Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-12-06
pnEsrDENr,s MEssAeE.
F.Hor-eittsens Of the Senate,

Being suddenly called in the midst of the last SEES
sion of Congress- by painful dlspensation OF Divine
Providence to the responsible station which l now
hold contented myself with such communications
to the Legislature aS the cxigency of the moment
seemed to require. The country shrouded in
mourning for the loss of its venerated Chief Magis-
trate, and all hearts were penetrated with grlet-I
Neither the time nor the occasion appeared torequre
to- justify, my part any general expression OF
political opinions, or any announcement OF the prn
ciplcs which would govern me in the discharge oil
the duties to the performance OF which had been SO
un6 xpcctedly called trust, therefore, that it may
not be deemed inappropriate, if avail myself of this
opportunty of the re-assembng Of Congress to make
known my sentiments in general manner IN re-
gard to the policy which ought to be pursued by
the Government both in its intercourse with foreign
nations and in its management ana administration
Of internal affairs.
Nations like individuals in state of nature, are
equal and independent possessing certain rights, and
owing certain duties to each other arising from their
necessary and unavoidable relations; whlch rights
and duties there is no common human authority to
protect and enforce. STILL they are rights and du-
tics binding in morals in conscience, and in honor,
although there is no tribunal to which an injured
party can appeal but the dsintcrested Judgment OF
mankind and ultimately the arbitramcnt OF the
sword
Among the acknowledged rights of nationsis that
which each possesses of establishing that form Of
government which it may deem most conducive to
the happiness and prosperity of its own citizens OF
and of ging its internal affairs according to its
own will. The people of the United States claim
this right for themselves and they readily c0ncede it
to others Hence it becomes an imperative duty not
TO Inference in the government internal policy of
other nations and, although we may sympathize
with the unfortunate the oppressed, every where
in their struggles for freedom, principles forbid
from taking any part IN such foreign contests
We make no wars to promote or to prevent success
sions to thrones; to maintain any theory of bal
ancc of power to suppress the actual government
which any country chooses establish for itself We
instioatc no revolutions, suffer any hostile mill
tarv expeditions to be fitted out in the United States
to invade the territory provinces of friendly ma
ton The great law of morality ought to have
national, we'll as personal and individual "p-
plication. We should act towards other nauonS as
We wish them to act towards us; and justice and
conscience should form the rule of conduct between
governments instead Of mere power, selt.IntereSt,
or the desire of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. 10 MAINTAIN a
strict neutrality in foreign wars to cultivate friendly
relations to reel procatc every noble ana generous
act and to perform punctually and scrupulousy
every treaty obligation these the duties which
we owe to other States and by the performance OF
which We best cntitle ourselves to like treatment
from them or if that, in any case be refused, we
can enforce our own rights with justice and clear
conscience. zee
In our domestic policy. the Constitution will be
nv guide and in questions of doubt, | shall look
for its Interpretation to the judicial decisions Ot that
tribunal. which established to expound it, and
acduescence of the country. regard allits provs-
ions as equally binding. In all its parts 1t IS the
will of the people, expressed IN the most solemn
form and the constituted authorities, arc but agents
to carry that will into effect. Every power when
it has granted is to be exercised for the public good
but no pretcnce of utility no honest conviction, even
of what might be expedent, can justify the assump
ton of any power not granted. The powers CONFER
rcd upon the Government and their distribution to
the several departments are as clearly Expressed In
kho1O rfoctIO OF
language will allow and deem it my first duty,
not to question its wisdom, add to its provisions
cyade its requirements, or nullify its commands.
Upon You, follow citizens the representatives of
islative power. shall comply With NV dutv, IN
laying before you. from time to time any informa-
ton calculated to enable you to discharge your Ugh
and responsible trust for the benefit of our common
constituents.
My opinion 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 unconstitu-
tional, or an encrOachment tho Just powers of
other departments, with provisions hastily adopt
ed, and likely to produce consequences furious and
unforeseen, should not shrink from the duty of
turning it to you, with my reasons for your further
consideration. Beyond the due performance of these
constitutional obligations, both my respect for the
legislature and my Of propriety will restrain
me from any attempt to control or influence your
proceedings. With you is the power, the honor,
and the responsibility of the legislation of the coun-
try.
The Government Of the United States is limited
Government. 1t is confined to the exercise of powers
expressly granted and such others as may be neces
sary for carrying those powers into effect; and it il
at all times especial duty to guard against any
infringement on the just rights of the States. Ove
the objects and subjects intrusted to Congress, it
Legislative authority is supreme. But here tina
authority ceases and every citizens who truly love-
the Constitution and desires the continuance of it
existence and its blessings will rcsolutcly and firmly
resist any interference in those domestic affairs
which the Constitution has clearly and unequivocal
" left the exclusive authority of the States AM
ton among the several members of the Union, an
all reproach and elimination tending to ALLEVIATE on
portion of the country from another. The beauty G
our system of Government consists and its safety an
durability must consist in avoiding mutual collisions
and encroachments, and in the regular separate &C
ton of ALL while each is revolving in its own dstinc
orbit.
The Constitution has made it the duty of the Pre-
sidont to take that the laws be faithfully exc
cuted. In Government like ours in which all law
arc passed by ma ority Of the representatives
the people, and these representatives chosen f
such short periods, that any injurious obnoxiou
law very soon be repealed. it would appear ur
likely that any great numbers should be foun
ready to resist the execution of tho laws. But
must be born in mind that the country is EXTENSIVE
that there may be local interests prcjudces rel
dering law oIious in one part, which is not so
another and that the thoughtless and inconsiderat
misled by their passions, their imaginations, ma
be induced madly to resist such laws they disal
prove. Such persons shonId recoect that, withol
law, there can be real practical liberty tina
when law is trampled under foot, tyranny rule
whether it appears in the form of a military desp
tism or Of popular violence. The law is the on
sure protection Of the weak, and the only eficiel
restraint upon the strong. When impartially ar
g. ELL Hr~s~s -