The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-12-04
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
TO the Senate and House OF
Representations, ofths United States

10 the Senate and House of
REPRESENTATIVES, ofthe United States
We have continued cause for expressing our gra-
ltude to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for the
benefits and blessings which our country, under
his KIND Providence. has enjoyed during the past
year, Notwithstanding the exciting scenes through
which we have passed, nothing has occurred to
disturb the generapeace or to derange the harmony
ofour political The great moral spectacle has
been exhibited of nation, experimenting In num-
per TO 2oSOo0oO Of people, having performed { he
high and important function OF elcctng their Chief
Magistrate tor the term OF four years, without
the commission of any acts OF violence, or the
manifestation OF spirit OF INSTRUMENTATION to the
laws. The great and inestimable right of suf-
trage, has been exercised by all who were in
vested with it, under the laws of the different
States, in spirit dictated alone by desire, in the
selection OF the agent, to advance the interests
OF the country, and to place beyond jeopardy
the institutions under which it is our happiness
to live That the deepest interest has been mani
tested by all our countrymen in the result OF the
election, Is not less true, than highly credtabe to
them. Vast multitudes have assembled, from time
to time, at various places, for the purpose of can
vasslng the merits and pretensons of those who
presented for their sufrages but armed soldiery
has been necessary 10 restrain, within proper limits,
the popular zeal, or to prevent violent outbreaks. A
principle much more controlling was found in the
love OF order and obedience TO the laws which, with
mere Individual exceptions, every where possesses
the American mind, and controls with an influence
far more powerful than hosts of armed men. We
cannot dwell upon this picture without recognising
IN 1t that deep and devoted attachment on the part OF
the people, to the institutions under which we live
which proclaims their perpetuily. The great obec-
on which has always prevailed against the election,
by the people, of their Chief Executive officer has
been the apprehension Of tumulis and disorders,
which mightinvolve in ruin the entire Government.
security against this is found not only in the fact
before alluded to, but IN the additional fact, that
we live under q contederacy embracing already
twenty-slx States; no one OF which has power to
oaNtp mi hn ..lz T6A IL
State is taken at the time appointed by the laws,
and such vote is announced by the Electoral Gel
lege, without reference TO the decision Of the 9TH
er States. The right Of suffrage, and the mode Of
each State; and the election ls distinctly fedora
tive in all its prominent features Thus it is that,
unlike what might be the results under consoli-
dated system, rotous proceedings, should they pre-
vail, could only affect the eectionsin single States,
without disturbing, to any dangerous extent, the
tranquility Of others. The great experiment Of
political confederacy-each member Of which is
supreme-as to oil matters appertaining 10 its local
interests, and its internal peace and happiness
while by voluntary compact with others, il
contides to the united power of all, the pro.
lection OF Its citizens. in matters not domes-
tc-has been SO far crowned with complete
success. The world has witnessed its rapid growth
in wealth and population !; and, under the guide
and direction Of a experimenting Providence, the
developments Of the past may be regarded but as
the shadowing forth Of the mighty future In the
bright prospects OF that future, shall fnd as pa
triots and phianthropists, the highest Inducements
to cultivate and cherish a love Of union, and TO
frown down every measure or effort which may be
made to ALLEVIATE the States, or the people of the
States, in sentiment and feeling, from each other.
rigid and close adherence to the terms Of our
political compact, and, above all, sacred obser-
vance Of the guarantees Of the Constitution, will
shaken while personal liberty is placed beyond
hazard or jeopardy. The guarantee Of religious
freedom, OF the freedom Of the press, OF the lIber
y OF speech Of the trial By Jury the haS S
the Siates-eavlng the private citizen in the full
exofc.sc q tho histrand ennobhng attributes Of his
nature land TO each State the privilege which can on
means best calculated to advance its own happi-
ness; these the great and important guarantees
OF the Constitution, which the lovers Of liberty
must cherish and the advocates OF union must ever
cultivate Preserving these, and avoiding all inter-
polations by forced construction, under the guise
OF an imagined expediency, upon the Constitution,
the influence Of our political system is destined to
be as actively and as beneficay felt on the distant
shores OF the Pacific, as it is now those of the
Atlantic Ocean. The only formidable lmpedimens
in the way Of its successful expansion (time and
space) fare far in the progress OF modification,
by the improvements OF the age, as to render no
from that remote region 10 come up to the capitol,
SO that their constituents shall participate in all
the benefits OF Federal legislation Thus it is, that
in the progress of time, the inestimabe principles
of civil lbertywi be enjoyed by millions yet un-
born, and the great benefits of our system of 60
vernment be extended to now distant and uninhab-
tied regions In view of the vast wilderness veto
be reclaimed, we may well invite the lover of free
dom, OF every land, 10 take up his abode among US,
and assist us in the great work of advancing the
standard OF civilization, and giving wider spread
to.the arts and rehnements of cultivated life. Our
prayers should evermore be offered up 10 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.
Oae OF the strongest objections which has been
urged against confederacles, by writer's on Govern
ment, IS, the liability OF the members to be iainper
ed with by foreign Governments, or the people of
foreign States, either in their local affairs, in such
as Affected the peace OF others, or endangered the
to be entirely exempt from such attempts on our
peace and safety. The United States arc becom-
Ing TOO important In population and resources not
therefore, may, in the progress of time, that
opinions entirely abstract in the States In which
they may prevail, end in no degree affecting their
domestic institutions, may be artfully, but secretly,
encouraged with view tn undermine the Union
Such opinions may become the foundation OF poll
tlca parties, until at last the conflict OF opinion
producing an alienation of friendly feeling among
the people OF the different States, may involve in
general destruction the happy institutions under
which we live. It should ever be borne in mind,
that what is true in regard 10 individuals equally
SO in regard to States. An interference OF one in
the affairs OF another is the fruitful source OF fam
ly dIssensions and neighborhood disputes and the
same cause affects the peace, happiness and pros.
ptrlty of States. II may be most deveuty hoped
that the good stnse of the American people will
ever be ready to repel all such attempts, 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 powers OF Europe we continue on the
most friendly terms. Indeed, it affords me much
satisfaction to slate, that at no former period
has the peace OF that enlightened and important
quarter OF the globe ever been, apparently, more
ilrmly established. The conviction that peace is
the truly pocy Of nations, would seem to be grow.
ing and becoming deeper amongst the enlightened
everywhere; and there is no people who have a
stronger interest in cherishing the eente nts and
adopting the means of preserving and giving il per-
manence, than those of the United States.-
Amonst these, the first and most effective are, no
doubt, thestrct observance OF Justice and the no.
nest and punctua fufment OF all engagements -
But lit is not to be forgotten that, in the present
h. - Lace l..