MESSAGE
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From The PRESIDENT of the United States, to


both Houses of Congress, at the Commence


ment of the First Session of the Twenry-sixth


Congress.


Fe1loD-citizenS Of The Senate,


and House of Representatives.


Iregret that cannot on this occasion con-
gratulate you that the past year has been one of
unaloyed prosperity. The ravages Of fire and
disease have painfully afflicted otherwise -four
ishng portions OF our country; and serious en-
barrassments yet derange the trade of many OF
our cities. But, notwithstanding these adverse
circumstances, that general prosperity which has
been heretofore so bountifully bestowed upon US
by the Author of all good, still continues to call
for our warmest gratitude. Especially have we
reason TO rejoice in the exuberant harVests which
have lavishly recompensed we'll directed indus
try, and given to it that sure reward which is
vainly sought in visionary speculatlons. can
not indeed view without peculiar satisfaction, the
evidences afforded by the past season of the ben
efits that spring from the steady devotion of the
husbandman to his honorable pursuit No means
of individual comfort is more certain, and no
source Of national prosperity is so sure. Nothing
can compensate a people lor dependence upon
others for the bread they eat and that cheerful
SO much depends. is to be looked for nowhere
with such sure reliance as in the industry OF the
agriculturist and the bounties of the earth


With foreign countries, our relations exhibit
the same favorable aspect which was presented
in my last annual message, and afford continued
proof of the wisdom of the pacific. just. and for
bearing policy adopted by the first Administra-
ton of the Federal Government and pursued by
It's successors. The extraordinary powers vest
ed in me by an act of Congress, for the defence
of the country in emergency, considered so
far probable as 10 reqnire that the Executive
should possess ample means TO meet it, have not
been exerted. They have, therefore, been attend
ed with no other result than to increase by the
confidence thus reposed in me. my obligations
to maintain, with religious exactness the cardi
nal principles that govern our intercourse with
other nations. Happily, in our pending ques-
tions with Great Britain out of which this un-
usual grant OF authority arose, nothing has oc-
Cured 10 require its exertion and as it is about
10 return to- the Legislature, trust that no fu
ture necessity may call for its exercise by them,
or its delegation to another department of the
Government


For the settlement of our Northeastern bound
ary, the proposition promised by Great Britain
for a commission Of exploration and survey, has
been received, and counter project, including
also provision for the certain and final ad just-
ment of the limits in dispute, is now before the
British Government for It's consideration A
Just regard to the delicate state of this question,
and a proper respect for the natural impatience
of the State of Maine. not less than conviction
that the negotiation has been already protracted
longer than is prudent on the part of either Go
vernment, have led me to believe that the present
favorable moment should on no account be suf-
fered to pass without puuingthe question forever
ut rest [ feel confident that the Government Of
Her Britannia Majesty will take the same view
of this subject, as | am persuaded it is governed
by desires equally strong and sincere for the
amicabe termination of the controversy.


To the intrinsic difficulties of questions Of
boundary lines, especially those described in re-
gions unoccuped, and but partially known is to
be added in our country the embarrassment ne
cessariTy arising out of our Constitution, by
which the General Government is made the or
gan of negotiating, and deciding upon the paric-
ular interests of the States on whose frontiers
these lines are to be traced To avoid another
controversy in which State Government might
rightfully claim to have her wishes consulted,
previously to the conclusion of conventional ar
rangements concerning her rights OF jurisdiction
or territory, l have thought it necessary to call
the attention Of the Government of Great B ritain
10 another portion of our conterminous dominion,
of which the division still remains to be adjusted
refer to the line from the entrance of Lake Su-
perior to the most northwestern point OF the Lake
of the Woods, stpulations for the settlement Of
which are to be found in the seventh article of
the treaty. of Ghent The commissioners ap-
pointed under that article by the two Govern
ments having differed in their opinions, made
separate reports, according to its stipulations.
upon the points of disagreement, and these diff
ferences are now to be submitted to the arbitra-
ton of some friendly sovereign or State. The
disputed points should be settled. and the line
designated, before the Territorial Government
of which it is of the boundaries. takes its
place in the Union as State; and IsTely upon
the cordial cooperation of the British Govern
mentt effect that object. .Hq c! 5"fH2!!lf -ss5


There is every reason to believe that disturb
ances like those which lately aeitated The neigh
boring British Provinces will not again prove
the sources of border contentious, or interpose
obstacles to the continuance of that good under