Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1850-12-12
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Fello,o citizens Of the Senate
and House of Representatives:

Being suddenly called in the midst OF
the last session of Congress by pain.
fol dispensa,iou OF Divine Providence,
10 the responsible station now hold,
contented myself with such communi-
cation to the Legislature as the ext.
gency of the moment seemed TO re-
quire.
The country was shrouded in mourn
ing for the loss of this venerated Chief
Magistrate, and all hearts were pene-
trated with grief; neither the time or
occasion appeared TO require or 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, l had been
so Unexpectedly called. trust, there
fore, that il may no, be deemed map.
propriate if avail myself of this op.
portunity of the re.assembing of Con.
gress, TO make known my sentiments in
G. q general manner in regard to the pol
icy which ough, to be pursued by the
government in its intercourse with for.
eign nations, and its management and
administration Of internal affairs. Ma.
lions, like individuals in a state of ma.
ture, are equal and independent, pos.
sessing certain rights and owing Ger.
tain duties TO each other arising from
their necessary and unavoidable rela.
iions, which rights and duties there is
no common human authority TO pro-
tect and enforce; still there are rights
and duties binding in morals, in con.
science and in honor, although there is
no tribunal TO which an injured party
can appeal, but the disinieres,ed judy
ment Of mankind, and ultimately the
arbi,rament of the sword. Among the
acknowledged rights Of nations, is tina,
which each possesses of establishing
that form of government, which may
be most conducive to the happiness and
prosperity of its citizens, changing that
form as circumstances may require,
end of managing its internal affairs &C.
cording 10 its will. The people of the
United States claim this right for them.
selves and they readily concede i, to
others; hence il becomes an imperitive
duty not to interfere in the government
or internal policy or other nations, and
al,houg b we may sympaihize with the
unfortunate or oppressed every where
in their struggles for freedom, our prin.
ciples forbid US from taking any par, in
such foreign contests; but we make no
wars 10 promote or prevent SUGGESTIONS
10 thrones to maintain any theory of
q balance of power, or 10 suppress the
actual government which any country
chooses 10 establish for itself. We in
stigate no revolutions, nor suffer any
hostile military expeditions TO be fitted
out in the United States 10 invade the
territory or provinces Of friendly ma.
ton. The great laws of morality ought
TO have national as well as personal
and individual application; VIC should
act towards other nations as we wish
them to act towards us. and justice and
conscience should form the rule of con,
duct between governments. instead of
mere power, self.interes,. or the desire
Of agrandizement. To maintain
strict neutrality in foreign wars, TO cul.
tivate friendly relations, 10 reciprocate
every noble and generous act, and to
perform punc,uaiIy and scrupulously
every treaty obligation--ihese are the
duties which we owe to other States,
and by the performance Of which we
best entitle ourselves 10 like treatment
from them. or if that in any case be re.
fused, we cen enforce our own rights
with justice, and clear conscience. In
our domestic policy, the constitution
will be my guide, and in question of
doubt shall look for its Interpretation
10 the judicial decisions of the tribunal
which was established 10 expound it,
and TO the usage Of the government,
sanctioned by the acquiescence of the
coun,ry; regard all its provisions
equally binding in all its parts; il is the
will of the people expressed in The mos,
solemn form, and the constituted author
tiles are but agents 10 carry that will
into effect-eyery power which il has
granted is 10 be exercised for The pub
lie good; but no honest conviction. even
Of what might be expedien, can jusii.
fly the assumption Of any power not
granted. The powers conferred upon
the government and their distribution
TO The several departments are as clear.
~ expressed in that instrument as the
imperfection of human language will
allow, and deem il my first duty not
TO question its wisdom, add 10 its pro.
visions. evade its requirements. or nul
lify its commands. Upon you, my fel.
low. citizens, as the representatives of
the States and Of the people, is wisely
devolved The legislative power. shall
comply with my duty in laying before
you from time TO time any information
to enable you TO discharge
your high and responsible trust for the
benefit Of our common constituents.