Southern marksman. [volume] (Clinton, Miss.) 1838-1839, 1838-12-18

dependent on the continual exercise of
the popular will; and our experience has
shown it is as beneficient in practice as II
is just IN theory. Each successive change
made iii our local Institutions has con
tributed to extend the right of suffrage.
has increased the direct influence Of the
mass of the community, given greater
freedom 10 individual exertion, and restrc-
ted, more and more, the power of Gov
ernmcnt; yet the intelligence, prudence,
and patriotism of the people have kept
pace with this augmented responsibility.
In no country has education been so wide
~ dlflused. Domestic peace has nowhere
SO largely reigned. The close bonds OF
social intercourse have in no instance
prevailed with such harmony over space
SO vast. All forms of religion have uni
ted, for the first time, to difiuse charity
aud piety, because, for the first time in the
history of nations, all have been totally
unrammclled, and absolutely free. The
deepest reccsses of The wilderness have
been penetrated; yet, instead of the rude
ness in the social condition consequent
upon such adventures elsewhere, numer.
Gus communities have sprung up already
unrivalled in prosperity, general Inte'h-
gence, internal tranquility, and the wis
dom OF their political Institutions. interx
nal improvement, the fruit of individual
enterprise, tostered by the protection OF
the states, has added new links TO The con-
federation, and fresh rewards to proYident
industry. Doubtful questions of domes
tic policy have been quietly settled by mu
tual forbearance; and agriculture, com
merce. and manufactures, minister to each
other. Taxation and public debt. the burr
dens viii bear so heavily upon all other
countries, have pressed with comparative
lightness upon us. Without one entan-
Cling alliance, our friendship is priced by
every nation; and the rights Of our citi,
zens are every where respected, because
they are known 10 be gaardcdby united,
sensitive and watchful people
To this practical operation Of our insti
tutioDs. so evident and successful, we
owe that increased attachment 70 them
which is among the most cheering exit
billions of popular sentiment, and viii
prove their best security, in time 10 come,
against foreigner domestic assault.
This revi ew Of theresults Of our institu>
tons, for half century, without exciting
spirit Of vain exultatoa, should serve 10
impress upon us the great principles from
which they have sprung; constant and
direct supervision by the people over
every public measure; strict forbearance
on the part Of the Government from eX-
ercising any doubtful or disputed powers;
and cautious abstinence from an inter
ference with concerns which properly be-
long, and are best left to State regulations
and individual enterprise.
Full information of the state of our for
eign affairs having been recently on two
different occasions, submitted to Congress.
Ideem it necessary now TO bring TO your
notice only such events as have subse-
quently occurred, or are of such impor-
lance as 10 require particular attention.
The most amicabIo disposition continue
to be exhibited by all the nations with
whom the Government and citizens OF the
United States have an habitual intercourse
At the date of my last annual message.
Mexico was the only nation which could
not be included in so gratifying refer
ence to our foreign relations.
am happy 10 be now able TO inform Won
that an advance has been made towards
the adjustment of cur difficulties with that
Republic, and the restoration Of the Gus
tomary good feeling between the two
nations. This important change has
been effected by conciliatory nego-
tiations, that have resulted in the conclu-
sion of a treaty between the two Govern
ments, which, when ratified, will refer to
the arbitrament of a friendly power all
the subjects of controversy between US
growing out Of injuries to individuals.
There is, at present, also, reason 10 be
leyc that an equitable settlement of all
disputed points will be attained without
further difficulty or unnecessary DELAY.
and thus authorize. the free resumption of
diplomatic intercourse with our sister Re-
public.
With respect to the northeastern boun-
Diary of the. United States, no official cor
respondeMBe between this Government
and that of Great Britain, has passed
since that communicated 10 Congress los
wards the close of their last session.
The offer to negotiate convention. for
the appointment of joint commission of
survey and exploration, am, however, as
sured will be met by her majesty's COWS
ernmenl In conciliatory and friendly
spirit, and instructions to enable the Brits
ish minister here to conclude such an
arrangement will be transmitted TO him
without needless delay. 1t is hoped and
expected that these instructions will be of
liberal character, and that this negotia-
ton, If successful, will prove TO be an I'M