It need scarcely be remarked that these measures have not been resorted to in a spirit of hostility to other powers.  Such a disposition does not exist toward any power.  Peace and good will have been, and will hereafter be, cultivated with all, and by the most faithful regard to justice.  They have been dictated by a love of peace, of economy, and an earnest desire to save the lives of our fellow-citizens from that destruction and our country from that devastation which are inseparable from war when it finds us unprepared for it.  It is believed, and experience, has shown, that such a preparation is the best expedient that can be resorted to to prevent war.  I add with much pleasure that considerable progress has already been made in these measures of defense, and that they will be completed in a few years, considering the great extent and importance of the object, if the plan be zealously and steadily persevered in.

The conduct of the Government in what relates to foreign powers is always an object of the highest importance to the nation.  Its agriculture, commerce, manufactures, fisheries, revenue, in short, its peace, may all be affected by it.  Attention is therefore due to this subject.

At the period adverted to the powers of Europe, after having been engaged in long and destructive wars with each other, had concluded a peace, which happily still exists.  Our peace with the power with whom we had been engaged had also been concluded.  The war between Spain and the colonies in South America, which had commenced many years before, was then the only conflict that remained unsettled.  This being a contest between different parts of the same community, in which other powers had not interfered, was not affected by their accommodations.

This contest was considered at an early stage by my predecessor a civil war in which the parties were entitled to equal rights in our ports.  This decision, the first made by any power, being formed on great consideration of the comparative strength and resources of the parties, the length of time, and successful opposition made by the colonies, and of all other circumstances on which it ought to depend, was in strict accord with the law of nations.  Congress has invariably acted on this principle, having made no change in our relations with either party.  Our attitude has therefore been that of neutrality between them, which has been maintained by the Government with the strictest impartiality.  No aid has been afforded to either, nor has any privilege been enjoyed by the one which has not been equally open to the other party, and every exertion has been made in its power to enforce the execution of the laws prohibiting illegal equipments with equal rigor against both.

By this equality between the parties their public vessels have been received in our ports on the same footing; they have enjoyed an equal right to purchase and export arms, munitions of war, and every other supply, the exportation of all articles whatever being permitted under laws which were passed long before the commencement of the contest; our citizens have traded equally with both, and their commerce with each has been alike protected by the Government.