We have continued cause for expressing our gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the benefits and blessings which our country, under His kind providence, has enjoyed during the past year. Notwithstanding the exciting scenes through which we have passed, nothing has occurred to disturb the general peace or to derange the harmony of our political system. The great moral spectacle has been exhibited of a nation approximating in number to 20,000,000 people having performed the high and important function 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 alone by a desire, in the selection of the agent, to advance the interests of the country and to place beyond jeopardy the institutions under which it is our happiness to live. That the deepest interest has been manifested 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, everywhere possesses the American mind, and controls with an influence far more powerful than hosts of armed men. We can not dwell upon this picture without recognizing in it that deep and devoted attachment on the part of the people to the institutions under which we live which proclaims their perpetuity. The great objection which has always prevailed against the election by the people of their chief executive officer has been the apprehension of tumults and disorders 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 Confederacy embracing already twenty-six States, no one of which has power to control the election. The popular vote in each State is taken at the time appointed by the laws, and such vote is announced by the electoral college without reference to the decision of other States. The right of suffrage and the mode of conducting the election are regulated by the laws of each State, and the election is distinctly federative in all its prominent features. Thus it is that, unlike what might be the results under a consolidated system, riotous proceedings, should they prevail, could only affect the elections in single States without disturbing to any dangerous extent the tranquillity of others. The great experiment of a political confederation each member of which is supreme as to all matters appertaining to its local interests and its internal peace and happiness, while by a voluntary compact with others it confides to the united power of all the protection of its citizens in matters not domestic has been so far crowned with complete success. The world has witnessed its rapid growth in wealth and population, and under the guide and direction of a superintending Providence the developments of the past may be regarded but as the shadowing forth of the mighty future. In the bright prospects 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 or the people of the States in sentiment and feeling from each other. A rigid and close adherence to the terms of our political compact and, above all, a sacred observance of the guaranties of the Constitution will preserve union on a foundation which can not be shaken, while personal liberty is placed beyond hazard or jeopardy. The guaranty 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 of each of the States, leaving the private citizen in the full exercise of the high and ennobling attributes of his nature and to each State the privilege (which can only be judiciously exerted by itself) of consulting the means best calculated to advance its own happiness--these are the great and important guaranties 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 construction under the guise of an imagined expediency upon the Constitution, the influence of our political system is destined to be as actively and as beneficially felt on the distant shores of the Pacific as it is now on those of the Atlantic Ocean. The only formidable impediments in the way of its successful expansion (time and space) are so far in the progress of modification by the improvements of the age as to render no longer speculative the ability of representatives from that remote region to come up to the Capitol, so that their constituents shall participate in all the benefits of Federal legislation. Thus it is that in the progress of time the inestimable principles of civil liberty will be enjoyed by millions yet unborn and the great benefits of our system of government be extended to now distant and uninhabited regions. In view of the vast wilderness yet to be reclaimed, we may well invite the lover of freedom of every land to take up his abode among us and assist us in the great work of advancing the standard of civilization and giving a wider spread to the arts and refinements of cultivated life. Our prayers should evermore be offered 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 local affairs or in such as affected the peace of others or endangered the safety of the whole confederacy. We can not 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 attract the observation of other nations. It therefore may in the progress of time occur that opinions entirely abstract in the States 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 parties, until at last the conflict of opinion, producing an alienation of friendly feeling among the people of the different States, may involve in general destruction 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 cause of family dissensions and neighborhood disputes, and the same cause affects the peace, happiness, 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 attempts should they ever be made. There has been no material change in our foreign relations since my last annual message to Congress. With all the powers of Europe we continue on the most friendly terms. Indeed, it affords me much satisfaction to state that at no former period has the peace of that enlightened and important 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 becoming deeper amongst the enlightened everywhere, and there is no people who have a stronger interest in cherishing the sentiments and adopting the means of preserving and giving it permanence than those of the United States. Amongst these, the first and most effective are, no doubt, the strict observance of justice and the honest and punctual fulfillment of all engagements. But it is not to be forgotten that in the present state of the world it is no less necessary to be ready to enforce their observance and fulfillment in reference to ourselves than to observe and fulfill them on our part in regard to others. Since the close of your last session a negotiation has been formally entered upon between the Secretary of State and Her Britannic Majesty's minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary residing at Washington relative to the rights of their respective nations in and over the Oregon Territory. That negotiation is still pending. Should it during your session be brought to a definitive conclusion, the result will be promptly communicated to Congress. I would, however, again call your attention to the recommendations contained in previous messages designed to protect and facilitate emigration to that Territory. The establishment of military posts at suitable points upon the extended line of land travel would enable our citizens to emigrate in comparative safety to the fertile regions below the Falls of the Columbia, and make the provision of the existing convention for the joint occupation of the territory by subjects of Great Britain and the citizens of the United States more available than heretofore to the latter. These posts would constitute places of rest for the weary emigrant, where he would be sheltered securely against the danger of attack from the Indians and be enabled to recover from the exhaustion of a long line of travel. Legislative enactments should also be made which should spread over him the aegis of our laws, so as to afford protection to his person and property when he shall have reached his distant home. In this latter respect the British Government has been much more careful of the interests of such of her people as are to be found in that country than the United States. She has made necessary provision for their security and protection against the acts of the viciously disposed and lawless, and her emigrant reposes in safety under the panoply of her laws. Whatever may be the result of the pending negotiation, such measures are necessary. It will afford me the greatest pleasure to witness a happy and favorable termination to the existing negotiation upon 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 gratification in this my last annual communication to Congress to have been able to announce to you the complete and entire settlement and adjustment of other matters in difference between the United States and the Government of Her Britannic Majesty, which were adverted to in a previous message. It is so obviously the interest of both countries, in respect to the large and valuable commerce which exists between them, that all causes of complaint, however inconsiderable, should be with the greatest promptitude removed that it must be regarded as cause of regret that any unnecessary delays should be permitted to intervene. It is true that in a pecuniary point of view the matters alluded to are altogether insignificant in amount when compared with the ample resources of that great nation, but they nevertheless, more particularly that limited class which arise under seizures and detentions of American ships on the coast of Africa upon the mistaken supposition indulged in at the time the wrong was committed of their being engaged in the slave trade, deeply affect the sensibilities of this Government and people. Great Britain, having recognized her responsibility to repair all such wrongs by her action in other cases, leaves nothing to be regretted upon the subject aa to all cases arising prior to the treaty of Washington than the delay in making suitable reparation in such of them as fall plainly within the principle of others which she has long since adjusted. The injury inflicted by delays in the settlement of these claims falls with severity 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 existing 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 commencement of the season by the failure of Congress at its last session to make a timely appropriation of funds to meet the expenses of the American party, and by other causes. The United States commissioner, however, expresses his expectation that by increased diligence and energy the party will be able to make up for lost time. We continue to receive assurances of the most friendly feelings on the part of all the other European powers, with each and all of whom it is so obviously our interest to cultivate the most amicable relations; nor can I anticipate the occurrence of any event which would be likely in any degree to disturb those relations. Russia, the great northern power, under the judicious sway of her Emperor, is constantly advancing in the road of science and improvement, while France, guided by the counsels 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 Austria, the Netherlands, Prussia, Belgium, and the other powers of Europe reap a rich harvest of blessings from the prevailing peace. I informed the two Houses of Congress in my message of December last that instructions had been given to Mr. Wheaton, our minister at Berlin, to negotiate a treaty with the Germanic States composing the Zollverein if it could be done, stipulating, as far as it was practicable to accomplish it, for a reduction of the heavy and onerous duties levied on our tobacco and other leading articles of agricultural production, and yielding in return on our part a reduction of duties on such articles the product of their industry as should not come into competition, or but a limited one, with articles the product of our manufacturing industry. The Executive in giving such instructions considered itself as acting in strict conformity with the wishes of Congress as made known through several measures which it had adopted, all directed to the accomplishment of this important result. The treaty was therefore negotiated, by which essential reductions were secured in the duties levied by the Zollverein on tobacco, rice, and lard, accompanied by a stipulation for the admission of raw cotton free of duty; in exchange for which highly important concessions a reduction of duties imposed by the laws of the United States on a variety of articles, most of which were admitted free of all duty under the act of Congress commonly known as the compromise law, and but few of which were produced in the United States, was stipulated for on our part. This treaty was 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 I am bound to presume) of full time to consider it, it was laid upon the table. This procedure had the effect of virtually rejecting it, in consequence of a stipulation contained in the treaty that its ratifications should be exchanged on or before a day which has already passed. The Executive, acting upon the fair inference that the Senate did not intend its absolute rejection, gave instructions to our minister at Berlin to reopen the negotiation so far as to obtain an extension of time for the exchange of ratifications. I regret, however, to say that his ,efforts in this respect have been unsuccessful. I am nevertheless not without hope that the great advantages which were intended to be secured by the treaty may yet be realized. I am happy to inform you that Belgium has, by an "arrete royale" issued in July last, assimilated 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 service 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 decidedly benefit the agriculture of the United States and operate to the mutual advantage of both countries. No definitive intelligence has yet been received from our minister of the conclusion of a treaty with the Chinese Empire, but enough is 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 Empire and the United States is becoming daily of greater importance to both, and it is to the interest of both that the firmest relations of amity and good will should continue to be cultivated between them. The Republic of New Granada still withholds, notwithstanding the most persevering efforts have been employed by our charge d'affaires, Mr. Blackford, to produce a different result, indemnity in the case of the brig Morris; and the Congress of Venezuela, although an arrangement has been effected between our minister and the minister of foreign affairs of that Government for the payment of $18,000 in discharge of its liabilities in the same case, has altogether neglected to make provision for its payment. It is to be hoped that a sense of justice will soon induce a settlement of these claims. Our late minister to Chili, Mr. Pendleton, has returned to the United States without having effected an adjustment in the second claim of the Macedonian, which is delayed on grounds altogether frivolous and untenable. Mr. Pendleton's successor has been directed to urge the claim in the strongest terms, and, in the event of a failure to obtain a prompt adjustment, to report the fact to the Executive at as early a day as possible, so that the whole matter may be communicated to Congress. At your last session I submitted to the attention of Congress the convention with the Republic of Peru of the 17th March, 1841, providing for the adjustment of the claims of citizens of the United States against that Republic, but no definitive action was taken upon the subject. 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 Jacinto has consisted altogether of predatory incursions, attended by circumstances revolting to humanity. I repeat now what I then said, that after eight years of feeble and ineffectual efforts to reconquer Texas it was time that the war should have ceased. The United States have a direct interest in the question. The contiguity 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 became daily endangered; in addition to which it must have been obvious to all that the exhaustion produced by the war subjected both Mexico and Texas to the interference of other powers, which, without the interposition of this Government, might eventuate in the most serious injury to the United States. This Government from time to time exerted its friendly offices to bring about a termination of hostilities upon terms honorable alike to both the belligerents. Its efforts in this behalf proved unavailing. Mexico seemed almost without an object to persevere in the war, and no other alternative was left the Executive but to take advantage of the well-known dispositions of Texas and to invite her to enter into a treaty for annexing her territory to that of the United States. Since your last session Mexico has threatened to renew the war, and has either made or proposes to make formidable preparations for invading Texas. She has issued decrees and proclamations, preparatory to the commencement of hostilities, full of threats revolting to humanity, and which if carried into effect would arouse the attention of all Christendom. This new demonstration of feeling, there is too much reason to believe, has been produced in consequence of the negotiation of the late treaty of annexation with Texas. The Executive, therefore, could not be indifferent to such proceedings, and it felt it to be due as well to itself as to the honor of the country that a strong representation should be made to the Mexican Government upon the subject. This was accordingly done, as will be seen by the copy of the accompanying dispatch from the Secretary of State to the United States envoy 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? A war of desolation, such as is now threatened by Mexico, can not be waged without involving our peace and tranquillity. It is idle to believe that such a war could be looked upon with indifference by our own citizens inhabiting adjoining States; and our neutrality would be violated in despite of all efforts 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 sympathize with them in their difficulties, and who would be led by those sympathies to participate in their struggles, however energetic the action of the Government to prevent it. Nor would the numerous and formidable bands of Indians -- the most warlike to be found in any land -- which occupy the extensive regions contiguous to the States of Arkansas and Missouri, and who are in possession of large tracts of country within the limits of Texas, be likely to remain passive. The inclinations of those numerous tribes lead them invariably to war whenever pretexts exist. Mexico had no just ground of displeasure against this Government or people for negotiating the treaty. What interest of hers was affected by the treaty? She was despoiled of nothing, since Texas was forever lost to her. The independence of Texas was recognized by several of the leading powers of the earth. She was free to treat, free to adopt her own line of policy, free to take the course which she believed was best calculated to secure her happiness. Her Government and people decided on annexation to the United States, and the Executive saw in the acquisition of such a territory the means of advancing their permanent happiness and glory. What principle of good faith, then, was violated? What rule of political morals trampled under foot? So far as Mexico herself was concerned, the measure should have been regarded by her as highly beneficial. Her inability to reconquer Texas had been exhibited, I repeat, by eight (now nine) years of fruitless and ruinous contest. In the meantime Texas has been growing in population and resources. Emigration has flowed into her territory from all parts of the world in a current which continues to increase in strength. Mexico requires a permanent boundary between that young Republic and herself. Texas at no distant day, if she continues separate and detached from the United States, will inevitably seek to consolidate her strength by adding to her domain the contiguous Provinces of Mexico. The spirit of revolt from the control of the central Government has heretofore manifested itself in some of those Provinces, and it is fair to infer that they would be inclined to take the first favorable opportunity to proclaim their independence and to form close alliances with Texas. The war would thus be endless, or if cessations of hostilities should occur they would only endure for a season. The interests of Mexico, therefore, could in nothing be better consulted than in a peace with her neighbors which would result in the establishment of a permanent boundary. Upon the ratification of the treaty the Executive was prepared to treat with her on the most liberal basis. Hence the boundaries of Texas were left undefined by the treaty. The Executive proposed to settle these upon terms that all the world should have pronounced just and reasonable. No negotiation upon that point could have been undertaken between the United States and Mexico in advance of the ratification of the treaty. We should have had no right, no power, no authority, to have conducted such a negotiation, and to have undertaken it would have been an assumption equally revolting to the pride of Mexico and Texas and subjecting us to the charge of arrogance, while to have proposed in advance of annexation to satisfy Mexico for any contingent interest she might have in Texas would have been to have treated Texas not as an independent power, but as a mere dependency of Mexico. This assumption could not have been acted on by the Executive without setting at defiance your own solemn declaration that that Republic was an independent State. Mexico had, it is true, threatened war against the United States in the event the treaty of annexation 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 to sacrifice much for peace, but nothing to intimidation. A war under any circumstances is greatly to be deplored, and the United States is the last nation to desire it; but if, as the condition of peace, it be required of us to forego the unquestionable right of treating with an independent power of our own continent upon matters highly interesting to both, and that upon a naked and unsustained pretension of claim by a third power to control the free will of the power with whom we treat, devoted as we may be to peace and anxious to cultivate friendly relations with the whole world, the Executive does not hesitate to say that the people of the United States would be ready to brave all consequences sooner than submit to such condition. But no apprehension of war was entertained by the Executive, and I must express frankly the opinion that had the treaty been ratified by the Senate it would have been followed by a prompt settlement, to the entire satisfaction of Mexico, of every matter in difference between the two countries. Seeing, then, that new preparations for hostile invasion of Texas were about to be adopted by Mexico, and that these were brought about because Texas had adopted the suggestions of the Executive upon the subject of annexation, it could not passively have folded its arms and permitted a war, threatened to be accompanied by every act that could mark a barbarous age, to be waged against her because she had done so. Other considerations of a controlling character influenced the course of the Executive. The treaty which had thus been negotiated had failed to receive the ratification of the Senate. One of the chief objections which was urged against it was found to consist in the fact that the question of annexation had not been submitted to the ordeal of public opinion in the United States. However untenable such an objection was esteemed to be, in view of the unquestionable power of the Executive to negotiate the treaty and the great and lasting interests involved in the question, I felt it to be my duty to submit the whole subject to Congress as the best expounders of popular sentiment. No definitive action having been taken on the subject by Congress, the question referred itself directly to the decision of the States and people. The great popular election which has just terminated afforded the best opportunity of ascertaining the will of the States and the people upon it. Pending that issue it became the imperative duty of the Executive to inform Mexico that the question of annexation was still before the American people, and that until their decision was pronounced any serious invasion of Texas would be regarded as an attempt to forestall their judgment and could not be looked upon with indifference. I am most happy to inform you that no such invasion has taken place; and I trust that whatever your action may be upon it Mexico will see the importance of deciding the matter by a resort to peaceful expedients in preference to those of arms. The decision of the people and the States on this great and interesting subject has been decisively manifested. The question of annexation has been presented nakedly to their consideration. By the treaty itself all collateral and incidental issues which were calculated to divide and distract the public councils were carefully avoided. These were left to the wisdom of the future to determine. It presented, I repeat, the isolated question of annexation, and in that form it has been submitted to the ordeal of public sentiment. A controlling majority of the people and a large majority of the States have declared in favor of immediate annexation. Instructions have thus come up to both branches of Congress from their respective constituents in terms the most emphatic. It is the will of both the people and the States that Texas shall be annexed to the Union promptly and immediately. It may be hoped that in carrying into execution the public will thus declared all collateral issues may be avoided. Future Legislatures can best decide as to the number of States which should be formed out of the territory when the time has arrived for deciding that question. So with all others. By the treaty the United States assumed the payment of the debts of Texas to an amount not exceeding $10,000,000, to be paid, with the exception of a sum falling short of $400,000, exclusively out of the proceeds of the sales of her public lands. We could not with honor take the lands without assuming the full payment of all incumbencies upon them. Nothing has occurred since your last session to induce a doubt that the dispositions of Texas remain unaltered. No intimation of an altered determination on the part of her Government and people has been furnished to the Executive. She still desires to throw herself under the protection of our laws and to partake of the blessings of our federative system, while every American interest would seem to require it. The extension of our coastwise and foreign trade to an amount almost incalculable, the enlargement of the market for our manufactures, a constantly growing market for our agricultural productions, safety to our frontiers, and additional strength and stability to the Union--these are the results which would rapidly develop themselves upon the consummation of the measure of annexation. In such event I will not doubt but that Mexico would find her true interest to consist in meeting the advances of this Government in a spirit of amity. Nor do I apprehend any serious complaint from any other quarter; no sufficient ground exists for such complaint. We should interfere in no respect with the rights of any other nation. There can not be gathered from the act any design on our part to do so with their possessions on this continent. We have interposed no impediments in the way of such acquisitions of territory, large and extensive as many of them are, as the leading powers of Europe have made from time to time in every part of the world. We seek no conquest made by war. No intrigue will have been resorted to or acts of diplomacy essayed to accomplish the annexation of Texas. Free and independent herself, she asks to be received into our Union. It is a question for our own decision whether she shall be received or not. The two Governments having already agreed through their respective organs on the terms of annexation, I would recommend their adoption by Congress in the form of a joint resolution or act to be perfected and made binding on the two countries when adopted in like manner by the Government of Texas. In order that the subject may be fully presented in all its bearings, the correspondence which has taken place in reference to it since the adjournment of Congress between the United States, Texas, and Mexico is herewith transmitted. The amendments proposed by the Senate to the convention concluded between the United States and Mexico on the 20th of November, 1843, have been transmitted through our minister for the concurrence of the Mexican Government, but, although urged thereto, no action has yet been had on the subject, nor has any answer been given which would authorize a favorable conclusion in the future. The decree of September, 1843, in relation to the retail trade, the order for the expulsion of foreigners, and that of a more recent date in regard to passports--all which are considered as in violation of the treaty of amity and commerce between the two countries--have led to a correspondence of considerable length between the minister for foreign relations and our representatives at Mexico, but without any satisfactory result. They remain still unadjusted, and many and serious inconveniences have already resulted to our citizens in consequence of them. Questions growing out of the act of disarming a body of Texan troops under the command of Major Snively by an officer in the service of the United States, acting under the orders of our Government, and the forcible entry into the custom-house at Bryarlys Landing, on Red River, by certain citizens of the United States, and taking away therefrom the goods seized by the collector of the customs as forfeited under the laws of Texas, have been adjusted so far as the powers of the Executive extend. The correspondence between the two Governments in reference to both subjects will be found amongst the accompanying documents. It contains a full statement of all the facts and circumstances, with the views taken on both sides and the principles on which the questions have been adjusted. It remains for Congress to make the necessary appropriation to carry the arrangement into effect, which I respectfully recommend. The greatly improved condition of the Treasury affords a subject for general congratulation. The paralysis which had fallen on trade and commerce, and which subjected the Government to the necessity of resorting to loans and the issue of Treasury notes to a large amount, has passed away, and after the payment of upward of $7,000,000 on account of the interest, and in redemption of more than $5,000,000 of the public debt which falls due on the 1st of January next, and setting apart upward of $2,000,000 for the payment of outstanding Treasury notes and meeting an installment of the debts of the corporate cities of the District of Columbia, an estimated surplus of upward of $7,000,000 over and above the existing appropriations will remain in the Treasury at the close of the fiscal year. Should the Treasury notes continue outstanding as heretofore, that surplus will be considerably augmented. Although all interest has ceased upon them and the Government has invited their return to the Treasury, yet they remain outstanding, affording great facilities to commerce, and establishing the fact that under a well-regulated system of finance the Government has resources within itself which render it independent in time of need, not only of private loans, but also of bank facilities. The only remaining subject of regret is that the remaining stocks of the Government do not fall due at an earlier day, since their redemption would be entirely within its control. As it is, it may be well worthy the consideration of Congress whether the law establishing the sinking fund (under the operation of which the debts of the Revolution and last war with Great Britain were to a great extent extinguished) should not, with proper modifications, so as to prevent an accumulation of surpluses, and limited in amount to a specific sum, be reenacted. Such provision, which would authorize the Government to go into the market for a purchase of its own stock on fair terms, would serve to maintain its credit at the highest point and prevent to a great extent those fluctuations in the price of its securities which might under other circumstances affect its credit. No apprehension of this sort is at this moment entertained, since the stocks of the Government, which but two years ago were offered for sale to capitalists at home and abroad at a depreciation, and could find no purchasers, are now greatly above par in the hands of the holders; but a wise and prudent forecast admonishes us to place beyond the reach of contingency the public credit. It must also be a matter of unmingled gratification that under the existing financial system (resting upon the act of 1789 and the resolution of 1816) the currency of the country has attained a state of perfect soundness; and the rates of exchange between different parts of the Union, which in 1841 denoted by their enormous amount the great depreciation and, in fact, worthlessness of the currency in most of the States, are now reduced to little more than the mere expense of transporting specie from place to place and the risk incident to the operation. In a new country like that of the United States, where so many inducements are held out for speculation, the depositories of the surplus revenue, consisting of banks of any description, when it reaches any considerable amount, require the closest vigilance on the part of the Government. All banking institutions, under whatever denomination they may pass, are governed by an almost exclusive regard to the interest of the stockholders. That interest consists in the augmentation of profits in the form of dividends, and a large surplus revenue intrusted to their custody is but too apt to lead to excessive loans and to extravagantly large issues of paper. As a necessary consequence prices are nominally increased and the speculative mania very soon seizes upon the public mind. A fictitious state of prosperity for a season exists, and, in the language of the day, money becomes plenty. Contracts are entered into by individuals resting on this unsubstantial state of things, but the delusion speedily passes away and the country is overrun with an indebtedness so weighty as to overwhelm many and to visit every department of industry with great and ruinous embarrassment. The greatest vigilance becomes necessary on the part of Government to guard against this state of things. The depositories must be given distinctly to understand that the favors of the Government will be altogether withdrawn, or substantially diminished, if its revenues shall be regarded as additions to their banking capital or as the foundation of an enlarged circulation. The Government, through its revenue, has at all times an important part to perform in connection with the currency, and it greatly depends upon its vigilance and care whether the country be involved in embarrassments similar to those which it has had recently to encounter, or, aided by the action of the Treasury, shall be preserved in a sound and healthy condition. The dangers to be guarded against are greatly augmented by too large a surplus of revenue. When that surplus greatly exceeds in amount what shall be required by a wise and prudent forecast to meet unforeseen contingencies, the Legislature itself may come to be seized with a disposition to indulge in extravagant appropriations to objects many of which may, and most probably would, be found to conflict with the Constitution. A fancied expediency is elevated above constitutional authority, and a reckless and wasteful extravagance but too certainly follows. The important power of taxation, which when exercised in its most restricted form is a burthen on labor and production, is resorted to under various pretexts for purposes having no affinity to the motives which dictated its grant, and the extravagance of Government stimulates individual extravagance until the spirit of a wild and ill-regulated speculation involves one and all in its unfortunate results. In view of such fatal consequences, it may be laid down as an axiom rounded in moral and political truth that no greater taxes should be imposed than are necessary for an economical administration of the Government, and that whatever exists beyond should be reduced or modified. This doctrine does in no way conflict with the exercise of a sound discrimination in the selection of the articles to be taxed, which a due regard to the public weal would at all times suggest to the legislative mind. It leaves the range of selection undefined; and such selection should always be made with an eye to the great interests of the country. Composed as is the Union of separate and independent States, a patriotic Legislature will not fail in consulting the interests of the parts to adopt such course as will be best calculated to advance the harmony of the whole, and thus insure that permanency in the policy of the Government without which all efforts to advance the public prosperity are vain and fruitless. This great and vitally important task rests with Congress, and the Executive can do no more than recommend the general principles which should govern in its execution. I refer you to the report of the Secretary of War for an exhibition of the condition of the Army, and recommend to you as well worthy your best consideration many of the suggestions it contains. The Secretary in no degree exaggerates the great importance of pressing forward without delay in the work of erecting and finishing the fortifications to which he particularly alludes. Much has been done toward placing our cities and roadsteads in a state of security against the hazards of hostile attack within the last four years; but considering the new elements which have been of late years employed in the propelling of ships and the formidable implements of destruction which have been brought into service, we can not be too active or vigilant in preparing and perfecting the means of defense. I refer you also to his report for a full statement of the condition of the Indian tribes within our jurisdiction. The Executive has abated no effort in carrying into effect the well-established policy of the Government which contemplates a removal of all the tribes residing within the limits of the several States beyond those limits, and it is now enabled to congratulate the country at the prospect of an early consummation of this object. Many of the tribes have already made great progress in the arts of civilized life, and through the operation of the schools established among them, aided by the efforts of the pious men of various religious denominations who devote themselves to the task of their improvement, we may fondly hope that the remains of the formidable tribes which were once masters of this country will in their transition from the savage state to a condition of refinement and cultivation add another bright trophy to adorn the labors of a well-directed philanthropy. The accompanying report of the Secretary of the Navy will explain to you the situation of that branch of the service. The present organization of the Department imparts to its operations great efficiency, but I concur fully in the propriety of a division of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, Increase, and Repairs into two bureaus. The subjects as now arranged are incongruous, and require to a certain extent information and qualifications altogether dissimilar. The operations of the squadron on the coast of Africa have been conducted with all due attention to the object which led to its origination, and I am happy to say that the officers and crews have enjoyed the best possible health under the system adopted by the officer in command. It is believed that the United States is the only nation which has by its laws subjected to the punishment of death as pirates those who may be engaged in the slave trade. A similar enactment on the part of other nations would not fail to be attended by beneficial results. In consequence of the difficulties which have existed in the way of securing titles for the necessary grounds, operations have not yet been commenced toward the establishment of the navy-yard at Memphis. So soon as the title is perfected no further delay will be permitted to intervene. It is well worthy of your consideration whether Congress should not direct the establishment of a ropewalk in connection with the contemplated navy-yard, as a measure not only of economy, but as highly useful and necessary. The only establishment of the sort now connected with the service is located at Boston, and the advantages of a similar establishment convenient to the hemp-growing region must be apparent to all. The report of the Secretary presents other matters to your consideration of an important character in connection with the service. In referring you to the accompanying report of the Postmaster-General it affords me continued cause of gratification to be able to advert to the fact that the affairs of the Department for the last four years have been so conducted as from its unaided resources to meet its large expenditures. On my coming into office a debt of nearly $500,000 existed against the Department, which Congress discharged by an appropriation from the Treasury. The Department on the 4th of March next will be found, under the management of its present efficient head, free of debt or embarrassment, which could only have been done by the observance and practice of the greatest vigilance and economy. The laws have contemplated throughout that the Department should be self-sustained, but it may become necessary, with the wisest regard to the public interests, to introduce amendments and alterations in the system. There is a strong desire manifested in many quarters so to alter the tariff of letter postage as to reduce the amount of tax at present imposed. Should such a measure be carried into effect to the full extent desired, it can not well be doubted but that for the first years of its operation a diminished revenue would be collected, the supply of which would necessarily constitute a charge upon the Treasury. Whether such a result would be desirable it will be for Congress in its wisdom to determine. It may in general be asserted as true that radical alterations in any system should rather be brought about gradually than by sudden changes and by pursuing this prudent policy in the reduction of letter postage the Department might still sustain itself through the revenue which would accrue by the increase of letters. The state and condition of the public Treasury has heretofore been such as to have precluded the recommendation of any material change. The difficulties upon this head have, however, ceased, and a larger discretion is now left to the Government. I can not too strongly urge the policy of authorizing the establishment of a line of steamships regularly to ply between this country and foreign ports and upon our own waters for the transportation of the mail. The example of the British Government is well worthy of imitation in this respect. The belief is strongly entertained that the emoluments arising from the transportation of mail matter to foreign countries would operate of itself as an inducement to cause individual enterprise to undertake that branch of the task, and the remuneration of the Government would consist in the addition readily made to our steam navy in case of emergency by the ships so employed. Should this suggestion meet your approval, the propriety of placing such ships under the command of experienced officers of the Navy will not escape your observation. The application of steam to the purposes of naval warfare cogently recommends an extensive steam marine as important in estimating the defenses of the country. Fortunately this may be obtained by us to a great extent without incurring any large amount of expenditure. Steam vessels to be engaged in the transportation of the mails on our principal water courses, lakes, and ports of our coast could also be so constructed as to be efficient as war vessels when needed, and would of themselves constitute a formidable force in order to repel attacks from abroad.. We can not be blind to the fact that other nations have already added large numbers of steamships to their naval armaments and that this new and powerful agent is destined to revolutionize the condition of the world. It becomes the United States, therefore, looking to their security, to adopt a similar policy, and the plan suggested will enable them to do so at a small comparative cost. I take the greatest pleasure in bearing testimony to the zeal and untiring industry which has characterized the conduct of the members of the Executive Cabinet. Each in his appropriate sphere has rendered me the most efficient aid in carrying on the Government, and it will not, I trust, appear out of place for me to bear this public testimony. The cardinal objects which should ever be held in view by those intrusted with the administration of public affairs are rigidly, and without favor or affection, so to interpret the national will expressed in the laws as that injustice should be done to none, justice to all. This has been the rule upon which they have acted, and thus it is believed that few cases, if any, exist wherein our fellow-citizens, who from time to time have been drawn to the seat of Government for the settlement of their transactions with the Government, have gone away dissatisfied. Where the testimony has been perfected and was esteemed satisfactory their claims have been promptly audited, and this in the absence of all favoritism or partiality. The Government which is not just to its own people can neither claim their affection nor the respect of the world. At the same time, the Closest attention has been paid to those matters which relate more immediately to the great concerns of the country. Order and efficiency in each branch of the public service have prevailed, accompanied by a system of the most rigid responsibility on the part of the receiving and disbursing agents. The fact, in illustration of the truth of this remark, deserves to be noticed that the revenues of the Government, amounting in the last four years to upward of $120,000,000, have been collected and disbursed through the numerous governmental agents without the loss by default of any amount worthy of serious commentary. The appropriations made by Congress for the improvement of the rivers of the West and of the harbors on the Lakes are in a course of judicious expenditure under suitable agents, and are destined, it is to be hoped, to realize all the benefits designed to be accomplished by Congress. I can not, however, sufficiently impress upon Congress the great importance of withholding appropriations from improvements which are not ascertained by previous examination and survey to be necessary for the shelter and protection of trade from the dangers of stores and tempests. Without this precaution the expenditures are but too apt to inure to the benefit of individuals, without reference to the only consideration which can render them constitutional--the public interests and the general good. I can not too earnestly urge upon you the interests of this District, over which by the Constitution Congress has exclusive jurisdiction. It would be deeply to be regretted should there be at any time ground to complain of neglect on the part of a community which, detached as it is from the parental care of the States of Virginia and Maryland, can only expect aid from Congress as its local legislature. Amongst the subjects which claim your attention is the prompt organization of an asylum for the insane who may be found from time to time sojourning within the District. Such course is also demanded by considerations which apply to branches of the public service. For the necessities in this behalf I invite your particular attention to the report of the Secretary of the Navy. I have thus, gentlemen of the two Houses of Congress, presented you a true and faithful picture of the condition of public affairs, both foreign and domestic. The wants of the public service are made known to you, and matters of no ordinary importance are urged upon your consideration. Shall I not be permitted to congratulate you on the happy auspices under which you have assembled and at the important change in the condition of things which has occurred in the last three years? During that period questions with foreign powers of vital importance to the peace of our country have been settled and adjusted. A desolating and wasting war with savage tribes has been brought to a close. The internal tranquillity of the country, threatened by agitating questions, has been preserved. The credit of the Government, which had experienced a temporary embarrassment, has been thoroughly restored. Its coffers, which for a season were empty, have been replenished. A currency nearly uniform in its value has taken the place of one depreciated and almost worthless. Commerce and manufactures, which had suffered in common with every other interest, have once more revived, and the whole country exhibits an aspect of prosperity and happiness. Trade and barter, no longer governed by a wild and speculative mania, rest upon a solid and substantial footing, and the rapid growth of our cities in every direction bespeaks most strongly the favorable circumstances by which we are surrounded. My happiness in the retirement which shortly awaits me is the ardent hope which I experience that this state of prosperity is neither deceptive nor destined to be short lived, and that measures which have not yet received its sanction, but which I can not but regard as closely connected with the honor, the glory, and still more enlarged prosperity of the country, are destined at an early day to receive the approval of Congress. Under these circumstances and with these anticipations I shall most gladly leave to others more able than myself the noble and pleasing task of sustaining the public prosperity. I shall carry with me into retirement the gratifying reflection that as my sole object throughout has been to advance the public good I may not entirely have failed in accomplishing it; and this gratification is heightened in no small degree by the fact that when under a deep and abiding sense of duty I have found myself constrained to resort to the qualified veto it has neither been followed by disapproval on the part of the people nor weakened in any degree their attachment to that great conservative feature of our Government.
We have continued because for expressing our gratitude to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the benefits and blessings which our country, under His kind providence, has enjoyed during the past year. Notwithstanding the exciting scenes through which we have passed, nothing has occurred to disturb the general peace or to derange the harmony of our political system. The great moral spectacle has been exhibited of a nation approximating in number to 20,000,000 people having performed the high and important function 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 alone by a desire, in the selection of the agent, to advance the interests of the country and to place beyond jeopardy the institutions under which it is our happiness to live. That the deepest interest has been manifested 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, everywhere possesses the American mind, and controls with an influence far more powerful than hosts of armed men. We can not dwell upon this picture without recognizing in it that deep and devoted attachment on the part of the people to the institutions under which we live which proclaims their perpetuity. The great objection which has always prevailed against the election by the people of their chief executive officer has been the apprehension of tumults and disorders 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 Confederacy embracing already twenty-six States, no one of which has power to control the election. The popular vote in each State is taken at the time appointed by the laws, and such vote is announced by the electoral college without reference to the decision of other States. The right of suffrage and the mode of conducting the election are regulated by the laws of each State, and the election is distinctly federative in all its prominent features. Thus it is that, unlike what might be the results under a consolidated system, riotous proceedings, should they prevail, could only affect the elections in single States without disturbing to any dangerous extent the tranquillity of others. The great experiment of a political confederation each member of which is supreme as to all matters appertaining to its local interests and its internal peace and happiness, while by a voluntary compact with others it confides to the united power of all the protection of its citizens in matters not domestic has been so far crowned with complete success. The world has witnessed its rapid growth in wealth and population, and under the guide and direction of a superintending Providence the developments of the past may be regarded but as the shadowing forth of the mighty future. In the bright prospects 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 or the people of the States in sentiment and feeling from each other. A rigid and close adherence to the terms of our political compact and, above all, a sacred observance of the guaranties of the Constitution will preserve union on a foundation which can not be shaken, while personal liberty is placed beyond hazard or jeopardy. The guaranty 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 of each of the States, leaving the private citizen in the full exercise of the high and ennobling attributes of his nature and to each State the privilege (which can only be judiciously exerted by itself) of consulting the means best calculated to advance its own happiness--these are the great and important guaranties 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 construction under the guise of an imagined expediency upon the Constitution, the influence of our political system is destined to be as actively and as beneficially felt on the distant shores of the Pacific as it is now on those of the Atlantic Ocean. The only formidable impediments in the way of its successful expansion (time and space) are so far in the progress of modification by the improvements of the age as to render no longer speculative the ability of representatives from that remote region to come up to the Capitol, so that their constituents shall participate in all the benefits of Federal legislation. Thus it is that in the progress of time the inestimable principles of civil liberty will be enjoyed by millions yet unborn and the great benefits of our system of government be extended to now distant and uninhabited regions. In view of the vast wilderness yet to be reclaimed, we may well invite the lover of freedom of every land to take up his abode among us and assist us in the great work of advancing the standard of civilization and giving a wider spread to the arts and refinements of cultivated life. Our prayers should evermore be offered 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 local affairs or in such as affected the peace of others or endangered the safety of the whole confederacy. We can not 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 attract the observation of other nations. It therefore may in the progress of time occur that opinions entirely abstract in the States 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 parties, until at last the conflict of opinion, producing an alienation of friendly feeling among the people of the different States, may involve in general destruction 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 because of family dissensions and neighborhood disputes, and the same because affects the peace, happiness, 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 attempts should they ever be made. There has been no material change in our foreign relations since my last annual message to Congress. With all the powers of Europe we continue on the most friendly terms. Indeed, it affords me much satisfaction to state that at no former period has the peace of that enlightened and important 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 becoming deeper amongst the enlightened everywhere, and there is no people who have a stronger interest in cherishing the sentiments and adopting the means of preserving and giving it permanence than those of the United States. Amongst these, the first and most effective are, no doubt, the strict observance of justice and the honest and punctual fulfillment of all engagements. But it is not to be forgotten that in the present state of the world it is no less necessary to be ready to enforce their observance and fulfillment in reference to ourselves than to observe and fulfill them on our part in regard to others. Since the close of your last session a negotiation has been formally entered upon between the Secretary of State and Her Britannic Majesty's minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary residing at Washington relative to the rights of their respective nations in and over the Oregon Territory. That negotiation is still pending. Should it during your session be brought to a definitive conclusion, the result will be promptly communicated to Congress. I would, however, again call your attention to the recommendations contained in previous messages designed to protect and facilitate emigration to that Territory. The establishment of military posts at suitable points upon the extended line of land travel would enable our citizens to emigrate in comparative safety to the fertile regions below the Falls of the Columbia, and make the provision of the existing convention for the joint occupation of the territory by subjects of Great Britain and the citizens of the United States more available than heretofore to the latter. These posts would constitute places of rest for the weary emigrant, where he would be sheltered securely against the danger of attack from the Indians and be enabled to recover from the exhaustion of a long line of travel. Legislative enactments should also be made which should spread over him the aegis of our laws, so as to afford protection to his person and property when he shall have reached his distant home. In this latter respect the British Government has been much more careful of the interests of such of her people as are to be found in that country than the United States. She has made necessary provision for their security and protection against the acts of the viciously disposed and lawless, and her emigrant reposes in safety under the panoply of her laws. Whatever may be the result of the pending negotiation, such measures are necessary. It will afford me the greatest pleasure to witness a happy and favorable termination to the existing negotiation upon 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 gratification in this my last annual communication to Congress to have been able to announce to you the complete and entire settlement and adjustment of other matters in difference between the United States and the Government of Her Britannic Majesty, which were adverted to in a previous message. It is so obviously the interest of both countries, in respect to the large and valuable commerce which exists between them, that all causes of complaint, however inconsiderable, should be with the greatest promptitude removed that it must be regarded as because of regret that any unnecessary delays should be permitted to intervene. It is true that in a pecuniary point of view the matters alluded to are altogether insignificant in amount when compared with the ample resources of that great nation, but they nevertheless, more particularly that limited class which arise under seizures and detentions of American ships on the coast of Africa upon the mistaken supposition indulged in at the time the wrong was committed of their being engaged in the slave trade, deeply affect the sensibilities of this Government and people. Great Britain, having recognized her responsibility to repair all such wrongs by her action in other cases, leaves nothing to be regretted upon the subject aa to all cases arising prior to the treaty of Washington than the delay in making suitable reparation in such of them as fall plainly within the principle of others which she has long since adjusted. The injury inflicted by delays in the settlement of these claims falls with severity 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 existing 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 commencement of the season by the failure of Congress at its last session to make a timely appropriation of funds to meet the expenses of the American party, and by other causes. The United States commissioner, however, expresses his expectation that by increased diligence and energy the party will be able to make up for lost time. We continue to receive assurances of the most friendly feelings on the part of all the other European powers, with each and all of whom it is so obviously our interest to cultivate the most amicable relations; nor can I anticipate the occurrence of any event which would be likely in any degree to disturb those relations. Russia, the great northern power, under the judicious sway of her Emperor, is constantly advancing in the road of science and improvement, while France, guided by the counsels 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 Austria, the Netherlands, Prussia, Belgium, and the other powers of Europe reap a rich harvest of blessings from the prevailing peace. I informed the two Houses of Congress in my message of December last that instructions had been given to Mr. Wheaton, our minister at Berlin, to negotiate a treaty with the Germanic States composing the Zollverein if it could be done, stipulating, as far as it was practicable to accomplish it, for a reduction of the heavy and onerous duties levied on our tobacco and other leading articles of agricultural production, and yielding in return on our part a reduction of duties on such articles the product of their industry as should not come into competition, or but a limited one, with articles the product of our manufacturing industry. The Executive in giving such instructions considered itself as acting in strict conformity with the wishes of Congress as made known through several measures which it had adopted, all directed to the accomplishment of this important result. The treaty was therefore negotiated, by which essential reductions were secured in the duties levied by the Zollverein on tobacco, rice, and lard, accompanied by a stipulation for the admission of raw cotton free of duty; in exchange for which highly important concessions a reduction of duties imposed by the laws of the United States on a variety of articles, most of which were admitted free of all duty under the act of Congress commonly known as the compromise law, and but few of which were produced in the United States, was stipulated for on our part. This treaty was 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 I am bound to presume) of full time to consider it, it was laid upon the table. This procedure had the effect of virtually rejecting it, in consequence of a stipulation contained in the treaty that its ratifications should be exchanged on or before a day which has already passed. The Executive, acting upon the fair inference that the Senate did not intend its absolute rejection, gave instructions to our minister at Berlin to reopen the negotiation so far as to obtain an extension of time for the exchange of ratifications. I regret, however, to say that his ,efforts in this respect have been unsuccessful. I am nevertheless not without hope that the great advantages which were intended to be secured by the treaty may yet be realized. I am happy to inform you that Belgium has, by an "arrete royale" issued in July last, assimilated 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 service 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 decidedly benefit the agriculture of the United States and operate to the mutual advantage of both countries. No definitive intelligence has yet been received from our minister of the conclusion of a treaty with the Chinese Empire, but enough is 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 Empire and the United States is becoming daily of greater importance to both, and it is to the interest of both that the firmest relations of amity and good will should continue to be cultivated between them. The Republic of New Granada still withholds, notwithstanding the most persevering efforts have been employed by our charge d'affaires, Mr. Blackford, to produce a different result, indemnity in the case of the brig Morris; and the Congress of Venezuela, although an arrangement has been effected between our minister and the minister of foreign affairs of that Government for the payment of $18,000 in discharge of its liabilities in the same case, has altogether neglected to make provision for its payment. It is to be hoped that a sense of justice will soon induce a settlement of these claims. Our late minister to Chili, Mr. Pendleton, has returned to the United States without having effected an adjustment in the second claim of the Macedonian, which is delayed on grounds altogether frivolous and untenable. Mr. Pendleton's successor has been directed to urge the claim in the strongest terms, and, in the event of a failure to obtain a prompt adjustment, to report the fact to the Executive at as early a day as possible, so that the whole matter may be communicated to Congress. At your last session I submitted to the attention of Congress the convention with the Republic of Peru of the 17th March, 1841, providing for the adjustment of the claims of citizens of the United States against that Republic, but no definitive action was taken upon the subject. 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 Jacinto has consisted altogether of predatory incursions, attended by circumstances revolting to humanity. I repeat now what I then said, that after eight years of feeble and ineffectual efforts to reconquer Texas it was time that the war should have ceased. The United States have a direct interest in the question. The contiguity 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 became daily endangered; in addition to which it must have been obvious to all that the exhaustion produced by the war subjected both Mexico and Texas to the interference of other powers, which, without the interposition of this Government, might eventuate in the most serious injury to the United States. This Government from time to time exerted its friendly offices to bring about a termination of hostilities upon terms honorable alike to both the belligerents. Its efforts in this behalf proved unavailing. Mexico seemed almost without an object to persevere in the war, and no other alternative was left the Executive but to take advantage of the well-known dispositions of Texas and to invite her to enter into a treaty for annexing her territory to that of the United States. Since your last session Mexico has threatened to renew the war, and has either made or proposes to make formidable preparations for invading Texas. She has issued decrees and proclamations, preparatory to the commencement of hostilities, full of threats revolting to humanity, and which if carried into effect would arouse the attention of all Christendom. This new demonstration of feeling, there is too much reason to believe, has been produced in consequence of the negotiation of the late treaty of annexation with Texas. The Executive, therefore, could not be indifferent to such proceedings, and it felt it to be due as well to itself as to the honor of the country that a strong representation should be made to the Mexican Government upon the subject. This was accordingly done, as will be seen by the copy of the accompanying dispatch from the Secretary of State to the United States envoy 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? A war of desolation, such as is now threatened by Mexico, can not be waged without involving our peace and tranquillity. It is idle to believe that such a war could be looked upon with indifference by our own citizens inhabiting adjoining States; and our neutrality would be violated in despite of all efforts 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 sympathize with them in their difficulties, and who would be led by those sympathies to participate in their struggles, however energetic the action of the Government to prevent it. Nor would the numerous and formidable bands of Indians -- the most warlike to be found in any land -- which occupy the extensive regions contiguous to the States of Arkansas and Missouri, and who are in possession of large tracts of country within the limits of Texas, be likely to remain passive. The inclinations of those numerous tribes lead them invariably to war whenever pretexts exist. Mexico had no just ground of displeasure against this Government or people for negotiating the treaty. What interest of hers was affected by the treaty? She was despoiled of nothing, since Texas was forever lost to her. The independence of Texas was recognized by several of the leading powers of the earth. She was free to treat, free to adopt her own line of policy, free to take the course which she believed was best calculated to secure her happiness. Her Government and people decided on annexation to the United States, and the Executive saw in the acquisition of such a territory the means of advancing their permanent happiness and glory. What principle of good faith, then, was violated? What rule of political morals trampled under foot? So far as Mexico herself was concerned, the measure should have been regarded by her as highly beneficial. Her inability to reconquer Texas had been exhibited, I repeat, by eight (now nine) years of fruitless and ruinous contest. In the meantime Texas has been growing in population and resources. Emigration has flowed into her territory from all parts of the world in a current which continues to increase in strength. Mexico requires a permanent boundary between that young Republic and herself. Texas at no distant day, if she continues separate and detached from the United States, will inevitably seek to consolidate her strength by adding to her domain the contiguous Provinces of Mexico. The spirit of revolt from the control of the central Government has heretofore manifested itself in some of those Provinces, and it is fair to infer that they would be inclined to take the first favorable opportunity to proclaim their independence and to form close alliances with Texas. The war would thus be endless, or if cessations of hostilities should occur they would only endure for a season. The interests of Mexico, therefore, could in nothing be better consulted than in a peace with her neighbors which would result in the establishment of a permanent boundary. Upon the ratification of the treaty the Executive was prepared to treat with her on the most liberal basis. Hence the boundaries of Texas were left undefined by the treaty. The Executive proposed to settle these upon terms that all the world should have pronounced just and reasonable. No negotiation upon that point could have been undertaken between the United States and Mexico in advance of the ratification of the treaty. We should have had no right, no power, no authority, to have conducted such a negotiation, and to have undertaken it would have been an assumption equally revolting to the pride of Mexico and Texas and subjecting us to the charge of arrogance, while to have proposed in advance of annexation to satisfy Mexico for any contingent interest she might have in Texas would have been to have treated Texas not as an independent power, but as a mere dependency of Mexico. This assumption could not have been acted on by the Executive without setting at defiance your own solemn declaration that that Republic was an independent State. Mexico had, it is true, threatened war against the United States in the event the treaty of annexation 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 to sacrifice much for peace, but nothing to intimidation. A war under any circumstances is greatly to be deplored, and the United States is the last nation to desire it; but if, as the condition of peace, it be required of us to forego the unquestionable right of treating with an independent power of our own continent upon matters highly interesting to both, and that upon a naked and unsustained pretension of claim by a third power to control the free will of the power with whom we treat, devoted as we may be to peace and anxious to cultivate friendly relations with the whole world, the Executive does not hesitate to say that the people of the United States would be ready to brave all consequences sooner than submit to such condition. But no apprehension of war was entertained by the Executive, and I must express frankly the opinion that had the treaty been ratified by the Senate it would have been followed by a prompt settlement, to the entire satisfaction of Mexico, of every matter in difference between the two countries. Seeing, then, that new preparations for hostile invasion of Texas were about to be adopted by Mexico, and that these were brought about because Texas had adopted the suggestions of the Executive upon the subject of annexation, it could not passively have folded its arms and permitted a war, threatened to be accompanied by every act that could mark a barbarous age, to be waged against her because she had done so. Other considerations of a controlling character influenced the course of the Executive. The treaty which had thus been negotiated had failed to receive the ratification of the Senate. One of the chief objections which was urged against it was found to consist in the fact that the question of annexation had not been submitted to the ordeal of public opinion in the United States. However untenable such an objection was esteemed to be, in view of the unquestionable power of the Executive to negotiate the treaty and the great and lasting interests involved in the question, I felt it to be my duty to submit the whole subject to Congress as the best expounders of popular sentiment. No definitive action having been taken on the subject by Congress, the question referred itself directly to the decision of the States and people. The great popular election which has just terminated afforded the best opportunity of ascertaining the will of the States and the people upon it. Pending that issue it became the imperative duty of the Executive to inform Mexico that the question of annexation was still before the American people, and that until their decision was pronounced any serious invasion of Texas would be regarded as an attempt to forestall their judgment and could not be looked upon with indifference. I am most happy to inform you that no such invasion has taken place; and I trust that whatever your action may be upon it Mexico will see the importance of deciding the matter by a resort to peaceful expedients in preference to those of arms. The decision of the people and the States on this great and interesting subject has been decisively manifested. The question of annexation has been presented nakedly to their consideration. By the treaty itself all collateral and incidental issues which were calculated to divide and distract the public councils were carefully avoided. These were left to the wisdom of the future to determine. It presented, I repeat, the isolated question of annexation, and in that form it has been submitted to the ordeal of public sentiment. A controlling majority of the people and a large majority of the States have declared in favor of immediate annexation. Instructions have thus come up to both branches of Congress from their respective constituents in terms the most emphatic. It is the will of both the people and the States that Texas shall be annexed to the Union promptly and immediately. It may be hoped that in carrying into execution the public will thus declared all collateral issues may be avoided. Future Legislatures can best decide as to the number of States which should be formed out of the territory when the time has arrived for deciding that question. So with all others. By the treaty the United States assumed the payment of the debts of Texas to an amount not exceeding $10,000,000, to be paid, with the exception of a sum falling short of $400,000, exclusively out of the proceeds of the sales of her public lands. We could not with honor take the lands without assuming the full payment of all incumbencies upon them. Nothing has occurred since your last session to induce a doubt that the dispositions of Texas remain unaltered. No intimation of an altered determination on the part of her Government and people has been furnished to the Executive. She still desires to throw herself under the protection of our laws and to partake of the blessings of our federative system, while every American interest would seem to require it. The extension of our coastwise and foreign trade to an amount almost incalculable, the enlargement of the market for our manufactures, a constantly growing market for our agricultural productions, safety to our frontiers, and additional strength and stability to the Union--these are the results which would rapidly develop themselves upon the consummation of the measure of annexation. In such event I will not doubt but that Mexico would find her true interest to consist in meeting the advances of this Government in a spirit of amity. Nor do I apprehend any serious complaint from any other quarter; no sufficient ground exists for such complaint. We should interfere in no respect with the rights of any other nation. There can not be gathered from the act any design on our part to do so with their possessions on this continent. We have interposed no impediments in the way of such acquisitions of territory, large and extensive as many of them are, as the leading powers of Europe have made from time to time in every part of the world. We seek no conquest made by war. No intrigue will have been resorted to or acts of diplomacy essayed to accomplish the annexation of Texas. Free and independent herself, she asks to be received into our Union. It is a question for our own decision whether she shall be received or not. The two Governments having already agreed through their respective organs on the terms of annexation, I would recommend their adoption by Congress in the form of a joint resolution or act to be perfected and made binding on the two countries when adopted in like manner by the Government of Texas. In order that the subject may be fully presented in all its bearings, the correspondence which has taken place in reference to it since the adjournment of Congress between the United States, Texas, and Mexico is herewith transmitted. The amendments proposed by the Senate to the convention concluded between the United States and Mexico on the 20th of November, 1843, have been transmitted through our minister for the concurrence of the Mexican Government, but, although urged thereto, no action has yet been had on the subject, nor has any answer been given which would authorize a favorable conclusion in the future. The decree of September, 1843, in relation to the retail trade, the order for the expulsion of foreigners, and that of a more recent date in regard to passports--all which are considered as in violation of the treaty of amity and commerce between the two countries--have led to a correspondence of considerable length between the minister for foreign relations and our representatives at Mexico, but without any satisfactory result. They remain still unadjusted, and many and serious inconveniences have already resulted to our citizens in consequence of them. Questions growing out of the act of disarming a body of Texan troops under the command of Major Snively by an officer in the service of the United States, acting under the orders of our Government, and the forcible entry into the custom-house at Bryarlys Landing, on Red River, by certain citizens of the United States, and taking away therefrom the goods seized by the collector of the customs as forfeited under the laws of Texas, have been adjusted so far as the powers of the Executive extend. The correspondence between the two Governments in reference to both subjects will be found amongst the accompanying documents. It contains a full statement of all the facts and circumstances, with the views taken on both sides and the principles on which the questions have been adjusted. It remains for Congress to make the necessary appropriation to carry the arrangement into effect, which I respectfully recommend. The greatly improved condition of the Treasury affords a subject for general congratulation. The paralysis which had fallen on trade and commerce, and which subjected the Government to the necessity of resorting to loans and the issue of Treasury notes to a large amount, has passed away, and after the payment of upward of $7,000,000 on account of the interest, and in redemption of more than $5,000,000 of the public debt which falls due on the 1st of January next, and setting apart upward of $2,000,000 for the payment of outstanding Treasury notes and meeting an installment of the debts of the corporate cities of the District of Columbia, an estimated surplus of upward of $7,000,000 over and above the existing appropriations will remain in the Treasury at the close of the fiscal year. Should the Treasury notes continue outstanding as heretofore, that surplus will be considerably augmented. Although all interest has ceased upon them and the Government has invited their return to the Treasury, yet they remain outstanding, affording great facilities to commerce, and establishing the fact that under a well-regulated system of finance the Government has resources within itself which render it independent in time of need, not only of private loans, but also of bank facilities. The only remaining subject of regret is that the remaining stocks of the Government do not fall due at an earlier day, since their redemption would be entirely within its control. As it is, it may be well worthy the consideration of Congress whether the law establishing the sinking fund (under the operation of which the debts of the Revolution and last war with Great Britain were to a great extent extinguished) should not, with proper modifications, so as to prevent an accumulation of surpluses, and limited in amount to a specific sum, be reenacted. Such provision, which would authorize the Government to go into the market for a purchase of its own stock on fair terms, would serve to maintain its credit at the highest point and prevent to a great extent those fluctuations in the price of its securities which might under other circumstances affect its credit. No apprehension of this sort is at this moment entertained, since the stocks of the Government, which but two years ago were offered for sale to capitalists at home and abroad at a depreciation, and could find no purchasers, are now greatly above par in the hands of the holders; but a wise and prudent forecast admonishes us to place beyond the reach of contingency the public credit. It must also be a matter of unmingled gratification that under the existing financial system (resting upon the act of 1789 and the resolution of 1816) the currency of the country has attained a state of perfect soundness; and the rates of exchange between different parts of the Union, which in 1841 denoted by their enormous amount the great depreciation and, in fact, worthlessness of the currency in most of the States, are now reduced to little more than the mere expense of transporting specie from place to place and the risk incident to the operation. In a new country like that of the United States, where so many inducements are held out for speculation, the depositories of the surplus revenue, consisting of banks of any description, when it reaches any considerable amount, require the closest vigilance on the part of the Government. All banking institutions, under whatever denomination they may pass, are governed by an almost exclusive regard to the interest of the stockholders. That interest consists in the augmentation of profits in the form of dividends, and a large surplus revenue intrusted to their custody is but too apt to lead to excessive loans and to extravagantly large issues of paper. As a necessary consequence prices are nominally increased and the speculative mania very soon seizes upon the public mind. A fictitious state of prosperity for a season exists, and, in the language of the day, money becomes plenty. Contracts are entered into by individuals resting on this unsubstantial state of things, but the delusion speedily passes away and the country is overrun with an indebtedness so weighty as to overwhelm many and to visit every department of industry with great and ruinous embarrassment. The greatest vigilance becomes necessary on the part of Government to guard against this state of things. The depositories must be given distinctly to understand that the favors of the Government will be altogether withdrawn, or substantially diminished, if its revenues shall be regarded as additions to their banking capital or as the foundation of an enlarged circulation. The Government, through its revenue, has at all times an important part to perform in connection with the currency, and it greatly depends upon its vigilance and care whether the country be involved in embarrassments similar to those which it has had recently to encounter, or, aided by the action of the Treasury, shall be preserved in a sound and healthy condition. The dangers to be guarded against are greatly augmented by too large a surplus of revenue. When that surplus greatly exceeds in amount what shall be required by a wise and prudent forecast to meet unforeseen contingencies, the Legislature itself may come to be seized with a disposition to indulge in extravagant appropriations to objects many of which may, and most probably would, be found to conflict with the Constitution. A fancied expediency is elevated above constitutional authority, and a reckless and wasteful extravagance but too certainly follows. The important power of taxation, which when exercised in its most restricted form is a burthen on labor and production, is resorted to under various pretexts for purposes having no affinity to the motives which dictated its grant, and the extravagance of Government stimulates individual extravagance until the spirit of a wild and ill-regulated speculation involves one and all in its unfortunate results. In view of such fatal consequences, it may be laid down as an axiom rounded in moral and political truth that no greater taxes should be imposed than are necessary for an economical administration of the Government, and that whatever exists beyond should be reduced or modified. This doctrine does in no way conflict with the exercise of a sound discrimination in the selection of the articles to be taxed, which a due regard to the public weal would at all times suggest to the legislative mind. It leaves the range of selection undefined; and such selection should always be made with an eye to the great interests of the country. Composed as is the Union of separate and independent States, a patriotic Legislature will not fail in consulting the interests of the parts to adopt such course as will be best calculated to advance the harmony of the whole, and thus insure that permanency in the policy of the Government without which all efforts to advance the public prosperity are vain and fruitless. This great and vitally important task rests with Congress, and the Executive can do no more than recommend the general principles which should govern in its execution. I refer you to the report of the Secretary of War for an exhibition of the condition of the Army, and recommend to you as well worthy your best consideration many of the suggestions it contains. The Secretary in no degree exaggerates the great importance of pressing forward without delay in the work of erecting and finishing the fortifications to which he particularly alludes. Much has been done toward placing our cities and roadsteads in a state of security against the hazards of hostile attack within the last four years; but considering the new elements which have been of late years employed in the propelling of ships and the formidable implements of destruction which have been brought into service, we can not be too active or vigilant in preparing and perfecting the means of defense. I refer you also to his report for a full statement of the condition of the Indian tribes within our jurisdiction. The Executive has abated no effort in carrying into effect the well-established policy of the Government which contemplates a removal of all the tribes residing within the limits of the several States beyond those limits, and it is now enabled to congratulate the country at the prospect of an early consummation of this object. Many of the tribes have already made great progress in the arts of civilized life, and through the operation of the schools established among them, aided by the efforts of the pious men of various religious denominations who devote themselves to the task of their improvement, we may fondly hope that the remains of the formidable tribes which were once masters of this country will in their transition from the savage state to a condition of refinement and cultivation add another bright trophy to adorn the labors of a well-directed philanthropy. The accompanying report of the Secretary of the Navy will explain to you the situation of that branch of the service. The present organization of the Department imparts to its operations great efficiency, but I concur fully in the propriety of a division of the Bureau of Construction, Equipment, Increase, and Repairs into two bureaus. The subjects as now arranged are incongruous, and require to a certain extent information and qualifications altogether dissimilar. The operations of the squadron on the coast of Africa have been conducted with all due attention to the object which led to its origination, and I am happy to say that the officers and crews have enjoyed the best possible health under the system adopted by the officer in command. It is believed that the United States is the only nation which has by its laws subjected to the punishment of death as pirates those who may be engaged in the slave trade. A similar enactment on the part of other nations would not fail to be attended by beneficial results. In consequence of the difficulties which have existed in the way of securing titles for the necessary grounds, operations have not yet been commenced toward the establishment of the navy-yard at Memphis. So soon as the title is perfected no further delay will be permitted to intervene. It is well worthy of your consideration whether Congress should not direct the establishment of a ropewalk in connection with the contemplated navy-yard, as a measure not only of economy, but as highly useful and necessary. The only establishment of the sort now connected with the service is located at Boston, and the advantages of a similar establishment convenient to the hemp-growing region must be apparent to all. The report of the Secretary presents other matters to your consideration of an important character in connection with the service. In referring you to the accompanying report of the Postmaster-General it affords me continued because of gratification to be able to advert to the fact that the affairs of the Department for the last four years have been so conducted as from its unaided resources to meet its large expenditures. On my coming into office a debt of nearly $500,000 existed against the Department, which Congress discharged by an appropriation from the Treasury. The Department on the 4th of March next will be found, under the management of its present efficient head, free of debt or embarrassment, which could only have been done by the observance and practice of the greatest vigilance and economy. The laws have contemplated throughout that the Department should be self-sustained, but it may become necessary, with the wisest regard to the public interests, to introduce amendments and alterations in the system. There is a strong desire manifested in many quarters so to alter the tariff of letter postage as to reduce the amount of tax at present imposed. Should such a measure be carried into effect to the full extent desired, it can not well be doubted but that for the first years of its operation a diminished revenue would be collected, the supply of which would necessarily constitute a charge upon the Treasury. Whether such a result would be desirable it will be for Congress in its wisdom to determine. It may in general be asserted as true that radical alterations in any system should rather be brought about gradually than by sudden changes and by pursuing this prudent policy in the reduction of letter postage the Department might still sustain itself through the revenue which would accrue by the increase of letters. The state and condition of the public Treasury has heretofore been such as to have precluded the recommendation of any material change. The difficulties upon this head have, however, ceased, and a larger discretion is now left to the Government. I can not too strongly urge the policy of authorizing the establishment of a line of steamships regularly to ply between this country and foreign ports and upon our own waters for the transportation of the mail. The example of the British Government is well worthy of imitation in this respect. The belief is strongly entertained that the emoluments arising from the transportation of mail matter to foreign countries would operate of itself as an inducement to because individual enterprise to undertake that branch of the task, and the remuneration of the Government would consist in the addition readily made to our steam navy in case of emergency by the ships so employed. Should this suggestion meet your approval, the propriety of placing such ships under the command of experienced officers of the Navy will not escape your observation. The application of steam to the purposes of naval warfare cogently recommends an extensive steam marine as important in estimating the defenses of the country. Fortunately this may be obtained by us to a great extent without incurring any large amount of expenditure. Steam vessels to be engaged in the transportation of the mails on our principal water courses, lakes, and ports of our coast could also be so constructed as to be efficient as war vessels when needed, and would of themselves constitute a formidable force in order to repel attacks from abroad.. We can not be blind to the fact that other nations have already added large numbers of steamships to their naval armaments and that this new and powerful agent is destined to revolutionize the condition of the world. It becomes the United States, therefore, looking to their security, to adopt a similar policy, and the plan suggested will enable them to do so at a small comparative cost. I take the greatest pleasure in bearing testimony to the zeal and untiring industry which has characterized the conduct of the members of the Executive Cabinet. Each in his appropriate sphere has rendered me the most efficient aid in carrying on the Government, and it will not, I trust, appear out of place for me to bear this public testimony. The cardinal objects which should ever be held in view by those intrusted with the administration of public affairs are rigidly, and without favor or affection, so to interpret the national will expressed in the laws as that injustice should be done to none, justice to all. This has been the rule upon which they have acted, and thus it is believed that few cases, if any, exist wherein our fellow-citizens, who from time to time have been drawn to the seat of Government for the settlement of their transactions with the Government, have gone away dissatisfied. Where the testimony has been perfected and was esteemed satisfactory their claims have been promptly audited, and this in the absence of all favoritism or partiality. The Government which is not just to its own people can neither claim their affection nor the respect of the world. At the same time, the Closest attention has been paid to those matters which relate more immediately to the great concerns of the country. Order and efficiency in each branch of the public service have prevailed, accompanied by a system of the most rigid responsibility on the part of the receiving and disbursing agents. The fact, in illustration of the truth of this remark, deserves to be noticed that the revenues of the Government, amounting in the last four years to upward of $120,000,000, have been collected and disbursed through the numerous governmental agents without the loss by default of any amount worthy of serious commentary. The appropriations made by Congress for the improvement of the rivers of the West and of the harbors on the Lakes are in a course of judicious expenditure under suitable agents, and are destined, it is to be hoped, to realize all the benefits designed to be accomplished by Congress. I can not, however, sufficiently impress upon Congress the great importance of withholding appropriations from improvements which are not ascertained by previous examination and survey to be necessary for the shelter and protection of trade from the dangers of stores and tempests. Without this precaution the expenditures are but too apt to inure to the benefit of individuals, without reference to the only consideration which can render them constitutional--the public interests and the general good. I can not too earnestly urge upon you the interests of this District, over which by the Constitution Congress has exclusive jurisdiction. It would be deeply to be regretted should there be at any time ground to complain of neglect on the part of a community which, detached as it is from the parental care of the States of Virginia and Maryland, can only expect aid from Congress as its local legislature. Amongst the subjects which claim your attention is the prompt organization of an asylum for the insane who may be found from time to time sojourning within the District. Such course is also demanded by considerations which apply to branches of the public service. For the necessities in this behalf I invite your particular attention to the report of the Secretary of the Navy. I have thus, gentlemen of the two Houses of Congress, presented you a true and faithful picture of the condition of public affairs, both foreign and domestic. The wants of the public service are made known to you, and matters of no ordinary importance are urged upon your consideration. Shall I not be permitted to congratulate you on the happy auspices under which you have assembled and at the important change in the condition of things which has occurred in the last three years? During that period questions with foreign powers of vital importance to the peace of our country have been settled and adjusted. A desolating and wasting war with savage tribes has been brought to a close. The internal tranquillity of the country, threatened by agitating questions, has been preserved. The credit of the Government, which had experienced a temporary embarrassment, has been thoroughly restored. Its coffers, which for a season were empty, have been replenished. A currency nearly uniform in its value has taken the place of one depreciated and almost worthless. Commerce and manufactures, which had suffered in common with every other interest, have once more revived, and the whole country exhibits an aspect of prosperity and happiness. Trade and barter, no longer governed by a wild and speculative mania, rest upon a solid and substantial footing, and the rapid growth of our cities in every direction bespeaks most strongly the favorable circumstances by which we are surrounded. My happiness in the retirement which shortly awaits me is the ardent hope which I experience that this state of prosperity is neither deceptive nor destined to be short lived, and that measures which have not yet received its sanction, but which I can not but regard as closely connected with the honor, the glory, and still more enlarged prosperity of the country, are destined at an early day to receive the approval of Congress. Under these circumstances and with these anticipations I shall most gladly leave to others more able than myself the noble and pleasing task of sustaining the public prosperity. I shall carry with me into retirement the gratifying reflection that as my sole object throughout has been to advance the public good I may not entirely have failed in accomplishing it; and this gratification is heightened in no small degree by the fact that when under a deep and abiding sense of duty I have found myself constrained to resort to the qualified veto it has neither been followed by disapproval on the part of the people nor weakened in any degree their attachment to that great conservative feature of our Government.
we have continued because for expressing our gratitude to the supreme ruler of the universe for the benefits and blessings which our country under his kind providence has enjoyed during the past year notwithstanding the exciting scenes through which we have passed nothing has occurred to disturb the general peace or to derange the harmony of our political system the great moral spectacle has been exhibited of a nation approximating in number to people having performed the high and important function 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 alone by a desire in the selection of the agent to advance the interests of the country and to place beyond jeopardy the institutions under which it is our happiness to live that the deepest interest has been manifested 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 everywhere possesses the american mind and controls with an influence far more powerful than hosts of armed men we can not dwell upon this picture without recognizing in it that deep and devoted attachment on the part of the people to the institutions under which we live which proclaims their perpetuity the great objection which has always prevailed against the election by the people of their chief executive officer has been the apprehension of tumults and disorders 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 confederacy embracing already states no one of which has power to control the election the popular vote in each state is taken at the time appointed by the laws and such vote is announced by the electoral college without reference to the decision of other states the right of suffrage and the mode of conducting the election are regulated by the laws of each state and the election is distinctly federative in all its prominent features thus it is that unlike what might be the results under a consolidated system riotous proceedings should they prevail could only affect the elections in single states without disturbing to any dangerous extent the tranquillity of others the great experiment of a political confederation each member of which is supreme as to all matters appertaining to its local interests and its internal peace and happiness while by a voluntary compact with others it confides to the united power of all the protection of its citizens in matters not domestic has been so far crowned with complete success the world has witnessed its rapid growth in wealth and population and under the guide and direction of a superintending providence the developments of the past may be regarded but as the shadowing forth of the mighty future in the bright prospects 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 or the people of the states in sentiment and feeling from each other a rigid and close adherence to the terms of our political compact and above all a sacred observance of the guaranties of the constitution will preserve union on a foundation which can not be shaken while personal liberty is placed beyond hazard or jeopardy the guaranty 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 of each of the states leaving the private citizen in the full exercise of the high and ennobling attributes of his nature and to each state the privilege which can only be judiciously exerted by itself of consulting the means best calculated to advance its own happiness these are the great and important guaranties 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 construction under the guise of an imagined expediency upon the constitution the influence of our political system is destined to be as actively and as beneficially felt on the distant shores of the pacific as it is now on those of the atlantic ocean the only formidable impediments in the way of its successful expansion time and space are so far in the progress of modification by the improvements of the age as to render no longer speculative the ability of representatives from that remote region to come up to the capitol so that their constituents shall participate in all the benefits of federal legislation thus it is that in the progress of time the inestimable principles of civil liberty will be enjoyed by millions yet unborn and the great benefits of our system of government be extended to now distant and uninhabited regions in view of the vast wilderness yet to be reclaimed we may well invite the lover of freedom of every land to take up his abode among us and assist us in the great work of advancing the standard of civilization and giving a wider spread to the arts and refinements of cultivated life our prayers should evermore be offered 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 local affairs or in such as affected the peace of others or endangered the safety of the whole confederacy we can not 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 attract the observation of other nations it therefore may in the progress of time occur that opinions entirely abstract in the states 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 parties until at last the conflict of opinion producing an alienation of friendly feeling among the people of the different states may involve in general destruction 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 because of family dissensions and neighborhood disputes and the same because affects the peace happiness 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 attempts should they ever be made there has been no material change in our foreign relations since my last annual message to congress with all the powers of europe we continue on the most friendly terms indeed it affords me much satisfaction to state that at no former period has the peace of that enlightened and important 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 becoming deeper amongst the enlightened everywhere and there is no people who have a stronger interest in cherishing the sentiments and adopting the means of preserving and giving it permanence than those of the united states amongst these the first and most effective are no doubt the strict observance of justice and the honest and punctual fulfillment of all engagements but it is not to be forgotten that in the present state of the world it is no less necessary to be ready to enforce their observance and fulfillment in reference to ourselves than to observe and fulfill them on our part in regard to others since the close of your last session a negotiation has been formally entered upon between the secretary of state and her britannic majesty minister plenipotentiary and envoy extraordinary residing at washington relative to the rights of their respective nations in and over the oregon territory that negotiation is still pending should it during your session be brought to a definitive conclusion the result will be promptly communicated to congress i would however again call your attention to the recommendations contained in previous messages designed to protect and facilitate emigration to that territory the establishment of military posts at suitable points upon the extended line of land travel would enable our citizens to emigrate in comparative safety to the fertile regions below the falls of the columbia and make the provision of the existing convention for the joint occupation of the territory by subjects of great britain and the citizens of the united states more available than heretofore to the latter these posts would constitute places of rest for the weary emigrant where he would be sheltered securely against the danger of attack from the indians and be enabled to recover from the exhaustion of a long line of travel legislative enactments should also be made which should spread over him the aegis of our laws so as to afford protection to his person and property when he shall have reached his distant home in this latter respect the british government has been much more careful of the interests of such of her people as are to be found in that country than the united states she has made necessary provision for their security and protection against the acts of the viciously disposed and lawless and her emigrant reposes in safety under the panoply of her laws whatever may be the result of the pending negotiation such measures are necessary it will afford me the greatest pleasure to witness a happy and favorable termination to the existing negotiation upon 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 gratification in this my last annual communication to congress to have been able to announce to you the complete and entire settlement and adjustment of other matters in difference between the united states and the government of her britannic majesty which were adverted to in a previous message it is so obviously the interest of both countries in respect to the large and valuable commerce which exists between them that all causes of complaint however inconsiderable should be with the greatest promptitude removed that it must be regarded as because of regret that any unnecessary delays should be permitted to intervene it is true that in a pecuniary point of view the matters alluded to are altogether insignificant in amount when compared with the ample resources of that great nation but they nevertheless more particularly that limited class which arise under seizures and detentions of american ships on the coast of africa upon the mistaken supposition indulged in at the time the wrong was committed of their being engaged in the slave trade deeply affect the sensibilities of this government and people great britain having recognized her responsibility to repair all such wrongs by her action in other cases leaves nothing to be regretted upon the subject aa to all cases arising prior to the treaty of washington than the delay in making suitable reparation in such of them as fall plainly within the principle of others which she has long since adjusted the injury inflicted by delays in the settlement of these claims falls with severity 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 existing 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 commencement of the season by the failure of congress at its last session to make a timely appropriation of funds to meet the expenses of the american party and by other causes the united states commissioner however expresses his expectation that by increased diligence and energy the party will be able to make up for lost time we continue to receive assurances of the most friendly feelings on the part of all the other european powers with each and all of whom it is so obviously our interest to cultivate the most amicable relations nor can i anticipate the occurrence of any event which would be likely in any degree to disturb those relations russia the great northern power under the judicious sway of her emperor is constantly advancing in the road of science and improvement while france guided by the counsels 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 austria the netherlands prussia belgium and the other powers of europe reap a rich harvest of blessings from the prevailing peace i informed the two houses of congress in my message of december last that instructions had been given to wheaton our minister at berlin to negotiate a treaty with the germanic states composing the zollverein if it could be done stipulating as far as it was practicable to accomplish it for a reduction of the heavy and onerous duties levied on our tobacco and other leading articles of agricultural production and yielding in return on our part a reduction of duties on such articles the product of their industry as should not come into competition or but a limited one with articles the product of our manufacturing industry the executive in giving such instructions considered itself as acting in strict conformity with the wishes of congress as made known through several measures which it had adopted all directed to the accomplishment of this important result the treaty was therefore negotiated by which essential reductions were secured in the duties levied by the zollverein on tobacco rice and lard accompanied by a stipulation for the admission of raw cotton free of duty in exchange for which highly important concessions a reduction of duties imposed by the laws of the united states on a variety of articles most of which were admitted free of all duty under the act of congress commonly known as the compromise law and but few of which were produced in the united states was stipulated for on our part this treaty was 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 i am bound to presume of full time to consider it it was laid upon the table this procedure had the effect of virtually rejecting it in consequence of a stipulation contained in the treaty that its ratifications should be exchanged on or before a day which has already passed the executive acting upon the fair inference that the senate did not intend its absolute rejection gave instructions to our minister at berlin to reopen the negotiation so far as to obtain an extension of time for the exchange of ratifications i regret however to say that his efforts in this respect have been unsuccessful i am nevertheless not without hope that the great advantages which were intended to be secured by the treaty may yet be realized i am happy to inform you that belgium has by an arrete royale issued in july last assimilated 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 service 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 decidedly benefit the agriculture of the united states and operate to the mutual advantage of both countries no definitive intelligence has yet been received from our minister of the conclusion of a treaty with the chinese empire but enough is 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 empire and the united states is becoming daily of greater importance to both and it is to the interest of both that the firmest relations of amity and good will should continue to be cultivated between them the republic of new granada still withholds notwithstanding the most persevering efforts have been employed by our charge blackford to produce a different result indemnity in the case of the brig morris and the congress of venezuela although an arrangement has been effected between our minister and the minister of foreign affairs of that government for the payment of in discharge of its liabilities in the same case has altogether neglected to make provision for its payment it is to be hoped that a sense of justice will soon induce a settlement of these claims our late minister to chili pendleton has returned to the united states without having effected an adjustment in the second claim of the macedonian which is delayed on grounds altogether frivolous and untenable pendleton successor has been directed to urge the claim in the strongest terms and in the event of a failure to obtain a prompt adjustment to report the fact to the executive at as early a day as possible so that the whole matter may be communicated to congress at your last session i submitted to the attention of congress the convention with the republic of peru of the 17th march 1841 providing for the adjustment of the claims of citizens of the united states against that republic but no definitive action was taken upon the subject 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 jacinto has consisted altogether of predatory incursions attended by circumstances revolting to humanity i repeat now what i then said that after eight years of feeble and ineffectual efforts to reconquer texas it was time that the war should have ceased the united states have a direct interest in the question the contiguity 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 became daily endangered in addition to which it must have been obvious to all that the exhaustion produced by the war subjected both mexico and texas to the interference of other powers which without the interposition of this government might eventuate in the most serious injury to the united states this government from time to time exerted its friendly offices to bring about a termination of hostilities upon terms honorable alike to both the belligerents its efforts in this behalf proved unavailing mexico seemed almost without an object to persevere in the war and no other alternative was left the executive but to take advantage of the dispositions of texas and to invite her to enter into a treaty for annexing her territory to that of the united states since your last session mexico has threatened to renew the war and has either made or proposes to make formidable preparations for invading texas she has issued decrees and proclamations preparatory to the commencement of hostilities full of threats revolting to humanity and which if carried into effect would arouse the attention of all christendom this new demonstration of feeling there is too much reason to believe has been produced in consequence of the negotiation of the late treaty of annexation with texas the executive therefore could not be indifferent to such proceedings and it felt it to be due as well to itself as to the honor of the country that a strong representation should be made to the mexican government upon the subject this was accordingly done as will be seen by the copy of the accompanying dispatch from the secretary of state to the united states envoy 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 a war of desolation such as is now threatened by mexico can not be waged without involving our peace and tranquillity it is idle to believe that such a war could be looked upon with indifference by our own citizens inhabiting adjoining states and our neutrality would be violated in despite of all efforts 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 sympathize with them in their difficulties and who would be led by those sympathies to participate in their struggles however energetic the action of the government to prevent it nor would the numerous and formidable bands of indians the most warlike to be found in any land which occupy the extensive regions contiguous to the states of arkansas and missouri and who are in possession of large tracts of country within the limits of texas be likely to remain passive the inclinations of those numerous tribes lead them invariably to war whenever pretexts exist mexico had no just ground of displeasure against this government or people for negotiating the treaty what interest of hers was affected by the treaty she was despoiled of nothing since texas was forever lost to her the independence of texas was recognized by several of the leading powers of the earth she was free to treat free to adopt her own line of policy free to take the course which she believed was best calculated to secure her happiness her government and people decided on annexation to the united states and the executive saw in the acquisition of such a territory the means of advancing their permanent happiness and glory what principle of good faith then was violated what rule of political morals trampled under foot so far as mexico herself was concerned the measure should have been regarded by her as highly beneficial her inability to reconquer texas had been exhibited i repeat by eight now nine years of fruitless and ruinous contest in the meantime texas has been growing in population and resources emigration has flowed into her territory from all parts of the world in a current which continues to increase in strength mexico requires a permanent boundary between that young republic and herself texas at no distant day if she continues separate and detached from the united states will inevitably seek to consolidate her strength by adding to her domain the contiguous provinces of mexico the spirit of revolt from the control of the central government has heretofore manifested itself in some of those provinces and it is fair to infer that they would be inclined to take the first favorable opportunity to proclaim their independence and to form close alliances with texas the war would thus be endless or if cessations of hostilities should occur they would only endure for a season the interests of mexico therefore could in nothing be better consulted than in a peace with her neighbors which would result in the establishment of a permanent boundary upon the ratification of the treaty the executive was prepared to treat with her on the most liberal basis hence the boundaries of texas were left undefined by the treaty the executive proposed to settle these upon terms that all the world should have pronounced just and reasonable no negotiation upon that point could have been undertaken between the united states and mexico in advance of the ratification of the treaty we should have had no right no power no authority to have conducted such a negotiation and to have undertaken it would have been an assumption equally revolting to the pride of mexico and texas and subjecting us to the charge of arrogance while to have proposed in advance of annexation to satisfy mexico for any contingent interest she might have in texas would have been to have treated texas not as an independent power but as a mere dependency of mexico this assumption could not have been acted on by the executive without setting at defiance your own solemn declaration that that republic was an independent state mexico had it is true threatened war against the united states in the event the treaty of annexation 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 to sacrifice much for peace but nothing to intimidation a war under any circumstances is greatly to be deplored and the united states is the last nation to desire it but if as the condition of peace it be required of us to forego the unquestionable right of treating with an independent power of our own continent upon matters highly interesting to both and that upon a naked and unsustained pretension of claim by a third power to control the free will of the power with whom we treat devoted as we may be to peace and anxious to cultivate friendly relations with the whole world the executive does not hesitate to say that the people of the united states would be ready to brave all consequences sooner than submit to such condition but no apprehension of war was entertained by the executive and i must express frankly the opinion that had the treaty been ratified by the senate it would have been followed by a prompt settlement to the entire satisfaction of mexico of every matter in difference between the two countries seeing then that new preparations for hostile invasion of texas were about to be adopted by mexico and that these were brought about because texas had adopted the suggestions of the executive upon the subject of annexation it could not passively have folded its arms and permitted a war threatened to be accompanied by every act that could mark a barbarous age to be waged against her because she had done so other considerations of a controlling character influenced the course of the executive the treaty which had thus been negotiated had failed to receive the ratification of the senate one of the chief objections which was urged against it was found to consist in the fact that the question of annexation had not been submitted to the ordeal of public opinion in the united states however untenable such an objection was esteemed to be in view of the unquestionable power of the executive to negotiate the treaty and the great and lasting interests involved in the question i felt it to be my duty to submit the whole subject to congress as the best expounders of popular sentiment no definitive action having been taken on the subject by congress the question referred itself directly to the decision of the states and people the great popular election which has just terminated afforded the best opportunity of ascertaining the will of the states and the people upon it pending that issue it became the imperative duty of the executive to inform mexico that the question of annexation was still before the american people and that until their decision was pronounced any serious invasion of texas would be regarded as an attempt to forestall their judgment and could not be looked upon with indifference i am most happy to inform you that no such invasion has taken place and i trust that whatever your action may be upon it mexico will see the importance of deciding the matter by a resort to peaceful expedients in preference to those of arms the decision of the people and the states on this great and interesting subject has been decisively manifested the question of annexation has been presented nakedly to their consideration by the treaty itself all collateral and incidental issues which were calculated to divide and distract the public councils were carefully avoided these were left to the wisdom of the future to determine it presented i repeat the isolated question of annexation and in that form it has been submitted to the ordeal of public sentiment a controlling majority of the people and a large majority of the states have declared in favor of immediate annexation instructions have thus come up to both branches of congress from their respective constituents in terms the most emphatic it is the will of both the people and the states that texas shall be annexed to the union promptly and immediately it may be hoped that in carrying into execution the public will thus declared all collateral issues may be avoided future legislatures can best decide as to the number of states which should be formed out of the territory when the time has arrived for deciding that question so with all others by the treaty the united states assumed the payment of the debts of texas to an amount not exceeding to be paid with the exception of a sum falling short of exclusively out of the proceeds of the sales of her public lands we could not with honor take the lands without assuming the full payment of all incumbencies upon them nothing has occurred since your last session to induce a doubt that the dispositions of texas remain unaltered no intimation of an altered determination on the part of her government and people has been furnished to the executive she still desires to throw herself under the protection of our laws and to partake of the blessings of our federative system while every american interest would seem to require it the extension of our coastwise and foreign trade to an amount almost incalculable the enlargement of the market for our manufactures a constantly growing market for our agricultural productions safety to our frontiers and additional strength and stability to the union these are the results which would rapidly develop themselves upon the consummation of the measure of annexation in such event i will not doubt but that mexico would find her true interest to consist in meeting the advances of this government in a spirit of amity nor do i apprehend any serious complaint from any other quarter no sufficient ground exists for such complaint we should interfere in no respect with the rights of any other nation there can not be gathered from the act any design on our part to do so with their possessions on this continent we have interposed no impediments in the way of such acquisitions of territory large and extensive as many of them are as the leading powers of europe have made from time to time in every part of the world we seek no conquest made by war no intrigue will have been resorted to or acts of diplomacy essayed to accomplish the annexation of texas free and independent herself she asks to be received into our union it is a question for our own decision whether she shall be received or not the two governments having already agreed through their respective organs on the terms of annexation i would recommend their adoption by congress in the form of a joint resolution or act to be perfected and made binding on the two countries when adopted in like manner by the government of texas in order that the subject may be fully presented in all its bearings the correspondence which has taken place in reference to it since the adjournment of congress between the united states texas and mexico is herewith transmitted the amendments proposed by the senate to the convention concluded between the united states and mexico on the 20th of november 1843 have been transmitted through our minister for the concurrence of the mexican government but although urged thereto no action has yet been had on the subject nor has any answer been given which would authorize a favorable conclusion in the future the decree of september 1843 in relation to the retail trade the order for the expulsion of foreigners and that of a more recent date in regard to passports all which are considered as in violation of the treaty of amity and commerce between the two countries have led to a correspondence of considerable length between the minister for foreign relations and our representatives at mexico but without any satisfactory result they remain still unadjusted and many and serious inconveniences have already resulted to our citizens in consequence of them questions growing out of the act of disarming a body of texan troops under the command of major snively by an officer in the service of the united states acting under the orders of our government and the forcible entry into the at bryarlys landing on red river by certain citizens of the united states and taking away therefrom the goods seized by the collector of the customs as forfeited under the laws of texas have been adjusted so far as the powers of the executive extend the correspondence between the two governments in reference to both subjects will be found amongst the accompanying documents it contains a full statement of all the facts and circumstances with the views taken on both sides and the principles on which the questions have been adjusted it remains for congress to make the necessary appropriation to carry the arrangement into effect which i respectfully recommend the greatly improved condition of the treasury affords a subject for general congratulation the paralysis which had fallen on trade and commerce and which subjected the government to the necessity of resorting to loans and the issue of treasury notes to a large amount has passed away and after the payment of upward of on account of the interest and in redemption of more than of the public debt which falls due on the 1st of january next and setting apart upward of for the payment of outstanding treasury notes and meeting an installment of the debts of the corporate cities of the district of columbia an estimated surplus of upward of over and above the existing appropriations will remain in the treasury at the close of the fiscal year should the treasury notes continue outstanding as heretofore that surplus will be considerably augmented although all interest has ceased upon them and the government has invited their return to the treasury yet they remain outstanding affording great facilities to commerce and establishing the fact that under a system of finance the government has resources within itself which render it independent in time of need not only of private loans but also of bank facilities the only remaining subject of regret is that the remaining stocks of the government do not fall due at an earlier day since their redemption would be entirely within its control as it is it may be well worthy the consideration of congress whether the law establishing the sinking fund under the operation of which the debts of the revolution and last war with great britain were to a great extent extinguished should not with proper modifications so as to prevent an accumulation of surpluses and limited in amount to a specific sum be reenacted such provision which would authorize the government to go into the market for a purchase of its own stock on fair terms would serve to maintain its credit at the highest point and prevent to a great extent those fluctuations in the price of its securities which might under other circumstances affect its credit no apprehension of this sort is at this moment entertained since the stocks of the government which but two years ago were offered for sale to capitalists at home and abroad at a depreciation and could find no purchasers are now greatly above par in the hands of the holders but a wise and prudent forecast admonishes us to place beyond the reach of contingency the public credit it must also be a matter of unmingled gratification that under the existing financial system resting upon the act of 1789 and the resolution of 1816 the currency of the country has attained a state of perfect soundness and the rates of exchange between different parts of the union which in 1841 denoted by their enormous amount the great depreciation and in fact worthlessness of the currency in most of the states are now reduced to little more than the mere expense of transporting specie from place to place and the risk incident to the operation in a new country like that of the united states where so many inducements are held out for speculation the depositories of the surplus revenue consisting of banks of any description when it reaches any considerable amount require the closest vigilance on the part of the government all banking institutions under whatever denomination they may pass are governed by an almost exclusive regard to the interest of the stockholders that interest consists in the augmentation of profits in the form of dividends and a large surplus revenue intrusted to their custody is but too apt to lead to excessive loans and to extravagantly large issues of paper as a necessary consequence prices are nominally increased and the speculative mania very soon seizes upon the public mind a fictitious state of prosperity for a season exists and in the language of the day money becomes plenty contracts are entered into by individuals resting on this unsubstantial state of things but the delusion speedily passes away and the country is overrun with an indebtedness so weighty as to overwhelm many and to visit every department of industry with great and ruinous embarrassment the greatest vigilance becomes necessary on the part of government to guard against this state of things the depositories must be given distinctly to understand that the favors of the government will be altogether withdrawn or substantially diminished if its revenues shall be regarded as additions to their banking capital or as the foundation of an enlarged circulation the government through its revenue has at all times an important part to perform in connection with the currency and it greatly depends upon its vigilance and care whether the country be involved in embarrassments similar to those which it has had recently to encounter or aided by the action of the treasury shall be preserved in a sound and healthy condition the dangers to be guarded against are greatly augmented by too large a surplus of revenue when that surplus greatly exceeds in amount what shall be required by a wise and prudent forecast to meet unforeseen contingencies the legislature itself may come to be seized with a disposition to indulge in extravagant appropriations to objects many of which may and most probably would be found to conflict with the constitution a fancied expediency is elevated above constitutional authority and a reckless and wasteful extravagance but too certainly follows the important power of taxation which when exercised in its most restricted form is a burthen on labor and production is resorted to under various pretexts for purposes having no affinity to the motives which dictated its grant and the extravagance of government stimulates individual extravagance until the spirit of a wild and speculation involves one and all in its unfortunate results in view of such fatal consequences it may be laid down as an axiom rounded in moral and political truth that no greater taxes should be imposed than are necessary for an economical administration of the government and that whatever exists beyond should be reduced or modified this doctrine does in no way conflict with the exercise of a sound discrimination in the selection of the articles to be taxed which a due regard to the public weal would at all times suggest to the legislative mind it leaves the range of selection undefined and such selection should always be made with an eye to the great interests of the country composed as is the union of separate and independent states a patriotic legislature will not fail in consulting the interests of the parts to adopt such course as will be best calculated to advance the harmony of the whole and thus insure that permanency in the policy of the government without which all efforts to advance the public prosperity are vain and fruitless this great and vitally important task rests with congress and the executive can do no more than recommend the general principles which should govern in its execution i refer you to the report of the secretary of war for an exhibition of the condition of the army and recommend to you as well worthy your best consideration many of the suggestions it contains the secretary in no degree exaggerates the great importance of pressing forward without delay in the work of erecting and finishing the fortifications to which he particularly alludes much has been done toward placing our cities and roadsteads in a state of security against the hazards of hostile attack within the last four years but considering the new elements which have been of late years employed in the propelling of ships and the formidable implements of destruction which have been brought into service we can not be too active or vigilant in preparing and perfecting the means of defense i refer you also to his report for a full statement of the condition of the indian tribes within our jurisdiction the executive has abated no effort in carrying into effect the policy of the government which contemplates a removal of all the tribes residing within the limits of the several states beyond those limits and it is now enabled to congratulate the country at the prospect of an early consummation of this object many of the tribes have already made great progress in the arts of civilized life and through the operation of the schools established among them aided by the efforts of the pious men of various religious denominations who devote themselves to the task of their improvement we may fondly hope that the remains of the formidable tribes which were once masters of this country will in their transition from the savage state to a condition of refinement and cultivation add another bright trophy to adorn the labors of a philanthropy the accompanying report of the secretary of the navy will explain to you the situation of that branch of the service the present organization of the department imparts to its operations great efficiency but i concur fully in the propriety of a division of the bureau of construction equipment increase and repairs into two bureaus the subjects as now arranged are incongruous and require to a certain extent information and qualifications altogether dissimilar the operations of the squadron on the coast of africa have been conducted with all due attention to the object which led to its origination and i am happy to say that the officers and crews have enjoyed the best possible health under the system adopted by the officer in command it is believed that the united states is the only nation which has by its laws subjected to the punishment of death as pirates those who may be engaged in the slave trade a similar enactment on the part of other nations would not fail to be attended by beneficial results in consequence of the difficulties which have existed in the way of securing titles for the necessary grounds operations have not yet been commenced toward the establishment of the at memphis so soon as the title is perfected no further delay will be permitted to intervene it is well worthy of your consideration whether congress should not direct the establishment of a ropewalk in connection with the contemplated as a measure not only of economy but as highly useful and necessary the only establishment of the sort now connected with the service is located at boston and the advantages of a similar establishment convenient to the region must be apparent to all the report of the secretary presents other matters to your consideration of an important character in connection with the service in referring you to the accompanying report of the it affords me continued because of gratification to be able to advert to the fact that the affairs of the department for the last four years have been so conducted as from its unaided resources to meet its large expenditures on my coming into office a debt of nearly existed against the department which congress discharged by an appropriation from the treasury the department on the 4th of march next will be found under the management of its present efficient head free of debt or embarrassment which could only have been done by the observance and practice of the greatest vigilance and economy the laws have contemplated throughout that the department should be but it may become necessary with the wisest regard to the public interests to introduce amendments and alterations in the system there is a strong desire manifested in many quarters so to alter the tariff of letter postage as to reduce the amount of tax at present imposed should such a measure be carried into effect to the full extent desired it can not well be doubted but that for the first years of its operation a diminished revenue would be collected the supply of which would necessarily constitute a charge upon the treasury whether such a result would be desirable it will be for congress in its wisdom to determine it may in general be asserted as true that radical alterations in any system should rather be brought about gradually than by sudden changes and by pursuing this prudent policy in the reduction of letter postage the department might still sustain itself through the revenue which would accrue by the increase of letters the state and condition of the public treasury has heretofore been such as to have precluded the recommendation of any material change the difficulties upon this head have however ceased and a larger discretion is now left to the government i can not too strongly urge the policy of authorizing the establishment of a line of steamships regularly to ply between this country and foreign ports and upon our own waters for the transportation of the mail the example of the british government is well worthy of imitation in this respect the belief is strongly entertained that the emoluments arising from the transportation of mail matter to foreign countries would operate of itself as an inducement to because individual enterprise to undertake that branch of the task and the remuneration of the government would consist in the addition readily made to our steam navy in case of emergency by the ships so employed should this suggestion meet your approval the propriety of placing such ships under the command of experienced officers of the navy will not escape your observation the application of steam to the purposes of naval warfare cogently recommends an extensive steam marine as important in estimating the defenses of the country fortunately this may be obtained by us to a great extent without incurring any large amount of expenditure steam vessels to be engaged in the transportation of the mails on our principal water courses lakes and ports of our coast could also be so constructed as to be efficient as war vessels when needed and would of themselves constitute a formidable force in order to repel attacks from abroad we can not be blind to the fact that other nations have already added large numbers of steamships to their naval armaments and that this new and powerful agent is destined to revolutionize the condition of the world it becomes the united states therefore looking to their security to adopt a similar policy and the plan suggested will enable them to do so at a small comparative cost i take the greatest pleasure in bearing testimony to the zeal and untiring industry which has characterized the conduct of the members of the executive cabinet each in his appropriate sphere has rendered me the most efficient aid in carrying on the government and it will not i trust appear out of place for me to bear this public testimony the cardinal objects which should ever be held in view by those intrusted with the administration of public affairs are rigidly and without favor or affection so to interpret the national will expressed in the laws as that injustice should be done to none justice to all this has been the rule upon which they have acted and thus it is believed that few cases if any exist wherein our who from time to time have been drawn to the seat of government for the settlement of their transactions with the government have gone away dissatisfied where the testimony has been perfected and was esteemed satisfactory their claims have been promptly audited and this in the absence of all favoritism or partiality the government which is not just to its own people can neither claim their affection nor the respect of the world at the same time the closest attention has been paid to those matters which relate more immediately to the great concerns of the country order and efficiency in each branch of the public service have prevailed accompanied by a system of the most rigid responsibility on the part of the receiving and disbursing agents the fact in illustration of the truth of this remark deserves to be noticed that the revenues of the government amounting in the last four years to upward of have been collected and disbursed through the numerous governmental agents without the loss by default of any amount worthy of serious commentary the appropriations made by congress for the improvement of the rivers of the west and of the harbors on the lakes are in a course of judicious expenditure under suitable agents and are destined it is to be hoped to realize all the benefits designed to be accomplished by congress i can not however sufficiently impress upon congress the great importance of withholding appropriations from improvements which are not ascertained by previous examination and survey to be necessary for the shelter and protection of trade from the dangers of stores and tempests without this precaution the expenditures are but too apt to inure to the benefit of individuals without reference to the only consideration which can render them constitutional the public interests and the general good i can not too earnestly urge upon you the interests of this district over which by the constitution congress has exclusive jurisdiction it would be deeply to be regretted should there be at any time ground to complain of neglect on the part of a community which detached as it is from the parental care of the states of virginia and maryland can only expect aid from congress as its local legislature amongst the subjects which claim your attention is the prompt organization of an asylum for the insane who may be found from time to time sojourning within the district such course is also demanded by considerations which apply to branches of the public service for the necessities in this behalf i invite your particular attention to the report of the secretary of the navy i have thus gentlemen of the two houses of congress presented you a true and faithful picture of the condition of public affairs both foreign and domestic the wants of the public service are made known to you and matters of no ordinary importance are urged upon your consideration shall i not be permitted to congratulate you on the happy auspices under which you have assembled and at the important change in the condition of things which has occurred in the last three years during that period questions with foreign powers of vital importance to the peace of our country have been settled and adjusted a desolating and wasting war with savage tribes has been brought to a close the internal tranquillity of the country threatened by agitating questions has been preserved the credit of the government which had experienced a temporary embarrassment has been thoroughly restored its coffers which for a season were empty have been replenished a currency nearly uniform in its value has taken the place of one depreciated and almost worthless commerce and manufactures which had suffered in common with every other interest have once more revived and the whole country exhibits an aspect of prosperity and happiness trade and barter no longer governed by a wild and speculative mania rest upon a solid and substantial footing and the rapid growth of our cities in every direction bespeaks most strongly the favorable circumstances by which we are surrounded my happiness in the retirement which shortly awaits me is the ardent hope which i experience that this state of prosperity is neither deceptive nor destined to be short lived and that measures which have not yet received its sanction but which i can not but regard as closely connected with the honor the glory and still more enlarged prosperity of the country are destined at an early day to receive the approval of congress under these circumstances and with these anticipations i shall most gladly leave to others more able than myself the noble and pleasing task of sustaining the public prosperity i shall carry with me into retirement the gratifying reflection that as my sole object throughout has been to advance the public good i may not entirely have failed in accomplishing it and this gratification is heightened in no small degree by the fact that when under a deep and abiding sense of duty i have found myself constrained to resort to the qualified veto it has neither been followed by disapproval on the part of the people nor weakened in any degree their attachment to that great conservative feature of our government
continued expressing gratitude supreme ruler universe benefits blessings country kind providence enjoyed past year notwithstanding exciting scenes passed nothing occurred disturb general peace derange harmony political system great moral spectacle exhibited nation approximating number people performed high important function electing chief magistrate term four years without commission acts violence manifestation spirit insubordination laws great inestimable right suffrage exercised invested laws different states spirit dictated alone desire selection agent advance interests country place beyond jeopardy institutions happiness live deepest interest manifested countrymen result election less true highly creditable vast multitudes assembled time time various places purpose canvassing merits pretensions presented suffrages armed soldiery necessary restrain within proper limits popular zeal prevent violent outbreaks principle much controlling found love order obedience laws mere individual exceptions everywhere possesses american mind controls influence far powerful hosts armed men dwell upon picture without recognizing deep devoted attachment part people institutions live proclaims perpetuity great objection always prevailed election people chief executive officer apprehension tumults disorders might involve ruin entire government security found fact alluded additional fact live confederacy embracing already states one power control election popular vote state taken time appointed laws vote announced electoral college without reference decision states right suffrage mode conducting election regulated laws state election distinctly federative prominent features thus unlike might results consolidated system riotous proceedings prevail could affect elections single states without disturbing dangerous extent tranquillity others great experiment political confederation member supreme matters appertaining local interests internal peace happiness voluntary compact others confides united power protection citizens matters domestic far crowned complete success world witnessed rapid growth wealth population guide direction superintending providence developments past may regarded shadowing forth mighty future bright prospects future shall find patriots philanthropists highest inducements cultivate cherish love union frown every measure effort may made alienate states people states sentiment feeling rigid close adherence terms political compact sacred observance guaranties constitution preserve union foundation shaken personal liberty placed beyond hazard jeopardy guaranty religious freedom freedom press liberty speech trial jury habeas corpus domestic institutions states leaving private citizen full exercise high ennobling attributes nature state privilege judiciously exerted consulting means best calculated advance happiness great important guaranties constitution lovers liberty must cherish advocates union must ever cultivate preserving avoiding interpolations forced construction guise imagined expediency upon constitution influence political system destined actively beneficially felt distant shores pacific atlantic ocean formidable impediments way successful expansion time space far progress modification improvements age render longer speculative ability representatives remote region come capitol constituents shall participate benefits federal legislation thus progress time inestimable principles civil liberty enjoyed millions yet unborn great benefits system government extended distant uninhabited regions view vast wilderness yet reclaimed may well invite lover freedom every land take abode among us assist us great work advancing standard civilization giving wider spread arts refinements cultivated life prayers evermore offered father universe wisdom direct us path duty enable us consummate high purposes one strongest objections urged confederacies writers government liability members tampered foreign governments people foreign states either local affairs affected peace others endangered safety whole confederacy hope entirely exempt attempts peace safety united states becoming important population resources attract observation nations therefore may progress time occur opinions entirely abstract states may prevail degree affecting domestic institutions may artfully secretly encouraged view undermine union opinions may become foundation political parties last conflict opinion producing alienation friendly feeling among people different states may involve general destruction happy institutions live ever borne mind true regard individuals equally regard states interference one affairs another fruitful family dissensions neighborhood disputes affects peace happiness prosperity states may devoutly hoped good sense american people ever ready repel attempts ever made material change foreign relations since last annual message congress powers europe continue friendly terms indeed affords much satisfaction state former period peace enlightened important quarter globe ever apparently firmly established conviction peace true policy nations would seem growing becoming deeper amongst enlightened everywhere people stronger interest cherishing sentiments adopting means preserving giving permanence united states amongst first effective doubt strict observance justice honest punctual fulfillment engagements forgotten present state world less necessary ready enforce observance fulfillment reference observe fulfill part regard others since close last session negotiation formally entered upon secretary state britannic majesty minister plenipotentiary envoy extraordinary residing washington relative rights respective nations oregon territory negotiation still pending session brought definitive conclusion result promptly communicated congress would however call attention recommendations contained previous messages designed protect facilitate emigration territory establishment military posts suitable points upon extended line land travel would enable citizens emigrate comparative safety fertile regions falls columbia make provision existing convention joint occupation territory subjects great britain citizens united states available heretofore latter posts would constitute places rest weary emigrant would sheltered securely danger attack indians enabled recover exhaustion long line travel legislative enactments also made spread aegis laws afford protection person property shall reached distant home latter respect british government much careful interests people found country united states made necessary provision security protection acts viciously disposed lawless emigrant reposes safety panoply laws whatever may result pending negotiation measures necessary afford greatest pleasure witness happy favorable termination existing negotiation upon terms compatible public honor best efforts government continue directed end would given highest gratification last annual communication congress able announce complete entire settlement adjustment matters difference united states government britannic majesty adverted previous message obviously interest countries respect large valuable commerce exists causes complaint however inconsiderable greatest promptitude removed must regarded regret unnecessary delays permitted intervene true pecuniary point view matters alluded altogether insignificant amount compared ample resources great nation nevertheless particularly limited class arise seizures detentions american ships coast africa upon mistaken supposition indulged time wrong committed engaged slave trade deeply affect sensibilities government people great britain recognized responsibility repair wrongs action cases leaves nothing regretted upon subject aa cases arising prior treaty washington delay making suitable reparation fall plainly within principle others long since adjusted injury inflicted delays settlement claims falls severity upon individual claimants makes strong appeal magnanimity sense justice speedy settlement matters arising construction existing treaties also remain unadjusted continue urged upon attention labors joint commission appointed two governments run dividing line established treaty washington unfortunately much delayed commencement season failure congress last session make timely appropriation funds meet expenses american party causes united states commissioner however expresses expectation increased diligence energy party able make lost time continue receive assurances friendly feelings part european powers obviously interest cultivate amicable relations anticipate occurrence event would likely degree disturb relations russia great northern power judicious sway emperor constantly advancing road science improvement france guided counsels wise sovereign pursues course calculated consolidate general peace spain obtained breathing spell duration internal convulsions many years marred prosperity austria netherlands prussia belgium powers europe reap rich harvest blessings prevailing peace informed two houses congress message december last instructions given wheaton minister berlin negotiate treaty germanic states composing zollverein could done stipulating far practicable accomplish reduction heavy onerous duties levied tobacco leading articles agricultural production yielding return part reduction duties articles product industry come competition limited one articles product manufacturing industry executive giving instructions considered acting strict conformity wishes congress made known several measures adopted directed accomplishment important result treaty therefore negotiated essential reductions secured duties levied zollverein tobacco rice lard accompanied stipulation admission raw cotton free duty exchange highly important concessions reduction duties imposed laws united states variety articles admitted free duty act congress commonly known compromise law produced united states stipulated part treaty communicated senate early day last session acted upon near close want bound presume full time consider laid upon table procedure effect virtually rejecting consequence stipulation contained treaty ratifications exchanged day already passed executive acting upon fair inference senate intend absolute rejection gave instructions minister berlin reopen negotiation far obtain extension time exchange ratifications regret however say efforts respect unsuccessful nevertheless without hope great advantages intended secured treaty may yet realized happy inform belgium arrete royale issued july last assimilated flag united states far direct trade two countries concerned measure prove great service shipping interest trade heretofore carried chiefly foreign bottoms flatter speedily resort modification system relating tobacco trade would decidedly benefit agriculture united states operate mutual advantage countries definitive intelligence yet received minister conclusion treaty chinese empire enough known induce strongest hopes mission crowned success brazil relations continue friendly footing commercial intercourse growing empire united states becoming daily greater importance interest firmest relations amity good continue cultivated republic new granada still withholds notwithstanding persevering efforts employed charge blackford produce different result indemnity case brig morris congress venezuela although arrangement effected minister minister foreign affairs government payment discharge liabilities case altogether neglected make provision payment hoped sense justice soon induce settlement claims late minister chili pendleton returned united states without effected adjustment second claim macedonian delayed grounds altogether frivolous untenable pendleton successor directed urge claim strongest terms event failure obtain prompt adjustment report fact executive early day possible whole matter may communicated congress last session submitted attention congress convention republic peru 17th march 1841 providing adjustment claims citizens united states republic definitive action taken upon subject invite attention prompt action last annual message felt duty make known congress terms plain emphatic opinion regard war long existed mexico texas since battle san jacinto consisted altogether predatory incursions attended circumstances revolting humanity repeat said eight years feeble ineffectual efforts reconquer texas time war ceased united states direct interest question contiguity two nations territory well calculated involve peace unjust suspicions engendered mind one belligerents us necessary consequence american interests made suffer peace became daily endangered addition must obvious exhaustion produced war subjected mexico texas interference powers without interposition government might eventuate serious injury united states government time time exerted friendly offices bring termination hostilities upon terms honorable alike belligerents efforts behalf proved unavailing mexico seemed almost without object persevere war alternative left executive take advantage dispositions texas invite enter treaty annexing territory united states since last session mexico threatened renew war either made proposes make formidable preparations invading texas issued decrees proclamations preparatory commencement hostilities full threats revolting humanity carried effect would arouse attention christendom new demonstration feeling much reason believe produced consequence negotiation late treaty annexation texas executive therefore could indifferent proceedings felt due well honor country strong representation made mexican government upon subject accordingly done seen copy accompanying dispatch secretary state united states envoy mexico mexico right jeopard peace world urging longer useless fruitless contest condition things would tolerated european continent war desolation threatened mexico waged without involving peace tranquillity idle believe war could looked upon indifference citizens inhabiting adjoining states neutrality would violated despite efforts part government prevent country settled emigrants united states invitations held spain mexico emigrants left behind friends relatives would fail sympathize difficulties would led sympathies participate struggles however energetic action government prevent would numerous formidable bands indians warlike found land occupy extensive regions contiguous states arkansas missouri possession large tracts country within limits texas likely remain passive inclinations numerous tribes lead invariably war whenever pretexts exist mexico ground displeasure government people negotiating treaty interest affected treaty despoiled nothing since texas forever lost independence texas recognized several leading powers earth free treat free adopt line policy free take course believed best calculated secure happiness government people decided annexation united states executive saw acquisition territory means advancing permanent happiness glory principle good faith violated rule political morals trampled foot far mexico concerned measure regarded highly beneficial inability reconquer texas exhibited repeat eight nine years fruitless ruinous contest meantime texas growing population resources emigration flowed territory parts world current continues increase strength mexico requires permanent boundary young republic texas distant day continues separate detached united states inevitably seek consolidate strength adding domain contiguous provinces mexico spirit revolt control central government heretofore manifested provinces fair infer would inclined take first favorable opportunity proclaim independence form close alliances texas war would thus endless cessations hostilities occur would endure season interests mexico therefore could nothing better consulted peace neighbors would result establishment permanent boundary upon ratification treaty executive prepared treat liberal basis hence boundaries texas left undefined treaty executive proposed settle upon terms world pronounced reasonable negotiation upon point could undertaken united states mexico advance ratification treaty right power authority conducted negotiation undertaken would assumption equally revolting pride mexico texas subjecting us charge arrogance proposed advance annexation satisfy mexico contingent interest might texas would treated texas independent power mere dependency mexico assumption could acted executive without setting defiance solemn declaration republic independent state mexico true threatened war united states event treaty annexation ratified executive could permit influenced threat represented spirit people ready sacrifice much peace nothing intimidation war circumstances greatly deplored united states last nation desire condition peace required us forego unquestionable right treating independent power continent upon matters highly interesting upon naked unsustained pretension claim third power control free power treat devoted may peace anxious cultivate friendly relations whole world executive hesitate say people united states would ready brave consequences sooner submit condition apprehension war entertained executive must express frankly opinion treaty ratified senate would followed prompt settlement entire satisfaction mexico every matter difference two countries seeing new preparations hostile invasion texas adopted mexico brought texas adopted suggestions executive upon subject annexation could passively folded arms permitted war threatened accompanied every act could mark barbarous age waged done considerations controlling character influenced course executive treaty thus negotiated failed receive ratification senate one chief objections urged found consist fact question annexation submitted ordeal public opinion united states however untenable objection esteemed view unquestionable power executive negotiate treaty great lasting interests involved question felt duty submit whole subject congress best expounders popular sentiment definitive action taken subject congress question referred directly decision states people great popular election terminated afforded best opportunity ascertaining states people upon pending issue became imperative duty executive inform mexico question annexation still american people decision pronounced serious invasion texas would regarded attempt forestall judgment could looked upon indifference happy inform invasion taken place trust whatever action may upon mexico see importance deciding matter resort peaceful expedients preference arms decision people states great interesting subject decisively manifested question annexation presented nakedly consideration treaty collateral incidental issues calculated divide distract public councils carefully avoided left wisdom future determine presented repeat isolated question annexation form submitted ordeal public sentiment controlling majority people large majority states declared favor immediate annexation instructions thus come branches congress respective constituents terms emphatic people states texas shall annexed union promptly immediately may hoped carrying execution public thus declared collateral issues may avoided future legislatures best decide number states formed territory time arrived deciding question others treaty united states assumed payment debts texas amount exceeding paid exception sum falling short exclusively proceeds sales public lands could honor take lands without assuming full payment incumbencies upon nothing occurred since last session induce doubt dispositions texas remain unaltered intimation altered determination part government people furnished executive still desires throw protection laws partake blessings federative system every american interest would seem require extension coastwise foreign trade amount almost incalculable enlargement market manufactures constantly growing market agricultural productions safety frontiers additional strength stability union results would rapidly develop upon consummation measure annexation event doubt mexico would find true interest consist meeting advances government spirit amity apprehend serious complaint quarter sufficient ground exists complaint interfere respect rights nation gathered act design part possessions continent interposed impediments way acquisitions territory large extensive many leading powers europe made time time every part world seek conquest made war intrigue resorted acts diplomacy essayed accomplish annexation texas free independent asks received union question decision whether shall received two governments already agreed respective organs terms annexation would recommend adoption congress form joint resolution act perfected made binding two countries adopted like manner government texas order subject may fully presented bearings correspondence taken place reference since adjournment congress united states texas mexico herewith transmitted amendments proposed senate convention concluded united states mexico 20th november 1843 transmitted minister concurrence mexican government although urged thereto action yet subject answer given would authorize favorable conclusion future decree september 1843 relation retail trade order expulsion foreigners recent date regard passports considered violation treaty amity commerce two countries led correspondence considerable length minister foreign relations representatives mexico without satisfactory result remain still unadjusted many serious inconveniences already resulted citizens consequence questions growing act disarming body texan troops command major snively officer service united states acting orders government forcible entry bryarlys landing red river certain citizens united states taking away therefrom goods seized collector customs forfeited laws texas adjusted far powers executive extend correspondence two governments reference subjects found amongst accompanying documents contains full statement facts circumstances views taken sides principles questions adjusted remains congress make necessary appropriation carry arrangement effect respectfully recommend greatly improved condition treasury affords subject general congratulation paralysis fallen trade commerce subjected government necessity resorting loans issue treasury notes large amount passed away payment upward account interest redemption public debt falls due 1st january next setting apart upward payment outstanding treasury notes meeting installment debts corporate cities district columbia estimated surplus upward existing appropriations remain treasury close fiscal year treasury notes continue outstanding heretofore surplus considerably augmented although interest ceased upon government invited return treasury yet remain outstanding affording great facilities commerce establishing fact system finance government resources within render independent time need private loans also bank facilities remaining subject regret remaining stocks government fall due earlier day since redemption would entirely within control may well worthy consideration congress whether law establishing sinking fund operation debts revolution last war great britain great extent extinguished proper modifications prevent accumulation surpluses limited amount specific sum reenacted provision would authorize government go market purchase stock fair terms would serve maintain credit highest point prevent great extent fluctuations price securities might circumstances affect credit apprehension sort moment entertained since stocks government two years ago offered sale capitalists home abroad depreciation could find purchasers greatly par hands holders wise prudent forecast admonishes us place beyond reach contingency public credit must also matter unmingled gratification existing financial system resting upon act 1789 resolution 1816 currency country attained state perfect soundness rates exchange different parts union 1841 denoted enormous amount great depreciation fact worthlessness currency states reduced little mere expense transporting specie place place risk incident operation new country like united states many inducements held speculation depositories surplus revenue consisting banks description reaches considerable amount require closest vigilance part government banking institutions whatever denomination may pass governed almost exclusive regard interest stockholders interest consists augmentation profits form dividends large surplus revenue intrusted custody apt lead excessive loans extravagantly large issues paper necessary consequence prices nominally increased speculative mania soon seizes upon public mind fictitious state prosperity season exists language day money becomes plenty contracts entered individuals resting unsubstantial state things delusion speedily passes away country overrun indebtedness weighty overwhelm many visit every department industry great ruinous embarrassment greatest vigilance becomes necessary part government guard state things depositories must given distinctly understand favors government altogether withdrawn substantially diminished revenues shall regarded additions banking capital foundation enlarged circulation government revenue times important part perform connection currency greatly depends upon vigilance care whether country involved embarrassments similar recently encounter aided action treasury shall preserved sound healthy condition dangers guarded greatly augmented large surplus revenue surplus greatly exceeds amount shall required wise prudent forecast meet unforeseen contingencies legislature may come seized disposition indulge extravagant appropriations objects many may probably would found conflict constitution fancied expediency elevated constitutional authority reckless wasteful extravagance certainly follows important power taxation exercised restricted form burthen labor production resorted various pretexts purposes affinity motives dictated grant extravagance government stimulates individual extravagance spirit wild speculation involves one unfortunate results view fatal consequences may laid axiom rounded moral political truth greater taxes imposed necessary economical administration government whatever exists beyond reduced modified doctrine way conflict exercise sound discrimination selection articles taxed due regard public weal would times suggest legislative mind leaves range selection undefined selection always made eye great interests country composed union separate independent states patriotic legislature fail consulting interests parts adopt course best calculated advance harmony whole thus insure permanency policy government without efforts advance public prosperity vain fruitless great vitally important task rests congress executive recommend general principles govern execution refer report secretary war exhibition condition army recommend well worthy best consideration many suggestions contains secretary degree exaggerates great importance pressing forward without delay work erecting finishing fortifications particularly alludes much done toward placing cities roadsteads state security hazards hostile attack within last four years considering new elements late years employed propelling ships formidable implements destruction brought service active vigilant preparing perfecting means defense refer also report full statement condition indian tribes within jurisdiction executive abated effort carrying effect policy government contemplates removal tribes residing within limits several states beyond limits enabled congratulate country prospect early consummation object many tribes already made great progress arts civilized life operation schools established among aided efforts pious men various religious denominations devote task improvement may fondly hope remains formidable tribes masters country transition savage state condition refinement cultivation add another bright trophy adorn labors philanthropy accompanying report secretary navy explain situation branch service present organization department imparts operations great efficiency concur fully propriety division bureau construction equipment increase repairs two bureaus subjects arranged incongruous require certain extent information qualifications altogether dissimilar operations squadron coast africa conducted due attention object led origination happy say officers crews enjoyed best possible health system adopted officer command believed united states nation laws subjected punishment death pirates may engaged slave trade similar enactment part nations would fail attended beneficial results consequence difficulties existed way securing titles necessary grounds operations yet commenced toward establishment memphis soon title perfected delay permitted intervene well worthy consideration whether congress direct establishment ropewalk connection contemplated measure economy highly useful necessary establishment sort connected service located boston advantages similar establishment convenient region must apparent report secretary presents matters consideration important character connection service referring accompanying report affords continued gratification able advert fact affairs department last four years conducted unaided resources meet large expenditures coming office debt nearly existed department congress discharged appropriation treasury department 4th march next found management present efficient head free debt embarrassment could done observance practice greatest vigilance economy laws contemplated throughout department may become necessary wisest regard public interests introduce amendments alterations system strong desire manifested many quarters alter tariff letter postage reduce amount tax present imposed measure carried effect full extent desired well doubted first years operation diminished revenue would collected supply would necessarily constitute charge upon treasury whether result would desirable congress wisdom determine may general asserted true radical alterations system rather brought gradually sudden changes pursuing prudent policy reduction letter postage department might still sustain revenue would accrue increase letters state condition public treasury heretofore precluded recommendation material change difficulties upon head however ceased larger discretion left government strongly urge policy authorizing establishment line steamships regularly ply country foreign ports upon waters transportation mail example british government well worthy imitation respect belief strongly entertained emoluments arising transportation mail matter foreign countries would operate inducement individual enterprise undertake branch task remuneration government would consist addition readily made steam navy case emergency ships employed suggestion meet approval propriety placing ships command experienced officers navy escape observation application steam purposes naval warfare cogently recommends extensive steam marine important estimating defenses country fortunately may obtained us great extent without incurring large amount expenditure steam vessels engaged transportation mails principal water courses lakes ports coast could also constructed efficient war vessels needed would constitute formidable force order repel attacks abroad blind fact nations already added large numbers steamships naval armaments new powerful agent destined revolutionize condition world becomes united states therefore looking security adopt similar policy plan suggested enable small comparative cost take greatest pleasure bearing testimony zeal untiring industry characterized conduct members executive cabinet appropriate sphere rendered efficient aid carrying government trust appear place bear public testimony cardinal objects ever held view intrusted administration public affairs rigidly without favor affection interpret national expressed laws injustice done none justice rule upon acted thus believed cases exist wherein time time drawn seat government settlement transactions government gone away dissatisfied testimony perfected esteemed satisfactory claims promptly audited absence favoritism partiality government people neither claim affection respect world time closest attention paid matters relate immediately great concerns country order efficiency branch public service prevailed accompanied system rigid responsibility part receiving disbursing agents fact illustration truth remark deserves noticed revenues government amounting last four years upward collected disbursed numerous governmental agents without loss default amount worthy serious commentary appropriations made congress improvement rivers west harbors lakes course judicious expenditure suitable agents destined hoped realize benefits designed accomplished congress however sufficiently impress upon congress great importance withholding appropriations improvements ascertained previous examination survey necessary shelter protection trade dangers stores tempests without precaution expenditures apt inure benefit individuals without reference consideration render constitutional public interests general good earnestly urge upon interests district constitution congress exclusive jurisdiction would deeply regretted time ground complain neglect part community detached parental care states virginia maryland expect aid congress local legislature amongst subjects claim attention prompt organization asylum insane may found time time sojourning within district course also demanded considerations apply branches public service necessities behalf invite particular attention report secretary navy thus gentlemen two houses congress presented true faithful picture condition public affairs foreign domestic wants public service made known matters ordinary importance urged upon consideration shall permitted congratulate happy auspices assembled important change condition things occurred last three years period questions foreign powers vital importance peace country settled adjusted desolating wasting war savage tribes brought close internal tranquillity country threatened agitating questions preserved credit government experienced temporary embarrassment thoroughly restored coffers season empty replenished currency nearly uniform value taken place one depreciated almost worthless commerce manufactures suffered common every interest revived whole country exhibits aspect prosperity happiness trade barter longer governed wild speculative mania rest upon solid substantial footing rapid growth cities every direction bespeaks strongly favorable circumstances surrounded happiness retirement shortly awaits ardent hope experience state prosperity neither deceptive destined short lived measures yet received sanction regard closely connected honor glory still enlarged prosperity country destined early day receive approval congress circumstances anticipations shall gladly leave others able noble pleasing task sustaining public prosperity shall carry retirement gratifying reflection sole object throughout advance public good may entirely failed accomplishing gratification heightened small degree fact deep abiding sense duty found constrained resort qualified veto neither followed disapproval part people weakened degree attachment great conservative feature government
continued express gratitude supreme ruler universe benefit blessing country kind providence enjoy past year notwithstanding excite scene pass nothing occur disturb general peace derange harmony political system great moral spectacle exhibit nation approximate number people perform high important function elect chief magistrate term four year without commission act violence manifestation spirit insubordination law great inestimable right suffrage exercise invested law different state spirit dictate alone desire selection agent advance interest country place beyond jeopardy institution happiness live deepest interest manifest countryman result election less true highly creditable vast multitude assemble time time various place purpose canvass merit pretension present suffrage arm soldiery necessary restrain within proper limit popular zeal prevent violent outbreaks principle much control find love order obedience law mere individual exception everywhere possesses american mind control influence far powerful host arm men dwell upon picture without recognize deep devote attachment part people institution live proclaims perpetuity great objection always prevail election people chief executive officer apprehension tumult disorder might involve ruin entire government security find fact allude additional fact live confederacy embrace already state one power control election popular vote state take time appoint law vote announce electoral college without reference decision state right suffrage mode conduct election regulate law state election distinctly federative prominent feature thus unlike might result consolidated system riotous proceeding prevail could affect election single state without disturb dangerous extent tranquillity others great experiment political confederation member supreme matter appertain local interest internal peace happiness voluntary compact others confides united power protection citizens matter domestic far crown complete success world witness rapid growth wealth population guide direction superintend providence development past may regard shadow forth mighty future bright prospect future shall find patriots philanthropist high inducement cultivate cherish love union frown every measure effort may make alienate state people state sentiment feel rigid close adherence term political compact sacred observance guaranty constitution preserve union foundation shake personal liberty place beyond hazard jeopardy guaranty religious freedom freedom press liberty speech trial jury habeas corpus domestic institution state leave private citizen full exercise high ennobling attribute nature state privilege judiciously exert consult mean best calculate advance happiness great important guaranty constitution lover liberty must cherish advocate union must ever cultivate preserve avoid interpolation force construction guise imagine expediency upon constitution influence political system destine actively beneficially felt distant shore pacific atlantic ocean formidable impediment way successful expansion time space far progress modification improvement age render longer speculative ability representative remote region come capitol constituent shall participate benefit federal legislation thus progress time inestimable principle civil liberty enjoy million yet unborn great benefit system government extend distant uninhabited region view vast wilderness yet reclaim may well invite lover freedom every land take abode among u assist u great work advance standard civilization give wide spread art refinement cultivate life prayer evermore offer father universe wisdom direct u path duty enable u consummate high purpose one strong objection urge confederacy writer government liability member tamper foreign government people foreign state either local affair affect peace others endanger safety whole confederacy hope entirely exempt attempt peace safety united state become important population resource attract observation nation therefore may progress time occur opinion entirely abstract state may prevail degree affect domestic institution may artfully secretly encourage view undermine union opinion may become foundation political party last conflict opinion produce alienation friendly feeling among people different state may involve general destruction happy institution live ever borne mind true regard individual equally regard state interference one affair another fruitful family dissension neighborhood dispute affect peace happiness prosperity state may devoutly hop good sense american people ever ready repel attempt ever make material change foreign relation since last annual message congress power europe continue friendly term indeed affords much satisfaction state former period peace enlighten important quarter globe ever apparently firmly establish conviction peace true policy nation would seem grow become deep amongst enlighten everywhere people strong interest cherish sentiment adopt mean preserve give permanence united state amongst first effective doubt strict observance justice honest punctual fulfillment engagement forgotten present state world less necessary ready enforce observance fulfillment reference observe fulfill part regard others since close last session negotiation formally enter upon secretary state britannic majesty minister plenipotentiary envoy extraordinary reside washington relative right respective nation oregon territory negotiation still pending session bring definitive conclusion result promptly communicate congress would however call attention recommendation contain previous message design protect facilitate emigration territory establishment military post suitable point upon extend line land travel would enable citizen emigrate comparative safety fertile region fall columbia make provision exist convention joint occupation territory subject great britain citizen united state available heretofore latter post would constitute place rest weary emigrant would shelter securely danger attack indian enable recover exhaustion long line travel legislative enactment also make spread aegis law afford protection person property shall reach distant home latter respect british government much careful interest people find country united state make necessary provision security protection act viciously disposed lawless emigrant repose safety panoply law whatever may result pending negotiation measure necessary afford great pleasure witness happy favorable termination exist negotiation upon term compatible public honor best effort government continue direct end would give high gratification last annual communication congress able announce complete entire settlement adjustment matter difference united state government britannic majesty advert previous message obviously interest country respect large valuable commerce exist cause complaint however inconsiderable great promptitude remove must regard regret unnecessary delay permit intervene true pecuniary point view matter allude altogether insignificant amount compare ample resource great nation nevertheless particularly limited class arise seizures detention american ship coast africa upon mistaken supposition indulge time wrong commit engage slave trade deeply affect sensibilities government people great britain recognize responsibility repair wrong action case leave nothing regret upon subject aa case arise prior treaty washington delay make suitable reparation fall plainly within principle others long since adjust injury inflict delay settlement claim fall severity upon individual claimant make strong appeal magnanimity sense justice speedy settlement matter arise construction exist treaty also remain unadjusted continue urge upon attention labor joint commission appoint two government run divide line establish treaty washington unfortunately much delay commencement season failure congress last session make timely appropriation fund meet expense american party cause united state commissioner however expresses expectation increase diligence energy party able make lose time continue receive assurance friendly feeling part european power obviously interest cultivate amicable relation anticipate occurrence event would likely degree disturb relation russia great northern power judicious sway emperor constantly advance road science improvement france guide counsel wise sovereign pursues course calculate consolidate general peace spain obtain breathe spell duration internal convulsion many year mar prosperity austria netherlands prussia belgium power europe reap rich harvest blessing prevail peace inform two house congress message december last instruction give wheaton minister berlin negotiate treaty germanic state compose zollverein could do stipulate far practicable accomplish reduction heavy onerous duty levy tobacco lead article agricultural production yield return part reduction duty article product industry come competition limit one article product manufacturing industry executive give instruction consider act strict conformity wish congress make know several measure adopt direct accomplishment important result treaty therefore negotiated essential reduction secure duty levy zollverein tobacco rice lard accompany stipulation admission raw cotton free duty exchange highly important concession reduction duty impose law united state variety article admit free duty act congress commonly know compromise law produce united state stipulate part treaty communicate senate early day last session act upon near close want bound presume full time consider lay upon table procedure effect virtually reject consequence stipulation contain treaty ratification exchange day already pass executive act upon fair inference senate intend absolute rejection give instruction minister berlin reopen negotiation far obtain extension time exchange ratification regret however say effort respect unsuccessful nevertheless without hope great advantage intend secure treaty may yet realize happy inform belgium arrete royale issue july last assimilated flag united state far direct trade two country concerned measure prove great service ship interest trade heretofore carry chiefly foreign bottom flatter speedily resort modification system relate tobacco trade would decidedly benefit agriculture united state operate mutual advantage country definitive intelligence yet receive minister conclusion treaty chinese empire enough know induce strong hope mission crown success brazil relation continue friendly footing commercial intercourse grow empire united state become daily great importance interest firmest relation amity good continue cultivate republic new granada still withhold notwithstanding persevere effort employ charge blackford produce different result indemnity case brig morris congress venezuela although arrangement effect minister minister foreign affair government payment discharge liability case altogether neglect make provision payment hop sense justice soon induce settlement claim late minister chili pendleton return united state without effected adjustment second claim macedonian delay ground altogether frivolous untenable pendleton successor direct urge claim strong term event failure obtain prompt adjustment report fact executive early day possible whole matter may communicate congress last session submit attention congress convention republic peru 17th march 1841 provide adjustment claim citizen united state republic definitive action take upon subject invite attention prompt action last annual message felt duty make know congress term plain emphatic opinion regard war long exist mexico texas since battle san jacinto consist altogether predatory incursion attend circumstance revolt humanity repeat say eight year feeble ineffectual effort reconquer texas time war cease united state direct interest question contiguity two nation territory well calculate involve peace unjust suspicion engender mind one belligerent u necessary consequence american interest make suffer peace become daily endanger addition must obvious exhaustion produce war subject mexico texas interference power without interposition government might eventuate serious injury united state government time time exert friendly office bring termination hostility upon term honorable alike belligerent effort behalf prove unavailing mexico seem almost without object persevere war alternative leave executive take advantage disposition texas invite enter treaty annex territory united state since last session mexico threaten renew war either make proposes make formidable preparation invade texas issue decrees proclamation preparatory commencement hostility full threat revolt humanity carry effect would arouse attention christendom new demonstration feeling much reason believe produce consequence negotiation late treaty annexation texas executive therefore could indifferent proceeding felt due well honor country strong representation make mexican government upon subject accordingly do see copy accompany dispatch secretary state united state envoy mexico mexico right jeopard peace world urge long useless fruitless contest condition thing would tolerate european continent war desolation threaten mexico wag without involve peace tranquillity idle believe war could look upon indifference citizen inhabit adjoin state neutrality would violate despite effort part government prevent country settle emigrant united state invitation hold spain mexico emigrant leave behind friends relative would fail sympathize difficulty would lead sympathy participate struggle however energetic action government prevent would numerous formidable band indian warlike find land occupy extensive region contiguous state arkansas missouri possession large tract country within limit texas likely remain passive inclination numerous tribe lead invariably war whenever pretext exist mexico ground displeasure government people negotiate treaty interest affect treaty despoil nothing since texas forever lose independence texas recognize several lead power earth free treat free adopt line policy free take course believe best calculated secure happiness government people decide annexation united state executive saw acquisition territory mean advance permanent happiness glory principle good faith violated rule political moral trample foot far mexico concerned measure regard highly beneficial inability reconquer texas exhibit repeat eight nine year fruitless ruinous contest meantime texas grow population resource emigration flow territory part world current continue increase strength mexico require permanent boundary young republic texas distant day continue separate detach united state inevitably seek consolidate strength add domain contiguous province mexico spirit revolt control central government heretofore manifest province fair infer would incline take first favorable opportunity proclaim independence form close alliance texas war would thus endless cessation hostility occur would endure season interest mexico therefore could nothing well consult peace neighbor would result establishment permanent boundary upon ratification treaty executive prepare treat liberal basis hence boundary texas leave undefined treaty executive propose settle upon term world pronounce reasonable negotiation upon point could undertake united state mexico advance ratification treaty right power authority conduct negotiation undertaken would assumption equally revolt pride mexico texas subject u charge arrogance propose advance annexation satisfy mexico contingent interest might texas would treat texas independent power mere dependency mexico assumption could act executive without set defiance solemn declaration republic independent state mexico true threaten war united state event treaty annexation ratify executive could permit influenced threat represent spirit people ready sacrifice much peace nothing intimidation war circumstance greatly deplore united state last nation desire condition peace require u forego unquestionable right treat independent power continent upon matter highly interest upon naked unsustained pretension claim third power control free power treat devote may peace anxious cultivate friendly relation whole world executive hesitate say people united state would ready brave consequence sooner submit condition apprehension war entertain executive must express frankly opinion treaty ratify senate would follow prompt settlement entire satisfaction mexico every matter difference two country see new preparation hostile invasion texas adopt mexico bring texas adopt suggestion executive upon subject annexation could passively fold arm permit war threaten accompany every act could mark barbarous age wag do consideration control character influence course executive treaty thus negotiate fail receive ratification senate one chief objection urge found consist fact question annexation submit ordeal public opinion unite state however untenable objection esteem view unquestionable power executive negotiate treaty great lasting interest involve question felt duty submit whole subject congress best expounder popular sentiment definitive action take subject congress question refer directly decision state people great popular election terminate afforded best opportunity ascertain state people upon pending issue become imperative duty executive inform mexico question annexation still american people decision pronounce serious invasion texas would regard attempt forestall judgment could look upon indifference happy inform invasion take place trust whatever action may upon mexico see importance decide matter resort peaceful expedient preference arm decision people state great interesting subject decisively manifested question annexation present nakedly consideration treaty collateral incidental issue calculate divide distract public council carefully avoid left wisdom future determine present repeat isolated question annexation form submit ordeal public sentiment control majority people large majority state declare favor immediate annexation instruction thus come branch congress respective constituent term emphatic people state texas shall annex union promptly immediately may hop carry execution public thus declared collateral issue may avoid future legislatures best decide number state form territory time arrive decide question others treaty united state assume payment debt texas amount exceed pay exception sum fall short exclusively proceeds sale public land could honor take land without assume full payment incumbency upon nothing occur since last session induce doubt disposition texas remain unaltered intimation alter determination part government people furnish executive still desire throw protection law partake blessing federative system every american interest would seem require extension coastwise foreign trade amount almost incalculable enlargement market manufacture constantly grow market agricultural production safety frontier additional strength stability union result would rapidly develop upon consummation measure annexation event doubt mexico would find true interest consist meeting advance government spirit amity apprehend serious complaint quarter sufficient ground exist complaint interfere respect right nation gather act design part possession continent interpose impediment way acquisition territory large extensive many lead power europe make time time every part world seek conquest make war intrigue resort act diplomacy essay accomplish annexation texas free independent ask receive union question decision whether shall receive two government already agree respective organ term annexation would recommend adoption congress form joint resolution act perfect make bind two country adopt like manner government texas order subject may fully present bearing correspondence take place reference since adjournment congress united state texas mexico herewith transmit amendment propose senate convention conclude united state mexico 20th november 1843 transmitted minister concurrence mexican government although urged thereto action yet subject answer give would authorize favorable conclusion future decree september 1843 relation retail trade order expulsion foreigner recent date regard passport consider violation treaty amity commerce two country lead correspondence considerable length minister foreign relation representative mexico without satisfactory result remain still unadjusted many serious inconvenience already result citizen consequence question grow act disarm body texan troop command major snively officer service unite state act order government forcible entry bryarlys land red river certain citizen united state take away therefrom good seize collector custom forfeit law texas adjust far power executive extend correspondence two government reference subject find amongst accompany document contain full statement fact circumstance view take side principle question adjust remain congress make necessary appropriation carry arrangement effect respectfully recommend greatly improve condition treasury affords subject general congratulation paralysis fall trade commerce subject government necessity resort loan issue treasury note large amount pass away payment upward account interest redemption public debt fall due 1st january next set apart upward payment outstanding treasury note meet installment debt corporate city district columbia estimate surplus upward exist appropriation remain treasury close fiscal year treasury note continue outstanding heretofore surplus considerably augment although interest cease upon government invite return treasury yet remain outstanding afford great facility commerce establish fact system finance government resource within render independent time need private loan also bank facility remain subject regret remain stock government fall due earlier day since redemption would entirely within control may well worthy consideration congress whether law establish sink fund operation debt revolution last war great britain great extent extinguish proper modification prevent accumulation surplus limit amount specific sum reenact provision would authorize government go market purchase stock fair term would serve maintain credit high point prevent great extent fluctuation price security might circumstance affect credit apprehension sort moment entertain since stock government two year ago offer sale capitalist home abroad depreciation could find purchaser greatly par hand holder wise prudent forecast admonishes u place beyond reach contingency public credit must also matter unmingled gratification exist financial system rest upon act 1789 resolution 1816 currency country attain state perfect soundness rate exchange different part union 1841 denote enormous amount great depreciation fact worthlessness currency state reduce little mere expense transport specie place place risk incident operation new country like united state many inducement hold speculation depository surplus revenue consist bank description reach considerable amount require close vigilance part government banking institution whatever denomination may pass govern almost exclusive regard interest stockholder interest consist augmentation profit form dividend large surplus revenue intrust custody apt lead excessive loan extravagantly large issue paper necessary consequence price nominally increase speculative mania soon seize upon public mind fictitious state prosperity season exist language day money become plenty contract enter individual rest unsubstantial state thing delusion speedily pass away country overrun indebtedness weighty overwhelm many visit every department industry great ruinous embarrassment great vigilance becomes necessary part government guard state thing depository must give distinctly understand favor government altogether withdraw substantially diminish revenue shall regard addition bank capital foundation enlarge circulation government revenue time important part perform connection currency greatly depend upon vigilance care whether country involve embarrassment similar recently encounter aid action treasury shall preserve sound healthy condition danger guard greatly augment large surplus revenue surplus greatly exceed amount shall require wise prudent forecast meet unforeseen contingency legislature may come seized disposition indulge extravagant appropriation object many may probably would find conflict constitution fancy expediency elevate constitutional authority reckless wasteful extravagance certainly follow important power taxation exercise restricted form burthen labor production resort various pretext purpose affinity motif dictate grant extravagance government stimulate individual extravagance spirit wild speculation involve one unfortunate result view fatal consequence may lay axiom rounded moral political truth great tax impose necessary economical administration government whatever exist beyond reduce modified doctrine way conflict exercise sound discrimination selection article tax due regard public weal would time suggest legislative mind leave range selection undefined selection always make eye great interest country compose union separate independent state patriotic legislature fail consulting interest part adopt course best calculated advance harmony whole thus insure permanency policy government without effort advance public prosperity vain fruitless great vitally important task rest congress executive recommend general principle govern execution refer report secretary war exhibition condition army recommend well worthy best consideration many suggestion contains secretary degree exaggerate great importance press forward without delay work erect finishing fortification particularly alludes much do toward place city roadstead state security hazard hostile attack within last four year consider new element late year employ propel ship formidable implement destruction bring service active vigilant prepare perfect mean defense refer also report full statement condition indian tribe within jurisdiction executive abate effort carry effect policy government contemplate removal tribe reside within limit several state beyond limit enable congratulate country prospect early consummation object many tribe already make great progress art civilize life operation school establish among aided effort pious men various religious denomination devote task improvement may fondly hope remain formidable tribes master country transition savage state condition refinement cultivation add another bright trophy adorn labor philanthropy accompany report secretary navy explain situation branch service present organization department imparts operation great efficiency concur fully propriety division bureau construction equipment increase repair two bureau subject arrange incongruous require certain extent information qualification altogether dissimilar operation squadron coast africa conduct due attention object lead origination happy say officer crew enjoy best possible health system adopt officer command believe united state nation law subject punishment death pirate may engage slave trade similar enactment part nation would fail attended beneficial result consequence difficulty exist way secure title necessary ground operation yet commence toward establishment memphis soon title perfected delay permit intervene well worthy consideration whether congress direct establishment ropewalk connection contemplate measure economy highly useful necessary establishment sort connect service locate boston advantage similar establishment convenient region must apparent report secretary present matter consideration important character connection service refer accompany report affords continue gratification able advert fact affair department last four year conduct unaided resource meet large expenditure come office debt nearly exist department congress discharge appropriation treasury department 4th march next found management present efficient head free debt embarrassment could do observance practice great vigilance economy law contemplate throughout department may become necessary wise regard public interest introduce amendment alteration system strong desire manifest many quarter alter tariff letter postage reduce amount tax present impose measure carry effect full extent desire well doubt first year operation diminish revenue would collect supply would necessarily constitute charge upon treasury whether result would desirable congress wisdom determine may general assert true radical alteration system rather bring gradually sudden change pursue prudent policy reduction letter postage department might still sustain revenue would accrue increase letter state condition public treasury heretofore preclude recommendation material change difficulty upon head however cease large discretion leave government strongly urge policy authorize establishment line steamship regularly ply country foreign port upon water transportation mail example british government well worthy imitation respect belief strongly entertain emolument arise transportation mail matter foreign country would operate inducement individual enterprise undertake branch task remuneration government would consist addition readily make steam navy case emergency ship employ suggestion meet approval propriety place ship command experience officer navy escape observation application steam purpose naval warfare cogently recommend extensive steam marine important estimating defense country fortunately may obtain u great extent without incur large amount expenditure steam vessel engage transportation mail principal water course lakes port coast could also construct efficient war vessel need would constitute formidable force order repel attack abroad blind fact nation already add large number steamship naval armament new powerful agent destine revolutionize condition world become united state therefore look security adopt similar policy plan suggest enable small comparative cost take great pleasure bear testimony zeal untiring industry characterize conduct member executive cabinet appropriate sphere render efficient aid carry government trust appear place bear public testimony cardinal object ever hold view intrusted administration public affair rigidly without favor affection interpret national express law injustice do none justice rule upon act thus believe case exist wherein time time draw seat government settlement transaction government go away dissatisfied testimony perfect esteemed satisfactory claim promptly audit absence favoritism partiality government people neither claim affection respect world time close attention pay matter relate immediately great concern country order efficiency branch public service prevail accompanied system rigid responsibility part receive disburse agent fact illustration truth remark deserves notice revenues government amount last four year upward collect disbursed numerous governmental agent without loss default amount worthy serious commentary appropriation make congress improvement river west harbor lake course judicious expenditure suitable agent destine hop realize benefit design accomplish congress however sufficiently impress upon congress great importance withhold appropriation improvement ascertain previous examination survey necessary shelter protection trade danger store tempest without precaution expenditure apt inure benefit individual without reference consideration render constitutional public interest general good earnestly urge upon interest district constitution congress exclusive jurisdiction would deeply regretted time ground complain neglect part community detach parental care state virginia maryland expect aid congress local legislature amongst subject claim attention prompt organization asylum insane may find time time sojourn within district course also demand consideration apply branch public service necessity behalf invite particular attention report secretary navy thus gentleman two house congress present true faithful picture condition public affair foreign domestic want public service make known matter ordinary importance urge upon consideration shall permit congratulate happy auspex assemble important change condition thing occur last three year period question foreign power vital importance peace country settle adjusted desolate waste war savage tribes bring close internal tranquillity country threaten agitate question preserve credit government experience temporary embarrassment thoroughly restore coffer season empty replenish currency nearly uniform value take place one depreciate almost worthless commerce manufacture suffer common every interest revive whole country exhibit aspect prosperity happiness trade barter longer govern wild speculative mania rest upon solid substantial footing rapid growth city every direction bespeak strongly favorable circumstance surround happiness retirement shortly await ardent hope experience state prosperity neither deceptive destine short live measure yet receive sanction regard closely connect honor glory still enlarge prosperity country destine early day receive approval congress circumstance anticipation shall gladly leave others able noble please task sustain public prosperity shall carry retirement gratify reflection sole object throughout advance public good may entirely fail accomplish gratification heighten small degree fact deep abiding sense duty find constrain resort qualify veto neither follow disapproval part people weaken degree attachment great conservative feature government