The Woodstock age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1844-1845, 1845-03-13
which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains.

which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains.
Our title to the country of the Oregon is
"clear and unquestionable," and already
are cur people preparing to perfect that
title, by occupying it with their wives and
children. But eighty years ago, our pop
ulation was confined on the West by the
ridge Of the Alleghanies. Within that
period-within the life time, I might say,
of some ofmy hearers, our people, increas-
ing to many millions, have filled the Eas-
tern valley oftho Mississippi; advcntur-
ousy assembled the Missouri to its head
springs; and are already engaged in cs-
tablishing the blessings of selfgovern-
ment in valleys, of which the rivers flow
to the Pacific. The world beholds the
peaceful triumphs of the industry of our
emigrants, To US belongs the duty of pro-
tecting them, adequately, whatever they
may be upon our soil. The jurisdiction
of our laws, and the benefits Of our repub-
lican institutions, should be eXteded over
them in the distant regions which they
have selected for their homes. The in
creasing facilities Of intercourse will ca
silly bring the States, of which the forma-
ton in that part of our territory cannot
be long delayed, within the sphere of our
lcdcrative Union, In the mean time,
every obligation imposed by treaty or
conventional slipulations should be sa-
credly respected
In the Management, of our foreign reIa-
lions, it will be my aim to observe care
full respect for the rights of other nations,
while our own will be the subject of con-
slant watchiullness. Equal and exact JUS
tice should characterize all our intercourse
with foreign countries, All alliances hay
ing tendency to leopard the welfare and
honor Of our country, or sacrifice any one
Of the national interests will be studiously
avoided; and yet no opportunity will be lost
to cultivate favorable understanding with
foreign governments, by which our naviga-
ton and commerce may be extended, aud
the ample products of our fertile soil, as
the manufactures of our skilllul artizans,
find ready market and remunera,ing prl-
ces in foreign countries.
In taking "care that The laws be faith
fully executed" a strict performance Of du-
ty will be esacted from all public officers.
From those officers especially, who are
charged with the collection and disburse-
ment of the public revenue, will prompt
and rigid accountability be required. Any
culpabIe failure or delay on their part to
account for the moneys intrus;ed to them,
at the times and in the manner required
by law, will, in every instance, terminate
the official connection of such deiaulting
officer with the government.
Although,in our country,tbe chiefmagis-
trate must almost Of necessity be chosen by
party, and stand pledged to its principles
and measures, yet, in his official action, he
should not be the President Of a part only
bat ofthe whole people ofthc United States,
While he executes the laws with an impair
;ial hand, shrinks from no proper response
bility, and faithfully carries out in the EX.
ecutive department of the Government the
principles aud policy ofthose who have cho-
sen him, he should not be unmlndtul that
our felow-citizen who have dflerd from
him in opinions and judgements, and that
the rights of all are entitled to respect and
regard.
Confidently relying upon the aid and as
sistance Of the coordinate department Of
the government in conducting our public
affairs eGter upon the discharge ofthe high
duties which have been assigned me by
the people, again humbIy suppIicating that
DiyineBeing who has watched over and
protected our beloved country from its nlan.
cy to the present hour, to continue llisgra-
cious benediclions upon us, that we may
continue to he a prosperous and happ!
people.