if
"CHARACTER
IMPORTANT TO STATES AS IT tS TO UniTIDVlUi AW THE GLORY Or THE STATE IS THE COMMON PROPERTY OF ITS I CITIEWS
TERMS OF THE NORTH CAROLINIAN :
Per a :tmnn, if paid in advance, , 82 50
if paid at the end of six months 3 00
at the end of the year 3 50
Kates of Advertising :
Sixty cents er sq i;tre fjr 'he first, and thirty cents
for e ich suhjaqti'int insertion.
A lreMum? by ths year vill be charged according
t- th : q'l nti'y f matter inserted. ;
U 1
t a iv-ri U-i-'.'.n ;:j!s, St", 2-i p
rut hi;
NEW
CONFECTIONARY, FRUIT,
AND TOY STORE.
THE Subscriber has taken the New Brick
Store on the north side of H;iy street, a few doors
above the Market Hons, where ho is now open
ing a fine a,S9ort merit of GOODS in the above line,
consisting in pal t-rfhrs follow ing articles :
Almonds, Filberts, Madeira, Brazil & Pecan .Nuts,
Prunes, Currants, Canton and Havana Preserves,
Citron, &c. Arrangements are niad" for fresh sup
plies ot Oranges, Lemons, Aples, Cocoa Nuts, Sic.
SPICES.
Mace, Nnfmejjs, Cloves, Cassia in mats, Ground
Cus.'ia. Ground Pepper, Alspice, Musturd auj
Ground Ginfr. -
PICKLES A'JKD sjiucs.
Pepper Sauce, Tomato Catsup, Olives, Sardines,
and as-orted Pickles.
CRACKERS.
Boston, Butter r. . 1 Water Crackers, Soda and
Lemon Biscuits, Pih-t llread.
PERFUMERY.
C !ornc, Lavender, and and Hose Water, Bay
p" inn Usara', 'A nlique and Macassar Oils, Ver
bena Cream, fclx tracts, Soaps of every vurietv.
WILLOW WARE.
Wagons, Cradle. Chairs, and Baskets.
SUNDRIES.
powdered, Cius'trd, Loal and Drown Solars,
Cffee,Teii, Chocolate, Macaroni, Vtrtnicelli, Co
coa, Stiirch, Indigo, Camphor, L. mon Syrup, Ma
deira a"d iiwct'l Malia Wines, Chnriipajrue,
Sco'ch and Macroboy SnufF, choice Chewinr To
bacco, Regalia, Prmc'pe and ! lavanaCigars, Se;t
Oil, Spenii Candles, Herring, Brooms, Whisks,
Flujes, Vio'ins, Accnrdeons, &c. &.c.
A Sr-ai vari.-ty of SPS'Sa 4Va?3 .PAOCOT
(fc i i.D 3 sui'ahle fyr Pre. cut?, toe numerous to
nieiillou. A'so,
j, Livery vaiielj of CANDIL-S, at Wholesale and
ICZf" Call and take a look.
Octob' f 25. 164 S.
W. PRIOR.
349-tf.
MOUNTAIN BUTTER !
)sy Firkins pi ioie Mnmitrtiii BUI PK.M, ..
Q 3 JO lbs. fres'. BUCKWHEAT, just rec ivec
('. II. JON E Foot lia mount.
Pvc. G, ISl.i. - It.
COLPORTEUR'S
BOOK DEPOSITORY.'
1 lie publications ot the Presbv-
Urian Board,
Sunday ScUool Union,
Tiie General Assembly Hymn
Books,
AND
Tracts. . . . ,
For Sale i.y
Dec. 6, lS4i."
GEO. McNEJLL.
355 -4 w.
CONNDlUAl OF TtlE
MESSAGE
OF THE
PRESIDENT OF TUB U. STATES.
Ptllo't Citizens of the Setiule and House of
Ptprt'ciilalivei
It i to me a source of unaffected satisfac
tion to meet the Hep esentatives of ifye Stales
aud the people in Congress asembled, as it
will be to receive the aid of their combined
wisdom iu the administration of public affairs.
Iu performing, fur the first lime, the duty im
posed on me by the constitution, of giving to
you information of the "Stale of the Uuioti,
and recommending lo your consideratien
such mea-iutes as in my judgment are ueces-
sary and expedient, I am happy that 1 can
congratulate you on the continued prosperity
of our country. Under the blessings of Di
vine Piovideuce aud tho benign influence of
our free institutions, it stands before the world
a snerlacle of national happiness.
RELATIONS WITH MEXICO.
In calling tbe attention of Cougress to our
relations with foreign powers, I am gratified
to be able to state, that, though with some of
them there have existed since your last ses
sion serious causes of irritation and misuu
derstauding, yet no actual hostilities have
taken place. Adopting the maxim in the
conduct of our foreign affair, to "ask Uothiug
that is not right, and submit to nothing that
is wrong," it has been my anxious desire to
preserve peace with all nations; but, at tbe
same time, to be prepared to resist aggression,
and to maioain all our just rights.
In pursuance or the joint resolution of Con
gress, "for annexing Texas to the United
State, my predecessor, on the 3d day of
March, 1845, elected to submit the first and
second sections of that resolution to the re
public of Texas, as an overture, on the part
of the United States, for her admission as a
Stato into our Union. This election I ap
proved, and accordingly the charge d'affairs
of the United States m lexas, under instruc
tions of the tenth of March. 1845, presented
these secl:ous of the resolutiou for the accep
tance of that republic. The executive gov.
ernmeot, ihe Congress, and the . people of
Texas in Convention, have successively com
plied with all the terms aud conditions of the
joint resolution. A constitution for ihe gov
ernment of the Slate of Texas, formed by a
convention of deputies, is herewith laid before
Congress. It i wp'I known, also, thril the
" ;iv ''f Tex;is at the p.ll- he accepted
the tiTins ol'iii)uexntiji:, aud lutified the ciu
it nt
1 communicate to Congress. the correspon
dence between the Secretary of Sute and our
charge, d affair in Texas ; and also the cor
respondence of jbe latter with the authorities
of Texas ; together with the official docu
ments transmitted by him to his own goveru?
inent. . -
The terms of annexation which were of
fered by, , the .United State having been ac
cepted by Tekns, the. public faith of both par
tie i solemnly pledged to the compact of
their Union. Nothing temains lo consum
mate the event, but the passage of an act by
Congress to admit the State of Texas into
the Union upon an equal footing ivith the
original States. Strong reasoiid exist why
this should be done at an early period of the
session. It will be observed that, by the con
stitution of Texas, the existing government
is onily continued temporarily till Cougress
can act; ancl that the third Monday of the
present month is the day appointed for hold,
ing the first geueral elfection. On that day a
governor, a lieutenant governor, and both
branches of the legislature, will be chosen by
the people. The President of Texas is re
quired, immediately after the receipt of official
information that the new State has been ad
mitted into our Union by Congress, to con
vene the Legislature; aud upon its meeting,
th.ckistmg government will be suspended,
and the State government organized. Ques
tions deeply interesting to Texas, in common
wiih the other States ; the extension of our
revemitt laws and judicial system over her
people aud territory, as well as measures of a
local character, will claim the early attention
of Congress; and, therefore, upon every
principle of republican government, shu ouhi
to be represented in that body without un
necessary delay. I canuot .tod .earnestly ie
co'mt.'iend prompt action cn this important
subject.
Here ths President speaks of the consummation
of annexation its "bloodless achievement" the
grandeur of the apt etaele of free America, &c.
Krgrets the interference of France to prevent an
nexation. j
Toward- Texas, I do not doubt 'hat a lib
eral aud generous spirit will actuate Congress
in all lhtt concern hti intere.M.H and pros
perity, and lh l .-he will n er have caue t,o
reret th it fhe has untie. r tier 4 lone Mar " to
Oil' glt ilMIS CIM-t lfl loll.
I icret lo in for m you that our relation
wiih Mexico, since your List session, have
not be ij 1 1 the umicable character uhith it
i our deire to cultivate with all foreiun na
si. n. On the sixth day of Man h l-t, the
31e.icau envoy exti a dluai v and minister
a violation of the lights of Mexico, aud, in
consequence of it, he demanded his pass
ports. He was informed that the govern
ment of Ihe United States did not consider
this j. lint resolution as a violation of auy of
the rights of Mexico, or that it afforded any
just cause of offence lo his government ; that
the Republic of Texas was an independent
Power, owing no alleigauce to Mexico, and
constituting no part of her territory or rightlul
sovereignly and jur jsdictri.fJ. He was also
assured that it was the sincere desire of this
government to maintain with that of Mexico
relations of peace aud good understanding.
That functionary, however, notwithstanding,
these representations and assurances, abrupt
ly terminated his mission, and shortly after
wards lefi the country. Our Envoy Extraor
dinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to Mex
ico was refused all official intercourse wiih
th;it government, and, after remaining sev
eral months, hy the permission of his own
government, he returned to the U. States,
lhus, by the acts of Mexico a'J. diplomatic
intercourse betweeu the two countries was
suspended.
Since that lime Mexico ha, until recently,
occupied an attitude of hostility towards Ihe
United Slates -has been marshalling aud
organising armies, issuing proclamations, and
avowing ihe intention lo make war ou the
United States, either by an opeu declaration.
or by invading Texas. Both the Congress
and the consecution of the people of Texes in
viled this government to send at army into
that territory, to protect and defanr (hem
against the menaced attack. The moment
ihe terms of annexation, offered by ihe United
States, were accepted by Texas, the latter
became so far a pari of our own country, as
to make it our duty to afford such protection
and defence.
. '.
The part here milled speaks df the precaution
ary measures he had taken against ar wfth Mex
ico, such as sending a part of tha army to Texas,
and the Gulf juadron the folly of Mexico's caim
to Texas, and her inability to subdue Texas her
agreement to acknowledge her independence if she
would agree not to annex herself.
But though Mexico canuot complain of the
United Slates on account of the annexation
of Texas, it is to be regretted" that serious
causes of misunderstanding between tho two
couutties continue to exist, growing out ofj
"i - . .: . lT..;tu,t .,..,: i late Ui tie considered, aud were left undisposed
plenipotentiary to the Uutled S'ate maoe n r
I - . ,..- ,,. 1 ol. I he sum ol two millions and twenty-six
lonivd protect, in the name ot ni government, . 7
..- . - . .;: s- thoosnii'd one hundred and thirtv.n ino di.dlars
nr;iiii.-t I tie I -liit resjlullou passkey von- T V -u . ' . . j
t- .u : rAV..d ifi and stxiv-cight cent, dteiaed bv the board,
gress, " for the annexation ot J exas lo trie . i . ', ,
ii oi -hli K ,.hso o. reoarn as " Url aled and ascerta t ued debt due by
FAYETTE VILLE, SATURDAY,
unredressed injuries; inflicted by the Mexican
authorities aud people on the persons and
property of citizens of the United States,
through a long series of years. Mexico has
admitted these idjuries, but has neglected and
refused to repair them. Such was the charac
ter of tbe wrongs, and such the insults re
peatedly offered to American citizens and
the. American flag by Mexico, in palpable
vi datiori of the laws of nations aud the treaties
between the tw countries of the. fifth of April
1831, that they have been repeatedly b-ought
to the notice of Congress by iny predecessors.
As early as the Sih of Febiuarv, 1S37, the
President of the United States declared, in a
message lo Congress, that "the length of lime
since some of the injuries have been commit
ted, the repeated and unavailing applications
for redress, the wanton character of some of
the outrages upon the 7ersotn and property
of our citizens, upn the officers aud flag of
ihe United Stales, independent of jecent In
suits to this government and people by the
late Extraordinary Mexican Minister, would
justify in the eyes of all nations immediate
war." He djJ not, however, recommend an
immediate pssort to this extreme measure,
which, he declared, ' should not be used by
jut and generous nations, confiding in their
strength for injuries committed, if it can be
honorably avoided ;" but, in a spirit of for
bea ranee, proposed that another demand be
made on Mexico for that redress which had
been so long and unjustly withheld. In these
views, committees of the two Houses of
Cougress, in reports made to their respective
bodies,, concurred. Since these proceedings
more than eight yearsftave elapsed, during
which, in addition to lbs Wirqngs then com
plained of, others of an aggravated character
have been committed on the persuus aud
property of our citizens. A spectdl agent
ia$ to Mexico in the summer of 1S38, with
full authority to make another and final de
mand for redress. Tbe demand was made ;
the Mexican eovernment promised to repair
the wrongs of which we complained; and aft.er
much delay, a treaty of indemnity with that
view was cohhhided betweeu the two Powers
on the 11th of April, 1839, aud was duly rati
fied by both governments. 13y this treaty a
joint commission was created to adjudicate
aud decide on the claims of American citizeus
on the government of Mexico. The com
mission was organized at Washington on
ihe 25th duy of August, 1S40. Their time
was limited to IS months; at the. expiration
of which, they had adjudicated and decided
claims amounting to two millions twenty-six
thoii-and one hundred and thirtv-uine dollars
and six.t,y. eight cents in fa vor of citizens of
the United Stales against the Mexican gov
ernment, leaving a large amount of claims
uudecided. Ol ihe latter, the American
cortlmissioner.s had decided in favor of our
citizen-, claims amouu'uig t nine hundred
ana twenty-eight thousand six hundred and
twenty-seven dollars and eighty-eight cent,
which were left unacted on by the umpire
ati,tho,' i Ted, by. the treaty. Still further claims,
aniouutiug to tntvveen three and, our; mi.yifius
ot dollars, were submitted to the boaid too
Mexico 10 the claimants, and there was no
justifiable reason for delaying its payment ac
cording to the terms of ihe treaty. It was not,
however, paid. Mexico applied for fuilher
indulgence; and, in that spirit of liberality
and forbearance which has ever marked the
policy of.the United States towards that re
lCi)lic, the request was granted ; aud, ou the
30th of January, 1843, a new treaty was con
cluded. By this treaty it was provided, that
the iutcrest due ou tbe awards in favor of
claimants under the conveutiou of ihe 11th
of April, 1839, should be paid on the 30th of
April, 1843; and that the principal of the
said awardsj nod the interest arising thereon,
sha'f be paid in Eve years, in equal instal
ments every three months ; tbe said term of
five years to commence on the thirtieth day
of April, 1S43, as aforesaid." The interest
due ou the thirtieth day of April, 1S43, and
Ihe three first of the twenty instalments,' have,
been paid. Seventeen of these instalments
remain unpaid, seven of which are now due.
The claims which weie Jeflj undecided by
the foitit commission, amounting to more lhan
three millions of dollars, together with other
claims for spoliations ou the property of our
citizens, were subsequently presented to the
Mexican ooverument tor paymeut, and were
so far recognized, that a treaty, providing
for their examination and settlement by a
joiut commission, was concluded aud signeo
at Mexico on lhet Oth day of .November,
1843. I his treaty was ratified by the United
States, with certain amendments, to which no
just exception could have been taken ; but it
has not yet received the ratification of the
Mexican government. . In the meautitne, our
citizeus who sufleied great losses, and some
of whom have been reduced from affluence to
bankruptcy, are without remedy, unless their
rights be euforced by their government.
Tbe Government have bofefc the ref-eated
wrongs and insults of Mexico, because of her bei5
a sister republic, and with the hope-that a return
ing justice would finally prevail in her councils-
Without tho previous authority of Congress,
(be Executive possessed no power to adopt or
enforce adequate remedies for the injuries we
had suffered, or to do more lhan be prepared
to repel the threatened aggresiou pa .ihe part
of Mexico. .After our army acd cavy had
remained on the frontiers and coasts of Mexi-
co for man weeks, without any hostile move
DECEMBER 13. 1845.
ment on her part, though her meuaces were
continued, I deemed it important to put an
end, if possible to this state of thing. ' With
this view, 1 caused steps lo be taken, in ihe
month of September la-t, lo ascertain distinct
ly, and in an authentic fjrm, what the designs
of ihe Mexican government were; whether
wa their intention to declare war, or invade
lexas, or whether they were disposed to ad
jui and settle, iu an amicable mauuer, the
oeudiug differences between the two coun
tries. On the ninth of November, au official
answer was received, thai the Mexicau gov
ernment consented to renew the diplomatic
relations which had been suspended in March
last, and for lhat purpose were willing lo ac
credit n minister from the United Slates.
With a sincere desire lopreserve peace, aud re
store relations of good understanding between
Ihe two republics, I waived all ceremony as to
Ihemanuer of renewing diplomatic intercourse
between them; and, assuming tbe initiative,
on the lenth of November a distinguished cit
izen of Louisiana was appointed Envoy Ex
traordinary nod Minister. Plenipotentiary to
Mexico, clothed with till, powers to adjust,
aud definitely settle, all pending differences
between the two countries, including those of
boundary betweeu Mexico aud the State of
Texas.
Congress appropriated, at the last session.
the sum of two hundred and seveuty-five thou-
sand dollars for the payment of the April and
July instalments!" the. Mexican indemnities
tor the year 1844 : " Provided it shall be as
certained to the satisfaction of the American
government th'a said instalments have been
piitd by tbe Mexicau government to the agent
appointed by ihe Uuited States to receive the
saiue, iu such manner as to discharge all
claim on the Mexicau government, and said
agent to be delinquent in remitting the money
to the United States."
The unsettled State of our relations with
Mexico has involved this subject in nuch
mystery. The first information, in an authen
tic form, from the agent of the Uuited Stales,
appointed under ihe administration of my pre
decessor, was received, at the State Depart
menl on the ninth of KovemhferJast. This is
contained iu a letter, dated the seventeenth of
October, addressed by him to one of our citi
zens then in Mexico, wiih a view of having
it communicated lo lhat Department. From
ibis it appears that the agent, on the 20th
September, 1844, gave a receipt to the treasury
of Mexico for the amount of the April and Ju
ly instalments of the indemuity. In iho sa&
communication, however, he asserts that he
had not received a single dollar in cash ; but
lhat he holds such securities as warranted hirn
at the time in giving the receipt, nnd entertains
no doubt but that he will evetilually obtain the
money. As these instalments appear never
to have been actually paid by the government
of Mexico lo ihe agent, and a lhat govern
ment has not therefore been released so us to
discharge the claim, I do uot feel myself war
ranted in directing payment to be made to the
claimants out of the treasury, without further
le.tr isla'ij.oii. . 1 heir case is, undoubtedly, one
of much hardship ; and II . remains for Cqu
gress to decide whether any, and what, relief
ought to be granted to tbem. Our minister to
Mexico has been directed to ascertain the
facts of the case, from the Mexican govern
ment, in an authentic and official form, aud
report the result with as little delay as possible.
OREGON.
My attention was early directed to the ne
gotiation, which, on the fourth of March last,
I found pending at Washington between the
Uuited States and Great Britain, on ihe sub
ject of Ihe Oregou terr itqry.. Three several
attempts bad been previously made to settle
the Question in dispute betweeu the two coun
tries, by negotiation, upon the principle of
compromise ; but each had proved unsuccess
ful. These negotiations took place in London,
in tbe years 1818, 1824. arid 1S26; the two
first under the administration of,,Mr,Monro$,
and. the fast under that of M'r Adams. The
negotiation of 1818 having failed to accom
plish its object, resulted in the convention of i
Ihe 20th ol October of that year. lSy me inird
article of that convention, it was "agreed,
I that any codntry that may be claimed by either
party on the northwest coast of America, west
ward of the Stony Mountains, shall, together
with its harbors, bays, and creeks, and the
uavigalion of the rivers wilhiu the same, be
free and opeu for .the tJB'm of (!ten years from
the date of the eignatu e of ihe present con
vention, lo the vessels, citizens, and subjecls
of tbe two Powers ; itbeing well understood
that this agreement is not in be construed to
ihe prejudice of any claim which either of ihe
two high contracting parties may have lo any
part of (he said couutry, nor shall it be taken
to affect the claims of any other rower or
State to any part of the said country ; Ihe only
object of the high contracting parties in lhat
respect being, to prevent disputes and differ
ences amnug themselves.'.' , .
The negotiation ol 1824 was productive of
no result, and the convention of 18l8 was
left unchanged.
The negotiation of 1826, having also failed
to effecJ..Hu adjustment by compromise resuih
ed fo fee convention of August the sixth, 1 827,
by which it was agreed to continue iu force,
for an indefinite period, the provisions of the
third article of the conveutiou of the twentieth
of October, ISIS; and it was further provided
that "it shall be competent, however, to either
of the contracting Dairies, in case either should
think fit, at any time afteMhe twentieth of
October, 1928, on giving due notice ol twelve
months to the olber contracting party, to annul
and abrogate this couveuiiou; and it shall, in
such case, be accordingly entirely annulled
nd abrogated after the expiration of the taid
term of notice." Iu these attempts lo adjust
be controversy, the parallel of the forty-ninth
degree of ooiih latitude had been offered by
be United Slatea to Great Britian, and in
those of 1818 and 1826, with a fwrlher conces
sion of i be free uavigaliou of the Columbia
river south of thtl latitude. The parallel of
the forty-ninth degree, from the Rocky moun
tains lo its iuteiseciion with the northeastern
most branch of the Columbia, and thence
down the channel of that liver to the sea, had
been offered by Great Britiau, with an addi
tion of a small detached territory north of ihe
Columbia. Each of these propositions had
been rejected by ihe parlies respectively.
Iu October, 1843, Ihe hiivov Extraordina
ry aud Minister Plenipotentiary of the United
Slates in Loudon, was aulhoiized lo make a
similar offer lo those made iu ISIS and 1826.
Thus stood the question, when the negotiation
was shortly afterwards transferred to Wash
ington; aud, on the twenty ihiid of August,
1844, was lormally opened, under ihe direction
of my immediate predecessor.
The negotiation was based on compromise
British Minuter m-rde the same. proposition which
had been before made by thai Gcvernment, (with
Ihe addition of some free pot fs) which had been
rejected by us in 1826 of course il is rejected new.
It was the only one he offered."
Though entertaining tbe settled conviction
lhat the British pretensions of title could not
be maintained tu any portiou of Oregou terri
tory upon any principle ot public law recog
nized by nations, yet in deference to what
had been doue by my predecessors, and es
pecially in consideration that propositions of
compromise had beeu thrice made by two pre
ceding administrations, to adjust the question
on the parallel of forty-nine degrees, and in
I wo of them yielding to Great Britain the free
navigation of the Columbia, aud that ihe pen
ding negotiation bad been coinmonced on
the basis of compromise, I deemed it lo be
my duty not abruptly to break it off. In con
sideration, loo, thai under the convention of
1818 and 1S27, the citizens aud subjects of
tbe two Powers held a joiut occupancy of ihe
country, I iWas. induced, to make another effort
to settle this long-pending controversy In Ihe
spirit of moderation which had given birth lo
Ihe renewed discussion. A proposition was
accordingly made, which was rejected by the
British plenipotentiary; who, without submit
ting -?ny other proposition, suffered the nego
tiaiiou on his part to drop, expressing his, trust
that the. United Slates would offer what he
saw:, fit. to icall ??so'ue fuilher proposals for the
settlement of the Oregon question more coti
sisteut with fairness and equity, nud with the
reasonable expectations of the. British govern
ment." The proposition thus offered and re
jected repeated the offer ol Ihe parallel of lorty
uiue degrees of north latitude, which had been
made by two proceeding admiufciralious.. but
without proposing! to .surrender lo Great Brit
ain, as they had done, ihe Pee navigation of
the Columbia river. The right of any foreigu
Power to Ihe free navigation of any of our
rivers, through ihe heart ot our country, was
one which I was unwilling lo concede. It
atso eiilbraVfd ,n nroviiou lo make free to
Great Briiain uny pert on. ihe caoo. of Quadra
aud Vancouver's island, south of this parallel.
Had this beeu a new question, coming under
discussiou fur the first lime, this proposition
would uot have beeu made. The extraordi
nary aud wholly inadmissible demands of tbe
British government, aud ihe rejection of ihe
proposition made in deference alone to what
bad been done by my, predecessors, and tbe
implied obligatiou which their acts seemed
to impose, afford satisfactory evidence thai
no compromise which the United States ought
to accept cau be effected. With this convic
tion, ihe proposition of compromise which
had been made and rejected, was, by my dir
rection, subsequently withdrawn, and oui right
to the whole Oregou territory asserted, aud,
as is believed, maintained by irrefragable
facts aud arguments.
The civilized world will see in these po
ceediugs a spit it of liberal concession on ihe
part oi ihe United Stales ; aud this govern
ment will be relieved from alt responsibility
which may follow the failure to settle tbe con
troversy. ..
All attempts at compromise having failed,
it becomes the duty of Cougress lo cousider
what measures it may be proper to adopt for
the security aud protection of our citizens
now inhabiting, or who may hereafter inhabit
Oiegon, aud tor the maintenance ol our just
title lo lhat territory. In adopting measures
for this pu pose, cure should be lakeu thai
nothing be done to vlojale tne stipulations oi
ihe conveutiou of 1827, which is still in force
The faith of treaties, in their letter aud spirit,
has ever been, and, I trust, will ever be, scru
pulously observed " by the Uuited Stales.
Under that convention, a year's notice is re
quired lo be given by either parly to ihe other,
before Ihe joint occupaucy shall terminate,
and before either can rightfully assert or ex
ercise exclusive jurisdiction over any poiiion
of ihe territory. This uoiice it would, in my
judgment, be proper lo give; ana
mend that provision be made by law tor g i -
iug i,.accmdi!r, ." Sfj'Sff c? Tu
manner, the convention loe ixttl o1 AU
gust, 1827. '
It is much to be regretted that, while
British subjsrt have enjoyed the pro
tection of British taws aud Hritish pjdicial
tribunals throughout the whole of Oregon,
American citizens, in the same territory have
enioved no such protection from their gov
a I A-nrn.
ernment. At the same lime, the result illus
trates the character of our people end Jhei' i-
stiiuttons. lo spite; of this neglect, laey have
multiplied, ana meir numoer u raptaiy in
LVolnme 6 Number 36&
creasing in lhat territory. They have made
no appeal to arms, but have peacefully fortified
themselves in their new homes, by the adop
lioti of republican institutions for themselves ;
furnishing another example of tbe truth that
self-government is inherent in the American
breAst, and must prevail. It is due to them
thai they should be embraced and protected
by o.ir laws. ' .
It is deemed important that our laws regu
lating trade and intercourse with the Indian
tribes east of the Rocky mountains, should
be extended to such liibes as dvelt beyond
them.
For ihe protection of emigrants whilst on
heir way lo Oregoo. against the attacks of Ihe
Indian tribes occnpviug tbe country through
which tbey pass, 1 recommend lhat a suitable
number of stockades nnd block-house forts
be erected along tbe ustinl route betweeu our
frontier settlements on tho Missouri and tbe
Kocky Mountains; and. that tin adequate
force of mounted i iflerneh jbe taised to; guard
aud protect them on their Journey. The mr
mediate adoption of these recommendations
by Cougress will cot violate Ihe provisions.
of the existing treaty. It will be doing nothtug
more for American citizens (ban British laws,
have long since done for British subjects in
the same territory.
It requires several months fo perform the
voyage by sea from the Atlantic States to
Oregon; and although we have a large hum
ber of whale ships in tbe Pacific, but few of
them afford an opportunity of interchanging
intelligence, without great delay, between our
settlements in that distant region and the
Uuited Snues. Au overland mail is believed
o be entirely practicable; and the .irnrtor.toAce
of establishing such a 'mail, at least once a
month, is submitted to the favorable consider
ation of Congress. ..
Ii is submitted to the wisdom of Coogrese
to determine whether, at their present session,
and until after the expiration of the year's no
tice, any o'her measures, tiiny bb edopted,
consistently with the convention of 1827, for
the security Of our rights, and the government,
aud protection of our citizeus in Oregon..
lhat it will ultimately be wise and proper .l
make liberal grants ot land to me patriotic
pioneers, who, amidst privations and danger
lead the way through savage tribes inhabiting
the vast wilderness intervening between our
frontier settlements and Oregon, . and , who
cultivate, and are ever ready to defend tbe
soil, I am fully satisfied. To doubt whether--,
they will obtain such grants as soon as ihe
convention between the Uuited States and
Great Britian shall have ceased to exist,
would lie to doubt the justice of Congress; but
pending the year's notice, it is .worthy of oon
sidciiiiion whether a stipulation lo ibis eflect
may be made, consistently wi'h the spirit of
that convention.
The recommendations wb?ch I, havte mede
as to the best manner of securing our rights,
in Oregon are submitted tJ Cougress with,
great deference. Should Ibey, in their wisdom,
devise any other mode better, calculated 4ac?
complUh the same object, it shaft meet with my
hearty concurrence.
At the end of ihe year's uotice, should Coiw
gres think il proper to make provision for,
giving that notice, we shall have reached
period when the national rights in Oregon,
muit eiiher be abandoned or. firmly maintain
ed. That ihey cannot be aboudoueJ withou
a sacrifice of boih national honor and interest,
is too clear lo admit of doubt.
. Tbe British pro
position of compromise, which would make
iho Columbia the line south of forty-uine do-,
grees, with a trifling addition of detached ter-.
riiory to the Uuited States, upijhpf lhat river,,
aud would leave on, the ftritis'i side two-thitc'a J
of the whole Oregon teriitory, including the.
free uavigatiou of the Columbia and all ihe
valuable harbors on iho Pacific, can never,,
for a moment, be entertained by the United)
States, without au abandonment of their just
and clear territorial rights, .their own selP
respect, and the uatioaathonor. .. . ,
The -rapid extension of our settlement
over fur tenitories heretofore unoccupied
ihe addition of new States Jo our confederacy
the expansion of free principles, and our ris
ing gieatnes as a nation, are attracting ihe
attention of the Powers of Europe ; and la!efyj
the docfriue has been .broached iu some of.
them, of n "balauce of power" on this conti-t
nent, to check our advancement. The United.
States, sincerely desirous of preserving relov
lioiis of good understanding wiih all nations,,
cannot in silence pernit any European inter
ferenre on the North .American .continent;,
aud should any such interference be attempted
will be ready to resist ii at auy aud all hazards
'
In the existing circumstances of .the : world,,
ibe peseul deemed a proper. occasion to re-r
Zt f m nd r-Jtfnrtn fNf Mlinoin'a
Mr Monroe, and to state my cordial .concur,
rence in its wisdom and sound policy. That
re-assert mo oj irws principle, especially in;
reference to Noith America, is at this day but '
the promulgation of a poliey which no- Euro "
pean power should cherish tbe disposition t -rehist.
Existing rights of every European?
nation t-hould be respected ; but., it -is due
to our safety and oar interests, that -the effi
cient protection of our laws should be extend
edover our whole territorial limits, sod that it
should be distinctly announced to, the world
as our settled policy, that no future European
colony or dominion shall, with ,our consent,
be planted or established on. any pert of . the
North American continent. -
. .
The late Presidential his annuil message
. of December last, recommended an apnfdpria