Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-12-03
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Fellono citizens ofthe Senate,

Beng suddenly called, in the midst of the last
session of Congress, by painful dispensation of
Divine Providence, to the responsible station
which now hold, contented myself with such
communications TO the Legislature as the exigen.
cy of the moment seemed TO require. This coun-
try was shrouded in mourning for The loss of its
venerated Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were
penetrated with grief. Neither the sine nor the
occasion appeared 10 require Justify, on nv
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 un-
expectedly called. trust, therefore, that it NAV
not be deemed inappropriate, if a, all myself of
this opportunity OF the re-assembling Of Con"
gress to make known my sentiments ia gene
raj manner, in regard to the policy which ought
to be pursued by the Government, both in ITS in
tercourse with foreign nations. and in its man.
agement and administration of internal affairs
Nations, like individuals in a state OF nature.
equal and independent possessing certain
rights, and owing certain duties 10 each other.
arising from their necessary and unavoidable re-
lations; which rights and duties there is no COM
mon human authority to protect and enforce
Still, they are rights and duties, binding in NOR
ais, In conscience, and in honor, although there
is no tribunal to which an I'M ured party can ap.
peal but the disinterested judgment of mankind,
and ultimately tie arbtrament 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 circum.
stances may require; and of managing its internal
affairs according to its own will The people OF
the United States claim this right for themselves
and they readily concede it to others. Hence
n INN tivo dufvy,
the government or internal policy of other ma
tons; and although we may sympathize with the
unfortunate or the oppressed, every where in
their struggles for freedom, our principles forbid
ss from taking any part in such foreign contests
We make no wars to promote or to prevent sue
cesslons to thrones; to maintain any theory of
balance of power; or to suppress the actual gov.
eminent which any country chooses to establish
for itself. We instigate no revolutions nor suf-
fer any hostile military expeditions 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 a national as well as
personal and individual application We
should act towards other nations as we wish
them TO act towards us; and Justice and con
science should form the rule of conduct between
nm governments, instead OF mere power, self int
Qrthe desire of aggrandiZement To MAIN
xFsAt neutrality in foreign wars, to cult
sndly relations, to reciprocate every noble
oos act. and tosperform punctuaIly and
@ S sly every treaty obligation--these are
MsaA whichswe owe to other States; and u
NS ace of which we best entitled sout-
eatment from them; or If that, ID
sed. we can enforce our own
sss ss ss u and a clear eaIsciehGs.
s oar dosiTstlc policy the Constitution will
N my guide; and in Questions of doubt shr "
ok Tor IFS Interpretation 10 the judicial decisiop
3. that tribunal, WHICH was established to ex
ound land TO the &saee of the Government,
sk by The acquiascence of the country
N atssprovsions as equally binding In
as 8pdfts'lt is the will of the people; expressed
aEin the most solemn form, and the constituted au-
thortes, are but agents to carry that will into eff
feet. Every power which it has granted is to be
exercised for the public good; but no pretence of
utility. no honest conviction, even, of what
might be expedent, can Justify the assumption
of any power not granted. The powers confer
red upon the Government and their distribution
to the several Departments, as clearly ex-
pressed in that sacred instrument as the imper-
lection OF human language will allow and 1
deem it my first duty, not to question its wisdom,
add to its provisions, evade its requirements. or
nullify it's commands.
Upon you, fellow citizens, as the representa-.
tlves OF the States and the people, is wisely de.
volved the legislative power. I shall comply with
my duty, in laying before you, from time to time,
any information calculated 10 enable you to dis
charge your high and responsible trust. for the
benefit OF our common constituents.
My opinions will be frankly expressed upon
the leading subjects of legslation; and if, which
do not anticipate, any act should pass the two
Houses of Congress which should appear to me
unconstitutional, or an encroachment on the lust
powers OF other Departments, or with provisions
hastily adopted, and likely TO produce conss~
quences in urious and unforeseen, l should not
shrnk from the duty of returning it TO you, with
my reasons, for your further consideration. Be.
You'd the due performance of these constitution
al obligations, both my respect for the legisla-
ture and my sense of propriety 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 lin
lted Government. 1t is confined to the exercise
of powers expressly granted, and such others az
may be necessary for carrying those;powers into
effect; and it is at all times especial duty 10
guard against an infringement on the Just rights
of the States. Over the objects and subject in.
trusted to Congress. its legislative authority is
supreme But here that authority ceases, and
every citizen who truly loves the Constt ution.
and desires the continuance of it's existence and
Its blessings, will Iesolutey and firmly resist any
interference in those domestic affairs, which the
Constitution has clearly and unequivocally left
TO the exclusive authority of the States. And
every such citizen will also deprecate useless
irritation among the several members of the
Union. and all reproach and elimination tending
TO ALLEVIATE one portion of the country from an
other. The beauty of our system of Govern
ment consists. and its safety and durability
must consist, in avoiding mutual collisions, and
encroachments, and in The regular separate &C
ton of all, while each is revolving in its own
distinct orbit.
The Constitution has made it the duty of the
President to take care that the laws be faithful
ly executed. In Government like ours, in
which all laws are passed by majority of the
representatives of the people, and these repre-
sentatives are chosen for such short periods that
any injurious or obnoxious law can very soon
be repealed, it would appear unlikely that any