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 submit it to your mature consideration whether, in view of the important benefits arising from the treaty to the trade and commerce of the United States and to their agriculture, it would not comport with sound policy to adopt that…

I have great pleasure in submitting to the Senate, for its ratification and approval, a treaty which has been concluded between Mr. Cushing, the United States commissioner, and the Chinese Empire.

peace is the true policy of nations

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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…

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

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 must be permitted to disclaim entirely and unqualifiedly the right on the part of the Executive to make any real or supposed defects existing in any State constitution or form of government the pretext for a failure to enforce the laws…