Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-12-11
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

Felo,o citizens fe Senate s. House Of Representatives.
Being suddenly called, in the midst oflhe last ses-
sion of Congress, by painful dspensalion of Divine
Providence, to The responsible station which now
hold, coniented myself with such communications
10 the Legislature as the exigency of the moment
seemed to require The country was shrouded in
mourning for The loss of lis venerated Chief Magis-
tiate and all hearts were penetrated with grief. Mel
Their the time nor the occasion appeared to require
justify, on my part, any general expression of pot
ical opinions, any announcement Of the principles
which would govern me in the discharge of the dn-
ties to the performance of which had been so unex-
pectedly called. trust, therefore, that it may not
be deemed inappropriate, if avail myself Of this OPP
porlunity Of the re-assembng Of Congress 10 make
known my sentiments, in general manner, in regard
10 the policy which ought TO be pursued by the Gov
ernment both in its intercourse with foreign nations,
and in its management and administration Of internal
affairs.
Nations, like individuals in a state Of nature, are
equal and independent, possessing certain rights and
owing certain duties to each other, arising from their
necessary and unavoidable relations; which rights
and duties there is no common human authority 10
protect and enforce. Still they are rights and duties,
binding IN morals, in conscience, and in honor, al
though there is tribunal to which an injured party
appeal but the disnteres;ed judgment Of mankind,
and ultimately the arbirameut 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 lis own citizens; OF
changing that form, as circumstances may require
and OF managing lis internal affairs according 10 lis
own will. The people fthe United States claim this
right for themselves, and they readily concede il to
others Hence it becomes an imperative duty not TO
interfere in the government or internal pocy OF DINER
nations and, although we may sympalhlze win The
unfortunate or the oppressed, every where III their
struggles for freedom, principles forbid us from
taking any part in such foreign contests. We make
no wars to promote or 10 prevent SUGGESTIONS TO
thrones 10 maintain any theory of balance ofpow-
er or 10 suppress the actual government which any
country chooses to establish for itself We instgate
no resolutions nor suffer any hostile military expe-
dilions to be fitted out in the United States 10 invade
the territory or provinces 81 friendly na!lon. The
great law of morality ought TO have nailona as
well as personal and individual application. We
should act towards other nations as we wish them 10
act towards us and justice and conscience should
form The rule Of conduct between governments, in
stead Of mere power, selllnterest or tie desire otag
prandizement. To maintain a strict neutrality in for
egn wars 10 cultivate friendly relation, TO reclprocate
every noble and generous act, ana 20 perform pnhc-
tualy and scrupulously every treaty obligation
these are the duties which owe 10 other States,
and by the performance of which we best enie our
selves to like treatment from them; or that, in any
case. be refused, we can enforce our own rights with
Justice and clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution will DC
my guide and in questions Of doubt, shall look
for its Interpretation 10 the Judicial decisions of that
tribunal which was established TO expound it, and
TO the usage Of the Government, sanctioned by the
acqaiescence of the country. regard all It's provis
ions as equally binding. In all its parts 1t is the will
of the people, expressed in the most solemn FORM and
the constituted authorities, are but agents TO carry
that will into effect. Every power which ii has grant
ed is to be exercised for the public good bun pre-
tence Of utility no honest conviction, even of what
might oe expedisn,, can justify the assumption ofany