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PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BUONAPARTE LAMAR
in the enjoyment of undisturbed repose, and in the progress of the most rapid advancement. No enemy appears upon our borders. Peace, plenty and prosperity pervade the land. Our citzens, indus- trious and orderly-yielding a ready obedience to the laws,-are quietly pursuing their various vocations, greatly to their individual advantage, and equally conducive to the general welfar~ and national glory. Amidst these blessings, let us remember the Great fountain of benevolence from whom they flow, and ever bear in mind, that their continuance must depend upon fidelity to our country and gratitude to God. Recently there have been some manifestations on the part of the Mexican government to recommence hostilities. Independently of the vessels of war which are supposed to be hovering on our coast, the President of Mexico, in his recent annual speech to the National Congress, announces the progress of his preparations for another in- vasion of our country. His views seem to be sanctioned and sustained by that body; and were it not for the exhausted and distracted condi- tion of the Country, we might be called again to rebuke in the battle field, an insolent and sanguinary foe, who seeks to rear upon our beau- tiful plains an enduring monument of th(lir desolation. It rpsts with Congress to determine what degree of importance ought to be attached to these belligerent indications. It is not my province to call youi- attention to any system of public defence. That duty belongs to another department of government, and will doubtless be presented in due time; but I beg leave to repeat, what I have expressed on former occasions, that it is neither wise nor politic to place too great a re- liance upon the imbecility of an enemy; it is far better that the national safety should be based upon our own efficiency. Free from any foreign invasion, we are equally exempt frorn inter- nal commotion. As yet we are strangers to those political broils and party feuds which·prevail in other nations, to the prostration of their energies and decay of their liberties. Commencing our national exist- ence under the most favourable circumstances, we shall be able, in the administration of our affairs, to adopt the most wholesome and judicious policy. To realize the high aspirations of patriotism; to raise our country to that proud eminence and distinction which she is capable of attaining, it is only necessary that we lay aside all self- ishness in our legislations, and direct our views to the general, rather than to individual interests. We should remember too, that evils are not remedied, nor good produced, by mere multiplicity of laws; good government is the result of the most patient, dispassionate and thor- ought investigation. Among the various subjects that will press them- selves upon your consideration, perhaps none will be of greater im- portance than the strengthening of our military posts; the enlarge- ment of our navy, and the improvement of our finances. If, in addi- tion to these, we shall give protection to our frontier settlements, supply some deficiencies in the laws regulating our national domain, establish amicable relations with the Indian tribes, and adopt a per- manent and extended system of education, we shall have accomplished all that the present exigencies of the country require. In the progress of your deliherations, I trust there will be all that harmony and conciliation so essential to prompt and efficient legisla-
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