Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1850-12-05
PRESIDENTS
MESS SAGE.
Fello,0 Citizens ofthe Senate
and House of ReDyesentati,

OctuS SuuUcnIy C0HeO, III me mlOSt OF
the last session Of Congress, by painful
Of Divine Providence TO the
station which now hold,
consented myself with such communca.
lions TO the Legislature as the exigency
OF the government seemed TO require
The country was shrouded in mourning
for the loss Of its venerated Chief Nagis-
ira:e. and all hearts were penetrated with
grief:
Neither the time nor the occasion ap-
peared 10 require or 10 Justify. on my part,
any general expression Of political opin-
ions, or any announcement Of the prin-
ciples which would govern me in the dis
charge Of the duties, to the performance
Of which, had been unexpectedly called.
] trust therefore, that il may not be deem
ed inappropriate, if | avail myself of this
opportunity Of re-assembling Of Congress,
to make known my sentiments, in gene
raj manner in regard to the policy which
ought to be pursued by the Government,
both with its intercourse with foreign ma
tons. and its management and admins
trstion Of internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in a state Of
Nature, are equal and independent. pos
sessing certain rights, and owing certain
duties to each other, arising from their
necessary and unavoidable relations !;
which rights and duties there is no COM
mon human authority to protect and en-
force. Still, they arc rights and duties
binding in morals. in conscience. and in
honor. although there is no tribunal 70
which an injured party can appeal. bu,
tho disinterested judgment Of mankind.
and ultimately the arbitrament Of the
Sword.
Among the acknowledged rights Of ma
tons is that which each possess, Of estab-
fishing that form Of Government which it
may deem most conducive 10 the happi-
ness and prosperity Of its own citizens;
Of changing that form, as circumstances
may require; and Of managing its inter-
nal affairs according to its own will.
The people Of the United States claim
This right for themselves. and they readily
concedc il to others. Hence it becomes
On imperative duty not to interfere in the
Government. or internal policy Of other
nations {; and although we may sympa-
thizo with the unfortunate or the oppres-
sed everywhere in their struggles for free
dom, our principles forbid us from taking
any part in such foreign contests. We
make no wars to promote or to prevent
SUGGESTIONS to thrones F.; to maintain any
theory o: the balance Of power; or to
suppress the actual Government which
any country chooses TO establish for itself
We instigate no revolutions, nor suffer
any hostile military expeditions to be fitted
out in the United States to invade the Ter
Yitory or provinces Of friendly nation -
tn, great law Of nor Atty ought to have
al al tn,e
vidual apple alton.
We should act towards other nations as
We wish them Ia act towards us; and JUS
tice and conscience should form the rule
Of conduct between Governments, inste adj
Of mere power. seliinteresi. or the desire
Of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. To maintain a strict
neutrality in Foreign Wars, cultivate
friendly relations. to reciprocate every no.
bic and generous act. and to perform pune
tually and scrupulously every Treaty obi
CATION these are the duties which we
owe to other States. and by the perform
ance Of which we best entitle ourselves to
like treatment from them or if that in
any case be refused, we can enforce our
own rights with justice and clear con-
science.
In our domestic policy. the constitution
will be my guide; and in questions Of
doubt, shall look for its Interpretation to
the judicial decisions Of that tribunal
which was established to expound it. and
to the usage Of the government. sanction
cd by the acquiescence of the country.
regard all its provisions as equally bind
ing. In all its parts it IS the VIII Of the
people expressed in the most solemn form.
and tho constituted authorities are but
agents to carry that will into effect. Eve
~ power which it has granted. is 10 be
exercised for the public good; bur no pre-
tencc Of utility, no honest conviction, even.
Of what might be expected. can Justify the
assumption OF any power not granted
The powers conferred upon the govern
ment and their distribution to the several
departments are as clearly expressed in
that instrument. as the impertecton Of hu
man language will allow; and deem j,
my first duty, not to question its wisdom.
add to its provisions. evade its require
ments or nullify its commands.
Upon you. fellow-citlzens. as Represen-
tativcs of the States and the people. is
wisely devolved the Legislative power. |
shall comply with my duty. in laying be-
fore you. from time to time. any informa-
ton calculated TO enable you to discharge
your high and responsible trust, for the
benefit Of our common constituents
Ny opinions will be frankly expressed
upon the leading subjects of Legislation
and IL. which do not anticipate. anv acts
should pass the two Houses Of Congress.
which should appear 10 me demonstrations
sl. or an encroachment on the jus, pow
ers Of other departments. or with provis-
ions hastily adopted. and likely to produce
injurious and unforeseen. |
should not shrink from the duty of return
ing it to you with my reasons. for your
further consideration. Beyond the due
performance Of these constitutional obi
CATIONS, both my respect for the legisla-
ture, and my sense OF propriety. will re-
strain mo from any attempt 10 control or
influence your proceedings. With you is
1 IL =