The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-12-19
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
WAsBIsGros, Dec. I'd.
Frs.os Citizens Of the Senate,
land House of Representatires.

WAsHIsorOs, Dec. Cd.
Frs.0I Citizens of the Senate,
ldnd House Of Representatives..
Being suddenly called, in the midst o.
the last session Of Congress, by a painfu
dispensation of Divine Providence, to thu
responsible station | now hold, contenteC
myself with such communications to the
Legislature, as the exigencies Of the mo-
nent seemed to require. The country wa.
shrouded in mourning for the loss OF its ven.
Grated Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were
penetrated with grief Neither the time mol
occasion appeared to require or justify on
my part, any general expression of polti-
cal 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 unexpectedly called.
trust, therefore. that il may not he deem.
ell Inappropriate, it | avail myself of this
opportunity O! the re-assembling Of Con-
gress, to make known my sentiments, i'm a
general manner, IN regard to the policy
which ought to be pursued by the Govern
mcnt, both in its intercourse with foreign
nations, and the management and admins
uatisn of its internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in state Of ma.
ture, are equal and independent; possessing
certain rights, and owing certain duties to
oach other, arising from their necessary and
unavoidable relations; which rights and du-
ties there is no common human authority to
protect or enforce. Still, there are rights
and duties binding on nations in conscience
end in honor, although there is tribunal
to which an injured party can appeal-the
disinterested Judgment of mankind, and Ill
titnatcly the arbitrament of the sword; and
among the acknowledged rights of nations,
Is that which each possesses of establishing
that form of government which il may deem
most conducive to the happiness and pros
perity OF ITS citizens, changing the form as
circumstances may require, and Of manag-
ing its internal affairs according TO its own
will. The people of the United States
claim this right for themselves, and they
readily concede II to others. Hence it be-
comes an imperative duty not to interfere
I'm the government or internal policy of
other nations, and although we may sympa-
thize with the unfortunate or oppressed,
even when ia their struggle for freedom,
our principles forbid us from taking any
part in such foreign contests. But we make
no wars to promote or prevent SUGGESTIONS
10 thrones; TO maintain any theory of bal
ance OF power, or TO suppress the actual
government which every country chooses to
establish for ITSELF We instigate no revo-
buttons. nor suffer hostile military expedi-
lions to he fitted out in the United States to
invade the territory or provinces ola friend
ly nation.
The great law of morality ought to have
n national, as well as personal and indi-
vidua. application. We should act towards
4.
wards Us, and justice and conscience should
form rule of conduct between govern
nents, Instead of mere power, seIf-interest,
or the desire of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. To main
tain strict neutrality in foreign matters; to
cultivate friendly relations; TO reciprocate
every noble and generous sentiment; to per-
treaty obligations; these are the duties which
we owe TO other states, and by the perform
ance Of which, we best entitIe ourselves
to like treatment from them, or if in any
ease refused, we can enforce our own rights
with justice and clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution
wih be nay guide; and in questions Of doubt,
shall look for Interpretation to the Judicial
decisions of the tribunal which was estab-
ished to expound it, and to the usages of
the government, sanctioned by long expe-
renee. regard all its provisions as equal
y binding ia all its parts. Ii is the will Of
he people, expressed in the most solemn
,orm, and the constituted authorities are
,ut agents TO carry that will into effect.
Every power which il has granted, is to be
for the public good, but an hon.
,st conviction even Of what might be ex-
,ected, cannot justify the assumption of any
power not granted.
The powers conferred upon the govern !
nent, and their distribution to the several !
departments, are as clearly expressed in
hat instrument as the imperfectiOns of hui
nan language will allow; and deem it my !
irst duty not to question its wisdom, add to /
IS provisions, evade its requirements, or
lulify its commands. Upon you, my fell
6w-citizens, as the representatives Of the !
states and the people, is wisely devolved !
he Legislative power. | shall comply with |
luty in laying before you, from time to
ime, any information calculated to enable |
Iou to discharge your high and response
lie trusts for the benefit of your common
constituents.
My opinion will be frankly expressed |
Ipon the leading subjects Of legislation, and
{, what do not anticipate, any act should
'ass the two houses of Congress which |
hould appear TO me unconstitutional, or
ny eucroachment upon the just powers Of
ther departments, or with its provisions
hastily adopted, and likely to induce conse-
uences injurious and unforeseen, shall not
brink from the duty OF returning il to you,
With my reasons, for your further consider
ion.
Beyond the duty Of the performance of
he Constitutional obligation, both my re-
ard for the Legislature, and my sense of
'ropriety will restrain me from any attempt
0 control or influence your proceedings.
With you is the power, the honor, and the
Of the legislation of the coun-
~. The government Of the United States
$ iimited government. ], is confined to
he exercise Of powers expressly granted,
nd such others as may be necessary for
arrying those powers into effect, and it is,
{ all times, an especial duty to guard
gainst any infringements Of the just rights
f the States. Over the objects and sub
ects of Congress, its legislative power is
upreme; but here, thar authority ceases,
nd every citizen who truly loves the Con-
titution, and desires the continuance of its
xistence and its blessings, will resolutely
nd promptly resist any interference in
ilese domestic affairs which the Constitu-
ION has clearly and ,tniforn,Ix, leff 70 tho