury notes to $58,645,660 07. ' •
tary of War in his report upon this subject I ... .-. t, ..- • -
On =sr mine present month, the amount !
recommend also that authority be given by law of the oublicdebt actually incurred includuig• -
to call for and accept the services of an addition- • ' • ' .
Treasury notes, was $45 , 659, 6 5 9 40. T he , public
al number of volunteer., to be exercised at such debt due on the 4th March 1845, including
time and to such extent as the emergenc i es of ',
,
.Treaiury notes, was $17,788,799.62 and come.
the services may require., anentiv the addition made to the nubile debt
In prosecuting the war with Mexico , whilst • - i s• -
since that time $27,870,856 78.
the utmost care has been taken to avoid every Of the lean of $23,000,000 authorised by the
just cause of complaint on the part of neutral act of the 28th of January, 1847, the SUM of $5,.. '
nations, , and none has been given, liberal privi- 000,00 was paid outto the public creditors or. Ilk. 1 ,.
leges have been granted in • their commerce in changed at par for specie—the remaining 18,- !
the porta of the enemy, in our Military accepts- 000,000 was offered for specie to the highest bid-
tion. I - • der out below par by' an advertisement issued bo
The difficulty with the Brazilian government, the Secretary of the Treasury and published from •;
the 9th ofFebnlary until - the lOtliof4ipril,lB47, :
which at one time threatened to interrupt the
when itmas awarded to the several highest:ldd. :
friendly ! relations between the two countries,
den, at premiums vas ying from 1-8 to one”per
will, I trust, be speedily adjusted . . I have race' - cent. to 2 per cent , above par. The premium has I
ved information that an Envoy Extiaordinary been paid into the Treasury, and this sums award- ; -
and Minister Plenopotentiary to the U. States, ed deposited in specie in the Treasury as ad aa !
will shortly be appointed by his Imperial Majes- it was required by the' wants of the Government.
ty, and it is hoped that he will come 'instructed To meet the expenditure for the remaraer of:
and prepared to adjust all remaining differences the present. and for the next fiscal year, eliding '
between the two governments 'in a Manner ac- on the 30th Juhe, 1849, a farther loan, inaid , of I .
ceptable and honorable to both. the ordinary resources of the government, will,
be.be necessary., Retaining a sufficient surplus la -.
Ili the mean time 'have every reason to the treaeury, the loan required for thezemsin* der
Hove that nothing will occur to interrupt our ofthe _ fiscal will be about $18,500,- •
presentyear
amicable relations with Brazil.
It had been my constant effort to maintain and lethe duty on tee and coffee be " , and. •
cultivate the most intimate relatiOne of friend , the graduation-of the public lands be made, '
ship with all the independent nations of Soth at an early period ofyoureession, as recommend-
America, and this policyhas beenattended with ed,the loan for the fiscal year = reduced to. .
'
the haPplest . results. it is true that the settle. $17,000,00. The loan may er reduced.;
by wh i ii i tever c son on a mount merit arid payment of many just claims of Amer- o tn rowi ti F m o re ns ea lo e re e l ll idi c tures t fo ed r
th in I . a ... 11 sa e ziti na i !
icon citizens ' against these nations has been long by h e
moyst vig
delayed. ' The position in which they have been tion of these contributions, have been directed g
placed,; and the dash-0 on the part: of my prede• and a very considerable sum is expeeted from that;
CeBSOTSjas wakes myself, to grant them the ut- source. Ite amount cannot, however, be velem! -
most indulgence, have, hitherto prevented these lated, with any certainty. It is recommended ' ', '
claims !from being urged in a mannerdemanded that the loan to be made, be authorised upon the'
by strict justice. The time has 'arrived when same tenni', and for the same time, as that whici
- they ought to be finally adjusted and liquidated, was authorised under the provisions of the act o ,
andenforced, and efforts are now, making for that t he 28t h of January, 1847. ' . i
. Should the war with Mexico be continued Ws/
purpose. -- the 30th of June 1849, it is estimated that a fur-!'
Isis proper to inform you•thatthe Government ther loan of $20;600, 0 0tr will be required for the .
of Pain has in good faith paid the first two instal- fiscal y..ar ending on that day—in case no duty; -
menta Of the indemnity, of thirty thousand dollars be levied on tea and coffee, and the public lands
each;ind the greaterpiartion of the interest due be not reduced in price ; and no military contd..; •
thereoe, in execution of the convention between betions aha,U be collected in Mexi•
co
i
that Government and the United States, the ratifi- If the dirty on tea and coffee be imposed, end
catione ot which were exchanged at Lima, on the the bonds be reduced and graduated in price as
31st ot:October, 1846. Thu Attorney General of proposed, the loan may , be reduced to $17,000,4
the United States,early in August last, completed 000, and will be subject to be still further redact
the adjudication of the claims under this!' cameo- ed by the amount of the military contributiOni
non, and Made his report thereon, in pursuance of which may be collected in Mexico. It is not prte
the act of the Bth of August, 1846. The sums to posed, however, at present, to ask Congress for
which the claimants'are respectfully entitled,will authority to negotiate this loan for the next fiscal
be paid on demand at the Treasury. y ear; as it is hoped that the loan asked for the -
I invite the early attention of Congress to the remainder , of the present fiscal year, aided by the •
present condition of our citizens in China, Under military contributions which may „be collected it •
our treaty with that power, American citizens are Mexico, may be sufficient. , .
withdrawn from the jurisdiction, whether civil or ..„,,
ii, contrary to my expectations, there stoeic .r
criminal, of the Chinese Government, and placed
be a necessity for it, ,the fact will be communi,
under that ofour public functionaries in that coun
try. By these alone can our citizens be tried and cated to congress in time for their action durim
punished for the , conimiesion -of any crime; by the prelent session. In no event will a sun -
these alone can questionsbe decided betweenithem exceeding $6,000,000 of this amount be needec
involvjngthe rights ofpersoniand property; and before the meeting of the session of Congres
by these alone can contracts be enforced into in December, 1848.
which they may have entered with the, citizens or .
subjects of foreign powers. The merchant vessels The act of the 30th July, reducing the dutie.
af. thelMited States, lying in the waters of the , on imports, has been in force since the lit -o
five perm of China, open to foreign commerce, , December last, and am gratified to state that al
are under the exclusivejuriediction of officers of the beneficial effects which were anticipated
their Own government. Until Conroe Shill CS- from its operation have been fully realised.—'
tablieh competent tribunate to try and punish The public revenue derived froin customs die
crimeli,aud to exercisejuriadiction in thil cases in • i.
dug rho year ending on the Ist of December
China!, American citizens there - are subject to no
l a w whatever. Crimes may be committed with 1 837, exceeds by more than $13,000,000, th!
impunity, and debts may be contracted without amount received in the preceding year, wide ;
any means to enforce their payment. the operation of the act of the preceding. peat
Inconveniences have already resulted fromthe under the operation of the act of 1642, -widrl
omission of Congress to legislate upon the sub. was superseded, and repealed by it.. Its effect
ject, and still greater are apprehended. The are visible in the great and almostutuaxamplet
British. authorities in China have already corn. prosperity which prevails' in every branch a
plained that this government has -not provided business.
for the -punishment of crimes or the enforcv While the repeal of the prohibitor y and re
mentpf tontracte against American citizens hi strictive duties of the act of 1842, and the sub
that Country, whilst their government has estab. catitution in their place of reasonable reran;
lished tribunals by which an American can re rates, levied on- articles imported according ti
cover debts dub from British -subjects; the actual value, has increased the revs= am ,
Accustemed as the Chinese are to summary augmented our-foreign trade, all the greet ants .',
justicb, they could not be made to comprehend rests of our 'country have beenadvanced ant ?
_ __- 0.
why criminals, who are citizens of te-Uhited promoted. ___
.._.
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