Newspaper Page Text
c-
,yy ^
9 ~r.
2 J
THE
CJ-IA TELE ORAPH--^fa.
drlA C'OJT, DECEMBER 10, 1845.
TilK PRESIDENT’S MESSACE.
Tlic find. annual tjirsapgy of President Poi.k
wai tr'ansftut^eJ to both Houses of Congress on
Tu.-sdav the 21 inst- 0*iag to tlie failure of
the Not them Mail bcyoml Charleston on Sat
urday last, wc did not receive it in time for our
regular publication on 1 nesday nioruing, and
the great anxiety ewerd by all classes to know
its contents at the e.t'liest moment, induces us
to lay it be’ore our renders to-day in advance
of our nsuuf i-suo.
We weigh our jtvorils well, when wc predirt
for this messnee an influence on tho public
mind which has not ationdid any other oxecu-
tivo document, siucejhe'adminwtration of the
great man who has been lately Called to receive
the rewards of his eminently, virtuous, and
well spent life. President Polk gives renewed
assurance that the‘.Republicans m no section of
tho Union were deceived in the faith at d trust
which tin y put in his jfrmciples when they call
ed him to preside over the destinies of this
great country.
Tho message commences with an eloquent
allusion to the benign ;uid salutary influence of
our institutions, our unexampled progress in
all the elements which constitute national great
ness, and u devout ncknow'etlgemeni of the in
fluence of Him in whose hands are the iles’i-
nies of tuition?, and without whoso approbation
am] superintending Providence, the utmost ef
forts of human wisdom are ftuitlcss and una
vailing.
The happy achievement of the annexation of
Texas which lias been accomplished by the
homage of each people to the great principles
of our system and not by force or the sword,
next receives his attention, and confidence is
expressed that neither Republic will have
cause to regrot the union.
Our relations with Mexico arc next brought
before the attention of Congress; upon this
question, strong and manly ground is taken.—
A special mess nger has been appointed to re
pair to the Mexican Capitol, clothed with full
power to settle all questions and pending diffi
culties with that government, until the result of
this mission is known he recommends that no
other measures of redress should be taken by
this government.
The vexed question of the Oregon negotia
tion is treated at length, and the American peo
ple will sustain him in the patriotic stand he
has taken in regard to our rights in that quar
ter.
On the Tariff, President P*dk plants himself
on the great Republican platform. A reduc
tion ofthe tariff of 1S42, to n revenue standard,
is recommended. Tne ii justice and inequality
ofthe present bill, are sketched with a master’s
hand. It is maintained tint the farmers and
planters, who toil in the field, are as much
entiilcd to have their labor, their “domes! ic
industry” protected, as any other class of citi
zens whatsoever. His recommendation to abol"
ish the deceptive and swindling system of mini,
mums will meet the approbation pf every Re
publican at the North as well as at tho South.
On the Sub-Treasury lie reiterates bis-for
mer opinions, and insists that a separation of
the public moneys from all Banks is indispen
sable to the security of the public funds and the
rights of the people. But we wilt riot attempt
to°give even the outline? of this paper, we
will only add here a word more. This mes-
sage will be received.with enthusiasm through-
out tho Union—it will give its author a popu.
larity ns bread as the bounds of Republican
principles and as towering as Ins country’s
fame. i —
PRESIDENT’S MESSjA.qE.
Ftll.iweilizens if the Senate and House of Repre
sentative of the United Sin,e>. ' ’
It i< lo me a source of unaffected satisfacloin to meet
the Representatives of lire tftak* and tl.e p-oj.ld in
Con-uess assembled, as it "ill be to receive tl.c aid of
theircombined wisdom in ihe administration of pub-
lie affairs- In performing. fi» the find lime, Ihe duly
inum-edon me by tbe constitution, of giving to you
Ihe infmnalioa of Ihe Stole of Ihe Union, and recom
mending to your con iJeratiou auch inrn.urcsas in my
ndtmrat are ne.c-imry and expedient. I n.n happy
U.al l can congratulate yon on ihe conlmoed pmspen-
! of our country. Un.ler tho blowings of Umne
Providence and the benian influence of our fr.o in
stitution*. it -nods WJW* * spvct.ele of r.a-
\V i uT o u r°u n ox a m p Ic d advancement in all ihe clc-
mrnts of national crcitl.es, the all cti .n of the peo-
„lc ia confirm, d (or Ac U lion of ihe States. qn.l for
the doctrines of popular liberty, which tie at ihe foun-
datioo of oor government.
n becomes us, in humility, to mat c our devout oc-
koowledgm nu to the Supreme Ruler of the L'myerse
for the iuealinublc civil and religious ble.-*in S a tvilli
which wc are favored.
In calling the attention of Congress to our relations
with foreign Powers, t um gratified lo be able lo stale,
Ihnl. though with some of them there have existed
since our last arts-*"! 1 serious causes of ir itatm . s.U
* ur.deistaiiding, vet no arlu it hna'ililies luvotak. n
n J r \i|o"ling ihe maxim in iha c.u du -t of our
CSS.' affair*, to •• n-K nothing that ia not right, and
' , , . , .r.ii.e that is vviong. it bus turn my sen-
*“ “‘ue h. pivserve peace -vilh all nationa; but. at
ThcVame time.'? be prepared lo ic.iai agg.ca.loii, and
to maintain all our just ugh’-.
I„ ..ur.U-.uce ul thrjmnt rrralirmn nfjLobgrew.
■ i r min xing Texas to tho United States, my pred-
e r e,sor. on .he ihu.ld .y of Maul., id In, elecled to
sl hunt the rust and sen d section, of that resolution
f „C republic of Texas, as ,.n ovefn c. on ihe part !
r ‘ United States, for her .i lnvsnmt as a Slate Into
0 l ?Lp» This elccli-n 1 approved, and aciMidinglj
our 1 , J Affsirs of the Unit.d Stales-in Tcxa*.
* l*rin»11*00lions of the 10th March. 1815, presented j
these «ecti°" 8 of .he resolution* f.r the acceptance of ,
that Republic. The executive government, tho Uft- !
b and ihe people of Texas, in c -nvcnlion, have
*' CS *’ • ,,i- complied with ull the Bums and condi-
r the mint icaivlutiotl. A constiiu*ion for the i
tni.* of i of Tl . xns formed by a con- ,
80Ve,,,n ’ 1 , e,.ia herewith l-id before CjUgrcs.
• .1 I .** itiiiuo ul annt xation, jiiti full*
h«v© Bccr|.lfd UiC
iictl ill© i)|J11H11*^D. ti-
I nieatc lo Untie’*** .he correspondence be- .
tv. ceil the Secretary ..I Sum and our U.a.gc d Affairs .
if, Texas; jl 0 the com*; oru.cnce ofthe fetter |
*„!, tire authorities. I Tot.*: mgrlher with the offi.
ci"l documents transmuted by him lo n.s own govern-
■sent.
Thu terms of annexation which tvpre offered by the
United States, having been acicph d by Texas, the
public f ill, ol both parties is solrmnly pledged lo the
compact of thtir union, i Nothin? remains toconsum-
in .te thij .event,.but the passage of cn act by Congress
tna.li.nl the State of Texas’into Ihe Union upon an
. qual footing wilh ibe original States. Strong reasons
exist why this should be done .it an early period "of
the session. It will be observed that, by the constitu
tion of Texas, Ihe existing government is only con
tinued temporarily till Congress esn act; and that the
IhirJ M-ndsyoftbe present mouth is Ihe day appoint
ed lor bolding the ifi.al general election. On that day
a g vernni, a lieutcnsivl-govcrnor, and both brunches
rf the legislature, will be chosen by the people. The
President of Texas is irquiicd immediately after the
rrcript of official inf.-rniHlion that the new Slalc has
been admillcd into our Union by Congress, to convene
Ihe legislature, and, upon its meeting, tbe existing
government will be sopeiseded, and tie State govern
ment organized. Questions deeply interesting to Tex
as, in common with the other Stales; the extension of
our revenue laws and judicial syrtem over her people
and ter-itorv, a* well as measures of a local character,
will claim ihe early attention of Congress; and, thrir-
fo:e, upon every principle of republican government,
she ought lo he represented in that body without un-
nrcrssary dtlay. I cannot too earnestly recommend
prompt action on this important subject.
As soon us Ihe act loa.lnut Texas as a State shall be
passed, the union of the two republics will be con
summated by their own voluntary consent.
This accession to our territory has been a bloodless
acl.iev. meal. No arm of f.rce has been raised to
produce ibe result. The hands had no part in the vic
tory. Wc have not sought to extend our territorial
posses-ion* liy conquest, or our republican institutions
over a reluctant people. It was the deliberate homage
of caib people to Ihe great principle of our federative
union.
If tve consider the extent of ter.itory involved in
the annexation-T-its prospective influence on America
—tl.e means by which it has been accomplished,
springing purely from the choice of the people them
selves to share the blessing* of our Union—the history
of the world may be- challenged to furnish a parallel.
The jniisdicliou of the Uuiied Slates, which at the
formation of the federal constitution was bounded by
the th. Mary’s, on the Atlantic, has passed tbe Capes
of Florida, and been peacefully extended to the Uel
Nolle. lu contemplating the grand.-ur of this event,
it is not to he forgotten that the result was achieved
in despite of the diplnmaiic ii.lrrfeiruce of European
monarchic*. Even Frame—tl.e country which had
Ueu an ancient ally—the country which has a com
mon interest with us in maintaining tho fieedom of
ibe seas—the country which, by the cession of Loui
siana, first opened to ua access to the Cuff of Mexico
—the country wilh which we have been every year
drawing more and more closely the bonds of success
ful commerce—most unexpectedly, and to our un-
feigh.d ‘regret, look part in an rfi'ort to prevent the an
nexation «f Texas, as a condition of the recognition
ot her iude|>eudcuce by Mexico, that she would never
join herself to tho United Stale*. We may rejoice
that tbe tranquil and |>ervading influence of the Amrri-
cin principle of self-government was sufficient to de
feat ihe purposes of British and French intciference,
and that the almost unanimous voice of the people of
Texas lias-given to ttiat interference a peaceful and ef
fective rebuke. From this example, European gov
ernments may learn bow vain diplomatic arts and in-
tiigucs must ever prove upon this continent, against
that system of self-government which seems nutursl to
our soil, and wHi.h will ever resist foreign interference.
Toward* Texas I do not doubt that a - liberal and
generous spirit will actuate Cougreso in all that con
cerns her interest* and prosperity, and that she will
never have cause to regret that she bus united her
m lone star” to our glorious constellation.
I regret to infuim you that our relations with Mexi
co, since your last session, have not been of ibe amica
ble diameter which it Is our desire to cultivate with all
foreign nations. On the aixth day of March last, Ihe
Mexic-ip' envoy extraordinary anil minister plenipo
tentiary to the United States, made a formal protest,
in the naote of bis government, against the joint rcso-
lutian’ pissed by Congress **.for the annexation of
Texas to the United Slates,” which he chose to regard
as a violation of tho rights of Mexico, and, in conse
quence of it, he demanded his pa-spoils. Ho was in
form. d that the government of the United States did
not consider ibis joint resolution as a .violation of any
ot the rights of Mexico, or that it affuidrd any jost
cause of ollince to bis government; that the Repub
lic of Texas Was an independent power, owing no al
legiance to Mexico, and constituting no part of her
territory or r'gittful sovereignty and jurisdiction, lie
was also assured that it was the sincere desire of this
government to maintain with that of Mexico relations
of peace and good understanding. That functionary,
however, notwithstanding these representations and
assurances, abruptly tciminated bis mission, and short
ly afterwards left the country. Our Envoy Extraordi
nary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Mcjico, was re
fused all intercourse’ with that government, and after
remaining several months, hy the permission of bis
own government, lie returned ta the United State*.—
Thus by the act* of Mexico, all diplomatic intetcourrc
between the two countries was suspended.
Since that lime Mexico hn*. until recently, occupied
an attitude of hostility towards tbe.Unitcd States—lias
been m ir*bf.!ling and organizing armies, issuing proc-
famotians, ar.d avowing the intention to make war on
the United Slates, cither by an open declaration, or by
invading Tex is. Both the Congress and the Conven
tion of the-people of Texas invited this Cnvcrnment
to send an army into that tcnituiy, to protect and de
fend them against the menaced attack. The moment
thu terms of annexation, offered by tho United Stales,
were accepted by Texas, the latter brcainc so far a pait
of our own country, aa to make it our duty to afford
such priiieetirml and d- ft nee. I therefore deorord it
proper, precautionary measure, lo order a strong
squadron to the coast of Mexico, and to cuncenira'e a
sufficient military force on the wcsti rn frontier of Tex
as. Our aruiy . was ordered to take position in the
country between the Nueces and the Uel Norte, and
to repel any invasion on tho Toxinti territory which
might be attempted by the Mexican forces. Our squad
ron in the Cuff wa* ordered to co-operate wilh the
army. But though our army amt navy were placed in
a j.osiiioi»to drfend our own ar-dthe right* of Texas,
they were ordered trfeommit no act of hostility against
Mexico, utiles* *ho declared war, or tvav herself the
aggressor by striking the first blow. The result has
been, that Mexico has made no aggressive movement,
ami our military and n:ivu! commander* hare executed
iheir orders wilh such discretion, that the peace of the
two republics ha* not been d'sturla-d,
Texas had declsrc.l her independence, and maintain
ed it by her arms f->r mo etl.an nine years. She has
ha-l an organized government in successful operation •
during that period. IJer separate existence as on in-
dep.ndent Slate, ha j' been lecogniznl hy the United
Htule* and the principal Power* ol Europe. Treaties |
of coinmrrce and navigation had been concluded with j
her by different uutioua. and it had’become manifest to j
the wbolo woilJ tb.t uny fuithcr attempt" on the pait j
of Mexico to conquer her, nr overthrow b. r govern- j
nient, would he vain. Even Mexico herself had be- :
come salirficd of iltUTact; and whilst the question of
annexation was pending l«forc the people of Texas, i
durinz die ;-asi summer, the government of Mexico, j
by a formal net, ogreod lo recognise Ihe independence [
of Texas, on condit.oii that she xvould no! annex her- |
self to any other power. Tl.e agreement to icknowl- |
edge tho independence of Tcxa*. whether with or j
without this comiiiton. is conclusive against Mexico. :
The independence of Texas is a fict conceded by |
.Mexico herself, and she had no right or authority to
preser be rc-nictioiis as to Ihe loim of goverjimen't
wbiJi Texas niiglil alt. rward* chu-iso lo assume.
But though Mexico cannot complain of the United
Slates, on account of tl.e annexation of I exas, it isto
be rcgicttcJ that serious causes of misunderstanding
between the t wo countries continue lo exist, growing
out i f unred'i'ssrd injuries inflicted by .the Mexican
authorities and people on the persona and property f
cjttnns of the United States, thiough a long «ries or
vears. Mexico ha* aimiilcd tbese injuries, but has j
neglected and refused to repair them. Such wa» tl.e l
character of tho wrongs, and such the insults repeat- .
cdlv offered to American citizens and the American
flag by Mexico, in palpable violation of the laws of
nation* and the treaty between the two counl'ies of
the 5:hof April, 1831. that they have been repeatedly
brought lo the notice of Congress by my predecessors.
As cuily as the Sih of February, 1837, the President
of the Un ted Slates declared in a message to Con
gress, that *• the length of time since some of tho in
juries have been committed, the repealed and unavail
ing applications for redrrss, the wanton character of
some of tho outrages upon the persons and property of
our citizens, upon the officers and flag of the United
States, irdi-prndcnl of recent insults to this govern
ment and people bv the late Extraordinary Mexican
Minister, would justify, in the eyes of all nations, im
mediate war.” Hu did not, however, recommend an
iu.meJiate rcaott to this extreme measure, which, ho
declared “should not be used by just and generous
na'ions, confiding in their strength, for injuries com
mitted, if it can be honorably avoided j” but, in a spir
it of fuibraranre, proposed that another demand be
made on Mcxict for that redress which had been so
long and unjustly withheld. In these views, Com
mittees of the two Houses of Congress, in reports
made in their respective bodies, concurred. Since
these proceedings more than eight years have elapsed,
duiing which, in addition to the wrongs then com
plained of. others of an aggravated character have been
committed on the persons and property of our citizens.
A special agent was sent to Mexico in the summer of
1838, with full authority to make another and final
deman I for redress. The demand was made; the
Mexican government promised to repair the wrongs of
which wo complained, and after much delay, a treaty
of indemnity with that view was. concluded between
the two Powers on tho I lih of April, 1839, and was
duly ratified by both Governments.
By ibis treaty s joint commission was created lo
adjudicate and decide on tbe claims of American citi
zens on tho Government of M- xico. The commission
wasoigvnized at Washington on the 25th day of Au
gust, 1810. Their time was limited lo eighteen
months, at the oxpiratinn ol which they had adjudi
cated and decided claims amounting to two millions
twenty-six thausand one handled and thirty-nine dol
lars and sixty eight cents, in favor of tho citizens of
the United States against the Mexican Government,
leaving a large amount ol claims undecided. Of the
latter, tho American commissioners had decided in fa
vor of our citizens, claims amounting lo nine hundred
and twenty-eight thousand six hundred and twenty-
seven dollars and eighty-eight cents, which were lift
unacted on by the umpire authorized by the treaty.—
Still further claims, amounting to between three and
four millions of dallars. wore submitted to tbe board
too late to be considcercd, and were left undispo ed of.
The sura of two millions and twenty-six thousand one
hundred and thi'ty-nine dollars and sixty-eight cent*,
decided by the board, was a liquidated and asccitained
debt due by Mexico to the claimants, and there was
no justifiable leasou for delaying its payment according
to the terra* of the treaty. It was not,.however, paid.
Mexico applied for further indulgence; and in that
spirit of forbearance and liberality which has ever
marked the policy of the United States towards that
Republic, the request was granted ; and on lhe3!llh of
January, 1843, a new treaty was concluded. By this
treaty, it was provided that the interest due on tho
awards in favor of claimant*, under the Convention of
tbe lljh of April, 1839, should be paid on the 30th of
Apiil, 1843; mid that “ibe principal of the said
awards, oud the interest arising thereon, shall be paid
in five years, in five equal instalments every three
months; the said term of five years to commence on
tt.e 30ih day of April, 1843, os aforesaid.” Tho in
terest due on the 30lh day of April, 1843, and the
three first of tho twenty instalment*, have Item paid.
Seventeen of these instalments remain unpaid,- seven
of which are now due.
The claims w^ich wera left undecided by the joint
commission, amounting to more than three millions of
dollars, together wilh other claims f-.r spoliations on
t-niber, 1844, gave a receipt to the treasury of Mexico
for the amount of the April and July instalments of
the indemnity.
In the same communication, however, he asserts that
he bud not received a single dollar in ca»h ; but that
he holds such securities as warranted him at the lima
in giving the receipt, and entertains no doubt but that
he will eventually obtain the money. As these instal
ment* appear never to have been actually paid by the
government of Mexico to the agent, and as that govern
ment has not therefore been released so as to discharge
the claim, I do not feel myself warranted in directing
payment to he made to tbe claimants nut ofthe treasu
ry, without further legislation. Their case is, undoubt
edly one of mueh hardship ; and it remains for Ccn-
gicss to decide whether any, and wbai, relief ought to
bo granted to them. Our minister to Mexico has Keen
instructed to ascertain the facta of the case from the
Mexican government,in an authentic and official form,
and report the result with as little delay as possible.
My attention was eatly directed to ,he negotiation,
which, un the fourth of March last; I found pending at
Washington between the United States and Great
Britain, on the subject ofthe Uregon territory. Three
several attempts had been previously made to s- ttlo the
question in dispute between tho two countries, ay ne
gotiation, upon the principle of comptoniise ; but each
had proved unsuccessful.
These negotiations took place at London, in the
years 1818, 1824, and 1826; the two first under the
administration of Mr. Monroe, and the last under that
of Mr. Adams. The negotiation of 1818 having failed
to accomplish its object, resulted in tbe convention of
the 20th of October of that year. By the third article
of that convention, it was •* agreed, that any country
that may be claimed by either party on the northwest
coast of America, westward of the S(uny mountains,
shall together with its harbors, bays, and creeks, and
the navigation of all rivets within the same, be free and
open for the term of ten years from the dale of the sig
nature of tho convention, to the vessels, citizens, & sub
jects of the two powers; it being well understood that
this agreement is not to be construed to the prejudice
of any claim which either of the two high contracting
parties may have to any part of said country, nor shall
it be taken to affect the claims of any other power or
State to any part of said countiy; tire only object of
the high coutracling parlies in that resp-ect being, to
prevent dispulcs and difleiences among themselves.”
The negotiation of 1824 was productive of no result,
and the convention of 1818 was left unchanged.
The negotiation of 1826, hj»ing also failed to effect
an adjustment by compiomise, resulted in the ennv, n-
tinn of August the sixth, 1827, by which it was agreed
to continue in force, for an indefinite period, the pro
visions of the third article of the convention of ihe
twentieth of October, 1818; and it was further provid
ed, that “ it shall be competent, however, to either, of
the contracting pirtics, in ca.-e citln-r should think lit,
at any time alter tho twentieth of October, 1828, on
giving due notice of twelve months to the other con
tracting party, to annul and abrogate this convention;
and it shall, in such case, be accordingly annulled and
abrogated after tbe expiration of the said term of no
tice,” In thesq attempts to adjust the controversy,
the parallel of the forty ninth degree of north latitude
had been offered by the United Stales to Great Brit
ain, and in those of 1818 and 1826, with a further
concession of the free navigation of the Columbia river
south of that latitude. The parallel of the forty-ninth
degree, from the Koiky mountains to its intersection
with the northeasteminnst branch ofthe Columbia,
and thence down the channel of that river lo thr sea.
had been offered hy Great Britain, with an addition of
asmalld-tached territory north of the Columbia. Both
of these propositions had been rejected by the parties
respectively.
In October, 1843. the Envoy Extraordinary & Min
ister Plenipotentiary ofthe U. S. in London, was au
thorized to make a similar offer to those made in 1848
and 1826. Thu* stood the question, when the nego-
tho property of our citizens, were '(subsequently 'p r e- *'tiati«n was shortly afterwards transferred to Wab
sented to the Mexican governmciit.for pay incut, mid
m m soJsrxengnpdL phol^xj^y.^nr^v jd^ng for their
examination arid settlement by ajkint'cemmRsion;
was concluded ai d signed al Mexico on the 2l>th of
Novemlier, 1^43; This lieaty Hvas rutified by tho
United States, with certain amendments, lo which no
just exception could have been taken: Mt it ha* not
yet ‘received tho ■ ratification of tbe Mcxjyuti govern
ment. In the meantime, our citizens, who have suf
fered great losses, and some of whom ba*e |WP re
duced from affluence to bankruptcy, nre without rem
edy. unless their rights be enforced by their govern
ment. Such a continued and unprovoked scries of
wrongs could never have been tolerated by the United
States, had they been committed by one of the princi
pal nations of Europe. Mexico was. however, a neigh
boring si»ler republic, which, following our cxnmplo,
had achieved her independence, and for whose success
and ptosperity all our sympathies were early enlisted.
The United Slatos were the first to recognize her in
dependence, and to rereivo her into tbe family of na
tions, and have e»cr been desirous of cultivating with
her a good understanding. We have, therefore, borne
the repealed wrongs shu has coramitlcil, with gieit
patience, in the hope that a returning sense of justice
would ultimately, guide her councils, and that we
might, if possible, honorably avoid any hostile colli
sion with her. ^ .,.1/
Without the previous authority of Congress, the
Executive posicssed no-power to"adept or 'eufolce ade
quate rcriiedies for the Injuries we had suffered, er to
do more than be prepared to repel tbe threatened ag
gression on the part of Mexico. After our army and
navy had remained on the frontier and coasts of Mexi
co for many weeks, without any hostile movement on
her part, though her menaces were continued, I deem
ed it important to put an end, if possible, to this state
of thing*. With this view, I caused steps to be t .ken
in the Month of Scptemhei last, to ascertain distinctly,
and in an authentic form, what the designs of the
Mexicans were; whether it was their intention to de
clare war, or invade Texas, or whether they were dis
posed to settle, in an ami. able manner, the pending
d.(Terences between the two countries. On the ninth
of November an otfici.il answer was received, that tbe
Mexican government cunsentrd to renew the diplo
matic relations which had been suspended in March
last, and for that purpose were willing to accredit a
minister from Ibe Uuited States. With a sincere de
sire to preserve peace, and restore relations ot goo.)
understanding between ilia two. republics. 1 waived all
ceremony as to the manner of renewing diplomatic in
tercourse between them; and, assuming tho initiave,
on the tenth of November a distinguished citizen of |
Louisiana was appointed Envoy Exlraoidinaiy and j
irgtnn; and on ttic 23d of August, 1844,. was for
mally opened, under the direction of my, immediate
predecessor. Like all tho previous negotiations, it
was based upon principles of “compromise,''’-'and the
avowed purpose of the parties was. “to treat of fbe
,resjjecti«u eluims of the two countries to the Oregon
.territory, with the view to establish a permanent honor
dary betweeri them westward ofthe Rocky mountains
to the Pacific Ocean.” Accordingly, on the twenty-
sixth of August, 1844. the British plenipotentiary
offered to divide lhe Oregon torriloiy by ihe forly-ninth
parallel ol North latitude, from the Rocky mountains
lo ibe point of its intersection with the northeastern-
most branch of the Columbia river, and thence down
that river to ihe scf; leaving the free navigation ofthe
river to he enjoyed in common by both parties—the
country south of this line lo belong to tbe U. States,
and that North of it to Great Britain. At the same
lime, he proposed, in addition, to yield to the Uniled
Slates a detached territory north ot the (Columbia, ex
tending along the Pacific anJ ihe Straits ofFuca, from
Bulfinch’s hatbor inclusive to Hoods canal, and to
make freo !o the U. States any port or ports south of
latitude forty-nine degrees, which they might desire,
entire on the main land, or on Quadra and Vancouv
er’s island. , With the exception of the fire ports, this
was the same offer which bad been made by Ihe Brit
ish, and rejected by the Ameiican government in the
negotiation of 182C. This proposition was properly
rejected hy the American plenipotentiary on the day it
was submitted. This was tl e only proposition of com
promise offered by Ihe British plenipotentiary. The
proposition on the pari of Gieat Britain having been
rejected, the British plenipotentiary requested that a
proposal should be madv by the G. States far an “equi
table adjustment of the question.”
When I came into office, I found this to be the state
of the negotiation. Though entertaining the settled
conviction, that the British pretensions of title could
not be maintained loany portion of the Oregon terri
tory upon any principle of public law recognised by
nations, yet in deference to what had been done by
my predecessois, and especially in consideration that
propositions of compromise had been thrice raude by
two preceding administrations, lo adjust he question
on the parallel of forty-nine degrees, and in two of
them yielding to Great Britain the free navigation of
the Columbia, and that the pending negotiation had
been commenced on the basis of compromise, I deem
ed it to be my duty not abruptly to break it off. In
consideration, too, that under the conventions of ISIS
and 1827 tl.e citizens and subjects of the two P..wcrs
held a joint occupancy of the country, I w as induced
to make another effort to settle this long-pend lie c n
i and this government will he relieved from nil responsi
bility which may follow the failure to settle the con
troversy.
All attempts atconipromise having failed, it becomes
the duty of Congress to consider what measures it may
be proper to adopt for the security and protection of our
citizens now inhabiting, or wlio may hereafter inhabit
Oreg*n. and for the maintenance ol our just title to that
territory. In adopting measures for this purpose, care
should he taken fiat nothing he dune to violate the stip
ulations of the convention of 18’i7, which is still in ferce.
The faith of treat cs. in their letter nut! spir I, has ever
been, ned l trust will ever ho, scrupulously observed
by the U. States. Under that convention, a year’s no-
lice is required to be given by either party to "the other,
before the joint ocenparicy shall terminate, and before
cither can rightfully asseitor exercise exclusire juris
diction over any portion ot the territory. This notice it
would he in tny judgment, be piopcr io give; and 1 re
commend that provision he made hv law for giving it
accordingly; and terminating; m this manner, the con
vention of the si vh of August, 1827.
Ii will become proper lor Uongresslodctermine what
legislation they, can, in the meantime adopt, without
violating this coivcniion. Beyond all question, the
protection of omlaws mid our jurisdiction, civil »nJ
criminal, ought to he i in mediately extended over our
citizens in Oregon. They bod jnst cause lu 1 complain
of our long neglect in ilns j (articular, and liuve. in con
sequence been compelled, jor their own security and
protection, to establish piovi>ionuI government for them
selves. Strong in their allegiance, and ardent in their
attachment lo ihe U. Sluies, they have been tlius cast
upon tbeir n*n resource*. They are anxious that our
laws slionM tie extended over iliem, amt 1 recommend
that this bp done by Congress WitbU little delay ns pos
sible, in the full extent to which the British Parliament
have proceeded in regard to British subjects ill that ter
ritory, hv their Act ol July 2d, 1821, "tor regolaiing
the fur-trade, and dewMishing e criminal and civil ju
risiliction within certain parts of North America.” tty
this act Great Britain extended her laws and jurisdic
tion, civil and criminal, over her subjects engaged in
the fur tiuilc in that territory. By it, the courts of the
province of Upper Canada were empowered to take cog
nizance of cases, civil and criminal. Justices of the
peace, mid other judicial ofiiceis were authorized to he
appointed in Oregon, with power to execute all process
issuing from the courts of that province, and to**riland
hold courts of record for the trial of criminal offences
and misdemeanors,” not made the subject of capital,
punishment, nndatso of civil cases, where the cause ol.
action shall not “exceed in value the amount or sum ol
two hundred pounds.”
Subsequent to the date of this act of Parliament, a
grant was made from the “British crown” to.the Hud
son’s Bay Company ol the exclusive Irade with the In
dian tiiiies in Ihe Oregon territory, subject to a reserva
tion that it shall not operate to the exclusion “of the
subjects of uuy f ireign Stale who, under or by force rf
any convention fcr Ilia tune being, between us and such
foreign estates lesppclivcly, may be entitled to. and
shall be engaged in, tbo sent traile.”
It is milch lo lie regretleil that, while under thi* Hct
! British subjects tmve enjoyed the protection ot British
laws and British judicial tribunals ifiiongbuut tbe wlioler
^ of Oregon, American citizens, in the same territory,
i have enjoyed no snch protection from iheir government.
At the suine time, the result illustrates ihe character of
our people and iheir institutions. In spite ol tin* ne
glect, thev bare multiplied, and their number is rap
idlv increasing in lliat territory. They have made no
appeal to arms, but have peacefully foriilied themselves
in Iheir new homes, by the adoption of republican, in
stitutions for themselves; furnishing another example
of the truth that selt-govcrnuieiil is inherent in the A-
inerican breast, nnd must prevail. It is due lo them
that tliev should beembrueed ami protected by ourlaws.
Ii is deemed important that our laws regulating u ndo
nnd intercourse with Ihe Indian tribes easi ul tire Rocky
Mountains, should be extended to such tribes.as dweh
h.’.v and them.
The increasing emigration to Oregon, nnd the care
and protection which isdue from the government to its
citizens in that distant region, make it our duty, i.s it
is our interest, so cultivate amicable relations with the
Indian tribes of that territory. For this purpose. I re
commend that provision be made for establishing cn In
dianagency, and such siih-.-.geneies ns may he deemed
necessary, beyond the Kockv Mountains.
For the protection of emigrants whilst on their way
to Oregon, against the attack ofthe Indian tribes occu
pying the Muain through which they pass, t recom
mend that a su table number of stockades and block-
holloa forts be.“.reeled along the usual runle between
our frontier settlements on the .Missouri nnd Ihe Rocky
mountains, nnd lltulon adequate force of iiminteil ri
flemen be raised lo guard and protect them on theirjonr-
ney. 'The immediate adoption of these recommenda
tions hy Congress will not violate the provisions of the
existing trealv. It will be doing nothing more for A-
inencan citizens than British laws h ive long since done
for Britishsubjects in the same territories. - .
It requires several months to perforin the voyage- by
sen from the Atlantic Citntes to Oregon; and although
wo have n largo number of whale ships in tho Pacific,
hilt few of ^iem afford nn opportunity of interchanging
intelligence, without great delay, between nnr seille-
ments in that di-t int region nmf the United Stales.—
An overland limit is believed to he entirely practicable ;
and the importance of establishing such a mail, nr least
once a month, is submitted to. the favorable considera
tion ofConpress. . .... u
It is submitted to the nisdomof Congress to determ
ine, whether, at their present session, and until niter the
expiration ofthe year’s notice, any; other measure may
he adopted, consistently with tho convention of 18-‘7,
for the security ol our rights, nnd the government and
forth not to be considered a* subjects far future coloni
zation by any European Power.’
This principle will apply witbgrenilv increased force,
should an European power attempt lo establish any new
colony ill North America. In ihe existing circumstan
ces of [he world, the present is deemed a proper occasion
to reiterate and lenitirm the principle avowed by Mr.
Monroe, and to state my cordial concurrence in it* wi»-
dom and sound policy. The. re-assertion of tlii* princi
ple, especially in reference to NorU) America, is at this
day hut the promulgation oi’n polia.v which no F.uropc.-
an (lower should c!.eri-li tba disposition U>. ffaiat- Ex
isting right* of every European nation should he re
spected; but it is due alike jp our safety and our inter
ests, that tho efficient protection of oor laws should bo
extended over our.whole territorial limit*, ami that it
should he distinctly announced to the world as our set-
tied pole y, that no f.iimc European colony or domin
ion shall, w nil nnr consent, lie piaotrd or established on
any part of [he N'nrih American continent. - 1 ■**
A question has recently arisen under the tenth article
of the snl.-f isting treaty between the t niled State* and
Prussia By this article, the consuls of the connlrirs
have the light lo sil as judges and arbitrators “ii; *ucb
dilo-rencas as ron v a rim In iw ecu ihe captain* and crew s
of die ves-cls belonging to tbe na’.ion vvlmss inteiasla
are coimnilied to their charge, without die interference’
of the local anthorilius, unle.-s the gondiic,t of the captain
shoiilddistuib the order or tmnquilitv ofthe country;
or the said consul* shoptld requiiq their assistance to
cause the decisions to ho carried mto ellVcl or supported.”
The Prussian consul at New Bedford, jn June, 1844;
applied to Mr. Justice Story to entry into i fleet a decis
ion made by him between die captain and crew of the
Prussian ship Bnuriss'i; lull the request was refused on
the ground lliat, without previous legislndon by Con
gress, the judiciary did not possess the power to give ef
fect to this article ill the treaty. The Prussian govern
ment, through their minister here, have complained of
this violation ofthe treaty, ami have asked the govern
ment of the United States to adopt the necessary meas
ures to preventsimilarviolalions hereafter. Good faith
to Prussia, as w ell n* to ether nations wilh whom we
have similar treaty stipulations, requires that these
should he faithfully observed- I have deemed it proper,
therefoie, to lay the subject before Congress, and to re
commend such legislation ns n sy be necessary to give
effect to these treaty obligation*.
By virtue of an arrangement node between (he Span
ish government and thut ofthe I'nited Stales, in Decem
ber, lodl, American vessels, since die iwenty-ninth of
April, 1840, have been admitted to entry in the ports of
Spain, including those of the Bclenric and Canary Isl
ands,on payment of the same tonnage duty of five cents
per ton, ns though the.y hud been Spanish vessel*; and
this, whether our vessels arriv- in Spain directly from
the United States,or indirectly from nry other country
When Congress,by die net of the thirteenth of July,
1830, gave effect lo this arrangement between the two
governments, they confine flip reduction of tonnage du
ly incielv lo.Sjmiiisli vessels “comipg frryi) a pint in
Spain,” leov ii.g the form-r liis' timinadng doty lu ro-
maiu against such vessel* coming from a port in any oth
er country. It ia'inunifestly unjust thut, whilst Amari-
ciu: vessels, airivmg in tnpppris ol .’sjiain from oibr*
countries, should he subjected lo heavy discriminating
tonnage duties. This igiieiflierpqmdily nor reciprocity,
amt is in viola'inn of do-arrangement concluded in De
cember, iSJl,between the lwo countries. The Spanish
government (liave made repeated and enrnent remon
strance against this inequality, and die favorable atleu-
tion ol Congress has been several times invoked to tho
subject by my pn deecssors. J recon mend, as an act of
justice to"Spain, that this inequality he removed by Con
gress, nml ilhat tbe discriminating linlies which have
been levied tinder die n, tof the thirteenth of July, 1332,
on Spanish vessels coming to,the t ailed State* from
uny oilier foreign country, be refunded. Tins recom
mendation does not embrace Spanish Vessels arriving in
the United States from Cuba and PqrtO Rico, which
will siill remain subject to the provisiiins of die act of
J line 30th,„1834, concerning tonnage duty on such ves
sels.
By an octof the fourteenth of .fidy, 4832, coffee was ex|
enm'.eii Ir an (buy abogedier. 'I in-, exemption was un
versal. without reference to the country where it was prol
duced. or the national character of the vessel in which iJ
was imported. By the tai iti act of die thirtieth ofAugustl
1842, ibis exemption from duty was restricted lo coffee ii “
ported ill American vessels from die place of its produ
lion; whilst coffee imported under all other circumstance^
was subjected to a duty of twenty per cent nd valorem.,
Under tliis act, and our existing treaty with the King of •'
Netherlands, Java coffee imported from the European pc
of that kingdom into the United States, whether in Dutch oJ
American vessels, now pays this rate o! duty. The gov|
eminent of the Netherlands complains tha* su> ha disci
mauve duty shou ld have been imposed on coffee, the pro!
duction of one of its polonies, and w hich is chiefly brought
from Java to the porls’of tliat k gdom, and exported fror
thence to foreign countries. Oor trade w ith iheN’eihe
lands is highly beneficial to.'.folh countries, ami ours
lations With them have ever been of the most friendly ch
arter. Under all tho circumsi.inces of the case, I recon
tnend dial this discrimination should be abolished, and tha
the coffee of Java imported from me Xedierlands be place
up»a the same footing with that ini ported directly from Br
zil and other countries where it is produced
Under die eighth section of . ihe tariff act of the ihir
of August. 1842. c duty of fifteen cents per gallon was in
posed un I*orl wine in casks ; while,on die red wines.c
.ever:-1 ei her cen -■! r t\~, .!,•■■) n,pn:le;i in a duty ,
"n!_. 'lx cents per gnih .1 wc- imposed. This disc-riming
don, so tar as regarded the I’ort v. : n* of Portugal,
deemed a violation of our treaty with tail Power, whi,
provides, that “No higher or other dories shall he impost
on the importation into the C idled Stales of America |q
nny article tbe growth, pr, riuce, or manufacture oft
char
proteclion of our citizens in Oregon. That itnillulli- kingdom and possessions el Portugal, than such as are
malcly be wisennd proper to make liberal grants ofland
to thn pntrioti,: pioneers, who, amidst privations nnd
dangers, lend the way through savage tribes inhabit
ing the vast wilderness intervening between ourfrontier
settlements and Oregon, and who cultivate, nndhreev-
er ready to defend the soil, I am fully satisfied. To
doubt whether they will obtain such grants ns soon as
the convention between the United States and Great
Britain shall have, reused to exist, would he lo doubt
the justice of Congress; but pending the year’s notice,
it is worthy of consideration whether astipulation
this effect may be made, consistently with the spirit of
that convention.
'('ho recommendations which T have made, ns to the
best manner of securing our rights in Oregon, are sub
mitted to Congress with greut deferenop. Should they,
in their wisdom, devise any other mode better calcula
ted to accomplish ihe same object, it shall meet wilh
my hearty concurrence..
At the enil.of the venr’s nntice, should Congress think
it proper to make provision for giving that nolicp, wts
shall have rear lied a period when ihe national rights ill
Oregcn must eiiher he abandoned, or firmly maintained.
That they cahnol be abandoned without a sacrifice of
both national honor and interest, is too clear to admit of
doubt.
Oregon is a part of iho North American continent, to
wjncli It is confidently, affirmed, the title of the United
Slates is the bv*t now- inexistence. Foi thegroundson
which that title rests, I refer you to the correspondence
of the late nnd present Secretary of Stale with the Brit
ish pleiopotei tiary during the ncgocinlion. The British
proposition of compromise, which would make the Co
lumbia the line south of foi t v-nine degrees, with a tri
fling iiil.lilion of detached territory, including thn free
navigation of the Columbia ami nil the valuable harbors
on the Pacific can never, for a moment, be entertained
hy the United'.States, without nn abandonment of iheir
just ane clear territorial rights, their own self-respect
and the national honor. For the information of Con
gress, t e.omiminiente herewith the correspondence which
t-.ok place beta ecu the ttvo Governments during the last
liegoclilien.
The rapid extern-ton'of nnr riettlcif.ents over onr terri
tories lier- tpBWuimct ujiieil, the addition of new Slate*
to nnr confcd-'i’flcy; the expansion of free priori; I.s.ju.l
our rising gri'btiiess ns a nation, aie niirectiiig tho nitm-
tiort of th. Powers of Europe; nnd lately ihe do, trine has
■ "" r nun 3 (■
lier wines, "shell be subject to the duty prl
genuine article ' Imitations of Pori w inl
troversy in the spirit of moderation which had giv u riffee'ir brdlclun! in some of them, of a “Imlanre .
_ . - - . „ . , . • u r n i I,inh to the lenevved discussion. on the c'cjjitfti’nr, toeherk onr advancement. The Uni- j medical attendants, lie returned to the Uniled 8m
Minister Plenipotentiary to .Mexico, clot.led with full j > uion was accordiP"lv made whioh e as re- ' ted Si ucs, sinecrelv desirous of preserving rehilions of in the monili of October last. < inmodore Bide
A prnpo o ’ • , Y . I gori I understanding with nil nations, raneot in silence
European iuterlerence on the North Aineri-
• and should any such inlerferenre he nt-
!»e ready to resist it at nny nmlnl! hazards.
IJ States would offei what be saw fit to call “some j It i well known to the Ann rican people and to all
further propos.l fill Ihe settlement of the Ore*... j *>"•'.**•'* <«’V«‘n..ne.,t ha* never interfered
definitely settle, all pending dif- . A propos.t.onwns accoro y n no, wn.m. v as re- ( .
two countries, including tho** oF j.’cled hy to ri pc P° J >• ’• *"! j peTthi' any Eun
fxico arid Ihe State of Texas.- subrattt.ng any olhei■ proposition, suffered the n*g,.|,- j can r ervtinert; a
ed has set out on his mission, and "» In. p-t lo drop, expressing his Iru.t that, tbe j tempted, v.l be
powers to adjust, and definitely settle, all pending dif
ferences between tho In
boundary between -Mex
Tho minister appointed has set out on his mission, and
is probably hy this time near the Mexican capital. He
has Keen instructed to tiring tho negociatim with
which ho is charged to a conclusion at the earliest
practical period, w hich, it is expected, w ill he in timo
to enable me to communicate the result to Congress
during tho present sersion. Until that r.’sull is known,
1 forbear to rrcommrnd to Congress such ulterior
measure* of redress f >r the wrongs anJ injuries we
have so long borne, as it would have been proper to
make had no such negociation been instituted.
Congress appropriated at the last session, the sum
of two hundred anil seventy fivo thousand dullsrs for
the payment of the April and July instalment* of tho
Mexican indemnity for the year 1844; •• Provided it
shall he ascertained to the satisfaction of the Ameriran
government, that said instalments have been pxid by
tbe Mexican governmeul to the agent appointed by tbe
United States to receive the same, in such manner as
lo discharge all claim nn the Mexican government, and
said agent to ho delinquent in remitting the money to
the United States.”
The unsettled state of our relations with Mexico has
involved ibie subject in much mystery. J he Inst infor
mation, in on authentic form, the agent ofthe United
States appointed under the administration of my prede
cessor, was received at Ihe State Department on Iho
ninth of November last. This is contained in a letter,
dj'cd the seventeenth of October, addrrssed hy him to
one of onr citizens then in Mexico, vrith the view of
having it communicated to that department. From
thn 1 it appears that the agent, on the twentieth ofSep-
I question, mere consistent with fairness anil iqeily,
I and wilh the reasonable expectations ofthe British go
; vernment.” The proposition thus offered and iej ct-
i ed repeated the offer of the parallel of forty-nine de
grees of north latitude, which had been made by two
with the relations sub -isling between other government*,
vt’e hive nevef made ourScIvrs parti'* to their wars or
thrifAllinneetij we have not sought their territories by
roomiest; we have not mingled with parties io their do
me*! io Struggle*: anil, believing our own form of gov
ernment to tin tin* best, v- e have never utleminod lopro-
poga’e it by intrigues, by diplomacy, or by force. We
preceding administrations, hut wilnoul proposing to | inuvclanaoii-tllia comment a like exemption from En-
surrenderto Great Britain, as they hid done, the tree
navigation of the Columbia river, 'i he right of mv
foreign Power to the free navigation of any of our liv
ers, through Ihe heart of our countiy, was one which
I wus unwilling to concede. It also embraced a pro
vision to make free to Great Britain any port < r puts
on the cap of Quadra and Vancouver’s island, south
of this parallel. Had this been it netv question aim
ing under discussion for the first lime, this propusiL
tinii would not have been made. 'J he extraordinary
and inadmissible demands of the British government,
and the rej ction of the proposition made in deference
alone to what had been done by toy predecessors, and
tbe implied obligation which their acts seemed to im
pose, afford satisfactory evidence that no compromise
which iho United 8t#tes ought to accept, can he
effected. With this conviction, the proposition
of compromise which had been m-i-Ja anJ re
jected, was,by my direction, sub-equently withdrawn,
••.nd our title to the whole Oregon territory asserted,
and. is is believed, maintained hy irrefragable facts
and srgumentf.
The civilized world will see in these proceedings a
spirit ol iitcrul concession ou the part of the U. States;
ropem inter ft-renee. Ti e i ni ms of America e re eqinii-
Iv sovereign l.nd independent wilh those ot Europe.
Urey (in-rsr s,i the snmo rights, independent pf nil foreign
inrerposili-m, to make war. to^cnuclurio peace, aiui in
■n-g'ilnre tin ii-interns! ails i.s. 'i Ire per pi* of tin- Unit. .1
Si tee cunu-.t, ili< reft're.v n-w with indiffi-r.-nre, attempts
of European p-rarrs to interfere with the independent
action ot lb-nations cn ll i-* continent. The American
sv-teiuaf Government is entirely diflnrrtrt from lliat of
Europe- Jealousy among ifi-r different -oretriglis of
E- rope, le.-t any one ol tbeat might become mo power
ful for the rest, lu.s caused them anxiously to desire the
establishment of w h it they term the “halancenfpower.”
It cannot be permitted te have any application on the
North American continent, nnd especially to the Doited
States. W must ever maintain the principle, thnt the
people of this continent alone have the right to decide
their own destiny. Should any portion of them, consti
tuting an indupe -ident Stale,propose to unite themselves
with our confederacy, this w ill be a question fur them
and-08 to determine, without any foreign interposition.
We eun never consent that European Powers shall in
terfere to prevent such a union, because it might disturb
the “balance oft power” which they may desire to main
tain upon this (onlinent. Near a quarter oftn century
ugo, lire principle was di.-dinctJy unnoiuiced to the world
in the annual message of one oft my predecessors, that
the American continents, by tiie tree and independent
ccndiliou which they ussumed and maintain, are hence.
shall he payable otithe like article being lire growth, p r q
Jure, or manufacture ot any other foreign country.” AJ
cordingly, to give effect to the treaty, as well as to the
tetei.m •>:'Congress, ex| ressed in a proviso to the intentinl
of Congress,expressed in a provis* to the tariff act itself
that nothing therein contained should be so construed as t
interfe'-e with subsisting treaties with foreign nations, I
treasury circular was is.-tied outlie sixteenth oft July, 184^
which, among-other things, declared the duty on the Pi
wine of Portugal, in casks, under the existing laws mil
and treaty, to he six cents per gallon, and directed that 1
excess of duties which had been collected on such wi
-hould be refunded. By virtue of another clause in it*
same section ofthe act, it t» provided that all imitations <
Port, or any other
vided for the gent
tie production of France, are imported to some extent n
the Uniled States; knd the government of that country in
claims that, under e correct construction of ihe apt, the
imitations ought not to pay a higher duty than that impose
upon the original Port wine of Portugal. It t
to be unequal and unjust, that French imitat tins of Po
wine should be subjected to a duty of fifteen cents, win!
the more valuable article from Portugal should pay a c.'ul
of six cents only per gallon. 1 therefore recommend f
Congress such legislation as maybe necessary to correct ti]
inequality. 1
The late President, in his annual message of Decernl J
last, recommended an approp.ia: i-ui to satisfy, the claims ]
the Texan Government against the United States, whi-
had been previously a-'juste, . solar as tbe powers- of til
ex. e-.tn e e vteinl. 'flu sc el aims ;u os* out oft the act of d J
arming a body of Texan troops under the comma ml of Sl|
jor Smvety, by an officer in the service ofthe United St
acting under t tie orders of our Government; and the I’orJ
ble entry into tbe custom s use at BryaHy's landing,
Red river; by certain (fitftfni of tbe United States, and
king away therefrom the goods seized by the collector of tl
customs . » forfeited under the law s of Texas. This
liquidated debt, ascertained tribe due to Texas when cn i
depen 1>-Ut slate. Her acceptance of the terms of annt
ticn proposed by tbe United States d- es not discharge
invalidate ibe claim. I recommend that provision be in
for ils payment.
The commissi mer appointed to China during the specl
session of the “< re to Mam last, rimrtiv afterwards
out on bis mi--'-tn | i in i..t United r-tates ship Columbus
Onarriving at Rio dc Janeiro on b - j assage, thi state oD
health had become so critical, that, by the advice ol
lies:
H ,_ Jdle, ccj
mantling the East India squadron pr ceededon his voy«
in the Colambns, and was charged by the Cbminisrir
with the duty of exchanging with the proper authentic!
ratifications oftheireaty lately concluded with the Empe*
of China. Since the return of the commissioner
United States; bis health has been much improved, andf
entertains the cor fideui belief that he will soon be abld
proceed on bis mission
Unfortunately, differences continue to exist
ofthe nations nf 3-.utb America, v. hicli. follow
ample have established their independence, while ill r.tlij
internal dissensions pri vail. It i-natural tbi
tides should be warmly enlisted ior their welfare ; that ■
should desire that all controversies between then. ;li
be amicably adjusted aid iheir G*
in a manner lo protect the rights, t
ly of iheir people. Ii is contrary,
policy, to interfere in their coctru'
or internal.
I have thus ad verted to all the
our foreign relations to w hich i rit
v*ur attention. Our policy is m t
good will towards all tho Power.-
nd promote the prospj
however, to our sell
ctsic.-, wljetber exte^
ubjccs connected
cm it necassary to
ot ly peace w ith all,
t the earth. WhiJel
ith nil ci
r. It is I
may he
rotary ol
■ill.
Gieat Britain
the most sati
ighteued age
iutre that all sitsll !
cs with Mexico and
■ilizt'd nations are oft t
pod that in this onIi
imicably adjusted.
oft tho Treasury, in his annual repo]
tm unioate o full statement pf the c-e id
trees, the imports for the fiscal year enrliii
h ot June last, were ofthe value >ft one him,
et-n millions two hundred ami fifty-four thou
•il and sixty-four dollars, of which the tun,
,;n* fifteen mdlion.i three hundred and fort
icht hundred nnd thirty dollars—leaving
nitre ot one hundred nnd one millions nine hundred and
en thousand seven Uutdreu and thirty vur dollars fo
n e.-tic consumption. The exports for the same ye,
of the value ot $ 11-t.tWt; ta t, ; oft w hich, the amount o
tnestic articles was ?9!t,29!;,v; 6. The t eoeipisinlo the
sury during the same year Were t?2:i.7fi9.133 56 ; oft wl
there were derived from customs, 8 27,528,112 U:
arejust to ;
ceptiug tar
relations w
rv charade
differences
p The he.
Congress v
oftv.tr final
the thirliet
and .-revest
ti ve hunrlre
exjottdl w
thousand e
