The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-12-03
IN CONGRESS- OF THE U. STATES.
MONDAY. DECEMBER .. 1850.
sKNATE,

From Rhode Tland-Mr Clarke.
b ssId%.a aa and SS Seward
From Peansyipani ia Messrs Sturgeon and Cooper
Ftom Ds.yars Msssrs, Wales and sprnance
From MarWdnd. -Messrs Pratt and Pearce.
Fyom Virginia. -Messrs Mason and Hunter
From Norh Carolina; -Messrs. Mangum and Badger
From Gsorgia.- Mr. Berrisp.
From Tennessee Messrs Turney and Bell
From Ohic Messrs. Ewing and Chase
From Iadiana.--Mr. Whitcomb
From Illinois MIR. Shields
From Missouri-Mr. Benton
From Florida Mr. Morton
From !osca -Messrs Jones and Augustus c. Dodge
From Wisconsin -Messrs. Henry Dodge and Walker
Prayer was offered by Rev Mr. BUrLER, the Chaplain
Mr.. STURGEON moved the following resolution !;
which was adopted;
Rsorsd That the Secretary Senate be requested
70 inform the House of Representatives that quorum
the Senate are assembled, and are ready TO proceed 10
Mr.. DODGE, OF Iowa, submitted the following reso
lution which was considered and adopted:
"Rsovsd That each senator be supplied during the pres
ent session. with newspapers heretofore, exceeding
the cost Of four daily papers"
On motion,
Ordersd, That the daily hour of meeting Of the Senate
be at II o'clock meridian, until otherwise ordered"
message was then received from the House Of Repre-
senatves, per Richard NJ Young, their Clerk, informing
the SENATE that quorum of the House assembled
and We're ready for business.
uuI. DEhRlEN OHered a resolution that two members
OF the Senate with such the House OF Representatives
may join be appointed to wait upon the President Of The
United States, and inform him that quorum of both
houses were assembled and were ready 10 receive any
communication which he may have to make
was moved that they be appointed by the Chair !;
whsrsupon, Messrs BERRIEN and Dickinson APP
message was received from the House of Represent
atives announcing that Messrs. HHuARD Of Alabama,
Mcdowell of Virginia, and DuER of New York, were
appointed the pari of the House of Representatives. to
jointhe Senate committee TO wait on the President
Mr.. BERRlEN, from the committee appointed to wait
upon the President, reported that the committee had
tended 10 the duty assigned them, and informed by
the President that he would communicate to the two
Houses without delay.
AT 90 minutes before 2, a message was received from
the President of the United States which was read by
the Secretary, as follows
Fsliow- eitissas Of ne Ssnats
and Of The House of Representatives.:
Being suddenly called in the midst OF The last session
of Congress, by painful dspensatioH of Divine Provi
dence, TO the responsible station which | now hold,
contented myself with such Communications TO the Legs
aiure as he exigepcy Of the moment seemed to require
The country shrouded in mourning for the loss of
syenerated Chief Magistrate and all hearts pene
traied with grief Neither the time the occasion ap
peared to require or TO justify, my part any general
expression OF political opinions, any oil
the principles which would govern me in the discharge
OF the duties to the performance OF which had been
unexpectedly called trust therefore, that it may be
deemed inappropriate if avail myself OF this opporu
nifty Of the Ieassemblng Of Congress to make known
my sentiments, in general manner regard 10 the pol
ICY which ought TO be pursued by the government both
in it, intercourse with foreign nations and i'm its manage
megt and administration OF internal affairs
Nations like individuals in state Of nature are equal
and independent possessing certain rights, and owing
tain 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 rights and duties, binding in morals,
conscence, and in honor, although there tribunal to
which an injured party appeal but the dsineresed
the sword.
Among the acknowledged rights of nations is that
nj astah that If
eminent which ilmay deem most conducive 10 the happ
ness and prosperity OF its own citizens; OF changing thai
iO,sros aas1ra sssod;aa may s anu Oh rs
the United States claim this right for themselves and
they readily concede il 10 others Hence becomes
imperative duty not to interfere in the government in
tsrnal policy OF other nations; and, although we may
sympahize with the unfortunate the oppressed every
where N Their struggles Tor freedom our principles for.
We make wars 10 promote or TO prevent SUGGESTIONS
to thrones, maintain any theory OF balance Of power,
chooses TO establish for itself We nstgae no reyolu-
tons, suer any hostile military expeditions 10 be
hted out in the United States 10 invade the territory or
provinces OF friendly nation The great law Of morality
oughtto have national well personal and ndi.
vidua application We should towards other nations
rs wish them towards us and justice and con.
science should form the rule OF conduct between govern
menis instead OF mere power Interest or the desire
OF agerandizement- To maintain strict neutrality in
foreign wars 10 cultivate friendly relations, 10 recpro
every noble and generous act and perform punct-
ally and scrupuously every treaty oblgationhese
the duties which 10 other States and by the
torrance OF which best entte ourselves like treat
ment from them; IL that in any be refused we
enforce rights with justice and clear
science
10 our domestic policy the constitution will be my
guide and in questions Of doubt shall look for is in.
depreciation 10 the judicial decisions OF that tribunal
OF the government sanctioned BY the acquiescence OF the
country. regard all its provisions equally binding.
In all parts il is the will OF the people, expressed
the most solemn FORM and the constituted authorities
bat agents TO carry that viii into effect Every power
which has granted is TO be exercised for the public
good but no pretence Of utility, no honest conviction
even oil what might be expedient justify the assump
ton OF any power not granted. The powers coniened
upon the government and their distribution 10 the several
departments are as clearly expressed in that sacred nstru
ment ~ the Imperfecton OF human language will allow
and deem IL my first duty To question lis wisdom
add to its provisions, evade its requirements or nullfy
III comm ands.
Upon YOU fellow citizens the Representatives of the
power shall comply with my duty in laying before
you from time TO time any information calculated 70 ena
BILE you discharge your high and responsible trust for
the benefit OF our common constituents
My opinions will be frankly expressed upon the
Leading subjects OF legislation; and (Which DO not an
uep.e) any act should pass the two houses OF Congress
wncn should appear TO me unconstitutional, or an en-
cfoschmen on the Just powers OF other departments
with provisions hastily adopted and likely 10 produce
consequences injurious and unforeseen, should not
sbnnk from the duty OF returning Il you with my
sons, Tor Your further consideration Beyond the due
performance oil these constitutional obligations both my
respec Tor the legislature and my Of propriey will
RESTRAIN me ron any aep, TO control Influence your