New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1850-12-03
PUBLIC DOCUMENTS.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
REPORT OF THE POSTuAsTRR-GESEgAL.
REPORT Of THE SECRETARY Of THE INTERIOR.
REPORT OF THB SECRETARY OF VyAR
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Ftllotc- Citizens of the Senate,
and of the House of Repres

Divine Providence, % the responsible ssatio@
which now hold, coltentcd myself with suoh
communications to the Legislature as the exigea
cy of the moment seemed to require. The coaa-
try was shrouded in mourning for the LOGS Of ita
venerated Chief Magistrate and all hearts wero
penetrated with grief. Neither the time nor the
occasion appeared to require or TO justify, on my
part any general expression OF political opinions.
or any announcement Of the principles whics
would govern ME In the discharge OF the duties to
the performance Of which had been so unexpeo
teddy called. | trust, therefore, that II may not
be deemed inappropriate, IT avail myself OF this
opportunity OF the reassembling of Congress 70
make known my sentiments, IN general man
ner, in regard TO toe policy which ought to be par
sued by the Government. both in it's intercoursa
with foreign nations, and in is management aad
administration of internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in a state of nature. arc
equal and independent, possessing certain rights.
and owing certain duties 70 each other, arisng
from their necessary and unavoidable relations;
which rights and duties there is no common humaa
authority TO protect and 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 disia-
terested Judgment of mankind, and ultimately tho
arbitrament Of the sword.
Among the acknowledged rights Of nations Ia
that, which each possesses of establishing that
form Of government which it may deem most Goa
duclve to the happiness and prosperity OF its OWE
citizens; of changing that form, circumstances
may require; and OF managing it's internal affairs
according to its own Will The people Of the Uni
ted States claim this right for themselves and
they readily concede to it others. Hence il be.
comes an imperative duty not to Interfere In tho
government or internal policy OF other natlona;
and although may sympathse with the un-
fortunate the oppressed everywhere in theSr
struggles for freedom, our principles forbid US
from taking any part in such foreign contests
We make no wars to promote or to prevent
SUGGESTIONS 20 thrones; to maintain any theory OF
a balance of power; or to suppress the actual
government which any country chooses to estab-
sh for itself We instigate no revolutions. nor
suffer 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 national, az well as
personal and individual applications We should
act toward other nations as we wish them to act
toward US and justice and conscience should
form the rule OF conduct between Governments,
instead of mere power, selEinterest, or the desire
of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
To maintain strict neutrality in foreign wars.
to cultivate friendly relations to procate every
noble and generous act, and to perform pGnotuany
and scrupulously every treaty obligation-theHe
are the duties which we owe to other States, and
by the performance OF which we best ensltle our
selves to like treatment from them; or If that, In
any case be refused, we can enforce our own
In our domestic policy the Constitution will ba
my guide; and in questions of doubt shall look
for its Interpretation to the Judicial decisions o.
that tribunal which established to eKpound
it, and to the usage of the Government, sane
toned by the acquiescence OF the country. re-.
gard all its provisions as equally binding. In all
its parts it is the will Of the people, expressed in
the most solemn form, and the constituted au-
thorties are but agents to carry that will into ef-
feet.
- ,ot h,,n
ercised 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 conferred upon
the Government and their distribution TO the SOW
eral departments are as clearly expressed in that
sacred instrument as the mperection OF human
language will allow and deem it my first duty.
not to question it's wisdom add to its provisions,
evade its requirements, or nullify it's commands.
Upon you, fellow. citizens, as the representa-
tives of the States and the people, Is wisely dc.
volved the legislative power. I shall comply with
my duty, in laying before you, from time to time,
any information calculated to enable you to dia-
charge your high and responsible trust, for the bea
eft Of our common constituents
My opinion will be frankly expressed upon the
leading subjects Of Legislation; and it, which do
not anticipate any act should pass the two Hou-
ses OF Congress which should appear to me uncon-
sttutional or an encroachment on the just pow
ers of other departments, with provisions has
tily adopted, and likely to produce consequences
injurious and unforeseen, should rot shrink from
the duty of returning it to you, with my reasons,
for your further consideration.
Beyond the due performance OF these c0nstitu
tional obligations both my respect for the legiSa-
ture and my aense of propriety will restrain me
from any attempt to control or influence your pro
ceedngs. With you is the power, the honor, and
the responsibility Of the legislation ofthe country
The Government of the United States liz q limit
ed Government. 1t is confined to the exercise o.
powers expressly granted, and such others as may
be necessary for carrying those powers into et-
feet and it as at all times an especial duty 70
guard against any infringement on the just rights
of the States Over the objects and subjects in
trusted to Congress, its legislative authority "a
supreme But here that authority ceases, and
every citizen who truly loves the Constitution.
and desires the continuance Of it's existence and
it's blessings will resolutely and firmly resist any
Interference in those domestic affairs which the
Constitution has clearly and unequiyocaly lett 70
the exclusive authority of the States.
And every such citizen will also deprecate use
less irritation among the several members OF tao
Union and all reproach and elimination tending to
ALLEVIATE one portion Of the country from another.
The beauty Of our system of Government consissas
and it's safety and durability must consist, In
avoiding mutual collisions, and encroachmentS,
and in the regular separate action OF all, wbila
each il revolving In it's OWE diatinct orbit.
The Constitution has made it the duty OF the
President to take care that the laws be faithfully
executed In Government like ours in whioh
all laws are passed by majority of the represent
tatiyes Of the people, and these representatives.
are chosen for such short periods, that any injur
ious or obnoxious law can very soon be repealed
it would appear unlikely that any great numbera
should be found ready to resist the execution OF
the laws.
But it must be borne in mind that the country
is extensive, that there may be local interests or
preudices rendering law odious in one part
less and inconsiderate rnisled by their passions.
or their imaginations, may by induced madiy to
resist such laws as they disapprove. ....or.
Such persons should recollect that w't .hst
law there can be no real practical liberty r snss
when law is tramped under foot 'yFan ssyv Fa des
whether it appears in the form T 81 law is the only
POLISH nrotectEoa Of the weak and the only s,cl
sure P.astrsinr unon the strong. When lmParha