Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1850-12-12
MESSAGE OF THE PRECEDENT.


session Of Congress, by . painful dispensation Of
divine Providence, to the responsible station
now hold, contented myself with such comnuni-
cations to the legislature as the urgency Of the
moment seemed to require. The country was
shrouded in mourning for the loss Of its venerated
Chief Magistrate, ana all parts were penetrated
with grief. Neither the time nor the occasion ap-
peared to require justify on my part any general
expression Of political opinions, or any announce
ment Of the principles which would govern me in
the discharge Of the duties to the performance of
which had been 50 unexpectedly called. trust,
therefore, that it may not be deemed inappropriate
II avail myself of this opportunity Of the re-as-
sembling Of Congress, to make known my sent,-
ments, in general manner, in regard to the policy
which ough, to be purs ued By the government, both
in its Intercourse with foreign nations and its
agement and administration Of internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in q state Of nature. are
equal and independent, possessing certain lights
aud owing certain duties to each other, arising
from their necessary and unavoidable relations,
which rights and duties there is no common hu
man authority to project and enforce. Still there
are rights and duties binding in morals, in con-
science and in honor, although there is tribunal
to which an injured party can appeal, but the dis
interested judgment q mankind, and ultimately to
the nrbitrament OF ths sword. And among the
acknowledged rights OF nations is that which each
possesses of establishing that form Of government
which it may deem most conductive to the happi-
ness and prosperity Of its citizens, changing that
form as circumstances may require. and Of manag-
ing its internal affairs according to its will The
people of the United States claim this right for
themselves, and they readily concede il to others.
Hence It becomes an imperative duty not to inter
fere in the government or international policy Of
other nations; and although may sympathize
with the unfortunate or oppressed, everywh here. in
their struggles Cor freedom, our principles forbid
us from taking part in such foreign contests. But
we make no wars To promote or prevent success
sion to thrones. tn maintain any theory of a bal
ance Of power, or to suppress the actual govern
ment which any country chooses to establish for
itself. We instgate no revolutions. suffer any
hostile military expeditions to be fitted ont in the
United States to invade the territory provinces
Of frienu lily nation. The great law Of morality
ought to have national as we'll as a personal or
Individual application. We would act towards
other nations as we should wish them to act to-
wards us, and justice and conscience should form
the rule Of conduct between governments instead
Of mere power, sef.interest or the desire OF az
grandisement. and it is therefore duty to main
tain strict neutrality in foreign wars to cultivate
friendly relations, to reciprocate every noble and
generous act, to perform punctually and scrupu-
lousy every treaty obligation. These are the du-
ties which we owe 10 other States, aud ty the per
Torrance Of which We best entitle ourselves to
like treatment from them; or if,hat in any be
refused we can enforce Our own rights with JUS
tice 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 tribunal which
was established to exp"und it; and to the usages
OF the government, sanctioned by long acquies-
cence. Iregard all its provisions as equally bind
ing in all its parts. II is the will of the people,
expressed in the most solemn form, and the con-
stiute authorities but agents to carry that will
into effect. Every power which il has granted is
to be exercised for the public good, but no honest
convicti"n even Of what might be expedient. can
justify the assumption OF any power not granted.
The powers conferred upon the government and
their distribution to the several depa tmen are
perfection of human language will allow; and
deem il my first duty, NOT to question its wisdom,
add to its provisions, evade its requirements, or
nullify its commands.
Upon you. my fellow citizens, as the representa-
tyes OF the States and people, is wisely dev ovcd
the egisatSe power. I shall comply with my du-
ty in laying before you from time to time, any in
formation calculated TO enable yon to discharge
your high and responsible trust for the benefit If
your common constituency. My opinions will be
frankly expressed on the leading subjects OF legis-
la,ioh, and If, what do not anticipate, any act
should pass the two Houses Of Congress which
should appear to me Unconstitutional or an
croachment upon the just powers Of the other de-
partments, or with provisions hastily adopted and
likely to induce consequences injurious and un-
foresesn. I shall not shrink from the duty OF re-
turning ii to you with my reasons. for your fur.
Their consideration.
Beyond the duty Of performance Of these ob.i-
cations, both my respect for the legislature and my
sense OF proariety, will restrain me from any at
tempt tn sont,ui o1 inAseace your proceedings.
With you is the power the honor and responsible.
~ Of the Legislation OF the country.
The United States government Is a limited gov
eminent. II is confined to the exercise Of powers
expressly granted, and such others as may be nee
essary for carrying these powers into effect. And
It is at all times an especial duty 20 guard against
any infringement on the Just rights Of the States,
over the objects and subjects Of Congress. Its
authority is supreme, bu, here that au-
thority ceases, AMI every citizen who truly loves
hs constitution. AMI desires the continuance Gifts
existence anil its blessings, will resolutcly and
Jointly resist any interference in those domestic
all airs, which the constitution has clearly AMI
equiv0cally left to the exclusive authority Of the
States, ami every such citizen will also deprccate
useless irritation among the several members OF
The Union and all reproach and alton tending
10 ALLEVIATE one portion ofthe country from anoth
er.
The beauty Of our system of government con-
sisss, and its safety AMI durability must consist
welding mutual collisions and Entertainments, and
N The regular separate action OF all, while each is
revolving in its distinct orbit. The Constitu-
ion has made it the duty Of the President to take
are that the laws be faithfully executed. In a
government like ours, in which all laws are passed
~ majority of the representatives OF the people.
md the repr" scnta;ives are chosen tor such short
periods, that any INJURIOUS or obnoxious law can
'ery soon be repealed, it would appear unlikely
hat any great numbers should be found ready tn
esist the execution Of the law; hut II must be
orne in mind that the country is extensive; that
here may be local interests or prejudices, render
ng law odous in one part which is not so in |
mother and tn II the thoughtess and nconsiderate,
nisled by their passions or their imaginati"ns, |
nay he induced madiy to resist such laws as they
isapprove.
Such persons should recoliect that without law |
here can he no real practica, hherty--that when
aw is trampled under foot, tyranny iu,es-whe- !
her it appears In the form of military drspotism
II Of popular violence. The law is the only sure
protection nf the weak, and the only efficient
trant on the strong. When mpa'tiaiiy and faith
ully administered none are beneath its protection
nd none above its control. You, gentlemen, and !
he country may he assured that to the utmost OF
ny ability, and the extent Of the power vested in
ne, shall at all times, and in all places, take
hat the laws be faithfully executed. In the dis
barge OF this duty, solemny imposed on me by the
constitution and my oath Of office, shall shrink
rom responsibility, aud shall endcavor to meet
vents as they may arise with hrmness, as well as
With prudence and discretion.
The appointing power is one Of the most delicate
With which the Executive is invested. regard il |
sacred trust to he exercised with the sole view
u advancing the prosperity and happiness of the
eople. 1t shall be my effort to raise the standard
official employment hy selecting for places Of inn
ortance individuals fitted Cor posts to which they
re assigned by their known integrity, talents and
irtue. In so extensive a country, with so great
oPulation, and where few persons appointed to Of
&c can he known to the appointing power, mis-
lkes will sonnet mes Onavodahly happen and I'M
appointments he m ,de Notwithstanding
he creates! care. In such cases the power Of re-
soval may he properly exercised, and neglect of
uty or malfeassnce in Office will more be toer-
ted in individuals appointed by myself than in
hose appointed by Others.
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