Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1850-12-11
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Fell0tU- citizens of the Senate,

"''~ " Ne AOuSe " Representatives:
Being suddenly called, in the midst of the last
session of Congress, by painful dispensation of
Divine Providence, to the responsible station which
now hold, contented myself with such commu-
nicatons to the Legislature the exigency of the
moment seemed to require. The country was
shrouded in mourning for the loss of it's venerated
Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were penetrated
with grief. Neither the time nor the occasion an
peared to require or to justify, on my part, any
general expression of political opinions or any an
nouncement of the principles which would govern
me In the discharge of the duties to the per-
romance OF which had been so UNEXPECTEDLY
called trust, therefore, that it may not be deem
ed inappropriate, if avail myself of this opportu
nifty OF the REL assembling of Congress to make
known my sentiments, in general manner, in
regard to the policy which ought to be pursued by
the Government, both in it's intercourse with for
eign nations, and in it's management and admins
tration 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 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 appeal but the disinte-
rested judgment of mankind, and ultimately the
arbitrament 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 its citizens;
of changing that form, circumstances may re-
quire; and OF managing lis internal affairs accord
ing to its own will. The people of the United
States claim this right for themselves, and they
readily concede it to others Hence it becomes an
imperative duty not to interfere in the
internal policy of other nations; and, although
we may sympathize with the unfortunate or the
oppressed, every where, 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; to
maintain any theory of balance of power; or to
suppress the actual government which any country
chooses to establish for ITSELF We instigate no re-
volutions, nor suffer any hostile military expedi-
tons 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,
as well as a personal and individual, application.
We should act towards other nations as we
wish them to act towards us; and justice and con-
science should form the rule of conduct between
governments, instead of mere power, self interest,
or the desire of aggrandizement. To maintain a
strict neutrality in foreign wars, to cultivate friend
ly relations, to recprocate every noble and gene
rous act, and to perform punctually and scrupu-
lously every treaty oblgation-these the duties
WI To 9TH tafa NV N
of which best entitle ourselves to like
treatment from them or if that in any case, be re-
fused, we can enforce our own rights with justice
and clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution will be
my guide; and in questions of doubt, l shall look
for its Interpretation to the judicial decisions of that
tribunal, which established to expound it, and
to the usage of the Government, sanctioned by the
acquiescence of the country. Iregard all its pro-
visions equally binding. In all its parts it 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 it has granted is to be exercised for the pub
lie good but no pretence of utility, honest con-
vlction, even of what might be expeGient, can JUS
thy the assumption of any power not granted
The powers conferred upon the Government and
their distribution to the several departments as
clearly expressed in that sacred instrument as the
imperfection of human language will allow; and
deem it my first duty, not to question its wisdom,
add to its provisions, evade its requirements, or
nullify its commands
Upon you, citizens, as the representatives
OF the States and the people, is wisely devoved the
Legislative power. shall comply with my duty, in
1ox,i haro
ton calculated to enable you to 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 if, which do
not anticipate, any act should pass the two Houses
OF Congress which should appear to me unconsti-
tutlona, or an encroachment on the just powers of
other departments, or with provisions hastily
adopted, and likely to produce consequences inju-
rious and unforeseen, should not shrink from the
duty OF returning it to you, with my reasons, for
your further consideration. Beyond the due per-
torrance OF these constitutional obligations both
my respect for the legislature and my sense of pro-
priety will restrain me from any attempt to con-
troll or influence your proceedings. With you is
thepower, the honor, and the responsibility of the
legislation of the country.
The Government Of the United States is limited
Government. is confined to the exercise of DOW
ers expressly granted, and such others as may be
necessary for carrying those powers into effect and
Is at all times an especial duty to guard against
any infringement on the just rights of the States
Over the objects and subjects intrusted to Con-
gress, its legislative authority is supreme. But
mere that authority ceases, and every citizen who
truly loves the Constitution, and desires the con-
tnuance of its existence and its blessings will reso
lutely and firmly resist any interference in those
domestic affairs, which the Constitution has clearly
and unequvocally left to the exclusive authority of