Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1845-03-14

aaalaaaasa
local institutions Of Texas, will remain her
own whether annexed to the United
States or not None Of the present States
VIII he responsible for them, any more than
they are for the local institutions of each
other. They have confederaed together
TOR certain specified objects. Upon the
! same principle that they would refuse to
form perpetual union with Texas because
OF her local institutions, our forefa. hers
would have been prevented from forming
our present Union. Perceiving no valid
objection to the measure, and many rea-
sons for its adoption, vitality affecting the
peace, the safety and prosperity Of both
countries, | shalh on the broad principle
which formed the basis and produced the
adoption of our constitution, and not in anv
narrow spirit Of sectional policy, endeav-
/ Or by all CONSTITUTIONAL honorable and ap-
, Proprate means, to consunmate tile ex-
pressed will of the people and government
I OF the United States, by the Remuneration
OF Texas to our Union at the earliest prac-
ticable period.
! Nor will It become in less degree my
duty to assert and maintain, by all consti-
tuholSl means, the right of the U. States
TO thal portion of our territory which lies
beyond the Rocky mountains. Our title te
the country Of the Oregon is "clear and un-
questionable" and already are our people
preparing toperfect that title, by occupying
1t with their wives and children. Buteigh-
ty years ago, our population was confred
on Fhe west by the ridge of the Allegha-
nies. Within that period-within the
lifetime, | might say, Of some Of my hearers
our people, increasing to many millions,
have filled the eastern valley of the Missis-
sIpp; adventurously ascended the Mssou-
ri to its head springs; and are already en-
gagged in establishing the blessings of self
government in valleys, Of which rivers
h5wto the Pacific.
The world heholds the peaceful triumphs
OF the industry Of our emigrants. To us
belongs the duty Of protecting them, ade-
quately, wherever they may be upon our
soil. The jurisdiction Of outlaws, and the
benefits Of our republican institutions
should be extended over them in the dis
tant regions which they have selected for
their homes. The increasing faciIitiesofI
intercourse will easily bring the States, of
which the formation in that part of our ter
rtory cannot be long delayed. within the
sphere Of our frderative Union. In the
meantime every obligation imposed by uea.
ty or conventional stipuIations should be
sacredly respected.
In the management Of our foreign rra-
tons, it will he my ain to observe care
ilI respect for the rights Of other nations,
while our own will be the subject of con-
slant watchiuIness. Equal and exact JUS
tce should characterize all our intercourse
with foreign countries All alliances hav-
ing a tendency to leopard the welfare and
honor Of our country, or sacrifice any one |
'of then ationa interests, will be sudiously |
avoided; and yet no opportunity will he |
lost to cultivate favorable understanding |
with foreign governments, by which our
navigation and commerce may lie extend, |
ed, and the ample products Of our lertiin
soil, as we'll as the manufactures Of our
skilIfu artisans, find a ready market and
remunerating prices in foreign countries.
In taking scare that the laws be faith
fully executed" strict performance of du-
ty will be eXacted from all public officers,
especially, who are charged with the col
lection and disbursement Of the public re-
venue, prompt and rigid accountability
will be required. Amy culpable failure or
delay on their part to account for the mo-
'neys entrusted TO them, at the times and
the manner required by law, will, in every
instance, terminate the official connexion
ofsuch deiaultiHg Officer with the govern
ment.
Although in our country, the Chiet ma
glstrate must almost Of necessity be chosen |
by party, and stand pledged to its prnci-
pies and measure, yet, in his official ac-
ton, he should not be the President of
part only, but of the whole people of the
United States. While he executes the
laws with an impartial hand, shrinks from
noTrroper responsibility, and faithfully car
RES out in the executive department of the
government the principles and policies of
those who have chosen him, he should not
be unmindlul that our ielow-citizens who
have differed with him in opinion are en-
titled to the full and free exercise Of their
opinions and judgments, and that the
rights of all are entitled to respect and re-
gard.
Confidently relying upon the aid and as
sistance Of the coordinate departments Of
the government in conducting our publte
affairs, enter upon the discharge of the
high duties which have been assigned me
| by tht people, again humby supplicatng
that Divine Being who has watched over
and protected our beloved country from
its infnncyto to the present hour, tocontinue
His gracious benedictions upon us, that
we may continue to be prosperous and
happy people.
JAMES X. POLK.