The negotiation failed, however, in this particular, out of no disinclination to abide by the terms of the treaty on the part of the Zollverein, but from a belief that it would not fully comport with its dignity to do so.

I communicate to you an extract of a dispatch from Mr. Hall to the Secretary of State, which has been received by me since my message of the 3d instant, containing the pleasing intelligence that the indemnity assumed to be paid by the…

peace is the true policy of nations

I shall carry with me into retirement the gratifying reflection that as my sole object throughout has been to advance the public good.

Our prayers should evermore be offered up to the Father of the Universe for His wisdom to direct us in the path of our duty so as to enable us to consummate these high purposes.

It is only after acquiring Texas, that the question of boundary can arise between the United States and Mexico.

The great question is—not as to the manner in which it shall be done, but whether it shall be accomplished or not.

I regard the question involved in these proceedings as one of vast magnitude.

I feel it to be my duty to communicate, for your consideration, the rejected treaty.

The responsibility of deciding this question is now devolved upon you.

The country itself, thus obtained, is of incalculable value in an agricultural and commercial point of view.

With equal, if not greater, propriety might the United States demand of other governments to surrender their numerous and valuable acquisitions.

I have been influenced by what appeared to me to be the most controlling considerations of public policy and the general good.

Texas herself wills it; and the Executive of the United States, concurring with her, has seen no sufficient reason to avoid the consummation of an act esteemed to be so desirable by both.

Under every view which I have been able to take of the subject, I think that the interests of our common constituents the people of all the States, and a love of the Union, left the Executive no other alternative than to negotiate the…

I congratulate the country upon so happy a termination of a condition of things which seemed at one time seriously to threaten the public peace.

I also with equal strength resist the idea that it falls within the Executive competency to decide in controversies of the nature of that which existed in Rhode Island on which side is the majority of the people or as to the extent of the…

I have to inform the House that the Executive did not deem it his duty to interfere with the naval and military forces of the United States