If any people ever had cause to render up thanks to the Supreme Being for parental care and protection extended to them in all the trials and difficulties to which they have been from time to time exposed, we certainly are that people. From the first settlement of our forefathers on this continent, through the dangers attendant upon the occupation of a savage wilderness, through a long period of colonial dependence, through the War of the Revolution, in the wisdom which led to the adoption of the existing forms of republican government, in the hazards incident to a war subsequently waged with one of the most powerful nations of the earth, in the increase of our population, in the spread of the arts and sciences, and in the strength and durability conferred on political institutions emanating from the people and sustained by their will, the superintendence of an overruling Providence has been plainly visible. As preparatory, therefore, to entering once more upon the high duties of legislation, it becomes us humbly to acknowledge our dependence upon Him as our guide and protector and to implore a continuance of His parental watchfulness over our beloved country. We have new cause for the expression of our gratitude in the preservation of the health of our fellow-citizens, with some partial and local exceptions, during the past season, for the abundance with which the earth has yielded up its fruits to the labors of the husbandman, for the renewed activity which has been imparted to commerce, for the revival of trade in all its departments, for the increased rewards attendant on the exercise of the mechanic arts, for the continued growth of our population and the rapidly reviving prosperity of the whole country. I shall be permitted to exchange congratulations with you, gentlemen of the two Houses of Congress, on these auspicious circumstances, and to assure you in advance of my ready disposition to cur with you in the adoption of all such measures as shall be calculated to increase the happiness of our constituents and to advance the glory of our common country. Since the last adjournment of Congress the Executive has relaxed no effort to render indestructible the relations of amity which so happily exist between the United States and other countries. The treaty lately concluded with Great Britain has tended greatly to increase the good understanding which a reciprocity of interests is calculated to encourage, and it is most ardently to be hoped that nothing may transpire to interrupt the relations of amity which it is so obviously the policy of both nations to cultivate. A question of much importance still remains to be adjusted between them. The territorial limits of the two countries relation to what is commonly known as the Oregon Territory still remain in dispute. The United States would be at all times indisposed to aggrandize itself at the expense of any other nation; but while they would be restrained by principles of honor, which should govern the conduct of nations as well as that of individuals, from setting up a demand for territory which does not belong to them, they would as unwillingly sent to a surrender of their rights. After the most rigid and, as far as practicable, unbiased examination of the subject, the United States have always contended that their rights appertain to the entire region of country lying on the Pacific and embraced within 42° and 54° 40' of north latitude. This claim being controverted by Great Britain, those who have preceded the present Executive--actuated, no doubt, by an earnest desire to adjust the matter upon terms mutually satisfactory to both countries--have caused to be submitted to the British Government propositions for settlement and final adjustment, which, however, have not proved heretofore acceptable to it. Our minister at London has, under instructions, again brought the subject to the consideration of that Government, and while nothing will be done to compromise the rights or honor of the United States, every proper expedient will be resorted to in order to bring the negotiation now in the progress of resumption to a speedy and happy termination. In the meantime it is proper to remark that many of our citizens are either already established in the Territory or are on their way thither for the purpose of forming permanent settlements, while others are preparing to follow; and in view of these facts I must repeat the recommendation contained in previous messages for the establishment of military posts at such places on the line of travel as will furnish security and protection to our hardy adventurers against hostile tribes of Indians inhabiting those extensive regions. Our laws should also follow them, so modified as the circumstances of the case may seem to require. Under the influence of our free system of government new republics are destined to spring up at no distant day on the shores of the Pacific similar in policy and in feeling to those existing on this side of the Rocky Mountains, and giving a wider and more extensive spread to the principles of civil and religious liberty. I am happy to inform you that the cases which have from time to time arisen of the detention of American vessels by British cruisers on the coast of Africa under pretense of being engaged in the slave trade have been placed in a fair train of adjustment. In the case of the William and Francis full satisfaction will be allowed. In the cases of the Tygris and Seamew the British Government admits that satisfaction is due. In the case of the Jones the sum accruing from the sale of that vessel and cargo will be paid to the owners, while I can not but flatter myself that full indemnification will be allowed for all damages sustained by the detention of the vessel; and in the case of the Douglas Her Majesty's Government has expressed its determination to make indemnification. Strong hopes are therefore entertained that most, if not all, of these cases will be speedily adjusted. No new cases have arisen since the ratification of the treaty of Washington, and it is confidently anticipated that the slave trade, under the operation of the eighth article of that treaty, will be altogether suppressed. The occasional interruption experienced by our fellow-citizens engaged in the fisheries on the neighboring coast of Nova Scotia has not failed to claim the attention of the Executive. Representations upon this subject have been made, but as yet no definitive answer to those representations has been received from the British Government. Two other subjects of comparatively minor importance, but nevertheless of too much consequence to be neglected, remain still to be adjusted between the two countries. By the treaty between the United States and Great Britain of July, 1815, it is provided that no higher duties shall be levied in either country on articles imported from the other than on the same articles imported from any other place. In 1836 rough rice by act of Parliament was admitted from the coast of Africa into Great Britain on the payment of a duty of 1 penny a quarter, while the same article from all other countries, including the United States, was subjected to the payment of a duty of 20 shillings a quarter. Our minister at London has from time to time brought this subject to the attention of the British Government, but so far without success. He is instructed to renew his representations upon it. Some years since a claim was preferred against the British Government on the part of certain American merchants for the return of export duties paid by them on shipments of woolen goods to the United States after the duty on similar articles exported to other countries had been repealed, and consequently in contravention of the commercial convention between the two nations securing to us equality in such cases. The principle on which the claim rests has long since been virtually admitted by Great Britain, but obstacles to a settlement have from time to time been interposed, so that a large portion of the amount claimed has not yet been refunded. Our minister is now engaged in the prosecution of the claim, and I can not but persuade myself that the British Government will no longer delay its adjustment. I am happy to be able to say that nothing has occurred to disturb in any degree the relations of amity which exist between the United States and France, Austria, and Russia, as well as with the other powers of Europe, since the adjournment of Congress. Spain has been agitated with internal convulsions for many years, from the effects of which, it is hoped, she is destined speedily to recover, when, under a more liberal system of commercial policy on her part, our trade with her may again fill its old and, so far as her continental possessions are concerned, its almost forsaken channels, thereby adding to the mutual prosperity of the two countries. The Germanic Association of Customs and Commerce, which since its establishment in 1833 has been steadily growing in power and importance, and consists at this time of more than twenty German States, and embraces a population of 27,000,000 people united for all fire purposes of commercial intercourse with each other and with foreign states, offers to the latter the most valuable exchanges on principles more liberal than are offered in the fiscal system of any other European power. From its origin the importance of the German union has never been lost sight of by the United States. The industry, morality, and other valuable qualities of the German nation have always been well known and appreciated. On this subject I invite the attention of Congress to the report of the Secretary of State, from which it will be seen that while our cotton is admitted free of duty and the duty on rice has been much reduced (which has already led to a greatly increased consumption), a strong disposition has been recently evinced by that great body to reduce, upon certain conditions, their present duty upon tobacco. This being the first intimation of a concession on this interesting subject ever made by any European power, I can not but regard it as well calculated to remove the only impediment which has so far existed to the most liberal commercial intercourse between us and them. In this view our minister at Berlin, who has heretofore industriously pursued the subject, has been instructed to enter upon the negotiation of a commercial treaty, which, while it will open new advantages to the agricultural interests of the United States and a more free and expanded field for commercial operations, will affect injuriously no existing interest of the Union. Should the negotiation be crowned with success, its results will be communicated to both Houses of Congress. I communicate herewith certain dispatches received from our minister at Mexico, and also a correspondence which has recently occurred between the envoy from that Republic and the Secretary of State. It must but be regarded as not a little extraordinary that the Government of Mexico, in anticipation of a public discussion (which it has been pleased to infer from newspaper publications as likely to take place in Congress, relating to the annexation of Texas to the United States), should have so far anticipated the result of such discussion as to have announced its determination to visit any such anticipated decision by a formal declaration of war against the United States. If designed to prevent Congress from introducing that question as a fit subject for its calm deliberation and final judgment, the Executive has no reason to doubt that it will entirely fail of its object. The representatives of a brave and patriotic people will suffer no apprehension of future consequences to embarrass them in the course of their proposed deliberations, nor will the executive department of the Government fail for any such cause to discharge its whole duty to the country. The war which has existed for so long a time between Mexico and Texas has since the battle of San Jacinto consisted for the most part of predatory incursions, which, while they have been attended with much of suffering to individuals and have kept the borders of the two countries in a state of constant alarm, have failed to approach to any definitive result. Mexico has fitted out no formidable armament by land or by sea for the subjugation of Texas. Eight years have now elapsed since Texas declared her independence of Mexico, and during that time she has been recognized as a sovereign power by several of the principal civilized states. Mexico, nevertheless, perseveres in her plans of reconquest, and refuses to recognize her independence. The predatory incursions to which I have alluded have been attended in one instance with the breaking up of the courts of justice, by the seizing upon the persons of the judges, jury, and officers of the court and dragging them along with unarmed, and therefore noncombatant, citizens into a cruel and oppressive bondage, thus leaving crime to go unpunished and immorality to pass unreproved. A border warfare is evermore to be deprecated, and over such a war as has existed for so many years between these two States humanity has had great cause to lament. Nor is such a condition of things to be deplored only because of the individual suffering attendant upon it. The effects are far more extensive. The Creator of the Universe has given man the earth for his resting place and its fruits for his subsistence. Whatever, therefore, shall make the first or any part of it a scene of desolation affects injuriously his heritage and may be regarded as a general calamity. Wars may sometimes be necessary, but all nations have a common interest in bringing them speedily to a close. The United States have an immediate interest in seeing an end put to the state of hostilities existing between Mexico and Texas. They are our neighbors, of the same continent, with whom we are not only desirous of cultivating the relations of amity, but of the most extended commercial intercourse, and to practice all the rites of a neighborhood hospitality. Our own interests are involved in the matter, since, however neutral may be our course of policy, we can not hope to escape the effects of a spirit of jealousy on the part of both of the powers. Nor can this Government be indifferent to the fact that a warfare such as is waged between those two nations is calculated to weaken both powers and finally to render them--and especially the weaker of the two--the subjects of interference on the part of stronger and more powerful nations, who, intent only on advancing their own peculiar views, may sooner or later attempt to bring about a compliance with terms as the condition of their interposition alike derogatory to the nation granting them and detrimental to the interests of the United States. We could not be expected quietly to permit any such interference to our disadvantage. Considering that Texas is separated from the United States by a mere geographical line; that her territory, in the opinion of many, down to a late period formed a portion of the territory of the United States; that it is homogeneous in its population and pursuits with adjoining States, makes contributions to the commerce of the world in the same articles with them, and that most of her inhabitants have been citizens of the United States, speak the same language, and live under similar political institutions with ourselves, this Government is bound by every consideration of interest as well as of sympathy to see that she shall be left free to act, especially in regard to her domestic affairs, unawed by force and unrestrained by the policy or views of other countries. In full view of all these considerations, the Executive has not hesitated to express to the Government of Mexico how deeply it deprecated a continuance of the war and how anxiously it desired to witness its termination. I can not but think that it becomes the United States, as the oldest of the American Republics, to hold a language to Mexico upon this subject of an unambiguous character. It is time that this war had ceased. There must be a limit to all wars, and if the parent state after an eight years' struggle has failed to reduce to submission a portion of its subjects standing out in revolt against it, and who have not only proclaimed themselves to be independent, but have been recognized as such by other powers, she ought not to expect that other nations will quietly look on, to their obvious injury, upon a protraction of hostilities. These United States threw off their colonial dependence and established independent governments, and Great Britain, after having wasted her energies in the attempt to subdue them for a less period than Mexico has attempted to subjugate Texas, had the wisdom and justice to acknowledge their independence, thereby recognizing the obligation which rested on her as one of the family of nations. An example thus set by one of the proudest as well as most powerful nations of the earth it could in no way disparage Mexico to imitate. While, therefore, the Executive would deplore any collision with Mexico or any disturbance of the friendly relations which exist between the two countries, it can not permit that Government to control its policy, whatever it may be, toward Texas, but will treat her--as by the recognition of her independence the United States have long since declared they would do--as entirely independent of Mexico. The high obligations of public duty may enforce from the constituted authorities of the United States a policy which the course persevered in by Mexico will have mainly contributed to produce, and the Executive in such a touting they will with confidence throw itself upon the patriotism of the people to sustain the Government in its course of action. Measures of an unusual character have recently been adopted by the Mexican Government, calculated in no small degree to affect the trade of other nations with Mexico and to operate injuriously to the United States. All foreigners, by a decree of the 23d day of September, and after six months from the day of its promulgation, are forbidden to carry on the business of selling by retail any goods within the confines of Mexico. Against this decree our minister has not failed to remonstrate. The trade heretofore carried on by our citizens with Santa Fe, in which much capital was already invested and which was becoming of daily increasing importance, has suddenly been arrested by a decree of virtual prohibition on the part of the Mexican Government. Whatever may be the right of Mexico to prohibit any particular course of trade to the citizens or subjects of foreign powers, this late procedure, to say the least of it, wears a harsh and unfriendly aspect. The installments on the claims recently settled by the convention with Mexico have been punctually paid as they have fallen due, and our minister is engaged in urging the establishment of a new commission in pursuance of the convention for the settlement of unadjusted claims. With the other American States our relations of amity and good will have remained uninterrupted. Our minister near the Republic of New Granada has succeeded in effecting an adjustment of the claim upon that Government for the schooner By Chance, which had been pending for many years. The claim for the brig Morris, which had its origin during the existence of the Republic of Colombia, and indemnification for which since the dissolution of that Republic has devolved upon its several members, will be urged with renewed zeal. I have much pleasure in saying that the Government of Brazil has adjusted the claim upon that Government in the case of the schooner John S. Bryan, and that sanguine hopes are entertained that the same spirit of justice will influence its councils in arriving at an early decision upon the remaining claims, thereby removing all cause of dissension between two powers whose interests are to some extent interwoven with each other. Our minister at Chili has succeeded in inducing a recognition by that Government of the adjustment effected by his predecessor of the first claim in the case of the Macedonian. The first installment has been received by the claimants in the United States. Notice of the exchange of ratifications of the treaty with Peru, which will take place at Lima, has not yet reached this country, but is shortly expected to be received, when the claims upon that Republic will doubtless be liquidated and paid. In consequence of a misunderstanding between this Government and that of Buenos Ayres, occurring several years ago, this Government has remained unrepresented at that Court, while a minister from it has been constantly resident here. The causes of irritation have in a great measure passed away, and it is in contemplation, in view of important interests which have grown up in that country, at some early period during the present session of Congress, with the concurrence of the Senate, to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries. Under the provisions of an act of Congress of the last session a minister was dispatched from the United States to China in August of the present year, who, from the latest accounts we have from him, was at Suez, in Egypt, on the 25th of September last, on his route to China. In regard to the Indian tribes residing within our jurisdictional limits, the greatest vigilance of the Government has been exerted to preserve them at peace among themselves and to inspire them with feelings of confidence in the justice of this Government and to cultivate friendship with the border inhabitants. This has happily succeeded to a great extent, but it is a subject of regret that they suffer themselves in some instances to be imposed upon by artful and designing men and this notwithstanding all efforts of the Government to prevent it. The receipts into the Treasury for the calendar year 1843, exclusive of loans, were little more than $ 18,000,000, and the expenditures, exclusive of the payments on the public debt, will have been about $23,000,000. By the act of 1842 a new arrangement of the fiscal year was made, so that it should commence on the 1st day of July in each year. The accounts and estimates for the current fiscal year will show that the loans and Treasury notes made and issued before the close of the last Congress to meet the anticipated deficiency have not been entirely adequate. Although on the 1st of October last there was a balance in the Treasury, in consequence of the provisions thus made, of $3,914,082.77, yet the appropriations already made by Congress will absorb that balance and leave a probable deficiency of $2,000,000 at the close of the present fiscal year. There are outstanding Treasury notes to about the amount of $4,600,000, and should they be returned upon the Treasury during the fiscal year they will require provision for their redemption. I do not, however, regard this as probable, since they have obviously entered into the currency of the country and will continue to form a portion of it if the system now adopted be continued. The loan of 1841, amounting to $5,672,976.88, falls due on the 1st day of January, 1845, and must be provided for or postponed by a new loan; and unless the resources of revenue should be materially increased by you there will be a probable deficiency for the service of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1845, of upward of $4,000,000. The delusion incident to an enormously excessive paper circulation, which gave a fictitious value to everything and stimulated adventure and speculation to an extravagant extent, has been happily succeeded by the substitution of the precious metals and paper promptly redeemable in specie; and thus false values have disappeared and a sounder condition of things has been introduced. This transition, although intimately connected with the prosperity of the country, has nevertheless been attended with much embarrassment to the Government in its financial concerns. So long as the foreign importers could receive payment for their cargoes in a currency of greatly less value than that in Europe, but fully available here in the purchase of our agricultural productions (their profits being immeasurably augmented by the operation), the shipments were large and the revenues of the Government became superabundant. But the change in the character of the circulation from a nominal and apparently real value in the first stage of its existence to an obviously depreciated value in its second, so that it no longer answered the purposes of exchange or barter, and its ultimate substitution by a sound metallic and paper circulation combined, has been attended by diminished importations and a consequent falling off in the revenue. This has induced Congress, from 1837, to resort to the expedient of issuing Treasury notes, and finally of funding them, in order to supply deficiencies. I can not, however, withhold the remark that it is in no way compatible with the dignity of the Government that a public debt should be created in time of peace to meet the current expenses of the Government, or that temporary expedients should be resorted to an hour longer than it is possible to avoid them. The Executive can do no more than apply the means which Congress places in its hands for the support of Government, and, happily for the good of the country and for the preservation of its liberties, it possesses no power to levy exactions on the people or to force from them contributions to the public revenue in any form. It can only recommend such measures as may in its opinion be called for by the wants of the public service to Congress, with whom alone rests the power to "lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises." This duty has upon several occasions heretofore been performed. The present condition of things gives flattering promise that trade and commerce are rapidly reviving, and, fortunately for the country, the sources of revenue have only to be opened in order to prove abundant. While we can anticipate no considerable increase in the proceeds of the sales of the public lands, for reasons perfectly obvious to all, for several years to come, yet the public lands can not otherwise than be regarded as the foundation of the public credit. With so large a body of the most fertile lands in the world under the control and at the disposal of this Government, no one can reasonably doubt the entire ability to meet its engagements under every emergency. In seasons of trial and difficulty similar to those through which we are passing the capitalist makes his investments in the Government cut stocks with the most assured confidence of ultimate reimbursement; and whatever may be said of a period of great financial prosperity, such as existed for some years after 1833, I should regard it as suicidal in a season of financial embarrassment either to alienate the lands themselves or the proceeds arising from their sales. The first and paramount duty of those to whom may be intrusted the administration of public affairs is to guard the public credit. In reestablishing the credit of this central Government the readiest and most obvious mode is taken to restore the credit of the States. The extremities can only be made sound by producing a healthy action in the central Government, and the history of the present day fully establishes the fact that an increase in the value of the stocks of this Government will in a great majority of instances be attended by an increase in the value of the stocks of the States. It should therefore be a matter of general congratulation that amidst all the embarrassments arising from surrounding circumstances the credit of the Government should have been so fully restored that it has been enabled to effect a loan of $7,000,000 to redeem that amount of Treasury notes on terms more favorable than any that have been offered for many years. And the 6 per cent stock which was created in 1842 has advanced in the hands of the holders nearly 20 per cent above its par value. The confidence of the people in the integrity of their Government has thus been signally manifested. These opinions relative to the public lands do not in any manner conflict with the observance of the most liberal policy toward those of our fellow-citizens who press forward into the wilderness and are the pioneers in the work of its reclamation. In securing to all such their rights of preemption the Government performs but an act of retributive justice for sufferings encountered and hardships endured, and finds ample remuneration in the comforts which its policy insures and the happiness which it imparts. Should a revision of the tariff with a view to revenue become necessary in the estimation of Congress, I doubt not you will approach the subject with a just and enlightened regard to the interests of the whole Union. The principles and views which I have heretofore had occasion to submit remain unchanged. It can, however, never be too often repeated that the prominent interest of every important pursuit of life requires for success permanency and stability in legislation. These can only be attained by adopting as the basis of action moderation in all things, which is as indispensably necessary to secure the harmonious action of the political as of the animal system. In our political organization no one section of the country should desire to have its supposed interests advanced at the sacrifice of all others, but union, being the great interest, equally precious to all, should be fostered and sustained by mutual concessions and the cultivation of that spirit of compromise from which the Constitution itself proceeded. You will be informed by the report from the Treasury Department of the measures taken under the act of the last session authorizing the reissue of Treasury notes in lieu of those then outstanding. The system adopted in pursuance of existing laws seems well calculated to save the country a large amount of interest, while it affords conveniences and obviates dangers and expense in the transmission of funds to disbursing agents. I refer you also to that report for the means proposed by the Secretary to increase the revenue, and particularly to that portion of it which relates to the subject of the warehousing system, which I earnestly urged upon Congress at its last session and as to the importance of which my opinion has undergone no change. In view of the disordered condition of the currency at the time and the high rates of exchange between different parts of the country, I felt it to be incumbent on me to present to the consideration of your predecessors a proposition conflicting in no degree with the Constitution or with the rights of the States and having the sanction (not in detail, but in principle) of some of the eminent men who have preceded me in the Executive office. That proposition contemplated the issuing of Treasury notes of denominations of not less than $5 nor more than $100, to be employed in the payment of the obligations of the Government in lieu of gold and silver at the option of the public creditor, and to an amount not exceeding $15,000,000. It was proposed to make them receivable everywhere and to establish at various points depositories of gold and silver to be held in trust for the redemption of such notes, so as to insure their convertibility into specie. No doubt was entertained that such notes would have maintained a par value with gold and silver, thus furnishing a paper currency of equal value over the Union, thereby meeting the just expectations of the people and fulfilling the duties of a parental government. Whether the depositories should be permitted to sell or purchase bills under very limited restrictions, together with all its other details, was submitted to the wisdom of Congress and was regarded as of secondary importance. I thought then and think now that such an arrangement would have been attended with the happiest results. The whole matter of the currency would have been placed where by the Constitution it was designed to be placed--under the immediate supervision and control of Congress. The action of the Government would have been independent of all corporations, and the same eye which rests unceasingly on the specie currency and guards it against adulteration would also have rested on the paper currency, to control and regulate its issues and protect it against depreciation. The same reasons which would forbid Congress from parting with the power over the coinage would seem to operate with nearly equal force hi regard to any substitution for the precious metals in the form of a circulating medium. Paper when substituted for specie constitutes a standard of value by which the operations of society are regulated, and whatsoever causes its depreciation affects society to an extent nearly, if not quite, equal to the adulteration of the coin. Nor can I whithold the remark that its advantages contrasted with a bank of the United States, apart from the fact that a bank was esteemed as obnoxious to the public sentiment as well on the score of expediency as of constitutionality, appeared to me to be striking and obvious. The relief which a bank would afford by an issue of $15,000,000 of its notes, judging from the experience of the late United States Bank, would not have occurred in less than fifteen years, whereas under the proposed arrangement the relief arising from the issue of $15,000,000 of Treasury notes would have been consummated in one year, thus furnishing in one-fifteenth part of the time in which a bank could have accomplished it a paper medium of exchange equal in amount to the real wants of the country at par value with gold and silver. The saving to the Government would have been equal to all the interest which it has had to pay on Treasury notes of previous as well as subsequent issues, thereby relieving the Government and at the same time affording relief to the people. Under all the responsibilities attached to the station which I occupy, and in redemption of a pledge given to the last Congress at the close of its first session, I submitted the suggestion to its consideration at two consecutive sessions. The recommendation, however, met with no favor at its hands. While I am free to admit that the necessities of the times have since become greatly ameliorated and that there is good reason to hope that the country is safely and rapidly emerging from the difficulties and embarrassments which everywhere surrounded it in 1841, yet I can not but think that its restoration to a sound and healthy condition would be greatly expedited by a resort to the expedient in a modified form. The operations of the Treasury now rest upon the act of 1789 and the resolution of 1816, and those laws have been so administered as to produce as great a quantum of good to the country as their provisions are capable of yielding. If there had been any distinct expression of opinion going to show that public sentiment is averse to the plan, either as heretofore recommended to Congress or in a modified form, while my own opinion in regard to it would remain unchanged I should be very far from again presenting it to your consideration. The Government has originated with the States and the people, for their own benefit and advantage, and it would be subversive of the foundation principles of the political edifice which they have reared to persevere in a measure which in their mature judgments they had either repudiated or condemned. The will of our constituents clearly expressed should be regarded as the light to guide our footsteps, the true difference between a monarchical or aristocratical government and a republic being that in the first the will of the few prevails over the will of the many, while in the last the will of the many should be alone consulted. The report of the Secretary of War will bring you acquainted with the condition of that important branch of the public service. The Army may be regarded, in consequence of the small number of the rank and file in each company and regiment, as little more than a nucleus around which to rally the military force of the country in case of war, and yet its services in preserving the peace of the frontiers are of a most important nature. In all cases of emergency the reliance of the country is properly placed in the militia of the several States, and it may well deserve the consideration of Congress whether a new and more perfect organization might not be introduced, looking mainly to the volunteer companies of the Union for the present and of easy application to the great body of the militia in time of war. The expenditures of the War Department have been considerably reduced in the last two years. Contingencies, however, may arise which would call for the filling up of the regiments with a full complement of men and make it very desirable to remount the corps of dragoons, which by an act of the last Congress was directed to be dissolved. I refer you to the accompanying report of the Secretary for information in relation to the Navy of the United States. While every effort has been and will continue to be made to retrench all superfluities and lop off all excrescences which from time to time may have grown up, yet it has not been regarded as wise or prudent to recommend any material change in the annual appropriations. The interests which are involved are of too important a character to lead to the recommendation of any other than a liberal policy. Adequate appropriations ought to be made to enable the Executive to fit out all the ships that are now in a course of building or that require repairs for active service in the shortest possible time should any emergency arise which may require it. An efficient navy, while it is the cheapest means of public defense, enlists in its support the feelings of pride and confidence which brilliant deeds and heroic valor have heretofore served to strengthen and confirm. I refer you particularly to that part of the Secretary's report which has reference to recent experiments in the application of steam and in the construction of our war steamers, made under the superintendence of distinguished officers of the Navy. In addition to other manifest improvements in the construction of the steam engine and application of the motive power which has rendered them more appropriate to the uses of ships of war, one of those officers has brought into use a power which makes the steamship most formidable either for attack or defense. I can not too strongly recommend this subject to your consideration and do not hesitate to express my entire conviction of its great importance. I call your particular attention also to that portion of the Secretary's report which has reference to the act of the late session of Congress which prohibited the transfer of any balance of appropriation from other heads of appropriation to that for building, equipment, and repair. The repeal of that prohibition will enable the Department to give renewed employment to a large class of workmen who have been necessarily discharged in consequence of the want of means to pay them--a circumstance attended, especially at this season of the year, with much privation and suffering. It gives me great pain to announce to you the loss of the steamship the Missouri by fire in the Bay of Gibraltar, where she had stopped to renew her supplies of coal on her voyage to Alexandria, with Mr. Cushing, the American minister to China, on board. There is ground for high commendation of the officers and men for the coolness and intrepidity and perfect submission to discipline evinced under the most trying circumstances. Surrounded by a raging fire, which the utmost exertions could not subdue, and which threatened momentarily the explosion of her well-supplied magazines, the officers exhibited no signs of fear and the men obeyed every order with alacrity. Nor was she abandoned until the last gleam of hope of saving her had expired. It is well worthy of your consideration whether the losses sustained by the officers and crew in this unfortunate affair should not be reimbursed to them. I can not take leave of this painful subject without adverting to the aid rendered upon the occasion by the British authorities at Gibraltar and the commander, officers, and crew of the British ship of the line the Malabar, which was lying at the time in the bay. Everything that generosity or humanity could dictate was promptly performed. It is by such acts of good will by one to another of the family of nations that fraternal feelings are nourished and the blessings of permanent peace secured. The report of the Postmaster-General will bring you acquainted with the operations of that Department during the past year, and will suggest to you such modifications of the existing laws as in your opinion the exigencies of the public service may require. The change which the country has undergone of late years in the mode of travel and transportation has afforded so many facilities for the transmission of mail matter out of the regular mail as to require the greatest vigilance and circumspection in order to enable the officer at the head of the Department to restrain the expenditures within the income. There is also too much reason to fear that the franking privilege has run into great abuse. The Department, nevertheless, has been conducted with the greatest vigor, and has attained at the least possible expense all the useful objects for which it was established. In regard to all the Departments, I am quite happy in the belief that nothing has been left undone which was called for by a true spirit of economy or by a system of accountability rigidly enforced. This is in some degree apparent from the fact that the Government has sustained no loss by the default of any of its agents. In the complex, but at the same time beautiful, machinery of our system of government, it is not a matter of surprise that some remote agency may have failed for an instant to fulfill its desired office; but I feel confident in the assertion that nothing has occurred to interrupt the harmonious action of the Government itself, and that, while the laws have been executed with efficiency and vigor, the rights neither of States nor individuals have been trampled on or disregarded. In the meantime the country has been steadily advancing in all that contributes to national greatness. The tide of population continues unbrokenly to flow into the new States and Territories, where a refuge is found not only for our native-born fellow-citizens, but for emigrants from all parts of the civilized world, who come among us to partake of the blessings of our free institutions and to aid by their labor to swell the current of our wealth and power. It is due to every consideration of public policy that the lakes and rivers of the West should receive all such attention at the hands of Congress as the Constitution will enable it to bestow. Works in favorable and proper situations on the Lakes would be found to be as indispensably necessary, in case of war, to carry on safe and successful naval operations as fortifications on the Atlantic seaboard. The appropriation made by the last Congress for the improvement of the navigation of the Mississippi River has been diligently and efficiently applied. I can not close this communication, gentlemen, without recommending to your most favorable consideration the interests of this District. Appointed by the Constitution its exclusive legislators, and forming in this particular the only anomaly in our system of government--of the legislative body being elected by others than those for whose advantage they are to legislate--you will feel a superadded obligation to look well into their condition and to leave no cause for complaint or regret. The seat of Government of our associated republics can not but be regarded as worthy of your parental care. In connection with its other interests, as well as those of the whole country, I recommend that at your present session you adopt such measures in order to carry into effect the Smithsonian bequest as in your judgment will be best calculated to consummate the liberal intent of the testator. When, under a dispensation of Divine Providence, I succeeded to the presidential office, the state of public affairs was embarrassing and critical. To add to the irritation consequent upon a long-standing controversy with one of the most powerful nations of modern times, involving not only questions of boundary (which under the most favorable circumstances are always embarrassing), but at the same time important and high principles of maritime law, border controversies between the citizens and subjects of the two countries had engendered a state of feeling and of conduct which threatened the most calamitous consequences. The hazards incident to this state of things were greatly heightened by the arrest and imprisonment of a subject of Great Britain, who, acting (as it was alleged) as a part of a military force, had aided in the commission of an act violative of the territorial jurisdiction of the United States and involving the murder of a citizen, of the State of New York. A large amount of claims against the Government of Mexico remained unadjusted and a war of several years' continuance with the savage tribes of Florida still prevailed, attended with the desolation of a large portion of that beautiful Territory and with the sacrifice of many valuable lives. To increase the embarrassments of the Government, individual and State credit had been nearly stricken down and confidence in the General Government was so much impaired that-loans of a small amount could only be negotiated at a considerable sacrifice. As a necessary consequence of the blight which had fallen on commerce and mechanical industry, the ships of the one were thrown out of employment and the operations of the other had been greatly diminished. Owing to the condition of the currency, exchanges between different parts of the country had become ruinously high and trade had to depend on a depreciated paper currency in conducting its transactions. I shall be permitted to congratulate the country that under an overruling Providence peace was preserved without a sacrifice of the national honor; the war in Florida was brought to a speedy termination; a large portion of the claims on Mexico have been fully adjudicated and are in a course of payment, while justice has been rendered to us in other matters by other nations; confidence between man and man is in a great measure restored and the credit of this Government fully and perfectly reestablished; commerce is becoming more and more extended in its operations and manufacturing and mechanical industry once more reap the rewards of skill and labor honestly applied; the operations of trade rest on a sound currency and the rates of exchange are reduced to their lowest amount. In this condition of things I have felt it to be my duty to bring to your favorable consideration matters of great interest in their present and ultimate results; and the only desire which I feel in connection with the future is and will continue to be to leave the country prosperous and its institutions unimpaired.
If any people ever had because to render up thanks to the Supreme Being for parental care and protection extended to them in all the trials and difficulties to which they have been from time to time exposed, we certainly are that people. From the first settlement of our forefathers on this continent, through the dangers attendant upon the occupation of a savage wilderness, through a long period of colonial dependence, through the War of the Revolution, in the wisdom which led to the adoption of the existing forms of republican government, in the hazards incident to a war subsequently waged with one of the most powerful nations of the earth, in the increase of our population, in the spread of the arts and sciences, and in the strength and durability conferred on political institutions emanating from the people and sustained by their will, the superintendence of an overruling Providence has been plainly visible. As preparatory, therefore, to entering once more upon the high duties of legislation, it becomes us humbly to acknowledge our dependence upon Him as our guide and protector and to implore a continuance of His parental watchfulness over our beloved country. We have new because for the expression of our gratitude in the preservation of the health of our fellow-citizens, with some partial and local exceptions, during the past season, for the abundance with which the earth has yielded up its fruits to the labors of the husbandman, for the renewed activity which has been imparted to commerce, for the revival of trade in all its departments, for the increased rewards attendant on the exercise of the mechanic arts, for the continued growth of our population and the rapidly reviving prosperity of the whole country. I shall be permitted to exchange congratulations with you, gentlemen of the two Houses of Congress, on these auspicious circumstances, and to assure you in advance of my ready disposition to cur with you in the adoption of all such measures as shall be calculated to increase the happiness of our constituents and to advance the glory of our common country. Since the last adjournment of Congress the Executive has relaxed no effort to render indestructible the relations of amity which so happily exist between the United States and other countries. The treaty lately concluded with Great Britain has tended greatly to increase the good understanding which a reciprocity of interests is calculated to encourage, and it is most ardently to be hoped that nothing may transpire to interrupt the relations of amity which it is so obviously the policy of both nations to cultivate. A question of much importance still remains to be adjusted between them. The territorial limits of the two countries relation to what is commonly known as the Oregon Territory still remain in dispute. The United States would be at all times indisposed to aggrandize itself at the expense of any other nation; but while they would be restrained by principles of honor, which should govern the conduct of nations as well as that of individuals, from setting up a demand for territory which does not belong to them, they would as unwillingly sent to a surrender of their rights. After the most rigid and, as far as practicable, unbiased examination of the subject, the United States have always contended that their rights appertain to the entire region of country lying on the Pacific and embraced within 42° and 54° 40' of north latitude. This claim being controverted by Great Britain, those who have preceded the present Executive--actuated, no doubt, by an earnest desire to adjust the matter upon terms mutually satisfactory to both countries--have caused to be submitted to the British Government propositions for settlement and final adjustment, which, however, have not proved heretofore acceptable to it. Our minister at London has, under instructions, again brought the subject to the consideration of that Government, and while nothing will be done to compromise the rights or honor of the United States, every proper expedient will be resorted to in order to bring the negotiation now in the progress of resumption to a speedy and happy termination. In the meantime it is proper to remark that many of our citizens are either already established in the Territory or are on their way thither for the purpose of forming permanent settlements, while others are preparing to follow; and in view of these facts I must repeat the recommendation contained in previous messages for the establishment of military posts at such places on the line of travel as will furnish security and protection to our hardy adventurers against hostile tribes of Indians inhabiting those extensive regions. Our laws should also follow them, so modified as the circumstances of the case may seem to require. Under the influence of our free system of government new republics are destined to spring up at no distant day on the shores of the Pacific similar in policy and in feeling to those existing on this side of the Rocky Mountains, and giving a wider and more extensive spread to the principles of civil and religious liberty. I am happy to inform you that the cases which have from time to time arisen of the detention of American vessels by British cruisers on the coast of Africa under pretense of being engaged in the slave trade have been placed in a fair train of adjustment. In the case of the William and Francis full satisfaction will be allowed. In the cases of the Tygris and Seamew the British Government admits that satisfaction is due. In the case of the Jones the sum accruing from the sale of that vessel and cargo will be paid to the owners, while I can not but flatter myself that full indemnification will be allowed for all damages sustained by the detention of the vessel; and in the case of the Douglas Her Majesty's Government has expressed its determination to make indemnification. Strong hopes are therefore entertained that most, if not all, of these cases will be speedily adjusted. No new cases have arisen since the ratification of the treaty of Washington, and it is confidently anticipated that the slave trade, under the operation of the eighth article of that treaty, will be altogether suppressed. The occasional interruption experienced by our fellow-citizens engaged in the fisheries on the neighboring coast of Nova Scotia has not failed to claim the attention of the Executive. Representations upon this subject have been made, but as yet no definitive answer to those representations has been received from the British Government. Two other subjects of comparatively minor importance, but nevertheless of too much consequence to be neglected, remain still to be adjusted between the two countries. By the treaty between the United States and Great Britain of July, 1815, it is provided that no higher duties shall be levied in either country on articles imported from the other than on the same articles imported from any other place. In 1836 rough rice by act of Parliament was admitted from the coast of Africa into Great Britain on the payment of a duty of 1 penny a quarter, while the same article from all other countries, including the United States, was subjected to the payment of a duty of 20 shillings a quarter. Our minister at London has from time to time brought this subject to the attention of the British Government, but so far without success. He is instructed to renew his representations upon it. Some years since a claim was preferred against the British Government on the part of certain American merchants for the return of export duties paid by them on shipments of woolen goods to the United States after the duty on similar articles exported to other countries had been repealed, and consequently in contravention of the commercial convention between the two nations securing to us equality in such cases. The principle on which the claim rests has long since been virtually admitted by Great Britain, but obstacles to a settlement have from time to time been interposed, so that a large portion of the amount claimed has not yet been refunded. Our minister is now engaged in the prosecution of the claim, and I can not but persuade myself that the British Government will no longer delay its adjustment. I am happy to be able to say that nothing has occurred to disturb in any degree the relations of amity which exist between the United States and France, Austria, and Russia, as well as with the other powers of Europe, since the adjournment of Congress. Spain has been agitated with internal convulsions for many years, from the effects of which, it is hoped, she is destined speedily to recover, when, under a more liberal system of commercial policy on her part, our trade with her may again fill its old and, so far as her continental possessions are concerned, its almost forsaken channels, thereby adding to the mutual prosperity of the two countries. The Germanic Association of Customs and Commerce, which since its establishment in 1833 has been steadily growing in power and importance, and consists at this time of more than twenty German States, and embraces a population of 27,000,000 people united for all fire purposes of commercial intercourse with each other and with foreign states, offers to the latter the most valuable exchanges on principles more liberal than are offered in the fiscal system of any other European power. From its origin the importance of the German union has never been lost sight of by the United States. The industry, morality, and other valuable qualities of the German nation have always been well known and appreciated. On this subject I invite the attention of Congress to the report of the Secretary of State, from which it will be seen that while our cotton is admitted free of duty and the duty on rice has been much reduced (which has already led to a greatly increased consumption), a strong disposition has been recently evinced by that great body to reduce, upon certain conditions, their present duty upon tobacco. This being the first intimation of a concession on this interesting subject ever made by any European power, I can not but regard it as well calculated to remove the only impediment which has so far existed to the most liberal commercial intercourse between us and them. In this view our minister at Berlin, who has heretofore industriously pursued the subject, has been instructed to enter upon the negotiation of a commercial treaty, which, while it will open new advantages to the agricultural interests of the United States and a more free and expanded field for commercial operations, will affect injuriously no existing interest of the Union. Should the negotiation be crowned with success, its results will be communicated to both Houses of Congress. I communicate herewith certain dispatches received from our minister at Mexico, and also a correspondence which has recently occurred between the envoy from that Republic and the Secretary of State. It must but be regarded as not a little extraordinary that the Government of Mexico, in anticipation of a public discussion (which it has been pleased to infer from newspaper publications as likely to take place in Congress, relating to the annexation of Texas to the United States), should have so far anticipated the result of such discussion as to have announced its determination to visit any such anticipated decision by a formal declaration of war against the United States. If designed to prevent Congress from introducing that question as a fit subject for its calm deliberation and final judgment, the Executive has no reason to doubt that it will entirely fail of its object. The representatives of a brave and patriotic people will suffer no apprehension of future consequences to embarrass them in the course of their proposed deliberations, nor will the executive department of the Government fail for any such because to discharge its whole duty to the country. The war which has existed for so long a time between Mexico and Texas has since the battle of San Jacinto consisted for the most part of predatory incursions, which, while they have been attended with much of suffering to individuals and have kept the borders of the two countries in a state of constant alarm, have failed to approach to any definitive result. Mexico has fitted out no formidable armament by land or by sea for the subjugation of Texas. Eight years have now elapsed since Texas declared her independence of Mexico, and during that time she has been recognized as a sovereign power by several of the principal civilized states. Mexico, nevertheless, perseveres in her plans of reconquest, and refuses to recognize her independence. The predatory incursions to which I have alluded have been attended in one instance with the breaking up of the courts of justice, by the seizing upon the persons of the judges, jury, and officers of the court and dragging them along with unarmed, and therefore noncombatant, citizens into a cruel and oppressive bondage, thus leaving crime to go unpunished and immorality to pass unreproved. A border warfare is evermore to be deprecated, and over such a war as has existed for so many years between these two States humanity has had great because to lament. Nor is such a condition of things to be deplored only because of the individual suffering attendant upon it. The effects are far more extensive. The Creator of the Universe has given man the earth for his resting place and its fruits for his subsistence. Whatever, therefore, shall make the first or any part of it a scene of desolation affects injuriously his heritage and may be regarded as a general calamity. Wars may sometimes be necessary, but all nations have a common interest in bringing them speedily to a close. The United States have an immediate interest in seeing an end put to the state of hostilities existing between Mexico and Texas. They are our neighbors, of the same continent, with whom we are not only desirous of cultivating the relations of amity, but of the most extended commercial intercourse, and to practice all the rites of a neighborhood hospitality. Our own interests are involved in the matter, since, however neutral may be our course of policy, we can not hope to escape the effects of a spirit of jealousy on the part of both of the powers. Nor can this Government be indifferent to the fact that a warfare such as is waged between those two nations is calculated to weaken both powers and finally to render them--and especially the weaker of the two--the subjects of interference on the part of stronger and more powerful nations, who, intent only on advancing their own peculiar views, may sooner or later attempt to bring about a compliance with terms as the condition of their interposition alike derogatory to the nation granting them and detrimental to the interests of the United States. We could not be expected quietly to permit any such interference to our disadvantage. Considering that Texas is separated from the United States by a mere geographical line; that her territory, in the opinion of many, down to a late period formed a portion of the territory of the United States; that it is homogeneous in its population and pursuits with adjoining States, makes contributions to the commerce of the world in the same articles with them, and that most of her inhabitants have been citizens of the United States, speak the same language, and live under similar political institutions with ourselves, this Government is bound by every consideration of interest as well as of sympathy to see that she shall be left free to act, especially in regard to her domestic affairs, unawed by force and unrestrained by the policy or views of other countries. In full view of all these considerations, the Executive has not hesitated to express to the Government of Mexico how deeply it deprecated a continuance of the war and how anxiously it desired to witness its termination. I can not but think that it becomes the United States, as the oldest of the American Republics, to hold a language to Mexico upon this subject of an unambiguous character. It is time that this war had ceased. There must be a limit to all wars, and if the parent state after an eight years' struggle has failed to reduce to submission a portion of its subjects standing out in revolt against it, and who have not only proclaimed themselves to be independent, but have been recognized as such by other powers, she ought not to expect that other nations will quietly look on, to their obvious injury, upon a protraction of hostilities. These United States threw off their colonial dependence and established independent governments, and Great Britain, after having wasted her energies in the attempt to subdue them for a less period than Mexico has attempted to subjugate Texas, had the wisdom and justice to acknowledge their independence, thereby recognizing the obligation which rested on her as one of the family of nations. An example thus set by one of the proudest as well as most powerful nations of the earth it could in no way disparage Mexico to imitate. While, therefore, the Executive would deplore any collision with Mexico or any disturbance of the friendly relations which exist between the two countries, it can not permit that Government to control its policy, whatever it may be, toward Texas, but will treat her--as by the recognition of her independence the United States have long since declared they would do--as entirely independent of Mexico. The high obligations of public duty may enforce from the constituted authorities of the United States a policy which the course persevered in by Mexico will have mainly contributed to produce, and the Executive in such a touting they will with confidence throw itself upon the patriotism of the people to sustain the Government in its course of action. Measures of an unusual character have recently been adopted by the Mexican Government, calculated in no small degree to affect the trade of other nations with Mexico and to operate injuriously to the United States. All foreigners, by a decree of the 23d day of September, and after six months from the day of its promulgation, are forbidden to carry on the business of selling by retail any goods within the confines of Mexico. Against this decree our minister has not failed to remonstrate. The trade heretofore carried on by our citizens with Santa Fe, in which much capital was already invested and which was becoming of daily increasing importance, has suddenly been arrested by a decree of virtual prohibition on the part of the Mexican Government. Whatever may be the right of Mexico to prohibit any particular course of trade to the citizens or subjects of foreign powers, this late procedure, to say the least of it, wears a harsh and unfriendly aspect. The installments on the claims recently settled by the convention with Mexico have been punctually paid as they have fallen due, and our minister is engaged in urging the establishment of a new commission in pursuance of the convention for the settlement of unadjusted claims. With the other American States our relations of amity and good will have remained uninterrupted. Our minister near the Republic of New Granada has succeeded in effecting an adjustment of the claim upon that Government for the schooner By Chance, which had been pending for many years. The claim for the brig Morris, which had its origin during the existence of the Republic of Colombia, and indemnification for which since the dissolution of that Republic has devolved upon its several members, will be urged with renewed zeal. I have much pleasure in saying that the Government of Brazil has adjusted the claim upon that Government in the case of the schooner John S. Bryan, and that sanguine hopes are entertained that the same spirit of justice will influence its councils in arriving at an early decision upon the remaining claims, thereby removing all because of dissension between two powers whose interests are to some extent interwoven with each other. Our minister at Chili has succeeded in inducing a recognition by that Government of the adjustment effected by his predecessor of the first claim in the case of the Macedonian. The first installment has been received by the claimants in the United States. Notice of the exchange of ratifications of the treaty with Peru, which will take place at Lima, has not yet reached this country, but is shortly expected to be received, when the claims upon that Republic will doubtless be liquidated and paid. In consequence of a misunderstanding between this Government and that of Buenos Ayres, occurring several years ago, this Government has remained unrepresented at that Court, while a minister from it has been constantly resident here. The causes of irritation have in a great measure passed away, and it is in contemplation, in view of important interests which have grown up in that country, at some early period during the present session of Congress, with the concurrence of the Senate, to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries. Under the provisions of an act of Congress of the last session a minister was dispatched from the United States to China in August of the present year, who, from the latest accounts we have from him, was at Suez, in Egypt, on the 25th of September last, on his route to China. In regard to the Indian tribes residing within our jurisdictional limits, the greatest vigilance of the Government has been exerted to preserve them at peace among themselves and to inspire them with feelings of confidence in the justice of this Government and to cultivate friendship with the border inhabitants. This has happily succeeded to a great extent, but it is a subject of regret that they suffer themselves in some instances to be imposed upon by artful and designing men and this notwithstanding all efforts of the Government to prevent it. The receipts into the Treasury for the calendar year 1843, exclusive of loans, were little more than $ 18,000,000, and the expenditures, exclusive of the payments on the public debt, will have been about $23,000,000. By the act of 1842 a new arrangement of the fiscal year was made, so that it should commence on the 1st day of July in each year. The accounts and estimates for the current fiscal year will show that the loans and Treasury notes made and issued before the close of the last Congress to meet the anticipated deficiency have not been entirely adequate. Although on the 1st of October last there was a balance in the Treasury, in consequence of the provisions thus made, of $3,914,082.77, yet the appropriations already made by Congress will absorb that balance and leave a probable deficiency of $2,000,000 at the close of the present fiscal year. There are outstanding Treasury notes to about the amount of $4,600,000, and should they be returned upon the Treasury during the fiscal year they will require provision for their redemption. I do not, however, regard this as probable, since they have obviously entered into the currency of the country and will continue to form a portion of it if the system now adopted be continued. The loan of 1841, amounting to $5,672,976.88, falls due on the 1st day of January, 1845, and must be provided for or postponed by a new loan; and unless the resources of revenue should be materially increased by you there will be a probable deficiency for the service of the fiscal year ending June 30, 1845, of upward of $4,000,000. The delusion incident to an enormously excessive paper circulation, which gave a fictitious value to everything and stimulated adventure and speculation to an extravagant extent, has been happily succeeded by the substitution of the precious metals and paper promptly redeemable in specie; and thus false values have disappeared and a sounder condition of things has been introduced. This transition, although intimately connected with the prosperity of the country, has nevertheless been attended with much embarrassment to the Government in its financial concerns. So long as the foreign importers could receive payment for their cargoes in a currency of greatly less value than that in Europe, but fully available here in the purchase of our agricultural productions (their profits being immeasurably augmented by the operation), the shipments were large and the revenues of the Government became superabundant. But the change in the character of the circulation from a nominal and apparently real value in the first stage of its existence to an obviously depreciated value in its second, so that it no longer answered the purposes of exchange or barter, and its ultimate substitution by a sound metallic and paper circulation combined, has been attended by diminished importations and a consequent falling off in the revenue. This has induced Congress, from 1837, to resort to the expedient of issuing Treasury notes, and finally of funding them, in order to supply deficiencies. I can not, however, withhold the remark that it is in no way compatible with the dignity of the Government that a public debt should be created in time of peace to meet the current expenses of the Government, or that temporary expedients should be resorted to an hour longer than it is possible to avoid them. The Executive can do no more than apply the means which Congress places in its hands for the support of Government, and, happily for the good of the country and for the preservation of its liberties, it possesses no power to levy exactions on the people or to force from them contributions to the public revenue in any form. It can only recommend such measures as may in its opinion be called for by the wants of the public service to Congress, with whom alone rests the power to "lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises." This duty has upon several occasions heretofore been performed. The present condition of things gives flattering promise that trade and commerce are rapidly reviving, and, fortunately for the country, the sources of revenue have only to be opened in order to prove abundant. While we can anticipate no considerable increase in the proceeds of the sales of the public lands, for reasons perfectly obvious to all, for several years to come, yet the public lands can not otherwise than be regarded as the foundation of the public credit. With so large a body of the most fertile lands in the world under the control and at the disposal of this Government, no one can reasonably doubt the entire ability to meet its engagements under every emergency. In seasons of trial and difficulty similar to those through which we are passing the capitalist makes his investments in the Government cut stocks with the most assured confidence of ultimate reimbursement; and whatever may be said of a period of great financial prosperity, such as existed for some years after 1833, I should regard it as suicidal in a season of financial embarrassment either to alienate the lands themselves or the proceeds arising from their sales. The first and paramount duty of those to whom may be intrusted the administration of public affairs is to guard the public credit. In reestablishing the credit of this central Government the readiest and most obvious mode is taken to restore the credit of the States. The extremities can only be made sound by producing a healthy action in the central Government, and the history of the present day fully establishes the fact that an increase in the value of the stocks of this Government will in a great majority of instances be attended by an increase in the value of the stocks of the States. It should therefore be a matter of general congratulation that amidst all the embarrassments arising from surrounding circumstances the credit of the Government should have been so fully restored that it has been enabled to effect a loan of $7,000,000 to redeem that amount of Treasury notes on terms more favorable than any that have been offered for many years. And the 6 per cent stock which was created in 1842 has advanced in the hands of the holders nearly 20 per cent above its par value. The confidence of the people in the integrity of their Government has thus been signally manifested. These opinions relative to the public lands do not in any manner conflict with the observance of the most liberal policy toward those of our fellow-citizens who press forward into the wilderness and are the pioneers in the work of its reclamation. In securing to all such their rights of preemption the Government performs but an act of retributive justice for sufferings encountered and hardships endured, and finds ample remuneration in the comforts which its policy insures and the happiness which it imparts. Should a revision of the tariff with a view to revenue become necessary in the estimation of Congress, I doubt not you will approach the subject with a just and enlightened regard to the interests of the whole Union. The principles and views which I have heretofore had occasion to submit remain unchanged. It can, however, never be too often repeated that the prominent interest of every important pursuit of life requires for success permanency and stability in legislation. These can only be attained by adopting as the basis of action moderation in all things, which is as indispensably necessary to secure the harmonious action of the political as of the animal system. In our political organization no one section of the country should desire to have its supposed interests advanced at the sacrifice of all others, but union, being the great interest, equally precious to all, should be fostered and sustained by mutual concessions and the cultivation of that spirit of compromise from which the Constitution itself proceeded. You will be informed by the report from the Treasury Department of the measures taken under the act of the last session authorizing the reissue of Treasury notes in lieu of those then outstanding. The system adopted in pursuance of existing laws seems well calculated to save the country a large amount of interest, while it affords conveniences and obviates dangers and expense in the transmission of funds to disbursing agents. I refer you also to that report for the means proposed by the Secretary to increase the revenue, and particularly to that portion of it which relates to the subject of the warehousing system, which I earnestly urged upon Congress at its last session and as to the importance of which my opinion has undergone no change. In view of the disordered condition of the currency at the time and the high rates of exchange between different parts of the country, I felt it to be incumbent on me to present to the consideration of your predecessors a proposition conflicting in no degree with the Constitution or with the rights of the States and having the sanction (not in detail, but in principle) of some of the eminent men who have preceded me in the Executive office. That proposition contemplated the issuing of Treasury notes of denominations of not less than $5 nor more than $100, to be employed in the payment of the obligations of the Government in lieu of gold and silver at the option of the public creditor, and to an amount not exceeding $15,000,000. It was proposed to make them receivable everywhere and to establish at various points depositories of gold and silver to be held in trust for the redemption of such notes, so as to insure their convertibility into specie. No doubt was entertained that such notes would have maintained a par value with gold and silver, thus furnishing a paper currency of equal value over the Union, thereby meeting the just expectations of the people and fulfilling the duties of a parental government. Whether the depositories should be permitted to sell or purchase bills under very limited restrictions, together with all its other details, was submitted to the wisdom of Congress and was regarded as of secondary importance. I thought then and think now that such an arrangement would have been attended with the happiest results. The whole matter of the currency would have been placed where by the Constitution it was designed to be placed--under the immediate supervision and control of Congress. The action of the Government would have been independent of all corporations, and the same eye which rests unceasingly on the specie currency and guards it against adulteration would also have rested on the paper currency, to control and regulate its issues and protect it against depreciation. The same reasons which would forbid Congress from parting with the power over the coinage would seem to operate with nearly equal force hi regard to any substitution for the precious metals in the form of a circulating medium. Paper when substituted for specie constitutes a standard of value by which the operations of society are regulated, and whatsoever causes its depreciation affects society to an extent nearly, if not quite, equal to the adulteration of the coin. Nor can I whithold the remark that its advantages contrasted with a bank of the United States, apart from the fact that a bank was esteemed as obnoxious to the public sentiment as well on the score of expediency as of constitutionality, appeared to me to be striking and obvious. The relief which a bank would afford by an issue of $15,000,000 of its notes, judging from the experience of the late United States Bank, would not have occurred in less than fifteen years, whereas under the proposed arrangement the relief arising from the issue of $15,000,000 of Treasury notes would have been consummated in one year, thus furnishing in one-fifteenth part of the time in which a bank could have accomplished it a paper medium of exchange equal in amount to the real wants of the country at par value with gold and silver. The saving to the Government would have been equal to all the interest which it has had to pay on Treasury notes of previous as well as subsequent issues, thereby relieving the Government and at the same time affording relief to the people. Under all the responsibilities attached to the station which I occupy, and in redemption of a pledge given to the last Congress at the close of its first session, I submitted the suggestion to its consideration at two consecutive sessions. The recommendation, however, met with no favor at its hands. While I am free to admit that the necessities of the times have since become greatly ameliorated and that there is good reason to hope that the country is safely and rapidly emerging from the difficulties and embarrassments which everywhere surrounded it in 1841, yet I can not but think that its restoration to a sound and healthy condition would be greatly expedited by a resort to the expedient in a modified form. The operations of the Treasury now rest upon the act of 1789 and the resolution of 1816, and those laws have been so administered as to produce as great a quantum of good to the country as their provisions are capable of yielding. If there had been any distinct expression of opinion going to show that public sentiment is averse to the plan, either as heretofore recommended to Congress or in a modified form, while my own opinion in regard to it would remain unchanged I should be very far from again presenting it to your consideration. The Government has originated with the States and the people, for their own benefit and advantage, and it would be subversive of the foundation principles of the political edifice which they have reared to persevere in a measure which in their mature judgments they had either repudiated or condemned. The will of our constituents clearly expressed should be regarded as the light to guide our footsteps, the true difference between a monarchical or aristocratical government and a republic being that in the first the will of the few prevails over the will of the many, while in the last the will of the many should be alone consulted. The report of the Secretary of War will bring you acquainted with the condition of that important branch of the public service. The Army may be regarded, in consequence of the small number of the rank and file in each company and regiment, as little more than a nucleus around which to rally the military force of the country in case of war, and yet its services in preserving the peace of the frontiers are of a most important nature. In all cases of emergency the reliance of the country is properly placed in the militia of the several States, and it may well deserve the consideration of Congress whether a new and more perfect organization might not be introduced, looking mainly to the volunteer companies of the Union for the present and of easy application to the great body of the militia in time of war. The expenditures of the War Department have been considerably reduced in the last two years. Contingencies, however, may arise which would call for the filling up of the regiments with a full complement of men and make it very desirable to remount the corps of dragoons, which by an act of the last Congress was directed to be dissolved. I refer you to the accompanying report of the Secretary for information in relation to the Navy of the United States. While every effort has been and will continue to be made to retrench all superfluities and lop off all excrescences which from time to time may have grown up, yet it has not been regarded as wise or prudent to recommend any material change in the annual appropriations. The interests which are involved are of too important a character to lead to the recommendation of any other than a liberal policy. Adequate appropriations ought to be made to enable the Executive to fit out all the ships that are now in a course of building or that require repairs for active service in the shortest possible time should any emergency arise which may require it. An efficient navy, while it is the cheapest means of public defense, enlists in its support the feelings of pride and confidence which brilliant deeds and heroic valor have heretofore served to strengthen and confirm. I refer you particularly to that part of the Secretary's report which has reference to recent experiments in the application of steam and in the construction of our war steamers, made under the superintendence of distinguished officers of the Navy. In addition to other manifest improvements in the construction of the steam engine and application of the motive power which has rendered them more appropriate to the uses of ships of war, one of those officers has brought into use a power which makes the steamship most formidable either for attack or defense. I can not too strongly recommend this subject to your consideration and do not hesitate to express my entire conviction of its great importance. I call your particular attention also to that portion of the Secretary's report which has reference to the act of the late session of Congress which prohibited the transfer of any balance of appropriation from other heads of appropriation to that for building, equipment, and repair. The repeal of that prohibition will enable the Department to give renewed employment to a large class of workmen who have been necessarily discharged in consequence of the want of means to pay them--a circumstance attended, especially at this season of the year, with much privation and suffering. It gives me great pain to announce to you the loss of the steamship the Missouri by fire in the Bay of Gibraltar, where she had stopped to renew her supplies of coal on her voyage to Alexandria, with Mr. Cushing, the American minister to China, on board. There is ground for high commendation of the officers and men for the coolness and intrepidity and perfect submission to discipline evinced under the most trying circumstances. Surrounded by a raging fire, which the utmost exertions could not subdue, and which threatened momentarily the explosion of her well-supplied magazines, the officers exhibited no signs of fear and the men obeyed every order with alacrity. Nor was she abandoned until the last gleam of hope of saving her had expired. It is well worthy of your consideration whether the losses sustained by the officers and crew in this unfortunate affair should not be reimbursed to them. I can not take leave of this painful subject without adverting to the aid rendered upon the occasion by the British authorities at Gibraltar and the commander, officers, and crew of the British ship of the line the Malabar, which was lying at the time in the bay. Everything that generosity or humanity could dictate was promptly performed. It is by such acts of good will by one to another of the family of nations that fraternal feelings are nourished and the blessings of permanent peace secured. The report of the Postmaster-General will bring you acquainted with the operations of that Department during the past year, and will suggest to you such modifications of the existing laws as in your opinion the exigencies of the public service may require. The change which the country has undergone of late years in the mode of travel and transportation has afforded so many facilities for the transmission of mail matter out of the regular mail as to require the greatest vigilance and circumspection in order to enable the officer at the head of the Department to restrain the expenditures within the income. There is also too much reason to fear that the franking privilege has run into great abuse. The Department, nevertheless, has been conducted with the greatest vigor, and has attained at the least possible expense all the useful objects for which it was established. In regard to all the Departments, I am quite happy in the belief that nothing has been left undone which was called for by a true spirit of economy or by a system of accountability rigidly enforced. This is in some degree apparent from the fact that the Government has sustained no loss by the default of any of its agents. In the complex, but at the same time beautiful, machinery of our system of government, it is not a matter of surprise that some remote agency may have failed for an instant to fulfill its desired office; but I feel confident in the assertion that nothing has occurred to interrupt the harmonious action of the Government itself, and that, while the laws have been executed with efficiency and vigor, the rights neither of States nor individuals have been trampled on or disregarded. In the meantime the country has been steadily advancing in all that contributes to national greatness. The tide of population continues unbrokenly to flow into the new States and Territories, where a refuge is found not only for our native-born fellow-citizens, but for emigrants from all parts of the civilized world, who come among us to partake of the blessings of our free institutions and to aid by their labor to swell the current of our wealth and power. It is due to every consideration of public policy that the lakes and rivers of the West should receive all such attention at the hands of Congress as the Constitution will enable it to bestow. Works in favorable and proper situations on the Lakes would be found to be as indispensably necessary, in case of war, to carry on safe and successful naval operations as fortifications on the Atlantic seaboard. The appropriation made by the last Congress for the improvement of the navigation of the Mississippi River has been diligently and efficiently applied. I can not close this communication, gentlemen, without recommending to your most favorable consideration the interests of this District. Appointed by the Constitution its exclusive legislators, and forming in this particular the only anomaly in our system of government--of the legislative body being elected by others than those for whose advantage they are to legislate--you will feel a superadded obligation to look well into their condition and to leave no because for complaint or regret. The seat of Government of our associated republics can not but be regarded as worthy of your parental care. In connection with its other interests, as well as those of the whole country, I recommend that at your present session you adopt such measures in order to carry into effect the Smithsonian bequest as in your judgment will be best calculated to consummate the liberal intent of the testator. When, under a dispensation of Divine Providence, I succeeded to the presidential office, the state of public affairs was embarrassing and critical. To add to the irritation consequent upon a long-standing controversy with one of the most powerful nations of modern times, involving not only questions of boundary (which under the most favorable circumstances are always embarrassing), but at the same time important and high principles of maritime law, border controversies between the citizens and subjects of the two countries had engendered a state of feeling and of conduct which threatened the most calamitous consequences. The hazards incident to this state of things were greatly heightened by the arrest and imprisonment of a subject of Great Britain, who, acting (as it was alleged) as a part of a military force, had aided in the commission of an act violative of the territorial jurisdiction of the United States and involving the murder of a citizen, of the State of New York. A large amount of claims against the Government of Mexico remained unadjusted and a war of several years' continuance with the savage tribes of Florida still prevailed, attended with the desolation of a large portion of that beautiful Territory and with the sacrifice of many valuable lives. To increase the embarrassments of the Government, individual and State credit had been nearly stricken down and confidence in the General Government was so much impaired that-loans of a small amount could only be negotiated at a considerable sacrifice. As a necessary consequence of the blight which had fallen on commerce and mechanical industry, the ships of the one were thrown out of employment and the operations of the other had been greatly diminished. Owing to the condition of the currency, exchanges between different parts of the country had become ruinously high and trade had to depend on a depreciated paper currency in conducting its transactions. I shall be permitted to congratulate the country that under an overruling Providence peace was preserved without a sacrifice of the national honor; the war in Florida was brought to a speedy termination; a large portion of the claims on Mexico have been fully adjudicated and are in a course of payment, while justice has been rendered to us in other matters by other nations; confidence between man and man is in a great measure restored and the credit of this Government fully and perfectly reestablished; commerce is becoming more and more extended in its operations and manufacturing and mechanical industry once more reap the rewards of skill and labor honestly applied; the operations of trade rest on a sound currency and the rates of exchange are reduced to their lowest amount. In this condition of things I have felt it to be my duty to bring to your favorable consideration matters of great interest in their present and ultimate results; and the only desire which I feel in connection with the future is and will continue to be to leave the country prosperous and its institutions unimpaired.
if any people ever had because to render up thanks to the supreme being for parental care and protection extended to them in all the trials and difficulties to which they have been from time to time exposed we certainly are that people from the first settlement of our forefathers on this continent through the dangers attendant upon the occupation of a savage wilderness through a long period of colonial dependence through the war of the revolution in the wisdom which led to the adoption of the existing forms of republican government in the hazards incident to a war subsequently waged with one of the most powerful nations of the earth in the increase of our population in the spread of the arts and sciences and in the strength and durability conferred on political institutions emanating from the people and sustained by their will the superintendence of an overruling providence has been plainly visible as preparatory therefore to entering once more upon the high duties of legislation it becomes us humbly to acknowledge our dependence upon him as our guide and protector and to implore a continuance of his parental watchfulness over our beloved country we have new because for the expression of our gratitude in the preservation of the health of our with some partial and local exceptions during the past season for the abundance with which the earth has yielded up its fruits to the labors of the husbandman for the renewed activity which has been imparted to commerce for the revival of trade in all its departments for the increased rewards attendant on the exercise of the mechanic arts for the continued growth of our population and the rapidly reviving prosperity of the whole country i shall be permitted to exchange congratulations with you gentlemen of the two houses of congress on these auspicious circumstances and to assure you in advance of my ready disposition to cur with you in the adoption of all such measures as shall be calculated to increase the happiness of our constituents and to advance the glory of our common country since the last adjournment of congress the executive has relaxed no effort to render indestructible the relations of amity which so happily exist between the united states and other countries the treaty lately concluded with great britain has tended greatly to increase the good understanding which a reciprocity of interests is calculated to encourage and it is most ardently to be hoped that nothing may transpire to interrupt the relations of amity which it is so obviously the policy of both nations to cultivate a question of much importance still remains to be adjusted between them the territorial limits of the two countries relation to what is commonly known as the oregon territory still remain in dispute the united states would be at all times indisposed to aggrandize itself at the expense of any other nation but while they would be restrained by principles of honor which should govern the conduct of nations as well as that of individuals from setting up a demand for territory which does not belong to them they would as unwillingly sent to a surrender of their rights after the most rigid and as far as practicable unbiased examination of the subject the united states have always contended that their rights appertain to the entire region of country lying on the pacific and embraced within and 40 of north latitude this claim being controverted by great britain those who have preceded the present executive actuated no doubt by an earnest desire to adjust the matter upon terms mutually satisfactory to both countries have caused to be submitted to the british government propositions for settlement and final adjustment which however have not proved heretofore acceptable to it our minister at london has under instructions again brought the subject to the consideration of that government and while nothing will be done to compromise the rights or honor of the united states every proper expedient will be resorted to in order to bring the negotiation now in the progress of resumption to a speedy and happy termination in the meantime it is proper to remark that many of our citizens are either already established in the territory or are on their way thither for the purpose of forming permanent settlements while others are preparing to follow and in view of these facts i must repeat the recommendation contained in previous messages for the establishment of military posts at such places on the line of travel as will furnish security and protection to our hardy adventurers against hostile tribes of indians inhabiting those extensive regions our laws should also follow them so modified as the circumstances of the case may seem to require under the influence of our free system of government new republics are destined to spring up at no distant day on the shores of the pacific similar in policy and in feeling to those existing on this side of the rocky mountains and giving a wider and more extensive spread to the principles of civil and religious liberty i am happy to inform you that the cases which have from time to time arisen of the detention of american vessels by british cruisers on the coast of africa under pretense of being engaged in the slave trade have been placed in a fair train of adjustment in the case of the william and francis full satisfaction will be allowed in the cases of the tygris and seamew the british government admits that satisfaction is due in the case of the jones the sum accruing from the sale of that vessel and cargo will be paid to the owners while i can not but flatter myself that full indemnification will be allowed for all damages sustained by the detention of the vessel and in the case of the douglas her majesty government has expressed its determination to make indemnification strong hopes are therefore entertained that most if not all of these cases will be speedily adjusted no new cases have arisen since the ratification of the treaty of washington and it is confidently anticipated that the slave trade under the operation of the eighth article of that treaty will be altogether suppressed the occasional interruption experienced by our engaged in the fisheries on the neighboring coast of nova scotia has not failed to claim the attention of the executive representations upon this subject have been made but as yet no definitive answer to those representations has been received from the british government two other subjects of comparatively minor importance but nevertheless of too much consequence to be neglected remain still to be adjusted between the two countries by the treaty between the united states and great britain of july 1815 it is provided that no higher duties shall be levied in either country on articles imported from the other than on the same articles imported from any other place in 1836 rough rice by act of parliament was admitted from the coast of africa into great britain on the payment of a duty of 1 penny a quarter while the same article from all other countries including the united states was subjected to the payment of a duty of 20 shillings a quarter our minister at london has from time to time brought this subject to the attention of the british government but so far without success he is instructed to renew his representations upon it some years since a claim was preferred against the british government on the part of certain american merchants for the return of export duties paid by them on shipments of woolen goods to the united states after the duty on similar articles exported to other countries had been repealed and consequently in contravention of the commercial convention between the two nations securing to us equality in such cases the principle on which the claim rests has long since been virtually admitted by great britain but obstacles to a settlement have from time to time been interposed so that a large portion of the amount claimed has not yet been refunded our minister is now engaged in the prosecution of the claim and i can not but persuade myself that the british government will no longer delay its adjustment i am happy to be able to say that nothing has occurred to disturb in any degree the relations of amity which exist between the united states and france austria and russia as well as with the other powers of europe since the adjournment of congress spain has been agitated with internal convulsions for many years from the effects of which it is hoped she is destined speedily to recover when under a more liberal system of commercial policy on her part our trade with her may again fill its old and so far as her continental possessions are concerned its almost forsaken channels thereby adding to the mutual prosperity of the two countries the germanic association of customs and commerce which since its establishment in 1833 has been steadily growing in power and importance and consists at this time of more than twenty german states and embraces a population of people united for all fire purposes of commercial intercourse with each other and with foreign states offers to the latter the most valuable exchanges on principles more liberal than are offered in the fiscal system of any other european power from its origin the importance of the german union has never been lost sight of by the united states the industry morality and other valuable qualities of the german nation have always been well known and appreciated on this subject i invite the attention of congress to the report of the secretary of state from which it will be seen that while our cotton is admitted free of duty and the duty on rice has been much reduced which has already led to a greatly increased consumption a strong disposition has been recently evinced by that great body to reduce upon certain conditions their present duty upon tobacco this being the first intimation of a concession on this interesting subject ever made by any european power i can not but regard it as well calculated to remove the only impediment which has so far existed to the most liberal commercial intercourse between us and them in this view our minister at berlin who has heretofore industriously pursued the subject has been instructed to enter upon the negotiation of a commercial treaty which while it will open new advantages to the agricultural interests of the united states and a more free and expanded field for commercial operations will affect injuriously no existing interest of the union should the negotiation be crowned with success its results will be communicated to both houses of congress i communicate herewith certain dispatches received from our minister at mexico and also a correspondence which has recently occurred between the envoy from that republic and the secretary of state it must but be regarded as not a little extraordinary that the government of mexico in anticipation of a public discussion which it has been pleased to infer from newspaper publications as likely to take place in congress relating to the annexation of texas to the united states should have so far anticipated the result of such discussion as to have announced its determination to visit any such anticipated decision by a formal declaration of war against the united states if designed to prevent congress from introducing that question as a fit subject for its calm deliberation and final judgment the executive has no reason to doubt that it will entirely fail of its object the representatives of a brave and patriotic people will suffer no apprehension of future consequences to embarrass them in the course of their proposed deliberations nor will the executive department of the government fail for any such because to discharge its whole duty to the country the war which has existed for so long a time between mexico and texas has since the battle of san jacinto consisted for the most part of predatory incursions which while they have been attended with much of suffering to individuals and have kept the borders of the two countries in a state of constant alarm have failed to approach to any definitive result mexico has fitted out no formidable armament by land or by sea for the subjugation of texas eight years have now elapsed since texas declared her independence of mexico and during that time she has been recognized as a sovereign power by several of the principal civilized states mexico nevertheless perseveres in her plans of reconquest and refuses to recognize her independence the predatory incursions to which i have alluded have been attended in one instance with the breaking up of the courts of justice by the seizing upon the persons of the judges jury and officers of the court and dragging them along with unarmed and therefore noncombatant citizens into a cruel and oppressive bondage thus leaving crime to go unpunished and immorality to pass unreproved a border warfare is evermore to be deprecated and over such a war as has existed for so many years between these two states humanity has had great because to lament nor is such a condition of things to be deplored only because of the individual suffering attendant upon it the effects are far more extensive the creator of the universe has given man the earth for his resting place and its fruits for his subsistence whatever therefore shall make the first or any part of it a scene of desolation affects injuriously his heritage and may be regarded as a general calamity wars may sometimes be necessary but all nations have a common interest in bringing them speedily to a close the united states have an immediate interest in seeing an end put to the state of hostilities existing between mexico and texas they are our neighbors of the same continent with whom we are not only desirous of cultivating the relations of amity but of the most extended commercial intercourse and to practice all the rites of a neighborhood hospitality our own interests are involved in the matter since however neutral may be our course of policy we can not hope to escape the effects of a spirit of jealousy on the part of both of the powers nor can this government be indifferent to the fact that a warfare such as is waged between those two nations is calculated to weaken both powers and finally to render them and especially the weaker of the two the subjects of interference on the part of stronger and more powerful nations who intent only on advancing their own peculiar views may sooner or later attempt to bring about a compliance with terms as the condition of their interposition alike derogatory to the nation granting them and detrimental to the interests of the united states we could not be expected quietly to permit any such interference to our disadvantage considering that texas is separated from the united states by a mere geographical line that her territory in the opinion of many down to a late period formed a portion of the territory of the united states that it is homogeneous in its population and pursuits with adjoining states makes contributions to the commerce of the world in the same articles with them and that most of her inhabitants have been citizens of the united states speak the same language and live under similar political institutions with ourselves this government is bound by every consideration of interest as well as of sympathy to see that she shall be left free to act especially in regard to her domestic affairs unawed by force and unrestrained by the policy or views of other countries in full view of all these considerations the executive has not hesitated to express to the government of mexico how deeply it deprecated a continuance of the war and how anxiously it desired to witness its termination i can not but think that it becomes the united states as the oldest of the american republics to hold a language to mexico upon this subject of an unambiguous character it is time that this war had ceased there must be a limit to all wars and if the parent state after an eight years struggle has failed to reduce to submission a portion of its subjects standing out in revolt against it and who have not only proclaimed themselves to be independent but have been recognized as such by other powers she ought not to expect that other nations will quietly look on to their obvious injury upon a protraction of hostilities these united states threw off their colonial dependence and established independent governments and great britain after having wasted her energies in the attempt to subdue them for a less period than mexico has attempted to subjugate texas had the wisdom and justice to acknowledge their independence thereby recognizing the obligation which rested on her as one of the family of nations an example thus set by one of the proudest as well as most powerful nations of the earth it could in no way disparage mexico to imitate while therefore the executive would deplore any collision with mexico or any disturbance of the friendly relations which exist between the two countries it can not permit that government to control its policy whatever it may be toward texas but will treat her as by the recognition of her independence the united states have long since declared they would do as entirely independent of mexico the high obligations of public duty may enforce from the constituted authorities of the united states a policy which the course persevered in by mexico will have mainly contributed to produce and the executive in such a touting they will with confidence throw itself upon the patriotism of the people to sustain the government in its course of action measures of an unusual character have recently been adopted by the mexican government calculated in no small degree to affect the trade of other nations with mexico and to operate injuriously to the united states all foreigners by a decree of the 23d day of september and after six months from the day of its promulgation are forbidden to carry on the business of selling by retail any goods within the confines of mexico against this decree our minister has not failed to remonstrate the trade heretofore carried on by our citizens with santa fe in which much capital was already invested and which was becoming of daily increasing importance has suddenly been arrested by a decree of virtual prohibition on the part of the mexican government whatever may be the right of mexico to prohibit any particular course of trade to the citizens or subjects of foreign powers this late procedure to say the least of it wears a harsh and unfriendly aspect the installments on the claims recently settled by the convention with mexico have been punctually paid as they have fallen due and our minister is engaged in urging the establishment of a new commission in pursuance of the convention for the settlement of unadjusted claims with the other american states our relations of amity and good will have remained uninterrupted our minister near the republic of new granada has succeeded in effecting an adjustment of the claim upon that government for the schooner by chance which had been pending for many years the claim for the brig morris which had its origin during the existence of the republic of colombia and indemnification for which since the dissolution of that republic has devolved upon its several members will be urged with renewed zeal i have much pleasure in saying that the government of brazil has adjusted the claim upon that government in the case of the schooner john bryan and that sanguine hopes are entertained that the same spirit of justice will influence its councils in arriving at an early decision upon the remaining claims thereby removing all because of dissension between two powers whose interests are to some extent interwoven with each other our minister at chili has succeeded in inducing a recognition by that government of the adjustment effected by his predecessor of the first claim in the case of the macedonian the first installment has been received by the claimants in the united states notice of the exchange of ratifications of the treaty with peru which will take place at lima has not yet reached this country but is shortly expected to be received when the claims upon that republic will doubtless be liquidated and paid in consequence of a misunderstanding between this government and that of buenos ayres occurring several years ago this government has remained unrepresented at that court while a minister from it has been constantly resident here the causes of irritation have in a great measure passed away and it is in contemplation in view of important interests which have grown up in that country at some early period during the present session of congress with the concurrence of the senate to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries under the provisions of an act of congress of the last session a minister was dispatched from the united states to china in august of the present year who from the latest accounts we have from him was at suez in egypt on the 25th of september last on his route to china in regard to the indian tribes residing within our jurisdictional limits the greatest vigilance of the government has been exerted to preserve them at peace among themselves and to inspire them with feelings of confidence in the justice of this government and to cultivate friendship with the border inhabitants this has happily succeeded to a great extent but it is a subject of regret that they suffer themselves in some instances to be imposed upon by artful and designing men and this notwithstanding all efforts of the government to prevent it the receipts into the treasury for the calendar year 1843 exclusive of loans were little more than and the expenditures exclusive of the payments on the public debt will have been about by the act of 1842 a new arrangement of the fiscal year was made so that it should commence on the 1st day of july in each year the accounts and estimates for the current fiscal year will show that the loans and treasury notes made and issued before the close of the last congress to meet the anticipated deficiency have not been entirely adequate although on the 1st of october last there was a balance in the treasury in consequence of the provisions thus made of yet the appropriations already made by congress will absorb that balance and leave a probable deficiency of at the close of the present fiscal year there are outstanding treasury notes to about the amount of and should they be returned upon the treasury during the fiscal year they will require provision for their redemption i do not however regard this as probable since they have obviously entered into the currency of the country and will continue to form a portion of it if the system now adopted be continued the loan of 1841 amounting to falls due on the 1st day of january 1845 and must be provided for or postponed by a new loan and unless the resources of revenue should be materially increased by you there will be a probable deficiency for the service of the fiscal year ending june 30 1845 of upward of the delusion incident to an enormously excessive paper circulation which gave a fictitious value to everything and stimulated adventure and speculation to an extravagant extent has been happily succeeded by the substitution of the precious metals and paper promptly redeemable in specie and thus false values have disappeared and a sounder condition of things has been introduced this transition although intimately connected with the prosperity of the country has nevertheless been attended with much embarrassment to the government in its financial concerns so long as the foreign importers could receive payment for their cargoes in a currency of greatly less value than that in europe but fully available here in the purchase of our agricultural productions their profits being immeasurably augmented by the operation the shipments were large and the revenues of the government became superabundant but the change in the character of the circulation from a nominal and apparently real value in the first stage of its existence to an obviously depreciated value in its second so that it no longer answered the purposes of exchange or barter and its ultimate substitution by a sound metallic and paper circulation combined has been attended by diminished importations and a consequent falling off in the revenue this has induced congress from 1837 to resort to the expedient of issuing treasury notes and finally of funding them in order to supply deficiencies i can not however withhold the remark that it is in no way compatible with the dignity of the government that a public debt should be created in time of peace to meet the current expenses of the government or that temporary expedients should be resorted to an hour longer than it is possible to avoid them the executive can do no more than apply the means which congress places in its hands for the support of government and happily for the good of the country and for the preservation of its liberties it possesses no power to levy exactions on the people or to force from them contributions to the public revenue in any form it can only recommend such measures as may in its opinion be called for by the wants of the public service to congress with whom alone rests the power to lay and collect taxes duties imposts and excises this duty has upon several occasions heretofore been performed the present condition of things gives flattering promise that trade and commerce are rapidly reviving and fortunately for the country the sources of revenue have only to be opened in order to prove abundant while we can anticipate no considerable increase in the proceeds of the sales of the public lands for reasons perfectly obvious to all for several years to come yet the public lands can not otherwise than be regarded as the foundation of the public credit with so large a body of the most fertile lands in the world under the control and at the disposal of this government no one can reasonably doubt the entire ability to meet its engagements under every emergency in seasons of trial and difficulty similar to those through which we are passing the capitalist makes his investments in the government cut stocks with the most assured confidence of ultimate reimbursement and whatever may be said of a period of great financial prosperity such as existed for some years after 1833 i should regard it as suicidal in a season of financial embarrassment either to alienate the lands themselves or the proceeds arising from their sales the first and paramount duty of those to whom may be intrusted the administration of public affairs is to guard the public credit in reestablishing the credit of this central government the readiest and most obvious mode is taken to restore the credit of the states the extremities can only be made sound by producing a healthy action in the central government and the history of the present day fully establishes the fact that an increase in the value of the stocks of this government will in a great majority of instances be attended by an increase in the value of the stocks of the states it should therefore be a matter of general congratulation that amidst all the embarrassments arising from surrounding circumstances the credit of the government should have been so fully restored that it has been enabled to effect a loan of to redeem that amount of treasury notes on terms more favorable than any that have been offered for many years and the 6 per cent stock which was created in 1842 has advanced in the hands of the holders nearly 20 per cent above its par value the confidence of the people in the integrity of their government has thus been signally manifested these opinions relative to the public lands do not in any manner conflict with the observance of the most liberal policy toward those of our who press forward into the wilderness and are the pioneers in the work of its reclamation in securing to all such their rights of preemption the government performs but an act of retributive justice for sufferings encountered and hardships endured and finds ample remuneration in the comforts which its policy insures and the happiness which it imparts should a revision of the tariff with a view to revenue become necessary in the estimation of congress i doubt not you will approach the subject with a just and enlightened regard to the interests of the whole union the principles and views which i have heretofore had occasion to submit remain unchanged it can however never be too often repeated that the prominent interest of every important pursuit of life requires for success permanency and stability in legislation these can only be attained by adopting as the basis of action moderation in all things which is as indispensably necessary to secure the harmonious action of the political as of the animal system in our political organization no one section of the country should desire to have its supposed interests advanced at the sacrifice of all others but union being the great interest equally precious to all should be fostered and sustained by mutual concessions and the cultivation of that spirit of compromise from which the constitution itself proceeded you will be informed by the report from the treasury department of the measures taken under the act of the last session authorizing the reissue of treasury notes in lieu of those then outstanding the system adopted in pursuance of existing laws seems well calculated to save the country a large amount of interest while it affords conveniences and obviates dangers and expense in the transmission of funds to disbursing agents i refer you also to that report for the means proposed by the secretary to increase the revenue and particularly to that portion of it which relates to the subject of the warehousing system which i earnestly urged upon congress at its last session and as to the importance of which my opinion has undergone no change in view of the disordered condition of the currency at the time and the high rates of exchange between different parts of the country i felt it to be incumbent on me to present to the consideration of your predecessors a proposition conflicting in no degree with the constitution or with the rights of the states and having the sanction not in detail but in principle of some of the eminent men who have preceded me in the executive office that proposition contemplated the issuing of treasury notes of denominations of not less than 5 nor more than 100 to be employed in the payment of the obligations of the government in lieu of gold and silver at the option of the public creditor and to an amount not exceeding it was proposed to make them receivable everywhere and to establish at various points depositories of gold and silver to be held in trust for the redemption of such notes so as to insure their convertibility into specie no doubt was entertained that such notes would have maintained a par value with gold and silver thus furnishing a paper currency of equal value over the union thereby meeting the just expectations of the people and fulfilling the duties of a parental government whether the depositories should be permitted to sell or purchase bills under very limited restrictions together with all its other details was submitted to the wisdom of congress and was regarded as of secondary importance i thought then and think now that such an arrangement would have been attended with the happiest results the whole matter of the currency would have been placed where by the constitution it was designed to be placed under the immediate supervision and control of congress the action of the government would have been independent of all corporations and the same eye which rests unceasingly on the specie currency and guards it against adulteration would also have rested on the paper currency to control and regulate its issues and protect it against depreciation the same reasons which would forbid congress from parting with the power over the coinage would seem to operate with nearly equal force hi regard to any substitution for the precious metals in the form of a circulating medium paper when substituted for specie constitutes a standard of value by which the operations of society are regulated and whatsoever causes its depreciation affects society to an extent nearly if not quite equal to the adulteration of the coin nor can i whithold the remark that its advantages contrasted with a bank of the united states apart from the fact that a bank was esteemed as obnoxious to the public sentiment as well on the score of expediency as of constitutionality appeared to me to be striking and obvious the relief which a bank would afford by an issue of of its notes judging from the experience of the late united states bank would not have occurred in less than fifteen years whereas under the proposed arrangement the relief arising from the issue of of treasury notes would have been consummated in one year thus furnishing in part of the time in which a bank could have accomplished it a paper medium of exchange equal in amount to the real wants of the country at par value with gold and silver the saving to the government would have been equal to all the interest which it has had to pay on treasury notes of previous as well as subsequent issues thereby relieving the government and at the same time affording relief to the people under all the responsibilities attached to the station which i occupy and in redemption of a pledge given to the last congress at the close of its first session i submitted the suggestion to its consideration at two consecutive sessions the recommendation however met with no favor at its hands while i am free to admit that the necessities of the times have since become greatly ameliorated and that there is good reason to hope that the country is safely and rapidly emerging from the difficulties and embarrassments which everywhere surrounded it in 1841 yet i can not but think that its restoration to a sound and healthy condition would be greatly expedited by a resort to the expedient in a modified form the operations of the treasury now rest upon the act of 1789 and the resolution of 1816 and those laws have been so administered as to produce as great a quantum of good to the country as their provisions are capable of yielding if there had been any distinct expression of opinion going to show that public sentiment is averse to the plan either as heretofore recommended to congress or in a modified form while my own opinion in regard to it would remain unchanged i should be very far from again presenting it to your consideration the government has originated with the states and the people for their own benefit and advantage and it would be subversive of the foundation principles of the political edifice which they have reared to persevere in a measure which in their mature judgments they had either repudiated or condemned the will of our constituents clearly expressed should be regarded as the light to guide our footsteps the true difference between a monarchical or aristocratical government and a republic being that in the first the will of the few prevails over the will of the many while in the last the will of the many should be alone consulted the report of the secretary of war will bring you acquainted with the condition of that important branch of the public service the army may be regarded in consequence of the small number of the rank and file in each company and regiment as little more than a nucleus around which to rally the military force of the country in case of war and yet its services in preserving the peace of the frontiers are of a most important nature in all cases of emergency the reliance of the country is properly placed in the militia of the several states and it may well deserve the consideration of congress whether a new and more perfect organization might not be introduced looking mainly to the volunteer companies of the union for the present and of easy application to the great body of the militia in time of war the expenditures of the war department have been considerably reduced in the last two years contingencies however may arise which would call for the filling up of the regiments with a full complement of men and make it very desirable to remount the corps of dragoons which by an act of the last congress was directed to be dissolved i refer you to the accompanying report of the secretary for information in relation to the navy of the united states while every effort has been and will continue to be made to retrench all superfluities and lop off all excrescences which from time to time may have grown up yet it has not been regarded as wise or prudent to recommend any material change in the annual appropriations the interests which are involved are of too important a character to lead to the recommendation of any other than a liberal policy adequate appropriations ought to be made to enable the executive to fit out all the ships that are now in a course of building or that require repairs for active service in the shortest possible time should any emergency arise which may require it an efficient navy while it is the cheapest means of public defense enlists in its support the feelings of pride and confidence which brilliant deeds and heroic valor have heretofore served to strengthen and confirm i refer you particularly to that part of the secretary report which has reference to recent experiments in the application of steam and in the construction of our war steamers made under the superintendence of distinguished officers of the navy in addition to other manifest improvements in the construction of the steam engine and application of the motive power which has rendered them more appropriate to the uses of ships of war one of those officers has brought into use a power which makes the steamship most formidable either for attack or defense i can not too strongly recommend this subject to your consideration and do not hesitate to express my entire conviction of its great importance i call your particular attention also to that portion of the secretary report which has reference to the act of the late session of congress which prohibited the transfer of any balance of appropriation from other heads of appropriation to that for building equipment and repair the repeal of that prohibition will enable the department to give renewed employment to a large class of workmen who have been necessarily discharged in consequence of the want of means to pay them a circumstance attended especially at this season of the year with much privation and suffering it gives me great pain to announce to you the loss of the steamship the missouri by fire in the bay of gibraltar where she had stopped to renew her supplies of coal on her voyage to alexandria with cushing the american minister to china on board there is ground for high commendation of the officers and men for the coolness and intrepidity and perfect submission to discipline evinced under the most trying circumstances surrounded by a raging fire which the utmost exertions could not subdue and which threatened momentarily the explosion of her magazines the officers exhibited no signs of fear and the men obeyed every order with alacrity nor was she abandoned until the last gleam of hope of saving her had expired it is well worthy of your consideration whether the losses sustained by the officers and crew in this unfortunate affair should not be reimbursed to them i can not take leave of this painful subject without adverting to the aid rendered upon the occasion by the british authorities at gibraltar and the commander officers and crew of the british ship of the line the malabar which was lying at the time in the bay everything that generosity or humanity could dictate was promptly performed it is by such acts of good will by one to another of the family of nations that fraternal feelings are nourished and the blessings of permanent peace secured the report of the will bring you acquainted with the operations of that department during the past year and will suggest to you such modifications of the existing laws as in your opinion the exigencies of the public service may require the change which the country has undergone of late years in the mode of travel and transportation has afforded so many facilities for the transmission of mail matter out of the regular mail as to require the greatest vigilance and circumspection in order to enable the officer at the head of the department to restrain the expenditures within the income there is also too much reason to fear that the franking privilege has run into great abuse the department nevertheless has been conducted with the greatest vigor and has attained at the least possible expense all the useful objects for which it was established in regard to all the departments i am quite happy in the belief that nothing has been left undone which was called for by a true spirit of economy or by a system of accountability rigidly enforced this is in some degree apparent from the fact that the government has sustained no loss by the default of any of its agents in the complex but at the same time beautiful machinery of our system of government it is not a matter of surprise that some remote agency may have failed for an instant to fulfill its desired office but i feel confident in the assertion that nothing has occurred to interrupt the harmonious action of the government itself and that while the laws have been executed with efficiency and vigor the rights neither of states nor individuals have been trampled on or disregarded in the meantime the country has been steadily advancing in all that contributes to national greatness the tide of population continues unbrokenly to flow into the new states and territories where a refuge is found not only for our but for emigrants from all parts of the civilized world who come among us to partake of the blessings of our free institutions and to aid by their labor to swell the current of our wealth and power it is due to every consideration of public policy that the lakes and rivers of the west should receive all such attention at the hands of congress as the constitution will enable it to bestow works in favorable and proper situations on the lakes would be found to be as indispensably necessary in case of war to carry on safe and successful naval operations as fortifications on the atlantic seaboard the appropriation made by the last congress for the improvement of the navigation of the mississippi river has been diligently and efficiently applied i can not close this communication gentlemen without recommending to your most favorable consideration the interests of this district appointed by the constitution its exclusive legislators and forming in this particular the only anomaly in our system of government of the legislative body being elected by others than those for whose advantage they are to legislate you will feel a superadded obligation to look well into their condition and to leave no because for complaint or regret the seat of government of our associated republics can not but be regarded as worthy of your parental care in connection with its other interests as well as those of the whole country i recommend that at your present session you adopt such measures in order to carry into effect the smithsonian bequest as in your judgment will be best calculated to consummate the liberal intent of the testator when under a dispensation of divine providence i succeeded to the presidential office the state of public affairs was embarrassing and critical to add to the irritation consequent upon a controversy with one of the most powerful nations of modern times involving not only questions of boundary which under the most favorable circumstances are always embarrassing but at the same time important and high principles of maritime law border controversies between the citizens and subjects of the two countries had engendered a state of feeling and of conduct which threatened the most calamitous consequences the hazards incident to this state of things were greatly heightened by the arrest and imprisonment of a subject of great britain who acting as it was alleged as a part of a military force had aided in the commission of an act violative of the territorial jurisdiction of the united states and involving the murder of a citizen of the state of new york a large amount of claims against the government of mexico remained unadjusted and a war of several years continuance with the savage tribes of florida still prevailed attended with the desolation of a large portion of that beautiful territory and with the sacrifice of many valuable lives to increase the embarrassments of the government individual and state credit had been nearly stricken down and confidence in the general government was so much impaired of a small amount could only be negotiated at a considerable sacrifice as a necessary consequence of the blight which had fallen on commerce and mechanical industry the ships of the one were thrown out of employment and the operations of the other had been greatly diminished owing to the condition of the currency exchanges between different parts of the country had become ruinously high and trade had to depend on a depreciated paper currency in conducting its transactions i shall be permitted to congratulate the country that under an overruling providence peace was preserved without a sacrifice of the national honor the war in florida was brought to a speedy termination a large portion of the claims on mexico have been fully adjudicated and are in a course of payment while justice has been rendered to us in other matters by other nations confidence between man and man is in a great measure restored and the credit of this government fully and perfectly reestablished commerce is becoming more and more extended in its operations and manufacturing and mechanical industry once more reap the rewards of skill and labor honestly applied the operations of trade rest on a sound currency and the rates of exchange are reduced to their lowest amount in this condition of things i have felt it to be my duty to bring to your favorable consideration matters of great interest in their present and ultimate results and the only desire which i feel in connection with the future is and will continue to be to leave the country prosperous and its institutions unimpaired
people ever render thanks supreme parental care protection extended trials difficulties time time exposed certainly people first settlement forefathers continent dangers attendant upon occupation savage wilderness long period colonial dependence war revolution wisdom led adoption existing forms republican government hazards incident war subsequently waged one powerful nations earth increase population spread arts sciences strength durability conferred political institutions emanating people sustained superintendence overruling providence plainly visible preparatory therefore entering upon high duties legislation becomes us humbly acknowledge dependence upon guide protector implore continuance parental watchfulness beloved country new expression gratitude preservation health partial local exceptions past season abundance earth yielded fruits labors husbandman renewed activity imparted commerce revival trade departments increased rewards attendant exercise mechanic arts continued growth population rapidly reviving prosperity whole country shall permitted exchange congratulations gentlemen two houses congress auspicious circumstances assure advance ready disposition cur adoption measures shall calculated increase happiness constituents advance glory common country since last adjournment congress executive relaxed effort render indestructible relations amity happily exist united states countries treaty lately concluded great britain tended greatly increase good understanding reciprocity interests calculated encourage ardently hoped nothing may transpire interrupt relations amity obviously policy nations cultivate question much importance still remains adjusted territorial limits two countries relation commonly known oregon territory still remain dispute united states would times indisposed aggrandize expense nation would restrained principles honor govern conduct nations well individuals setting demand territory belong would unwillingly sent surrender rights rigid far practicable unbiased examination subject united states always contended rights appertain entire region country lying pacific embraced within 40 north latitude claim controverted great britain preceded present executive actuated doubt earnest desire adjust matter upon terms mutually satisfactory countries caused submitted british government propositions settlement final adjustment however proved heretofore acceptable minister london instructions brought subject consideration government nothing done compromise rights honor united states every proper expedient resorted order bring negotiation progress resumption speedy happy termination meantime proper remark many citizens either already established territory way thither purpose forming permanent settlements others preparing follow view facts must repeat recommendation contained previous messages establishment military posts places line travel furnish security protection hardy adventurers hostile tribes indians inhabiting extensive regions laws also follow modified circumstances case may seem require influence free system government new republics destined spring distant day shores pacific similar policy feeling existing side rocky mountains giving wider extensive spread principles civil religious liberty happy inform cases time time arisen detention american vessels british cruisers coast africa pretense engaged slave trade placed fair train adjustment case william francis full satisfaction allowed cases tygris seamew british government admits satisfaction due case jones sum accruing sale vessel cargo paid owners flatter full indemnification allowed damages sustained detention vessel case douglas majesty government expressed determination make indemnification strong hopes therefore entertained cases speedily adjusted new cases arisen since ratification treaty washington confidently anticipated slave trade operation eighth article treaty altogether suppressed occasional interruption experienced engaged fisheries neighboring coast nova scotia failed claim attention executive representations upon subject made yet definitive answer representations received british government two subjects comparatively minor importance nevertheless much consequence neglected remain still adjusted two countries treaty united states great britain july 1815 provided higher duties shall levied either country articles imported articles imported place 1836 rough rice act parliament admitted coast africa great britain payment duty 1 penny quarter article countries including united states subjected payment duty 20 shillings quarter minister london time time brought subject attention british government far without success instructed renew representations upon years since claim preferred british government part certain american merchants return export duties paid shipments woolen goods united states duty similar articles exported countries repealed consequently contravention commercial convention two nations securing us equality cases principle claim rests long since virtually admitted great britain obstacles settlement time time interposed large portion amount claimed yet refunded minister engaged prosecution claim persuade british government longer delay adjustment happy able say nothing occurred disturb degree relations amity exist united states france austria russia well powers europe since adjournment congress spain agitated internal convulsions many years effects hoped destined speedily recover liberal system commercial policy part trade may fill old far continental possessions concerned almost forsaken channels thereby adding mutual prosperity two countries germanic association customs commerce since establishment 1833 steadily growing power importance consists time twenty german states embraces population people united fire purposes commercial intercourse foreign states offers latter valuable exchanges principles liberal offered fiscal system european power origin importance german union never lost sight united states industry morality valuable qualities german nation always well known appreciated subject invite attention congress report secretary state seen cotton admitted free duty duty rice much reduced already led greatly increased consumption strong disposition recently evinced great body reduce upon certain conditions present duty upon tobacco first intimation concession interesting subject ever made european power regard well calculated remove impediment far existed liberal commercial intercourse us view minister berlin heretofore industriously pursued subject instructed enter upon negotiation commercial treaty open new advantages agricultural interests united states free expanded field commercial operations affect injuriously existing interest union negotiation crowned success results communicated houses congress communicate herewith certain dispatches received minister mexico also correspondence recently occurred envoy republic secretary state must regarded little extraordinary government mexico anticipation public discussion pleased infer newspaper publications likely take place congress relating annexation texas united states far anticipated result discussion announced determination visit anticipated decision formal declaration war united states designed prevent congress introducing question fit subject calm deliberation final judgment executive reason doubt entirely fail object representatives brave patriotic people suffer apprehension future consequences embarrass course proposed deliberations executive department government fail discharge whole duty country war existed long time mexico texas since battle san jacinto consisted part predatory incursions attended much suffering individuals kept borders two countries state constant alarm failed approach definitive result mexico fitted formidable armament land sea subjugation texas eight years elapsed since texas declared independence mexico time recognized sovereign power several principal civilized states mexico nevertheless perseveres plans reconquest refuses recognize independence predatory incursions alluded attended one instance breaking courts justice seizing upon persons judges jury officers court dragging along unarmed therefore noncombatant citizens cruel oppressive bondage thus leaving crime go unpunished immorality pass unreproved border warfare evermore deprecated war existed many years two states humanity great lament condition things deplored individual suffering attendant upon effects far extensive creator universe given man earth resting place fruits subsistence whatever therefore shall make first part scene desolation affects injuriously heritage may regarded general calamity wars may sometimes necessary nations common interest bringing speedily close united states immediate interest seeing end put state hostilities existing mexico texas neighbors continent desirous cultivating relations amity extended commercial intercourse practice rites neighborhood hospitality interests involved matter since however neutral may course policy hope escape effects spirit jealousy part powers government indifferent fact warfare waged two nations calculated weaken powers finally render especially weaker two subjects interference part stronger powerful nations intent advancing peculiar views may sooner later attempt bring compliance terms condition interposition alike derogatory nation granting detrimental interests united states could expected quietly permit interference disadvantage considering texas separated united states mere geographical line territory opinion many late period formed portion territory united states homogeneous population pursuits adjoining states makes contributions commerce world articles inhabitants citizens united states speak language live similar political institutions government bound every consideration interest well sympathy see shall left free act especially regard domestic affairs unawed force unrestrained policy views countries full view considerations executive hesitated express government mexico deeply deprecated continuance war anxiously desired witness termination think becomes united states oldest american republics hold language mexico upon subject unambiguous character time war ceased must limit wars parent state eight years struggle failed reduce submission portion subjects standing revolt proclaimed independent recognized powers ought expect nations quietly look obvious injury upon protraction hostilities united states threw colonial dependence established independent governments great britain wasted energies attempt subdue less period mexico attempted subjugate texas wisdom justice acknowledge independence thereby recognizing obligation rested one family nations example thus set one proudest well powerful nations earth could way disparage mexico imitate therefore executive would deplore collision mexico disturbance friendly relations exist two countries permit government control policy whatever may toward texas treat recognition independence united states long since declared would entirely independent mexico high obligations public duty may enforce constituted authorities united states policy course persevered mexico mainly contributed produce executive touting confidence throw upon patriotism people sustain government course action measures unusual character recently adopted mexican government calculated small degree affect trade nations mexico operate injuriously united states foreigners decree 23d day september six months day promulgation forbidden carry business selling retail goods within confines mexico decree minister failed remonstrate trade heretofore carried citizens santa fe much capital already invested becoming daily increasing importance suddenly arrested decree virtual prohibition part mexican government whatever may right mexico prohibit particular course trade citizens subjects foreign powers late procedure say least wears harsh unfriendly aspect installments claims recently settled convention mexico punctually paid fallen due minister engaged urging establishment new commission pursuance convention settlement unadjusted claims american states relations amity good remained uninterrupted minister near republic new granada succeeded effecting adjustment claim upon government schooner chance pending many years claim brig morris origin existence republic colombia indemnification since dissolution republic devolved upon several members urged renewed zeal much pleasure saying government brazil adjusted claim upon government case schooner john bryan sanguine hopes entertained spirit justice influence councils arriving early decision upon remaining claims thereby removing dissension two powers whose interests extent interwoven minister chili succeeded inducing recognition government adjustment effected predecessor first claim case macedonian first installment received claimants united states notice exchange ratifications treaty peru take place lima yet reached country shortly expected received claims upon republic doubtless liquidated paid consequence misunderstanding government buenos ayres occurring several years ago government remained unrepresented court minister constantly resident causes irritation great measure passed away contemplation view important interests grown country early period present session congress concurrence senate restore diplomatic relations two countries provisions act congress last session minister dispatched united states china august present year latest accounts suez egypt 25th september last route china regard indian tribes residing within jurisdictional limits greatest vigilance government exerted preserve peace among inspire feelings confidence justice government cultivate friendship border inhabitants happily succeeded great extent subject regret suffer instances imposed upon artful designing men notwithstanding efforts government prevent receipts treasury calendar year 1843 exclusive loans little expenditures exclusive payments public debt act 1842 new arrangement fiscal year made commence 1st day july year accounts estimates current fiscal year show loans treasury notes made issued close last congress meet anticipated deficiency entirely adequate although 1st october last balance treasury consequence provisions thus made yet appropriations already made congress absorb balance leave probable deficiency close present fiscal year outstanding treasury notes amount returned upon treasury fiscal year require provision redemption however regard probable since obviously entered currency country continue form portion system adopted continued loan 1841 amounting falls due 1st day january 1845 must provided postponed new loan unless resources revenue materially increased probable deficiency service fiscal year ending june 30 1845 upward delusion incident enormously excessive paper circulation gave fictitious value everything stimulated adventure speculation extravagant extent happily succeeded substitution precious metals paper promptly redeemable specie thus false values disappeared sounder condition things introduced transition although intimately connected prosperity country nevertheless attended much embarrassment government financial concerns long foreign importers could receive payment cargoes currency greatly less value europe fully available purchase agricultural productions profits immeasurably augmented operation shipments large revenues government became superabundant change character circulation nominal apparently real value first stage existence obviously depreciated value second longer answered purposes exchange barter ultimate substitution sound metallic paper circulation combined attended diminished importations consequent falling revenue induced congress 1837 resort expedient issuing treasury notes finally funding order supply deficiencies however withhold remark way compatible dignity government public debt created time peace meet current expenses government temporary expedients resorted hour longer possible avoid executive apply means congress places hands support government happily good country preservation liberties possesses power levy exactions people force contributions public revenue form recommend measures may opinion called wants public service congress alone rests power lay collect taxes duties imposts excises duty upon several occasions heretofore performed present condition things gives flattering promise trade commerce rapidly reviving fortunately country sources revenue opened order prove abundant anticipate considerable increase proceeds sales public lands reasons perfectly obvious several years come yet public lands otherwise regarded foundation public credit large body fertile lands world control disposal government one reasonably doubt entire ability meet engagements every emergency seasons trial difficulty similar passing capitalist makes investments government cut stocks assured confidence ultimate reimbursement whatever may said period great financial prosperity existed years 1833 regard suicidal season financial embarrassment either alienate lands proceeds arising sales first paramount duty may intrusted administration public affairs guard public credit reestablishing credit central government readiest obvious mode taken restore credit states extremities made sound producing healthy action central government history present day fully establishes fact increase value stocks government great majority instances attended increase value stocks states therefore matter general congratulation amidst embarrassments arising surrounding circumstances credit government fully restored enabled effect loan redeem amount treasury notes terms favorable offered many years 6 per cent stock created 1842 advanced hands holders nearly 20 per cent par value confidence people integrity government thus signally manifested opinions relative public lands manner conflict observance liberal policy toward press forward wilderness pioneers work reclamation securing rights preemption government performs act retributive justice sufferings encountered hardships endured finds ample remuneration comforts policy insures happiness imparts revision tariff view revenue become necessary estimation congress doubt approach subject enlightened regard interests whole union principles views heretofore occasion submit remain unchanged however never often repeated prominent interest every important pursuit life requires success permanency stability legislation attained adopting basis action moderation things indispensably necessary secure harmonious action political animal system political organization one section country desire supposed interests advanced sacrifice others union great interest equally precious fostered sustained mutual concessions cultivation spirit compromise constitution proceeded informed report treasury department measures taken act last session authorizing reissue treasury notes lieu outstanding system adopted pursuance existing laws seems well calculated save country large amount interest affords conveniences obviates dangers expense transmission funds disbursing agents refer also report means proposed secretary increase revenue particularly portion relates subject warehousing system earnestly urged upon congress last session importance opinion undergone change view disordered condition currency time high rates exchange different parts country felt incumbent present consideration predecessors proposition conflicting degree constitution rights states sanction detail principle eminent men preceded executive office proposition contemplated issuing treasury notes denominations less 5 100 employed payment obligations government lieu gold silver option public creditor amount exceeding proposed make receivable everywhere establish various points depositories gold silver held trust redemption notes insure convertibility specie doubt entertained notes would maintained par value gold silver thus furnishing paper currency equal value union thereby meeting expectations people fulfilling duties parental government whether depositories permitted sell purchase bills limited restrictions together details submitted wisdom congress regarded secondary importance thought think arrangement would attended happiest results whole matter currency would placed constitution designed placed immediate supervision control congress action government would independent corporations eye rests unceasingly specie currency guards adulteration would also rested paper currency control regulate issues protect depreciation reasons would forbid congress parting power coinage would seem operate nearly equal force hi regard substitution precious metals form circulating medium paper substituted specie constitutes standard value operations society regulated whatsoever causes depreciation affects society extent nearly quite equal adulteration coin whithold remark advantages contrasted bank united states apart fact bank esteemed obnoxious public sentiment well score expediency constitutionality appeared striking obvious relief bank would afford issue notes judging experience late united states bank would occurred less fifteen years whereas proposed arrangement relief arising issue treasury notes would consummated one year thus furnishing part time bank could accomplished paper medium exchange equal amount real wants country par value gold silver saving government would equal interest pay treasury notes previous well subsequent issues thereby relieving government time affording relief people responsibilities attached station occupy redemption pledge given last congress close first session submitted suggestion consideration two consecutive sessions recommendation however met favor hands free admit necessities times since become greatly ameliorated good reason hope country safely rapidly emerging difficulties embarrassments everywhere surrounded 1841 yet think restoration sound healthy condition would greatly expedited resort expedient modified form operations treasury rest upon act 1789 resolution 1816 laws administered produce great quantum good country provisions capable yielding distinct expression opinion going show public sentiment averse plan either heretofore recommended congress modified form opinion regard would remain unchanged far presenting consideration government originated states people benefit advantage would subversive foundation principles political edifice reared persevere measure mature judgments either repudiated condemned constituents clearly expressed regarded light guide footsteps true difference monarchical aristocratical government republic first prevails many last many alone consulted report secretary war bring acquainted condition important branch public service army may regarded consequence small number rank file company regiment little nucleus around rally military force country case war yet services preserving peace frontiers important nature cases emergency reliance country properly placed militia several states may well deserve consideration congress whether new perfect organization might introduced looking mainly volunteer companies union present easy application great body militia time war expenditures war department considerably reduced last two years contingencies however may arise would call filling regiments full complement men make desirable remount corps dragoons act last congress directed dissolved refer accompanying report secretary information relation navy united states every effort continue made retrench superfluities lop excrescences time time may grown yet regarded wise prudent recommend material change annual appropriations interests involved important character lead recommendation liberal policy adequate appropriations ought made enable executive fit ships course building require repairs active service shortest possible time emergency arise may require efficient navy cheapest means public defense enlists support feelings pride confidence brilliant deeds heroic valor heretofore served strengthen confirm refer particularly part secretary report reference recent experiments application steam construction war steamers made superintendence distinguished officers navy addition manifest improvements construction steam engine application motive power rendered appropriate uses ships war one officers brought use power makes steamship formidable either attack defense strongly recommend subject consideration hesitate express entire conviction great importance call particular attention also portion secretary report reference act late session congress prohibited transfer balance appropriation heads appropriation building equipment repair repeal prohibition enable department give renewed employment large class workmen necessarily discharged consequence want means pay circumstance attended especially season year much privation suffering gives great pain announce loss steamship missouri fire bay gibraltar stopped renew supplies coal voyage alexandria cushing american minister china board ground high commendation officers men coolness intrepidity perfect submission discipline evinced trying circumstances surrounded raging fire utmost exertions could subdue threatened momentarily explosion magazines officers exhibited signs fear men obeyed every order alacrity abandoned last gleam hope saving expired well worthy consideration whether losses sustained officers crew unfortunate affair reimbursed take leave painful subject without adverting aid rendered upon occasion british authorities gibraltar commander officers crew british ship line malabar lying time bay everything generosity humanity could dictate promptly performed acts good one another family nations fraternal feelings nourished blessings permanent peace secured report bring acquainted operations department past year suggest modifications existing laws opinion exigencies public service may require change country undergone late years mode travel transportation afforded many facilities transmission mail matter regular mail require greatest vigilance circumspection order enable officer head department restrain expenditures within income also much reason fear franking privilege run great abuse department nevertheless conducted greatest vigor attained least possible expense useful objects established regard departments quite happy belief nothing left undone called true spirit economy system accountability rigidly enforced degree apparent fact government sustained loss default agents complex time beautiful machinery system government matter surprise remote agency may failed instant fulfill desired office feel confident assertion nothing occurred interrupt harmonious action government laws executed efficiency vigor rights neither states individuals trampled disregarded meantime country steadily advancing contributes national greatness tide population continues unbrokenly flow new states territories refuge found emigrants parts civilized world come among us partake blessings free institutions aid labor swell current wealth power due every consideration public policy lakes rivers west receive attention hands congress constitution enable bestow works favorable proper situations lakes would found indispensably necessary case war carry safe successful naval operations fortifications atlantic seaboard appropriation made last congress improvement navigation mississippi river diligently efficiently applied close communication gentlemen without recommending favorable consideration interests district appointed constitution exclusive legislators forming particular anomaly system government legislative body elected others whose advantage legislate feel superadded obligation look well condition leave complaint regret seat government associated republics regarded worthy parental care connection interests well whole country recommend present session adopt measures order carry effect smithsonian bequest judgment best calculated consummate liberal intent testator dispensation divine providence succeeded presidential office state public affairs embarrassing critical add irritation consequent upon controversy one powerful nations modern times involving questions boundary favorable circumstances always embarrassing time important high principles maritime law border controversies citizens subjects two countries engendered state feeling conduct threatened calamitous consequences hazards incident state things greatly heightened arrest imprisonment subject great britain acting alleged part military force aided commission act violative territorial jurisdiction united states involving murder citizen state new york large amount claims government mexico remained unadjusted war several years continuance savage tribes florida still prevailed attended desolation large portion beautiful territory sacrifice many valuable lives increase embarrassments government individual state credit nearly stricken confidence general government much impaired small amount could negotiated considerable sacrifice necessary consequence blight fallen commerce mechanical industry ships one thrown employment operations greatly diminished owing condition currency exchanges different parts country become ruinously high trade depend depreciated paper currency conducting transactions shall permitted congratulate country overruling providence peace preserved without sacrifice national honor war florida brought speedy termination large portion claims mexico fully adjudicated course payment justice rendered us matters nations confidence man man great measure restored credit government fully perfectly reestablished commerce becoming extended operations manufacturing mechanical industry reap rewards skill labor honestly applied operations trade rest sound currency rates exchange reduced lowest amount condition things felt duty bring favorable consideration matters great interest present ultimate results desire feel connection future continue leave country prosperous institutions unimpaired
people ever render thanks supreme parental care protection extend trial difficulty time time expose certainly people first settlement forefather continent danger attendant upon occupation savage wilderness long period colonial dependence war revolution wisdom lead adoption exist form republican government hazard incident war subsequently wag one powerful nation earth increase population spread art science strength durability confer political institution emanate people sustain superintendence overrule providence plainly visible preparatory therefore enter upon high duty legislation become u humbly acknowledge dependence upon guide protector implore continuance parental watchfulness beloved country new expression gratitude preservation health partial local exception past season abundance earth yield fruit labor husbandman renew activity impart commerce revival trade department increase reward attendant exercise mechanic art continue growth population rapidly revive prosperity whole country shall permit exchange congratulation gentlemen two house congress auspicious circumstance assure advance ready disposition cur adoption measure shall calculate increase happiness constituent advance glory common country since last adjournment congress executive relax effort render indestructible relation amity happily exist united state country treaty lately concluded great britain tend greatly increase good understanding reciprocity interest calculate encourage ardently hop nothing may transpire interrupt relation amity obviously policy nation cultivate question much importance still remain adjusted territorial limit two country relation commonly know oregon territory still remain dispute united state would time indisposed aggrandize expense nation would restrain principle honor govern conduct nation well individual set demand territory belong would unwillingly send surrender right rigid far practicable unbiased examination subject united state always contend right appertain entire region country lie pacific embrace within 40 north latitude claim controvert great britain precede present executive actuate doubt earnest desire adjust matter upon term mutually satisfactory country cause submit british government proposition settlement final adjustment however prove heretofore acceptable minister london instruction bring subject consideration government nothing do compromise right honor united state every proper expedient resort order bring negotiation progress resumption speedy happy termination meantime proper remark many citizen either already establish territory way thither purpose form permanent settlement others prepare follow view fact must repeat recommendation contain previous message establishment military post place line travel furnish security protection hardy adventurer hostile tribe indians inhabit extensive region law also follow modified circumstance case may seem require influence free system government new republic destine spring distant day shore pacific similar policy feeling exist side rocky mountain give wider extensive spread principle civil religious liberty happy inform case time time arisen detention american vessel british cruiser coast africa pretense engage slave trade place fair train adjustment case william francis full satisfaction allow case tygris seamew british government admits satisfaction due case jones sum accrue sale vessel cargo pay owner flatter full indemnification allow damage sustain detention vessel case douglas majesty government express determination make indemnification strong hope therefore entertain case speedily adjust new case arise since ratification treaty washington confidently anticipate slave trade operation eighth article treaty altogether suppress occasional interruption experience engaged fishery neighbor coast nova scotia fail claim attention executive representation upon subject make yet definitive answer representation receive british government two subject comparatively minor importance nevertheless much consequence neglect remain still adjust two country treaty united state great britain july 1815 provide high duty shall levy either country article import article import place 1836 rough rice act parliament admit coast africa great britain payment duty 1 penny quarter article country include united state subject payment duty 20 shilling quarter minister london time time bring subject attention british government far without success instruct renew representation upon year since claim prefer british government part certain american merchant return export duty pay shipment woolen good united state duty similar article export country repeal consequently contravention commercial convention two nation secure u equality case principle claim rest long since virtually admit great britain obstacle settlement time time interpose large portion amount claim yet refund minister engage prosecution claim persuade british government longer delay adjustment happy able say nothing occur disturb degree relation amity exist united state france austria russia well power europe since adjournment congress spain agitate internal convulsion many year effect hop destine speedily recover liberal system commercial policy part trade may fill old far continental possession concern almost forsaken channel thereby add mutual prosperity two country germanic association custom commerce since establishment 1833 steadily grow power importance consist time twenty german state embrace population people united fire purpose commercial intercourse foreign state offer latter valuable exchange principle liberal offer fiscal system european power origin importance german union never lose sight united state industry morality valuable qualities german nation always well know appreciate subject invite attention congress report secretary state see cotton admit free duty duty rice much reduce already lead greatly increase consumption strong disposition recently evince great body reduce upon certain condition present duty upon tobacco first intimation concession interest subject ever make european power regard well calculate remove impediment far existed liberal commercial intercourse u view minister berlin heretofore industriously pursue subject instruct enter upon negotiation commercial treaty open new advantage agricultural interest unite state free expand field commercial operation affect injuriously exist interest union negotiation crown success result communicate house congress communicate herewith certain dispatch receive minister mexico also correspondence recently occur envoy republic secretary state must regard little extraordinary government mexico anticipation public discussion please infer newspaper publication likely take place congress relate annexation texas united state far anticipated result discussion announce determination visit anticipate decision formal declaration war united state design prevent congress introduce question fit subject calm deliberation final judgment executive reason doubt entirely fail object representative brave patriotic people suffer apprehension future consequence embarrass course propose deliberation executive department government fail discharge whole duty country war exist long time mexico texas since battle san jacinto consist part predatory incursion attend much suffer individual keep border two country state constant alarm fail approach definitive result mexico fit formidable armament land sea subjugation texas eight year elapse since texas declare independence mexico time recognize sovereign power several principal civilize state mexico nevertheless perseveres plan reconquest refuse recognize independence predatory incursion allude attend one instance breaking court justice seize upon person judge jury officer court drag along unarmed therefore noncombatant citizen cruel oppressive bondage thus leave crime go unpunished immorality pas unreproved border warfare evermore deprecate war exist many year two state humanity great lament condition thing deplore individual suffering attendant upon effect far extensive creator universe give man earth rest place fruit subsistence whatever therefore shall make first part scene desolation affect injuriously heritage may regard general calamity war may sometimes necessary nation common interest bring speedily close united state immediate interest see end put state hostility exist mexico texas neighbor continent desirous cultivate relation amity extend commercial intercourse practice rite neighborhood hospitality interest involve matter since however neutral may course policy hope escape effect spirit jealousy part power government indifferent fact warfare wag two nation calculate weaken power finally render especially weak two subject interference part stronger powerful nation intent advance peculiar view may sooner later attempt bring compliance term condition interposition alike derogatory nation grant detrimental interest united state could expect quietly permit interference disadvantage consider texas separate united state mere geographical line territory opinion many late period form portion territory united state homogeneous population pursuit adjoin state make contribution commerce world article inhabitant citizen united state speak language live similar political institution government bound every consideration interest well sympathy see shall leave free act especially regard domestic affair unawed force unrestrained policy view country full view consideration executive hesitate express government mexico deeply deprecated continuance war anxiously desire witness termination think becomes united state oldest american republic hold language mexico upon subject unambiguous character time war cease must limit war parent state eight year struggle fail reduce submission portion subject stand revolt proclaim independent recognize power ought expect nation quietly look obvious injury upon protraction hostility united state throw colonial dependence establish independent government great britain waste energy attempt subdue less period mexico attempt subjugate texas wisdom justice acknowledge independence thereby recognize obligation rest one family nation example thus set one proud well powerful nation earth could way disparage mexico imitate therefore executive would deplore collision mexico disturbance friendly relation exist two country permit government control policy whatever may toward texas treat recognition independence unite state long since declare would entirely independent mexico high obligation public duty may enforce constituted authority united state policy course persevere mexico mainly contribute produce executive tout confidence throw upon patriotism people sustain government course action measure unusual character recently adopt mexican government calculate small degree affect trade nation mexico operate injuriously united state foreigner decree 23d day september six month day promulgation forbidden carry business sell retail good within confines mexico decree minister fail remonstrate trade heretofore carry citizens santa fe much capital already invest become daily increase importance suddenly arrest decree virtual prohibition part mexican government whatever may right mexico prohibit particular course trade citizen subject foreign power late procedure say least wear harsh unfriendly aspect installment claim recently settle convention mexico punctually pay fall due minister engage urge establishment new commission pursuance convention settlement unadjusted claim american state relation amity good remain uninterrupted minister near republic new granada succeed effect adjustment claim upon government schooner chance pending many year claim brig morris origin existence republic colombia indemnification since dissolution republic devolve upon several member urge renew zeal much pleasure say government brazil adjust claim upon government case schooner john bryan sanguine hope entertain spirit justice influence council arrive early decision upon remain claim thereby remove dissension two power whose interest extent interwoven minister chili succeed induce recognition government adjustment effect predecessor first claim case macedonian first installment receive claimant united state notice exchange ratification treaty peru take place lima yet reach country shortly expect receive claim upon republic doubtless liquidate pay consequence misunderstand government buenos ayres occur several year ago government remain unrepresented court minister constantly resident cause irritation great measure pass away contemplation view important interest grown country early period present session congress concurrence senate restore diplomatic relation two country provision act congress last session minister dispatch united state china august present year late account suez egypt 25th september last route china regard indian tribe reside within jurisdictional limit great vigilance government exert preserve peace among inspire feeling confidence justice government cultivate friendship border inhabitant happily succeed great extent subject regret suffer instance impose upon artful design men notwithstanding effort government prevent receipt treasury calendar year 1843 exclusive loan little expenditure exclusive payment public debt act 1842 new arrangement fiscal year make commence 1st day july year account estimate current fiscal year show loan treasury note make issue close last congress meet anticipated deficiency entirely adequate although 1st october last balance treasury consequence provision thus make yet appropriation already make congress absorb balance leave probable deficiency close present fiscal year outstanding treasury note amount return upon treasury fiscal year require provision redemption however regard probable since obviously entered currency country continue form portion system adopt continued loan 1841 amount fall due 1st day january 1845 must provide postpone new loan unless resource revenue materially increase probable deficiency service fiscal year end june 30 1845 upward delusion incident enormously excessive paper circulation give fictitious value everything stimulate adventure speculation extravagant extent happily succeed substitution precious metal paper promptly redeemable specie thus false value disappear sound condition thing introduce transition although intimately connect prosperity country nevertheless attend much embarrassment government financial concern long foreign importer could receive payment cargo currency greatly less value europe fully available purchase agricultural production profit immeasurably augment operation shipment large revenue government become superabundant change character circulation nominal apparently real value first stage existence obviously depreciate value second long answer purpose exchange barter ultimate substitution sound metallic paper circulation combine attend diminished importation consequent fall revenue induce congress 1837 resort expedient issue treasury note finally fund order supply deficiency however withhold remark way compatible dignity government public debt create time peace meet current expense government temporary expedient resort hour longer possible avoid executive apply mean congress place hand support government happily good country preservation liberties possess power levy exaction people force contribution public revenue form recommend measure may opinion call want public service congress alone rest power lay collect tax duty impost excise duty upon several occasion heretofore perform present condition thing give flatter promise trade commerce rapidly revive fortunately country source revenue open order prove abundant anticipate considerable increase proceeds sale public land reason perfectly obvious several year come yet public land otherwise regarded foundation public credit large body fertile land world control disposal government one reasonably doubt entire ability meet engagement every emergency season trial difficulty similar pass capitalist make investment government cut stock assure confidence ultimate reimbursement whatever may say period great financial prosperity exist year 1833 regard suicidal season financial embarrassment either alienate land proceeds arise sale first paramount duty may intrust administration public affair guard public credit reestablish credit central government ready obvious mode take restore credit state extremity make sound produce healthy action central government history present day fully establish fact increase value stock government great majority instance attend increase value stock state therefore matter general congratulation amidst embarrassment arise surround circumstance credit government fully restore enabled effect loan redeem amount treasury note term favorable offer many year 6 per cent stock create 1842 advanced hand holder nearly 20 per cent par value confidence people integrity government thus signally manifested opinion relative public land manner conflict observance liberal policy toward press forward wilderness pioneer work reclamation secure right preemption government performs act retributive justice suffering encounter hardship endure find ample remuneration comfort policy insure happiness imparts revision tariff view revenue become necessary estimation congress doubt approach subject enlighten regard interest whole union principle view heretofore occasion submit remain unchanged however never often repeated prominent interest every important pursuit life require success permanency stability legislation attain adopt basis action moderation thing indispensably necessary secure harmonious action political animal system political organization one section country desire suppose interest advance sacrifice others union great interest equally precious foster sustained mutual concession cultivation spirit compromise constitution proceed informed report treasury department measure take act last session authorize reissue treasury note lieu outstanding system adopt pursuance exist law seem well calculate save country large amount interest affords convenience obviate danger expense transmission fund disburse agent refer also report mean propose secretary increase revenue particularly portion relate subject warehouse system earnestly urge upon congress last session importance opinion undergone change view disorder condition currency time high rate exchange different part country felt incumbent present consideration predecessor proposition conflict degree constitution right state sanction detail principle eminent men precede executive office proposition contemplate issuing treasury note denomination less 5 100 employed payment obligation government lieu gold silver option public creditor amount exceed propose make receivable everywhere establish various point depository gold silver hold trust redemption note insure convertibility specie doubt entertain note would maintain par value gold silver thus furnish paper currency equal value union thereby meet expectation people fulfil duty parental government whether depository permit sell purchase bill limit restriction together detail submit wisdom congress regard secondary importance think think arrangement would attend happy result whole matter currency would place constitution design place immediate supervision control congress action government would independent corporation eye rest unceasingly specie currency guard adulteration would also rest paper currency control regulate issue protect depreciation reason would forbid congress part power coinage would seem operate nearly equal force hi regard substitution precious metal form circulate medium paper substitute specie constitutes standard value operation society regulate whatsoever cause depreciation affect society extent nearly quite equal adulteration coin whithold remark advantage contrast bank united state apart fact bank esteem obnoxious public sentiment well score expediency constitutionality appear strike obvious relief bank would afford issue note judge experience late united state bank would occur less fifteen year whereas propose arrangement relief arise issue treasury note would consummate one year thus furnish part time bank could accomplish paper medium exchange equal amount real want country par value gold silver save government would equal interest pay treasury note previous well subsequent issue thereby relieve government time afford relief people responsibility attach station occupy redemption pledge give last congress close first session submit suggestion consideration two consecutive session recommendation however meet favor hand free admit necessity time since become greatly ameliorate good reason hope country safely rapidly emerge difficulty embarrassment everywhere surround 1841 yet think restoration sound healthy condition would greatly expedite resort expedient modify form operation treasury rest upon act 1789 resolution 1816 law administer produce great quantum good country provision capable yield distinct expression opinion go show public sentiment averse plan either heretofore recommend congress modify form opinion regard would remain unchanged far present consideration government originate state people benefit advantage would subversive foundation principle political edifice rear persevere measure mature judgment either repudiate condemned constituent clearly express regarded light guide footstep true difference monarchical aristocratical government republic first prevail many last many alone consulted report secretary war bring acquaint condition important branch public service army may regard consequence small number rank file company regiment little nucleus around rally military force country case war yet service preserve peace frontier important nature case emergency reliance country properly place militia several state may well deserve consideration congress whether new perfect organization might introduce look mainly volunteer company union present easy application great body militia time war expenditure war department considerably reduce last two year contingency however may arise would call filling regiment full complement men make desirable remount corp dragoon act last congress direct dissolve refer accompany report secretary information relation navy united state every effort continue make retrench superfluity lop excrescence time time may grow yet regard wise prudent recommend material change annual appropriation interest involve important character lead recommendation liberal policy adequate appropriation ought make enable executive fit ship course building require repair active service short possible time emergency arise may require efficient navy cheapest mean public defense enlists support feeling pride confidence brilliant deed heroic valor heretofore serve strengthen confirm refer particularly part secretary report reference recent experiment application steam construction war steamer make superintendence distinguished officer navy addition manifest improvement construction steam engine application motive power render appropriate us ship war one officer bring use power make steamship formidable either attack defense strongly recommend subject consideration hesitate express entire conviction great importance call particular attention also portion secretary report reference act late session congress prohibit transfer balance appropriation head appropriation building equipment repair repeal prohibition enable department give renew employment large class workman necessarily discharge consequence want mean pay circumstance attend especially season year much privation suffer give great pain announce loss steamship missouri fire bay gibraltar stop renew supply coal voyage alexandria cushing american minister china board ground high commendation officer men coolness intrepidity perfect submission discipline evince try circumstance surround rag fire utmost exertion could subdue threaten momentarily explosion magazine officer exhibit sign fear men obey every order alacrity abandon last gleam hope save expire well worthy consideration whether loss sustain officer crew unfortunate affair reimburse take leave painful subject without advert aid render upon occasion british authority gibraltar commander officer crew british ship line malabar lie time bay everything generosity humanity could dictate promptly perform act good one another family nation fraternal feeling nourish blessing permanent peace secure report bring acquaint operation department past year suggest modification exist law opinion exigency public service may require change country undergone late year mode travel transportation afford many facility transmission mail matter regular mail require great vigilance circumspection order enable officer head department restrain expenditure within income also much reason fear frank privilege run great abuse department nevertheless conduct great vigor attain least possible expense useful object establish regard department quite happy belief nothing leave undone call true spirit economy system accountability rigidly enforce degree apparent fact government sustain loss default agent complex time beautiful machinery system government matter surprise remote agency may fail instant fulfill desire office feel confident assertion nothing occur interrupt harmonious action government law execute efficiency vigor right neither state individual trample disregarded meantime country steadily advance contributes national greatness tide population continue unbrokenly flow new state territory refuge find emigrant part civilize world come among u partake blessing free institution aid labor swell current wealth power due every consideration public policy lakes river west receive attention hand congress constitution enable bestow work favorable proper situation lake would find indispensably necessary case war carry safe successful naval operation fortification atlantic seaboard appropriation make last congress improvement navigation mississippi river diligently efficiently apply close communication gentleman without recommend favorable consideration interest district appoint constitution exclusive legislator form particular anomaly system government legislative body elect others whose advantage legislate feel superadded obligation look well condition leave complaint regret seat government associate republic regard worthy parental care connection interest well whole country recommend present session adopt measure order carry effect smithsonian bequest judgment best calculate consummate liberal intent testator dispensation divine providence succeed presidential office state public affair embarrass critical add irritation consequent upon controversy one powerful nation modern time involve question boundary favorable circumstance always embarrass time important high principle maritime law border controversy citizens subject two country engender state feeling conduct threaten calamitous consequence hazard incident state thing greatly heighten arrest imprisonment subject great britain act allege part military force aid commission act violative territorial jurisdiction united state involve murder citizen state new york large amount claim government mexico remain unadjusted war several year continuance savage tribe florida still prevail attend desolation large portion beautiful territory sacrifice many valuable life increase embarrassment government individual state credit nearly stricken confidence general government much impair small amount could negotiate considerable sacrifice necessary consequence blight fall commerce mechanical industry ship one thrown employment operation greatly diminish owe condition currency exchange different part country become ruinously high trade depend depreciate paper currency conduct transaction shall permit congratulate country overrule providence peace preserve without sacrifice national honor war florida bring speedy termination large portion claim mexico fully adjudicate course payment justice render u matter nation confidence man man great measure restore credit government fully perfectly reestablish commerce become extend operation manufacture mechanical industry reap reward skill labor honestly apply operation trade rest sound currency rate exchange reduce low amount condition thing felt duty bring favorable consideration matter great interest present ultimate result desire feel connection future continue leave country prosperous institution unimpaired