PRESIDENT'S Ml.SS\GE-THE
DEFE\ CES OF lie C. UNrRY
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The following Mrssnge was transmitted by the
President of the United States, TO the Senate, on
Tuesday last.


To THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES:
| In answer TO The inquiry of the Senate. con.
tanned in their resolution of the Tin instant.
"whelher, in my Judgment, any circumstances
connected with, or growing out. OF the fore gn
r., Ia,ons of this country. require. at this time, mn
increase of our naval military force;' aud. if
so, "what those circumstances are" | havr to
express the opinion that, wise precauton de.
mands such increnso.


In my annual message, Of the ID of DereIlb,r


last, recommended to the favorable consideration
of Congress. an increase Of our uavni force; esu.
ciaIIy OF our steam navy, and the raising of an
adequate military force. 10 guard aud protrc, such
of our cillzns MS might think proper to rrnigrn,e
to Oregon Since that period. | have sren no
cause to recall O. modify these recommendations.
On tho contrary. reasons exist which. in nv
Judgment, render ii proper not only thn. they
should be- promptly carried into effect. but iha,
an additional provision should be made for The
public defence.


The consideration Of such an additional provl.
sion, was brought before appropriate committees
Of the two houses of Congress in answer TO ca lis
Udut ny NeIl. III TtpOTtS hTepdr0, win my
sanction. by the Secretary of War and the Sec.
rrtary Of the Navy, on the Goth of Deremher and
the Sih Of January last; mode Of cnmnunir n ion
with Congress not unusual, and. under existing
crc, instances, believed 10 b- most riu br.-
Subsequent events have confirmed me in ,h,
opinion that these recommendations were vroper
as precautionary measures.


| 1t was a wise maxim Of the Father Of his couD.
try, that "to br prepared for war. is one OF the
most efficient means Of preserving peace;" and
that, "avoidng orcnsions of expense by cnIlvaling
peace" we should creme ber, Also that timely
disbursements to prrpare for Danger, frequently
prevent much greater disbursements to rppe' il. :"


The general obligation to perform this duty. is
greatly strengthened b, facts known to the who t.
world. controversy respecting the Oregon
territo'y. now exists between the UnIted States
and Great Britain; and while. as far ns We know
the relations OF the latter with al Eur"p an ma.
tions, are VI the most pacific character. sne IS
ma ing unnsual and extraordinary nrnam ~
and warllkr preparations, naval and mi!i,r


both at home aud IN her North Ameri. n ,c.-
| sessions.


it cannot b. disguised that. however snrrr..
may be the desire of peace. in the event of rt,p
ture these nrmamenls and prepa rations would b..
used against our country. What YER nav have
been the original purpose Of these prepa rutions.
Tho fact is unjoubtcd that ,hcy are nov proceed