Special MeB3se Of the President to Congress.
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10 the Senate Of The United States:


10 answer to the inquiry Of the
Senate, contained in their resolution
OF the 18th instant, whether, in my
"Judgment, any circumstances connec.
ted With, or growing out of, the foreign
relations of this country, require al
this time an increase of our naval or
military force" and, if SO, ''what those
circumstances are" | have to express
the opinion, that "A wise precaution
demands suchincrease. In my annual
message of the ID of December last.
| recommended TO the favorable
consideration Of Congress an Increase
of our naval force, especially of our
steam navy, and the raising of an ad-
equate military force to guard and
protect such Of our citizens as might
think proper to emigrate to Oregon.
Since that period have seen no cause
10 recall or modify these recommends
tons. On tie contrary, reasons exist
which, in my judgment render il
proper not only that they should be
promptly carried into effect, but that
additional provision should be made
for the public defence.


al provision was brought before appro
pirate committees Of the two Houses OF
Congress, in answer to calls made by
them, in reports prepared, with my
sanction, by the Secretary of the Ma
Wy, on the 29th of December and the
Sth OF January last; a mode OF
communication with Congress not
unusual, and under existing circum-
stances, believed to be most eligible.
Subsequent events have confirmed
me in the opinion that these recon,
mendatlons were proper as prccauton-
airy measures.


1t was wise maxim of the Father
OF his country, that "to be prepared
for war is one of the most efficient
means of preserving peace;" and that
"avoding occasions of expense by
cultiyating peace" we should "rem m.
Der also, that timely disbursements 10
prepare for danger frequently prevent
much greater disbursements to repel
it," The general obligation to perform
this duty is greatly strengthened By
facts known 10 the whole world.
"A controversy respection the Oregon
territory now exists between the
United States & Great Britain; and
while, as 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 possess.
ions.


1t cannot be disguised that howev-
er sincere may be the desire of peace,
in the event of a rupture. these arma.
ments and preparations would be used
against our country. Whatever may
have been the original purpose of these
preparations, the fact is undoubted
that they are now proceeding, in part
at least, with view 10 the contingent
probability Of a war with the United
States. The general policy ofmaking
additional wariike preparations was
distinctly announced, in the speech
from the throne, as late as January
last, and has since been reiterated by
the ministers of the crown in both
houses Of Parliament. Under this
aspect of our relations with Great
Britain, ] cannot doubt the propriety
OF increasing our mears Of defence
both by land and sea. This can give