Bloomington herald. [volume] (Bloomington, I. T. [Iowa]) 1840-1849, 1844-12-27

u'c inPeuiMehtS II tue way OF Its success
full expansion (,ime and space) are SO far
in the progress of modification, by the i'm.
provements Of the age, as to render no
longer speculative the ability Of Represen
ta,lves from that remote region to come
mp to the Capitol, SO that their constitu>
ents shall participate IN all the benefits of
Federal legislation. That it is, that in the
progress of time the inesiimabIe principles
of civil liberty will be enjoyed by millions
yet unborn. and the great benefits of our
system of government be extended to now
distant and uninhabited regions. In view
of the vast wilderness yet 10 be reclaimed
we may well invite the lover of freedom
OF every land to take up his abode among
US, and assist us in the great work of adj
vancing the standard of civilization. and
giving wider spread to the arts and re-
hnements Of cultivated life. Our PRAYERS
should evermore be offered up to the Faith
er of the Universe for his wisdom to d.
rect us in the path Of our duty, so as to
enable us to consummate these high pur-
poses.
One of the strongest objections which
has been urged against confederacies by.
writer's on Government is the liability OF
the members to be tempered with by for
eign Governments or the people of foreign
States, either in their local affairs or in
such as effected the peace of others or en-
dangered the safety of the whole conlede-
racy. We cannot hope to be entirely ex-
empt from such attempts on our peace and
safety. The United States are becoming
too important in population and resources
not to attract the observation of other ma
tons. II therefore may, in the progress
of time, occur that opinions entirely alb
stract in the States in which they may
prevail, and in no degree affecting their
domestic institutions, may be artfuIly but
secretly encouraged with view 10 under
mine the Union. Such opinions may be.
come the foundation Of political parties,
until at last the conflict of opinion, produ-
cling an alienation of friendly feeling a.
mong the people of the different States,
may involve in one general destruction the
happy institutions under which we live.
II should ever be borne in mind that what
is true in regard 10 individuals is equally
so in regard 10 States. An interference of
one i'll the affairs of another is the fruitful
source of family discussions and neighbor-
hood disputes and the same cause affects
the peace, happiness, and prosperity of
States. 1t may be most devoully hoped
that the good sense of the American peo-
pie will ever be ready TO repel all such at
tempts should they ever be made.
There has been no material change in
our foreign relations since my last annual
message to Congress. With all the Pow
ers Of Europe we continue on the most
friendly terms. Indeed, it affords me
much satisfaction to state, that at no fo..
mer period has the peace Of that enlight-
ened and important quarter Of the globe
ever been. apparently. more firmly essab,
lished. The conviction that peace is the
ltIElpe policy Of nations, would seem to be
growing and becoming deeper amongst
the enlightened every where and there
is no people who have stronger interest
in cherishing the sentiments and adopting
the means of preserving and giving il per-
manence than those of the United States.
Amongst these, the first and most effective
are, no doubt. the strict observance of JUS
tice, and the honest and punc.ual fulfil
ment Of all engagements. But it is not to
be forgotten that, in the present state of
the world, it is no less necessary to be
ready 10 enforced their observance and ful>
filment in reference to ourselves, than to
observe and fulfil them, on our part, in re-
gard to others.
Since the close Of your last session a
negotiation has been formally entered ups
on between the Secretary of State and her
Britanic Majesty Minister Plenipotenlia.
~ and Envoy Extraordinry, residing al
Washington, relative 10 the rights Of their
respective nations in and over the Oregon
Territory. That negotiation IS still pen>
ding. Should it, during your session, be
bronghs to definite conclusion, the result.
will be promptly communicated to Cons
gress. | would, however, again call your
attention to the recommendations contain
ed in previous messages, designed to pro-
tect and facilitate emigration TO that Terri
tory. The establishment Of military posts
at suitable points upon the extended line
of land travel, would enable our citizens 10
migrate in comparative safety to the fer
tile regions below the falls of the Colum.
bia, and make the provision of the exist
ing convention for the joint occupation Of
the Territory by subjects Of Great Britain
and the citizens Of the United States more
available than heretofore to the latter -
These posts would continue places Of rest
for the weary emigrant, where he would
be sheltered securely against the danger Of
attack from the Indians. and be enabled TO
recover from the exhaustion Of long line