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 FEDERAL RELATIONS OF OREGON

77

these recommendations were proper as precautionary measnow exists between the ures controversy

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.

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United States and Great Britain, and while, so far as we know, the relations of the latter with all European nations are of the most pacific character, she is making unusual and extraordinary armaments and warlike preparations, naval and military, both at home and in her North American possessions." "It cannot be disguised that however sincere may be the desire event of a rupture these armaments and would be used against our country/' After compreparations further on English activities Polk again recommended menting for peace,

in the

the passage of the notice. Toward the end of the Message he referred to the fact that the relations with Mexico were still in

an unsettled condition



a

new

revolution in that country

might possibly defeat, as it had delayed, the settlement of differences with the United States. His concluson was this

"In view of the 'circumstances' it is my 'judgment' that 'an increase of our naval and military force is at this time required' to place the country in a suitable state of defense. At the same time it is my settled purpose to pursue such a course of policy as may best be calculated to preserve both with Great Britain and Mexico an honorable peace, which nothing will so effectually

promote as unanimity in our councils and a firm maintenance of our just rights." The reference to communications to committees of the Senate caused Webster to inquire what they were, observing that

new one, ought not to be encouraged. FairCommittee on Naval Affairs, replied that it accordance with this report that his committee had

this practice, a child,

was

for the

in

brought in the bill for ten steamers. Benton, for the Committee on Military Affairs, after stating that the reports had been the result of inquiries from the Senate at the beginning of the session, said that some of the information was of such a character that it ought not yet to be made public. Where-

upon Webster requested the Chairman of the Committee on Military Affairs, when in his opinion it was discreet and not inimical to the public service, to communicate to the Senate that part of the information which might be made public.