Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1850-12-12
P @ L I 7 I G. A T..
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.


FsHo,o Citizens of the Senate,
and of the House of Representatives,.
Being suddenly called in the midst OF the
last session of Congress, by painful dispen-
sation of Divine Providence, to the response
BILE station which now hold, contented my
self with such communications to the Leglsla-
ture as the exigency of the moment seemed to
REQUIRE. The country was shrouded in mourn
ing for the loss of its venerated Chief Mag
istrate, and all hearts were penetrated with
grief. Neither the time nor the occasion ap-
Deared to require nor to Justify, on my part, ANY
general expression of political opinions, or any
announcement of the principles which would
govern me in the discharge of the duties to
the performance Of which had been so unex-
pectedly called. trust, therefore, that it may
not be deemed inappropriate, if avail myself
of, this opportunity of the re-assembhng OF
Congress TO make known my sentiments, in a
general manner, in regard to the policy which
ought TO be pursued by the Government, both
in It's intercourse with foreign nations, and in
Its management and administration of internal
affairs.
Nations, like individuals in a state Of ma
ture, are equal and independent, possessing
certain rights, and wing certain duties to each
other. arising from their necessary and una
yoidabie relations; which rights and duties
there is no common human authority TO pro-
tcct aud 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
Ilsinterested judgement of mankind, and uiii-
mately the arbitrament of the sword.
Among the acknowledged rights of nations
is that, which each possesses oi establishing
that form of Government which it may deem
most conducive to the happiness and prosperity
of Its own ciiizens; of changing that form, as
circumstances aay require; and Of mana ging
its internal affairs according 10 its own will
The people of the United States claim this
right for themselves, and theysreadIly concece
il to others. Hence II becomes an imperative
duty not TO interfere in the government or ln-
ternsi policy of other nations; AMI, although
we may sympa,hze with the unfortunate or
the oppressed, everywhere, in their struggles
for freedom, our principles FORBID us from TAX
ing anv part in such foreign contests. We
make no wars 10 promote nr 10 prevent succes-
sions 10 thrones; 10 maintain any theory OF
balance of power; or to suppress the actual
government which any colniry chooses TO es-
iablIsh forhsclC We insiigaic 40 rev buttons.
nor suilsr military expeditions To be fitted out
IN TIE United States 10 invade the territory or
provinces of friendly natlrn. The grca, law
of morality ought 10 have national as well
as personal aud individual application. We
should ac. towards other naiions as we wish
them To act towards US aud justice and con
science should form the rule oi conduct be-
tween nations. Instead of mere power, scii-in-
ierest. or the des,re of aggrandizemcnt. To
maintain a sinci neutrality IN tor,Ign wars,io
cultivate friendly relations. 10 rcciprccatc eve
nv noble aud generous act, and to perform
punctuaily and scrupuiously every treaty ohli-
raiion-ihese are the duiI,s wh3ch We owe tc
ether States, aud by the performance of which
We best entitle oars Ives 10 like treatment from
them; or # that, IN any case,bc refused, we can
enforce our own rights with justice and clear
conscience.
In our domc siic policy, the Constitution will
be my guide; and M questions OF duuot,l shall
4ouk for It's Interpretation To the judicial decis-
ious of that tribunal, which was established To
cxpouuG II. and to the usage of the Government.
sanctioned BY the acquicscence ot the country.
1 reg;.,d all ITS PROVISIONS as equally binding.
In all It's parts II is The will OF the people, eN-
pressed in the most solemn form, aud Che con-
s,liuted authorities, are but agents 10 carry
that will into effect. Every power which 1t
has granted is to be exercised for the public
yvod but no pretence of utilry,no honest con-
Slctlon, event of what might be expedlent, can
Justify the assumption of any power rot granted.
The powers conferred upon the Government
and their distribution to the several depart
ments, are as clearly expressed IN that sacred
instrument as the iinperfectIon OF human Ian
puape will allow; aud deem 1t my duty not
10 question lis wisdom, add TO It's provisions,
evade its requirements, or nulllfy lis com
mands.
Upon you, fellow-ctizens, as the representa-
tiyes of the States and the people, Is wisely
devoved the legislative power. shall CON-
ply with my duty, in laying before you. irom
time to titae, acy inforlratson caiculatedto en-
able you to discharge your high aud responsible
t-ust, for the benefit of our comnroa ccnstltu-
ents.
Ny opinions will be franz ly expressed upon
the leading subjects oflegislatoR; and (which
1 do not anticipa.e,any act pass the two Houses
of Congress which should appear to me uncon-
sttutionaL or an eucroachment on the Just
power of ether departments, ,or with provisions
hastily adopted, and likely TO produce conse-
quences injurious and unforeseen, should not
shrink from the duty of returning it to you,
with my reasons, for your further consideration.
Beyond the due performance Of these constitu-
tional obligations, both my respect for the legs-
ture and my sense of propFety will restrain me
from any attempt to control or influence your
proceedings. With you is the power,the hon
or, and the responsibility of the Legislation Of
the country
The Government Of the United States is a
limited Government. 1t is confined to the ex
ercise of powers expressly granted, and sucf
others as may be necessary for carrying those
powers into effect; and it is at all tunes an es
peclai duty to guard against any Infringement
on the just rights of the States. Over the OBJ
jects and subjects entrusted TO Congress Its leg
IslatVe authority is supreme. But here thai
authority ceases, and every citizen who truly
loves the Constitution, and desires the centn
uance Of IFS existence and It's blessings, will
resolutely and firmly resist any interference II
those domestic affairs, which the Constitution
has clearly and ineQuivocally left To the ex
elusive authority OF the States: And ever,
sucb citizen will also deprecate useless irrlta
tion among the several members of the Union
and all reproach and elimination tending to a
lienate one portion Of the country from another
The beauty Of our system Of Government con
sists, and its safety and durability must consis
in avoiding mutual collisions and encroach
ments, and in the regular separate ACTON
all, while each is revolving in It's own dstinc
orbit.
The Constitution has made it the duty OF IN
President to take care that the laws be falthlu
ly executed. In a government like ours, l
t.-Ir nI InNr ,Arrfu