The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1845-03-12

IL
In the earlier stages Of our national existence
the opinion prevailed with some, that our sys-
tenn of confederaied States could not operate sue
~cessfully over an extended territory, and seri-
GUS objections have, at different times, been
made to the enlargement of our boundaries.
These objections were earnestly urged when
we acquired Louisiana. Experience has shown
that they we're not well founded. The title of
numerous Indian tribes to vast tracts of coun-
try has been extinguished. New States have
been admitted into the Union. New Terrific
ries have been created, and our jurisdiction and
laws extended over them. As our population
has expanded, the Union has been cemented
and strengthened. As our boundaries have been
enlarged and our agricultural population has been
spread over a large surface, our federatiYe sys-
TEN has acquired additional strength and secu-
rity. 1t may well be doubted whether it would
not be in greater danger of overthrow, if our
present population were confined to the compar-
atiyely narrow limits of the original thirteen
States, than it is, now that they are s%parsely set
tied over a more expanded territory. 1t is con-
tidently believed that our system may be safely
extended to the utmost bounds of our territorial
limits: and that, as it shall be extended, the
bonds of our Union, so far from being weakened,
will become stronger.
None can fail to see the danger of our safety
and future peace, if Texas remains an indepen-
dent state, or becomes an ally or dependency of
some foreign nation more powerful than herself,
Is there one among our citizens who would not
prefer perpetual peace with Texas, TO occasion
al wars, which so often occur between bordering
Independent nations? Is there one who would
not prefer free intercourse with her, to high du-
ties on all our products and manufacture which
enter her ports or cross her frontiers? Is there
one who would not prefer an unrestricted COM
municatiOn with her citizens, to the frontier OBJ
structions which must occur if she remains out
Of the Union? Whatever is good OF evil in the
local institutions ofTexas, will remain her own,
whether annexed 10 the United States or not.
None of the present States will be responsible
for them, any more than they are for the local
institutions of each other. They have confed-
Grated together for certain specified objects.
Upon the same principle that they would refuse
to form a perpetual Union with Texas because
of her local institutions, our forefathers would
have been prevented from forming our present
Union. Perceiving no valid objection to the
measure, and many reasons for its adoption, vi
tally affecting the peace, the safety, and pros
perity of both countries, | shall, on the broad
principle which formed the basis and produced
the adoption of our constitution, and not in any
narrow spirit of ~sectiona policy, endeavor, by
all constitutional, honorable, and appropriate
means, to consummatc the expressed will of the
people and government of the United States,
by The remuneration of Texas to our Union at
the earliest practicable period.
Nor will it become in 4 less degree my duty,
TO assert and maintain, by all constitutional means
the right of the United States to that portion
of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky
mountains. Our title to the country of the Or
Logon is " clear and unquestionable," and alrea-
dy are our people preparing to perfect that IL
tie by occupying it with their wives and children.
But eighty years ago, our population was con-
fined on the west by the ridge of the Allegha-
MES. Within that period--wlthin the lifetime,
might say, of some of my hearers-our peo-
pie, increasing to many millions, have filled the
eastern valley Of the Mississippi; adventurously
assembled the Missouri to it's head springs; and
are already engaged in establishing the bless
ings of selfgovernment 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 protect
ing them adequately wherever they may be up
on our soil. The Jurisdiction of our laws, and
the benefits of our republican institutions, 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 our territory cannot be long delayed,
> within the sphere of our federativo Union. In
the mean time, every obligation imposed by trea-
ty or conventional stipulations should be sacred
y respected.
In the management of our foreign relations,
it will be my aim to observe n careful respect for
the rights Of other nations. while our own will
be the subject of constant watchfulness. Equal
and exact Justice should characterize all our in
tcrcourse with foreign countries. AN alliances
having a 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 a
favorable understanding with foreign govern
ments, by which our navigation and commerce
may be extended, and the ample products of our
fertile soil, as we'll as the manufactures of our
skillful artisans, find a ready market and remu-
nerating prices in foreign countries.
In taking scare that the laws be faithfully
, executed u strict performance of duty will be
exacted from all public officers. From those
officers, especially, who are charged with the
collection and disbursement of the public reve.
nue., will prompt and rigid accountability be re.
quired. Amy culpable failure or delay on theil
part 10 account for the moneys intrusted tc
them, at the times and in the manner required BY
law, will, in every instance, terminate the Off
'cial connexion Of such ~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, he should not be the