The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1850-12-11
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. I'd, 1850.
Fellor CUizens Of the Senate
and House of RpDrpspnfnf;rps

Fello,c Cuizens of the Senate
and House Of Representatives.
Being suddenly called. in The midst ol
the last session Of Congress, by a painful
di.peusa,iou Of Divine Providence, to the
responsible station | now hold, content.
ed myself with such communications 10 the
legislature rs the exgency Of the moment
seems to require. The country was
sbrouded 10 mourning for the loss Of its
yenera.ed Chief Magistrate aud all hearts
we're penetrated with grief; and neither
time nor occasion appeared to require or
Justify, on my part, any general expression
Of political opinions, or any announcemen,
Of the principles which would govern me
in the discharge ofihe duties to the pertor-
nance Of which had been SO unexpectedly
called. trust therefore, that it may
not be deemed inappropriate. il avail my
self of this opportunity Of the re-assembling
of Congress to mike known my sentiments
in general maaner, in relation 10 the
policy which ought to be pursued BY tho
Government both in its intercourse with
foreign aations and its management and
0OIDIlllStI6kbOu VI VlCbuut
Nations, like individuals, in a state Of
nature are equal and independent, posses
sing certain rights and owing certain duties
TO each other, arising from their necessary
aud unavoidable relations, which rights and
duties there is 40 human authority can
protect and enforce. Still, there 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 disintercsted judgment Of mankind, and
ultimately the arbitration Of the sword.
Among the acknowledged rights Of nations
lis that which each possesses, Of establish
Eing that form of Government, which il may
deem most conducive to the happiness, and
prosperity Of its citizens, changing ihs,
form ss circumstances may require, and
managing its internal affairs according to
Its will The people of the United States,
claim this right Zoe themselves, and they
readily coacede IL TO others. Hence il be-
comes an imperative duty, not to interfere
ia the Government or internal policy Of
pther nations, aud although, we may sympa-
khise with tho unfortunaie or oppressed
every where in their struggles fer freedom,
bur principles forbid us from taking any
hart ia such fnseign contests. But we
make no wars 10 promote or prevent
kuccessions TO thrones, to maintain any
sheory ot balaace Of power, as to sup
press the actual government, which any
Country chooses to establish for itself.
tye ins,igate no revolution, nor suffer any
hostile military expeditions to be fitted out
in the u. S. to invade tho territory, or
PROVINCES, of friendly netion. The great
Jaw Of morality ought TO be a national az
well as personal or individual application.
Ne should act towards other nations as We
mish them to act towards us, and Justice
bud confidence should be the rule Of con-
duct between Governments instead ofmere
,wer, self interest or the desire Of aggran
Element. To maintain a strict neutrali.
IS in foreign wars, TO cultivate friendly
Fela,ons, to reeiprocate every noble and
generous act, to perform punctuai'y and
Icrupulously every treaty obligation n-thesc
ire the duties which we owe to other
States, aud by the performance Of which
ve best entitic ourselves to like treatment
rom them; or if in any case, they refuse,
pc can enforce our rights with justice and
clear conscience.
Ia our domestic policy the Constitution
pill be my guide, and in Questions of doubt
a expediency shall look for its inter
rotation to the judicial decisions Of the
ribunai which was established to eSround
| aud to the ussges Of the government
nnc,ioned by loag acquiescence. regard
II its provisions as equally binding in all
Is parts. 1, is the will Of the people ex-
ressed in the most solemn form, and the
pnsli,u,ed authorities are but agents to
AIRY il,at will into effect. Every power
shich il has granted is to be exercised for
he public good, but no honest conviction,
wen Of what might be expedient, can JUS
III the assumption Of any power not grant
d The powers conferred upon the gov
rnment aud their distribution 10 the sew
ral Departments, are as freely expressed
,ha, instrument as the imperfsctions Of
un,aa language will allow, and ! deem il
BY first duty not to question its wisdom,
dd 10 it's provisions, evade its requirements
nulfy its commands.
Upon you, my fellow citizens, rs the
representatives of the States and the peo.
e, is wisely devolved the legislative pow
shall comply with my duty in laying
elore you from time TO time, any informa-
lon calculated TO enable you to discharge
Our high and responsible trusts for the
enefi, Of your common constituents. My
pinons will he frankly expressed upon
be lending subjects Of legislation; and i,
ha, T do no, anticipate, any act should
ass the two Houses of Congress which ap-
ears TO me unconstitutional, or an en-
roachment upon the just powers Of the
her DEPARTMENTS, or with provisions has
ly adopted and likely to induce consc.
uenccs injurious and unforeseen, shall
o shrink from the duty Of returning il to