I transmit herewith a report from the Secretary of the Navy, with the accompanying documents, in obedience to the resolution of the House of Representatives adopted on the 28th of January.

The representatives of the States and of the people, feeling a more immediate interest in obtaining money to lighten the burdens of their constituents than for the promotion of the more distant objects intrusted to the Federal Government, will naturally incline to obtain means from the Federal Government for State purposes.

This bill, should it become a law, will operate greatly to the injury of the new States.

I deem it to be both inexpedient and unconstitutional.

Surely the present is the most unpropitious moment which could have been selected for the passage of this bill.

I can not so read the words 'dispose of' as to make them embrace the idea of 'giving away.'

Without the authority of Congress the Executive can not lawfully direct any force, however near it may be to the scene of difficulty, to enter the territory of Mexico, Nicaragua, or New Granada for the purpose of defending the persons and property of American citizens.

On the other hand, should the Executive interpose, and especially should the result prove disastrous and valuable lives be lost, he might subject himself to severe censure for having assumed a power not confided to him by the Constitution.

It can not legitimately resort to force without the direct authority of Congress, except in resisting and repelling hostile attacks.

He can resort to no hostile act.

It would have no authority to enter the territories of Nicaragua even to prevent the destruction of the transit and protect the lives and property of our own citizens on their passage.