0l "I v? -1. 5 i&X The whole art ok Government consists in the art op- being1 honest Jefferson. VOL 5. STROUDSBURG. MONROE COUNTY, PA., THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1844. NO;30, " s - , , : PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE. t To the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States ; We have continued cause for expressing our gratitude to the Supreme .lluler of the Universe for the benefits and blessinps which our coun try, under his kind Providence, has enjoyed du ring the past year. Notwithstanding the exci ting scenes through which we have passed, no thing has occured to disturb the general peace, or to derange the harmony of our political sys tem. The great moral spectacle has been ex hibited of a nation, approximating in number to 20,000,000 of people, having performed the high and important unction 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 insubordination 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 different States, in, a spirit dictated alpne by a desire, in the selection of the agent, to advance the inter ests of'lhe country, and to place beyond jeopar dy the institutions under which it is our happi ness to live. That the deepest interest has been manifest ed by all our countrymen in the result of the Election, is not less true, than highly creditable to them. Vast multitudes have assembled, from time to time, at various places, for the purpose of canvassing the merits and pretensions of those who were presented for their suffrages ; but no 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 and obedience to the laws, which, with mere individual exceptions, every where pos sesses the American mind, and controls with an influence far more powerful than hosts of armed men. We cannot dwell upon this pic ture without recognizing in it that deep and de voted attachment on the part of the People, to ; the institutions under which we live, which pro claims their perpetuity. The great objection which has always prevailed against the election, by the People, of their Chief Executive Officer, has been the apprehension of tumults and dis orders, which might involve in ruin the entire Government. A security against this is found not only in the fact before alluded to, but in the additional fact that, we live under a Confedera cy embracing already twenty-six States ; no one of which has power to control the Election. The popular vote in each btate is taken at the time appointed by the laws, and such vote is ! 1 I I :.. U'ln-.-l rll ttntdnuH u.u.uu."- "J ; . , : its Electoral Uollege, without relcrence to tne. oecision or me omer oiaies. cision of the other States. The Rifiht of Suffrage, and the mode of con Cortina the Election, is reaulated bv the laws" r p " , , . . . '. . r , of each State: and the election is distinctly " ' J ' . , j erative in all its prominent features. that, unlike what might be the results under a ; .r:. :.r i:Zr''" n.00Me ; lne UreS ierntory. 1 bat negotiation is still lard, accompanied by ;a stipulation for the admis- , . ...... tn . .... as well t0 it .;,UtD,l crctnm rintrnc mnr-BP,)inrr: slifllllrl . ... . .... . ... . . . . .' . . . . ' tore. HOUIU nOl IJC I11UH1C1CIU lu sui.ii mejr ,ncou, lu u..., : .uw. ... , pen(iing Shoutl it dliring your sesslon be ' sion of raw cotton, free of duty. In exchange " IV t , nntr.- tint a stronT sincle States, without disturbine to any danger-.f , ia;.i. ,i,. Jn.r. i.:u i.:t.i.. honor ot the countr, that a stron0 ..... ,u.nnniii.vf,h0re thP,,rPnt u,"uB"l,u u UC"""4C u uuu lu' '. " ,rau'k."1- ?"tMl. Vl"-V Ju,iJUllu.u "-.u..o. lc- . . .. be made to the Mexic ua w-. w,ii be promptly communicated to Uon-jress. I . duction of duties, imposed by the laws oi the " ,llo ulIi,;ppt This wa ovnpr mpnt nf ii nolitiral confederacv each i , , 1 J . A i. ....... ' 1 , . -! ment upon the subject, xnis wa, r - .r - , wouia, nowever, again can your auenuon 10 me united states on a variety ot articles, most oi , . . - h, tilp roov 0r .r.orv.lmi- n'hioh ic cutiromo nc tn zt mnttf?rs .-. . . ... .. 1 1 nnp :if? will DB seen u iiiti w 'i iiitriiiwL.i ui iimti o ouwii. ' v. ... . . , j r, i . . l. .1 : . . i j i ii .j..... . . n .1 n i. n i i j .iiiriortaininrr to lis Inrnl intftrfiStfS. and lt3 internal , ... ..... i , J . peace and happiness while by a voluntary tioj tfj tha Territory The establishment of , promise law, and but few of which were pro compact with others, it confides to the united i miljt ts at suilable points upon lhe ex- duced in the United States, was stipulated for u iuv.uui.Mii. . .ww. , enfrov rl lfrnr.fi tn nrnTf"T nnfl iaf!Uinif pminrn. I nrt n I nnnmoi.' nnmmnn it rnnicn o tlio I :nm I power oi an,-me pioiecuon oi lis uni.3, ... matte'rs' not domestic .noe nnan crv far r rnwiiMii with complete success. The world has wit nessed'its"rapid growth in wealth and popula tion; and under the 'guide and .direction of a su perintending Providence, the developements of the past may be regarded but the shadowing forth of the mighty future. In the bright pros pects of that future, we shall find, as patriots and philanthropists, the highest inducements to cultivate -and cherish a love of union, and to frown down every measure or effort which may be made to alienate the States, orthe People of the States, in'eutiment and feeling, from each other. A rigid and close adherence to the terms of our political compact, and, above all, a sa cred observance of the guaranties of the Consti tution, vVill preserve .union on a foundation which cannot br shaken; while personal liberty is -jilaced beyond hazard or jeopardy. ' The guarantee of religious freedom, of the freedom of the press, of the liberty of speech, of the trial by jury, of the habeas corpus, and of the domestic institutions ot each ot tne ouues, leaving the private citizen in the fpll exercise ol . the high and ennobling attributes ol nis nature, i and to" each; Stale lhe privilege, which can only be judiciously exerted by itself, of consulting the means best calculated to advance its own happiness; thesie are'-the great and important, guarantees, of the Constitution, which the lovers of liberty must cherish, and the advocates of union must ever cultivate. Preserving these, and avoiding all interpolations by forced con struction, under the guise of an imagined expe diency, upon the Constitution, the influence of our political system is destined to he as active ly and as beneficially felt on the distant .shores of the Pacific, as it is now on tnose ot me lautic Ocean. The only formidable impedi ments in the way of its successful expansion (time and space) are-so-far iu the process of modification, by the improvements of the age, as to render no longer speculative the ability of Representatives from that remote region 10 come up to the Capitol so that their const ituenis shall participate)!'! all the benefits of Federal legis lation. ' Thus it is that, in the progress of time, the inestimable principles of civil liberty will be enjoyed byloitHon&yet. unborn,, and the great benefits of oui system of Government be ex tended to now distant .and uninhabited regions. In view o'f .the vast wilderness yet to be re-, claimed ,-wff may wejl . invite the lover of free-domtof-every land, to .take .up his abode among us, and-.a.ssis't'us in thp great work of .advancing, the standard of civilization, and giving a wider .srirftat tA. f ho art's rind rpfilvementS,of Cultivated life. Our pmye'rs should eveiuiore be offered r . - 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 consummate these high purposes. One of the strongest objections which has been urged against confederacies, by writers on Government, is, the liability of the members to be tampered with by foreign Governments, or the People of foreign States, either in their lo cal affairs, or in such as affected the peace of others, or endangered the safety of the whole Confederacy. We cannot hope to be entirely exempt from such attempts on our peace and safety. The United States are becoming too important in population and resources not to at tract the observation of other nations. It, there fore may, in the progress of time, occur that opinions entirely abstract in the States in which they may prevail, and in no degree affecting their domestic institutions, may be artfully, but secretly, encouraged with a view to undermine the Union. Such opinions may become the foundation of political parlies, until at last, the conflict of opinion, producing an alienation of friendly feeling among the People of the differ ent States, may involve in one general destruc tion the happy institutions under which we live. It should ever be borne in mind, that what is true in regard to individuals, is equally so in regard to States. An interference of one in the affairs of another, is the fruitful source of fam ily dissensions and neighborhood disputes ; and the same cause affects the peace, happjness and prosperity of States. It may be most devoutly hoped that the good sense of the American People will ever be ready to repel all such at tempts, 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 wc continue on the most friendly terms. In deed it affords me great satisfaction to state, that at no former period has the peace of that enlightened and important quarter of the globe ever been, apparently, more firmly established. The conviction that peace is the true policy of nations would seem to be growing and becom- ing deeper amongst the enlightened every where; and there is no people who have a stronger in-: tere3t in cherishing the sentiments, and adopt- ing the means of preserving and giving it per manence, than those of the United States. A mong these, the first and most effective are, no doubt, the strict observance of justice and the honest and punctual fulfilment of all engage ments. But it is not to be forgotten that, in the present state of the world, it is no less neces sary to be ready to enforce their observance ' . - lril m nlir nnrt ,n ' t(1 ' nrwi i ti i li i m onr in rmrnrn in mirMivp t inn in ' . ll f 1 it vrvw .x- n.m .ah ...v,.w w.. l " -0. - I others. si th nf 1nt sp-;nn. n nprn. ) Z"l ' ir". "ij " 1 '.l-l V, " ! t,rtirn Itoo honn tVirmallv onluron tltim'i hotn'opn """v- J 1 3- 1 we oeuremry 01 oiaie aim aiei jluiuuuhu iu.i- fed-',.,..., -J.. m . .: i n,. i H U Itl I S HT I I Mil 1 I II ILtIll I ill V 1 1 1 1 1 1 I'llllllV I.V I jesly's Minister Plenipotentiary and lMivoy Ex- ; j -1 J J . l: . : i ri. l.;.. . nf "ot,.;,. nat:Mnj ;n aiwi ,tvor enrrou rT ..-irriif.fi tn nrntpnt nnfl Al f m ii 1 1 n t o pmlnrn. tended lme of Jand lravd W01Jd enaWe Qur ch . . . . : . izens to migrate in comparative safety to the ; fertile regions below the falls of the Columbia, j and make the provision of the existing conven-, tion for the joint occupation of the Territory by i subjects of Great Britain, and the citizens of. the United States, more available than fore to the latter. These posts would constitute places of rest for the weary emigrant, where he would be sheltered securelv against the danger, i 1 LllLi i 1." lil Vyi LI ll i 1 !LfLIL.LiLl t lj IIULlWil-J ll UIIU W ft. i ll.ll LV I.I1E. Jill I I HI llll. till lllUUljliy 11VL UilU , r II . t 7 .l.U-t.nt t jtlttll . , ci-uiiiiiiciiiiiii.iiniN i:iiiL.iifit;ii ill iiiciuLi intra-' wnii'ii WKrti ;iiiiuiLmfi thh ii iiiiiv uiiuki liic i . of attack from the Indians, and be enabled to fair inference that the Senate did not intend its recover from the exhaustion of a long: line of; absolute rejection, gave instructions to our Min travel. Legislative enactments should also be I ister at Berlin to re-open the negotiation, so far made which should spread over him the cegis ofj as to obtain an extension of time for the ex our laws, so as to afford protection to his per- change of ratification. I regret, however, to son and property.when he shall have reached his distant home. In this latter respect the British Government has been much more care ful of the interests of such of her people as are to be found in that country, than the United States. She has made necessary piovision for their security and protection against the acts of the viciously disposed and lawless ; and her em igrant reporses in safely under the panoply of her laws. Whatever may be the lesult of the pending negot pending negotiation, sucn measures are neces sary. It will afford me the greatest pleasure to witness a, happy and favorable termination to the existing negotiation, updn 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 highest gratifica tion, in this, my last annual communication to Congress, to have been able to announce to you the complete and entire settlement and adjust ment of other matters in difference between lhe United Slates and the Government of Her Bri tannic Majesty, which wi-re adverted to in n previous message. It is so obviously the inter est of both countries, in respect to the large and yaiuablf commerce which -exists between them, that all causes of complaint, however inconsid erable, should be, with the greatest promphudc, removed .that it must be regarded as pause of regrel. that any unnecessary delays should be permittee! to intervene. It is true that, in a pe cuniary point of view, the matters alluded to, are, altogether, insignificant in anioiint, when .compared with the ample resources of that great nature ; but they, nevertheless, more particular ly that limited class which arise under seizures anddetensions of American ships on the coast of Africa, upon the mistaken supposition in dulged in at the time the wrong was committed, of rheioheing engaged in the slave trade, deep lyvaf)ec.i the, sejisjbimies of this Government j)ier responsibility to repair all such wro.'gs, by mu reupte. urui uuiiiiu nai icwguw.v.u her action in other cases, leaves nothing to be regretted upon the subject, as to all cases prior to the Treaty of Washington, than the delay in making suitable reparation in such of them as plainly within the principle of others which she1 has long since adjusted. The injury inflicted by delays in the settlement of these claims, falls with scyerity upon the individual claimants, and makes a strong appeal to her magnanimity and sense of justice for a speedy settlement. Other matters, arising out of the construction of ex isting treaties, also remain unadjusted, and will continue to be urged upon her attention. The labors of the joint commission appointed by the two Governments to run the dividing line, established by the Treaty of Washington, were, unfortunately, much delayed in the com mencement of the season, by the failure of Con gress at its last session, to make a timely appro priation of funds to meet the expenses of the American party, and by other causes. The United Stales Commissioner, however, express es his expectation that by increased diligence and energy, the patty will be able to make up for lost time. We continue to receive assurances of the most friendly feelings on the part of all the other European powers; with each, and all of whom it is so obvious!; our interest to cultivate the most amicable relations. Nor can 1 anticipate the occurrence of any event which would be likely, in any degree, to disturb those relations. Russia, the great northern power, under the ju dicious sway of her Err.peror, is constantly ad vancing in the road of science snd improve ment ; while France, guided by the councils of her wise sovereign, 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 Aus tria, the Netherlands, Prussia, Belgium, and the other powers of Europe, reap a rich harvest of blessings from the prevailing peace. 1 infprmed the two Houses of Congress in my message of December last, that instructions had been given to Mr. Wheaton, our Minister at Ber-; lin, to negotiate a treaty with the Germanic Slates 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 enormous duties levied on our tobacco, and other leading ankles of agricultural production, and yielding, in return, on our part, a reduction - . . -. r.i-i of duties on, such articles the production of their, industry; -as should not come into competition, nr hut n limttnrl nno with nrtirlrc flip nrnilnr.t f i 1 . ft T" A. ' w . j nr n nr mn iitiiniiir nrr irwiiieTrtr i no I'.vnmii ivp - ,. S " :nne i':rtu ;t,r ' ' ' ' fo ' ' "o " " v. " ' " " "J " " , sirucuons, consioereu useu of hostilities, lull of threats, i jnuformity with the wishes of;. and whic, if carried enown through several meas- J;usethe attenlion ofaUC lading in strict con PArinrp!, n m!JfJ "o""-J"' " m roL it-1iii- ir KoH irljit-iturl oil A i sfr nr in llin ao 1. " " ,,tt r. Mt' ....t.' V,r cuiuuiistimeni 01 mis in uoriani resuu. iue L.....1.. .,...r... i u: treaty was, therefore, negotiated; by which es- " J , ..Q 1 "J ..i i . 1 :.. .u j...:., . IMLV V .1 - I tlH Tf III rf IiM'JIlI i:ill-?ll IV IV 1111.11 - , ia;,i i, ,u -y..u I nnt f f Vnnfa.n iirimmmlir i t ii n ( ' rt m , on oUr Th- trga communicated to the Senate at an early day of its last session, but not acted upon until near its close; when, for the want, as 1 am bound to presume, of full time to consider it, it wao laid upon the table, This procedure had the effect of virtually re- hereto-Jjecting it, in consequence of a stipulation con tained in the treaty, that its ratifications should be exchanged on or before a day which has al ready passed. The Executive, acting upon the say thai his efforts in this respect have been un successful 1 am nevertheless, not without hope that the great advantages which were in tended to be secured by the treaty, may yet be realized. 1 am happy to inform you that Belgium has, by an 'irreie royale," issued in July last, as similated the flag of the United States to her own, so far as the direct trade between the two countries is concerned. This measure will prove of great seivice to our shipping interest; the trade having heretofore been carried on chiefly in foreign bottoms. I flatter myself that she will speedily resort to a modification of her system relating to the tobacco trade, which would decideuly benefit the agriculture of the United States and operate to the mutual advan tage of both countries. No definitive intelligence has yet been re ceived from our Minister, of the conclusion of a treaty with the Chinese Empire; but enough is1 known to induce the strongest hopes that the mission will be crowned with success. With Brazil our relations continue on the most friendly footing. The commercial intercourse between that growing Kmp.re ah'd the Upited States, is becoming daily of greater importance to, both, and it is the interest of both that the firmest relations of amity and good will should continue to be cultivated between them, The Repubjic of Ndw Grenada still with holds, notwithstanding the most persevering ef forts have been employed by our Charge d'Af faires, Mr. Blackford, to produce a different re sult, indemnity jn the case of the brig uMorris." And tlie Congress of Venezuela, although an arrangement has been effected between our Min ister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that Government, for the payment of 18,000, in dis charge of its liabilities in the same case, has al together npglected to makp provision for its pay men?. It if) to be hoped that a sense of justice willWoort iiidude a settlement of these claims. Our late Minister to1 Chili, Mr. Pendleton, j has returned to the United States, without hav ing effected an adjustment in the second claim of the, Macedonian,-which 'is delayed on grounds altogether frivilous and untenable. Mr. Pen dleton's successor has been directed to urge the claim in the strongest terms; and, in the event of a failure to obtain a permanent adjustment, to report the fact to the Executive at as early a as day possible; so that the whole matter may be communicated to Congress. At your-last ession, I submitted to the atten tion of Congress, the Convention with the Re public of Peru, of the 17th of March, 1811, pro viding for the adjustment of the claims of citi zens "of the United States against that Republic; but no definite action was taken upon the sub ject. I again invite to it your attention and prompt action. In my last Annual Message, I felt it to be my duty to make known to Congress, in terms both plain and emphatic, my opinion in regard to the war which has so long existed between Mexico and Texas: which, since the battle of San Ja cinto, has consisted altogether of predatory in cursions, attended by circumstances revolting to humanity- L repeat now, what I then said, that, after eight years of feeble and ineffectual efforts to recover Texas, it was lime that the war should have ceased. The United States had a direct interest in the question. The con tiguity of the two nations to our territory was 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 necessary consequence, American interests were made to suffer, and our peace be came daily endangered. In addition to which, it must, have been obvious to all, that the ex haustion produced by the war, subjected both Mexico and Texas to the interference of other powers; which, without the interposition of this Government, might eventuate into the most se rious injury to the United States. This Gov ernment, from time to time, exerted its friendly offices to brintr about a termination of hostilities upon terms honorable alike to Doth tne oeinger- ' o ..I 11,- ents Its eltoris in mis ueuau piuvcu uuaiun I jng Mexico seemed, almost without an object, j t0 persevere in the war, and no other alternative was left the Executive but to take advantage of the well-known dispositions of 1 exas, and to enter into a treaty for annexing her territory to that of the United States. unite ruui moi. oiooj.., tn thft war. and has either made, or j tQ makfi formidable preparations for r " .. r i 1 I inv.irlinor Texas. ane lias issuea uecrccs uiiu ! w . t I proclamations preparatory w me com., mm revolting to human- into effect, would nhristnndnm. T Ins i . - . i new demonstration ot leeiing, mere is 100 mucn . uiiwo Inc hppn nrot urea in conse ! reason to believe, has Deen. proaucea in tunse " quence of the negotiation of the late treaty of ) annexation with Texas. The Executive, there- annexation w;tt: proceedings; self as to the reprcsenta- an ijovern- s accordingly the accora- panying despatcn irom me oe-icia.jf ui tn th. llmtprl States Envov at Mexico. Mexico has no right to jeopard 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 1 A war of desolation, sur.h as is now threatened by Mexico, cannot be waged without involving our peace and tranquil tv. It is idle to believe that such a war could be looked upon with indifference by our own citizens, inhabiting adjoining Slates; and our neutrality would be violated, in despite of all ef forts on the part of the Government 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 difficulties, and who would be led by those sympathies to participate in their struggles, however energetic the action of Governn.Rnt to. - prevent it. Nor would the numerous and lor midable bands of Indians, the most warlike to be found in any land, which occupythe cxten- civn ruirinnu fiui'immil.c; to the states of Arkan sas ant? Missouri', and who are in possession of large tracts of country within thelimits-pf lex- na l,n lit-i v tn remain Passive. i ue inclina tion of those numerous tribes lead thern invari ably to war whenever pretexts exist. Mexico had. no just cround of displeasure against this government or people for negotiation- tlin tr..ntv. What interest'bf hers was ef fected by the treaty t She was despoiled of nothing, since Texas was fjrever lost to her. The independence of Texas was recognised by cfii-ml ni tlio lenriinnr nowers of the earth. She was free to treat free to adopt her own linepf policy free to take the course which she oe lieved was best calculated to secure her happi ness. Her government and people decided on annexation to the United States , and tho Exe cutive saw, iu the acquisition of such a territo ry, the means of advancitig their, permanent happiness und glory. Wlut principle ol good fallh Mien was violated ?t So far as Mexicp lit-raelf was concerned, the measure should have bet-n regarded by her as highly bene ficial. Her iuahiliiy to reconquer Te'xas had been exhibited, I repeal, by eight now nine yei-rs of fruitless and ruinuii contest. In ih-' meantime, Texas has been growing in popu lation and resources. Emigration has flowed into her territory, from all parts of the worlds In a current which cuiiiinue to increase in, strength. Alexico requires a permanent boun dary bHUV.ecu filial yourig jepubliund her sejf, Texas, atj ny.isianuAay, .if .she con tinues beparaie audjdeiachvAAoni.iJiQ.TJniled States, will inevitably seek lo consolidate her strength by adding to her domain thejeon tiguous provinces of Mexico. The spirit of revolt from the control of the Central govern ment has, heretofore, manifested itself in Mumt of those provinces, and it is fair n infer "thai the' would he inclined to take iheMirsi fa'riif- able opportunity to proclaim ilieir independ ence, und to form close alliances with Texas. The war would thus be endless, or if-cessa-sions of hostilities should occur, they would only endure for a season. The intereits of Mexico, iherefore, could in nothing be belter consulted than in a peace with her neighbor-, which would result in the establishment' of h. permanent boundary. Upon the ratification of lhe treaty, the Executive was prepartjd.to treat wHi her on the most liberal bais. Hence the boundaries of Texas were left un defined by the treaty. The Executive pro posed to settle these upon terms that all (ho world should have pronounced just ui.d' rea sonable. No negotiation upon tharfrpoim . could have been undertaken between the. 1T. Slates and Mexico, in advance of the ratifi cation of the treaty. ait We should have ha'd no right no power no authority, to have coiiducied-uch a ne gotiation ; and to have undertaken it, .would have been an assumption equally revolting, io the pride of Mexico and Texas, and subject ing us to lhe charge of arrogance ; whilem have proposed, in advance of annexation, to satisfy Mexico for any contingent interest she might have in Texas, wonld have been to have treated Texas, not as an independent power, but as a mere dependency of Mexico. This assumption could not have been acted on by the Executive, without setting at defi ance your own solemn declaration that that Republic was an independent State. Mexi co had, ii is true, threatened war against the United States, in lhe event the Treaty of An uexaiiuu was ratified. The Executive could not permit itself to be influenced by this threat. It represented, in this, the spirit of our People, who are ready lo sacrifice much for peace, but nothing to intimidation. A war, under any circumstances, is great ly to be deplored, and the United States is (he last nation lo desire it ; but if, as the con dition of peace, il be required ol us lo forego the unquestionable right of treating with an independent power, ol our own Continent, upon matters highly interesting lo both, and that upon a naked und unsiistained pretension of claim by a third power, to control the free will of lhe power with whom we treat de voted as we may be to peace, and anxiou to cuhivate friendly relations with lhe whoio world, lhe- Executive does not hesitate tn say that the People of the United States would be ready to brave all consequences, sooner than submit to such condition. But no appre hension of war was entertained by ilie Exec utive ; and 1 must express frankly the opinion thai, had lhe Treaty been ratified by the Sen ate, it would have been followed by a prompt settlement, to the entire satisfaction of Mex tco, of every matter in difference between, ihe-two countries. Seeing then that new pref parations for hostile invasion of Texas were about lo be adopted by Mexico, and that these were brought about because Texas ha adopted the suggestions of ihe Execiitivo upon lhe subject of Annexation, it could not passively have folded its arms and permitted a war, threatened to be accompanied by eve ry act that could mark a barbarous age,- to be waged against her, because she had done so. Other considerations of a controlling characier influenced the course of the Ex ecutive. The1 treaty which had thus been negotiated, had failed to receive the rati fication of the Senate. One of the chief objections which was urged against it, was found to consist in the fact, that theques-, tioi. of annexation had not been submit ted to the 'ordeal of public opinion in' the United States. 'However untenable'stich an objection was esteemed to bo, in view of the unquestionable power of the Exe cutive to negotiate Ihe treaty, and theigreat and lasting interest involved in the, ques tion, I felt it to be my. duty to submit whole subject to Congress as the! best pounders, of popular sentiment. No defi nite action havine been taken on the.,sub. - ject by Congress, lhe question rcfrrrtfd it self directly to the decision of tlu" ot sites and the iWple. Thy great popular elcc which 'has just terminated, afforded the best ppportuiuty qf, ascertaining .ihtr will of the States, and lhe. People, upon. ,it.- pending hnl issue, it becameLlhe .impera tive? iluty pf the Execujivd to. informal es .jcb, that. lite, question of annexation, vas still, before; the American people, and that until their decision was pronounced any seripus invasion of Texas wnujd.jie rti imrded as an attempt, to forestall their judgment, and qould not be.JyoM;d upon with indillerence. I tm most, happy inform you. thaln.q sncb iqyasipjphas jaken place;, .and tust that ypate,ypjirac tir
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