The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1845-03-14

the expressed will Of the people and
government of the United States, by
the remuneration Of Texas toour Uni
on at the earliest practicable period.
Nor will it become in less degree
my duty to assert and maintain, by oil
constitutional means, the right of the
United States to that portion OF our
territory which lies beyond the Rocky
mountains. Our tille to the country OF
the Oregon is ''clear and unquestiona-
ble;" and already are our people pre-
pairing to perfec! that title by occupy
ing it with their wives and children.
But eighty years ago.. our population
was confined on the west by the ridge
of the AIleshenies. Within that peri
od--within the lifetime, ! might say.
ofsome Of my hearers-our people, in
creaslng to many millions, have filled
the eastern valley of the Mississippi;
adventurously ascended the Missouri
to It's head springs; and are already en-.
gagged in ablishing the blessings of
self government in valleys, of which
the rivers flow to the Pacific. The
world beholds the peaceful ,riumphs of
the industry of our emigrants. To US
belongs the duty of protecting them
adequately wherever they may be upon
our soil. The jurisdiction of our laws,
and the benefits of our republican in
stitutions, should be extended over
them in the distant regions which they
have selected for their homes. The
increasing facilities of intercourse will
easily bring the States, OF which the
formation in that part of cur territory
cannot be long delayed, within the
sphere of our tederative Union. In
tile mean time, every obligation impos-
ed bv treaty or conventional stipula-
tions should be sacredly respected.
In the management of our foreign
relations, it will be my aim to observe
a careful respect for the rights of other
nations. while our own will he the SUBJ
iect of constant watchtulness. Equal
and exact justice should characterize
all our intercourse with foreign coun-
tries. All alliances having tenden-
cy to leopard the welfare anh 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 under
standing with foreign governments, by
which our navigation and commerce
may be extended, and the ample pro-
ducts of our fertile soi, as well as the
manufactures of our skiliul artisans,
find ready market and remunerating
prices in foreign countries.
In taking scare that the laws be
faithfully executed" a strict perform
ance ofduty will be exacted from all
public officers. From those officers,
especially, who are charged with the
collection and disbursement of the pub
lie revenue, will prompt and rigid ac-
coun,ability be required. Any culpa-
bic failure or delay on their part TO ac-
count for the moneys intruS!ed to them,
at the times and in the manner requr-
ed by law, will, in every instance, ter
inmate the official connection of.sut b
defaulting officer with the government.
Although, in our country, the chief
magistrate must almost of necessity be
chosen by a party, and stand pledged
to its principles and measures, yet, in
his official action, lie should not be the
President>of a part only, but of the
whole people of the United States
While he executes the laws with an
impartial hand, shrinks from no proper
responsibility, and faithfully carries out
in the executive department oil the gov
elnnent the principles and policy OF
those who have chosen him. lie should
not he unmindful that our tellow-clti-
zens who have differed with him in
opinion are entitled TO the full and free
exercise of their opinions and judg-
mrnts, and that the rights of all are EN-.
titled to respect and regard.
Confidently relying upon the aid and
assistance of the coordinate depart.
ments Of the government in conduct
ing our public affairs, enter upon the
discharge Of the high duties which have
been assigned nc by the people, again
humbly supplicating that Divine Being
who has watched over and protected
our beloved country from its infancy
to the present hour, to continue His
gracious benedlctions upon us, that we
may continue TO be prosperous and
happy people.
Two OIMpORTA DECISIONS IN