Weekly national intelligencer., 1850-12-07

is made, not to the President but, by direction of
law, to Congress- and will not probably be laid be-
fore Congress for some days.
THE MESSAGE.
Fsllo,o- Citizens oftte Senate
andofthe House Of Representatives:
Being suddenly called, in the midst Of the last
session of Congress, by painful dspensaton of
Divine Providence, to the responsible station which
now hold, / contented myself with such commu-
nications to the Legislature the exgency of the
moment seemed to require. The country was
shrouded in mourning for the loss Of its venerated
Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were penetrated
with grief Neither the time nor the occasion ap-
peared to require or to justify, on my part, any
general expressions Of political opinions, or any
announcement of the principles which would govern
me in the discharge of the duties to the perform
ance of which had been so unexpectedly called.
trust, therefore, thatit may notbe deemed inappro
pirate if avail myself Of this opportunity Of the
re-assembling of Congress to make known my
sentiments, in general manner, in regard to the
policy which ought to be pursued by the Govern
ment both in its intercourse with foreign nations
and in its management and administration of in
ternal affairs. ss
Nations, like individuals in a state of nature, are
equal and independent, possessing certain rights,
and owing certain duties to each other, arising
from their necessary and unavoidable relations,
which rights and duties there is no common human
authority to protect and enforce. Still they are
rights and duties binding in morals, in conscience,
and in honor, although there is no tribunal to
which an injured party can appeal but the disinte-
rested judgment of mankind, and ultimately the
arbitrament Of the sword.
Among the acknowledged rights Of nations is
that which each possesses of establishing that form
of government which it may deem most conducive
to the happiness and prosperity of its own citizens
of changing that form, as circumstances may re-
quire and of managing its internal affairs accord
ing to its own will. The people Of the United
States claim this right for themselves, and they
readily concede it to others. Hence it becomes an
imperative duty not to interfere in the government
or internal policy of other nations and, although
we may sympathize with the unfortunate or the
oppressed every where in their struggles for free
dom, our principles forbid from taking any part
in such foreign contests. We make no wars to
promote or to prevent SUGGESTIONS to thrones; to
maintain any theory Of a balance Of power; or to
suppress the actual government which any coun-
try chooses to establish for ITSELF We nstigae no
revolutions, nor suffer any hostile military exped-
tons to be fitted out in the United States to invade
the territory or provinces of friendly nation.
The great law of morality ought to have national
as well as personal and individual application.
We should act towards other nations as we wish
them to act towards U.S. and justice and conscience should
form the rule Of conduct between Governments instead of
mere power, senteres the desire of aggandizement
TO maintain strict neutrality in foreign wars cultivate
friendly relations to recprocate every noble and generous
act and to perform punctuay and scrupulousy every treaty
oblgaion-hese the duties which other States,
and by the performance Of which best enle ourselves
like from them if that any case, be refused
we can enforce rights with justice and clear
science.
In our domestic policy the Constitution will be my guide
and in questions of doubt shall look for its interpretation
the judicial decisions of that tribunal which established
to expound it. and the usage the Government sanction
ed by the acquiescence Of the country regad oil its provisions
as equally binding In all its parts sthe will Of the people,
expressed in the solemn form, and the constituted au-
thoties but agents carry that will into effect Every
power which has granted to be exercised for the public
good but prelence Of utility, no honest conviction
Of what might be expeden justify the assumption Of any
power granted The powers conferred upon the Govern
ment and their distribution to the several departments,
as clearly expressed in that sacred instrument the mpe
fecion Of human language will allow and deem my first
duty not question s wsdom add its provisions evade
its requirements, or nulIfy its commands.
Upon you, ow-citizens, the representatives Of the
States and the people, wisely devolved the legislative power
shall comply with my duty in laying before you, from time
to me any information calculated enable you to discharge
your high and responsible for the benefit of our
constituents.
My opinions will be frankly expressed upon the leading
subjects Of legislation and if which do not anticipate, any
act should pass the Houses Of Congress which should ap
pear unconstitutional an encroachment on the just
powers Of other departments with provisions hastily adopt
ed and likely produce consequences injurious and unfore-
seen should shrink from the duty oretuning to you
with my reasons for your further consideration Beyond the
due performance Of these constitutional obligations both my
respect for the Legislature and my Of propiey will re-
strain me from any attempt control influence your pro-
ceedngs With you the power, the honor and the respon
sibiliy Of the legislation Of the country
The Government Of the United States is limited Govern
mes II il confined to the exercise Of powers expressly
granted, and such others may be necessary for carrying