Franklin Pierce: “Continuance of delay on the part of the two Governments to act in the matter will increase the dangers and difficulties…”

In providing for the present you can hardly fail to avail yourselves of the light which the experience of the past casts upon the future.

The Government of the United States, being essentially pacific in policy, stands prepared to repel invasion by the voluntary service of a patriotic people, and provides no permanent means of foreign aggression.

Amicable relations between them and reciprocal good will are essential for the promotion of whatever is desirable in their moral, social, and political condition.

All experience affirms that wherever private enterprise will avail it is most wise for the General Government to leave to that and individual watchfulness the location and execution of all means of communication.