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

Government and their distribution TO the several de-
partments, as clearly expressed In that sacred in
slrument as the imperection of human language will
allow; aud deem it my first duty, not TO question
lis wisdom, add to its provisions evade its require
menls, nullify its commands
Upon you, fellow citizens, as the representatives of
the States and the people, is wisely devolved the leg
isative power shall comply with my duty, In lay
inc before you, from time TO time, any information
calculated to enable you 10 discharge your high and
responsible trust for the benefit of our common con-
| slituents.
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 shouldappear TO me unconstltuiion-
al, or an encroachment on the just powers of other
departments, or with provisions hastily adopted, and
! likely to produce consequences injurious and uniore
seen, should not shrink from the duty Of returning
it 10 you, with my reasons, for your further consid
Grafton. Beyond the due performance of these con-
slilulonal obligations, both my respect for tie legis
ature and my sense of propriety will restrain me
from any attempt 10 control or influence your pro-
ceetings With you is the power, the honor and the
responsibility Of the legislation of the country.
The Government of the United States is limited
Government. 1t is confined TO the exercise of the
powers expressly granted, and such others may be
necessary for carrying those powers into effect; and
it is al all times an especial duty to guard against any
infringement on the just rights of the States. Over
the objects and subjects inlrused TO Congress- lis leg
isIalive authority is supreme. But here that author
ty ceases and every citizen who truly loves the Con-
sl!lulun, and desires the continuance of lis existence
and lis blessings, will resoulely and firmly resist any
interference in those domestic affairs, which the Con-
stitution has clearly and unequlvocay left 10 the
exclusive authority of the States. And every such
citizen will also deprecate useless irritation among
the several members of The Union and all reproach
and elimination tending TO ALLEVIATE one portion Of the
country from another The beauty of our system of
Government consists, and its safety and durability
must consist, in avoiding mutual collisions, and en-
croachments, and in the regular and separate action
OF all, while each is revolving IN lis own distinct orbit
The Constitution has made il the duty of the Pres
den 10 take care that the laws be faithfully executed
In Government like ours in which all laws are pass
ed by majority of the representatives Of the people,
and these representatives chosen for such short
periods that any injurious or obnoxious law can very
soon be repealed, il would appear unlikely HAT any
great numbers should be found ready 10 resist the
execution of the laws. But itmusl be borne in mind
that the country is extensive that there may be local
interests or preudices rendering law odious in one
part which Is so III another and that the thought
their imaginations, may be induced madly TO resist
such laws as they dsapproye. Such persons should
recolec that, without law there can be real prac-
teal liberty; that when law is tramp!ed under foot,
tyranny rules, whether it appears in the form Of mil
iIary despotsm or Of popular violence The law is
the only sure protection of the weak, and the only
efficient restraint upon the strong When mparlially
and faithfully administered none is beneath lis pro-
lection and above It's control. You, gentlemen,
and the country, may be assured that 10 the utmost
OF my ability, and 10 the extent Of the power vested
in me, shall al all times, and in all places, take care
that the laws be faithfully executed. In the discharge
of this duty, solemnly imposed upon me by the Con
s!uion, and by my oath Of Office shall shrink
from no responsibility, and shall endeavor TO meet
events as they may arise, with imness, well
with prudence and discretion.
The appointing power is one of the most delicate
with which the Executive is invested regard it as
sacred trust 10 be exercised with the sole view of
advancing the prosperity and happiness Of the people
Ii shall be my effort 10 elevate the standard of official
employment, by selecting for places of importance
individuals fitted Tor the posts TO which they as
signed, by their known integrity, talents, and virtues.
| In extensive a country, with so great popula- |
ton, and where few persons appointed TO office can
be known TO the appointing power, mistakes will
sometimes unavoldably happen, and unfortunate APP
polnments be made, Notwithstanding the greatest
care. In such cases, the power Of removal NAV be
properly exercised; and neglect Of duty or maleas
ance in office will be more tolerated in indvidu-
ais appointed by myself than in those appointed by
others.
am happy in being able TO say that no un(avora-
BILE change in our foreign relations has taken place
since tie message at the opening of the last session
OF Congress. We are at peace with all nations, and
we enjoy in an eminent degree the blessings Of that
peace, IN prosperous and growing commerce, and
IN all the forms OF amicable national intercourse
The uneXampIed growth of the country, the present
amoun OF lis population, and lis mple OF self
protection assure for it the respect of all nations
while is trusted that lis character for Justice and
regard to the rights of other States, will cause that
respect 10 be readily and cheerlully paid.
convention was negotiated between the United
States and Great Britain, in April last for facilitating
and Protecting the construction of ship canal be- |
tween the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and for other
purposes. This instrument has since been ratified
by the contracting parties. the exchange of ralifca
tons has been effected, and proclamation lherof has
been duly made
In addition 10 the siipuations contained in this
contention. two other objects remain to be accom-
plished between the contracting powers.
F.rsl the designation and establishment Of a free
port at each end Of the canal
Second, an agreement fixing the distance from the
shore within which belIigcrent maritime operations
shall not be carried on. On these points there is lit
tie doubt that the two governments will come TO an
understanding.
The company Of citizens of the United States who .
have acquired from the Stale of Nicaragua the priy-
lege OF constructing ship canal between the Two
oceans, through the territory Ct that State have made
progress in their preliminary arrangements. The
treaty between the United States and Great Britain, I
of the 18th Of April last, above referred TO- being new
in operation, it is to be hoped thai the guarantees
which it offers Will be sufficient to secure the COM
pIeiion Of the work with all practicable expedition
1t is obvious that this result would be indefinitely