Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1850-12-12
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Feno,c-cihsens Of The Senate,
Ie''OaS,I nf The House of REPRESENTATIVES. =

and or me 11OuSe " hcpeSSHI0tbOeo'
Reino suddenly called, in the midst of the las,
session Of Congress, by painful dlsPensatlon OF
nirine Providence, to the responsible station which
now hold, | contented myself with such commu-
nications to the Legislature as the exgency of the
moment seemed to require. The country was
shrouded with mourning for the loss of its venera-
ted Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were penetra-
ted with grief. Neither the time nor the occasion
appeared to require or ~ justify, on my part, any
general expression of political opinions. or any
announcement of the principles which would gov
ern me in the discharge Of the duties to the per-
formance Of which | had been so Unexpectedly
called trust therefore, that ii may not be DEEM
ed inappropriate, if avail myself of this OpPortu-
rity Of the re assembling 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 for
eign nations. and in lis management and admins
tration Of internal affairs. 81.
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 ;
which rights and duties there is no common human
authority to protect and enforce. Stlli, they are
rights and duties binding in morals, IN conscience,
and ir honor, although there is no tribunal to
which an Injured party can appeal but the disn-
terested 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
10 the happiness and prosperity OF lis own citizens;
Of chaneiug that form, as circumstances may re-
ouire and of managing its internal affairs accord
mo 10 its own will The people of the United
States claim this right for themselves, and they
readily conCede IT 10 others. Hence 1t becomes
an imperative duty not 10 interfere in the govern
ment or internal policy OF other nations; and al
though we may sympalhize with the unfortunate
or the oppressed, everywhere, in their struggles
for freedom, principles forbid US from taking
any part in such foreign contests.
We make no wars to promote or TO prevent
SUGGESTIONS TO thrones 10 maintain any theory
of balance of power; or to suppress the actual
government which any country chooses to estab-
lish for itself. We insligate no revolutions, nor
suffer any hostile military expeditions to be fitted
out in the United States 10 invade the territory or
provinces of friendly nation. The great law of
morality ought to have a national, as well as a
personal and individual, application. We should
act towards other nations as we wish them to act
toward US; and Justice and conscience should form
the rule of conduct between governments, instead
of mere power self interest, or the desire OF ag-
praniizemept. To maintain strict neutrality IN
foreign wars to cultivate friendly relations, to re-
ciprocae every noble and generous act, and to
perform punctually and scrupulously every treaty
obliration--lhese are the duties which we owe to
other States, and by the performance Of which we
best entiile ourselves TO like treatment from them:
or if that in any case, be refused, we can enforce
our own rights with justice and clear con-
science.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution will be
nv guide; and in questions of doubt, 1 shall look
for lis Interpretation to the judicial decisions of
thai tribunal, which was established TO expound
il, and 10 the usage OF the Government, sanction
ed by the acouiesccece Of the country. | regard
all its provisions as equally binding. In all its
parts il is the will of the people, expressed in the
most solemn form, and the constituted authorities,
are bot agents to carry that will into effect Ev-
cry power which it has granted is 10 be exercised
for The public good; but no preterce of utility, no
honest conviction. even, of what might be expedi-
ent can Justify the assumption OF any power not
granted The powers conferred upon the govern
ment and their distribution to the several depart
menls, are clearly expressed IN that sacred ln-
trpmenis as the imperiection OF human language
will allow, and deem il my first duty, not to
question It's wisdom, add TO its provisions, evade
It's requirements, ornullifyts commands
Upon you, fellow citizens, as the Representatives
of the States and the people, is wisely devolved
the legislative power. | shall comply with my
duty, in laying before you, from time TO time, any
information calculated 10 enable you to discharge
your high and responsible trust Tor the oeneht o.
our common constituents.
leading subjects of legislation; and if, which dc
not anticipate, any act should pass the two Hous
es OF Congress which should appear to me uncon
stitutional or an encroachmeni on the just powers
OF other departments, with provisions hastily a.
dopted, and likely to produce consequences lnju
rious and unforeseen, should not shrink from the
duty oil returning it TO you with my reasons, iol
your further consideration. Beyond the due per
Torrance of these constitutional obligations, both
my respect for the legislature and my sense o.
propriety viii restrain me from any attempt tc
control or influence your proceedings. With you
IS the power, the honor, and the responsibility
the legislation Of the country.
The Government Of the United States is linn
tied Government. 1t is confined to the exercise
oil powers expressly granted, and such others as
may De necessary tor carrying those powersinto
e1ect and IL is al all times an especial duty to
guard against any Infringement on the Just rights
Of the States. Over the objects and subjects in
trusted TO Congress, its legislative authority i.
supreme But here that authority ceases anc
every citizen who truly loves the Constitution anc
desires the continuance Of its existence and it
blessings, will resolutely and firmly resist any in
reference in those domestic affairs. which th
Constitution has clearly and Unequivocally left t
the exclusive authority Of the States. And ever
such citizen will also deprecate useless lrrtatlo
among the several members OF the Union, and a.
reproach and elimination tending to ALLEVIATE on
portion Of the country from another. The beaut
OF our system of Government consists. and its safe
ty and durability must csnsist, in avoiding mutua
collisions and encroachments, and in the regua
separate action of all, while each is revolving i
Ills own distinct orbit