The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-12-05

is a limited Government. 1t is confined
Ito the exercise OF powers expressly grant
ed, and such others as may be necessary
for carrying those powers into effect; and
il is at all times an especial duty 10 guard
against any Infringement on the just rights
Of the States. Over the objects and sub
jects intrusted to Congress, its legislative
authority is supreme. But here that au-
thority cases, and every citizen who truly
loves the Constitution, and desires the
continuance of its existence and blessings,
will resolutely and firmly resist any inter-
ference in those domestic affairs, which
the Constitution has clearly and unequiv-
ocally left to the exclusive authority OF
the States. And every such citizen will
also deprecate useless irritation among the
several members of the Union, and all re-
proach and criminalio 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
encroachments, and in the regular separate
action of all, while each is revolving in lis
own distinct orbit.
| The Constitution has made il the duty
of the President to take care that the laws
be faithfully executed. In Government
like ours, in which all laws are passed by
a majority of the representatives. of the
people, and these representatives are cho-
sen for such short periods, that any injuri-
Gus or obnoxious law can very soon be
repealed, it would appear unlikely that
any great numbers should be found ready
to resist the execution of the laws. But it
must be borne in mind that the country is
extensive, that there may be local interests
or prejudlces rendering law odious in
one part, which is not SO In another, and
that the thoughtless and inconsIderate,
misled by their passions, or their imagina-
,ions, may be induced madly to resist such
laws as they disapprove. Such persons
should recollect that, without law, there
can be no real practical liberty; that, when
law is irampled under foot, tyranny rules,
I whether il tappears in the form of a militia
ry desPotism Or of popular violence. The
law Is the only sure protection of the
weak, and the only efficient restraint upon
the strong. When impartially and faith
fully administered, none is beneath its
protection, and none above lis control
/ \ on, gentlemen, and the country may be
assured, that 10 The utmost of my ability,
me, shall al all times, and in all places,
take care that the laws be faithfully exc
cuted. In the discharge OF this duty, SOL
emnly imposed upon me by the Constitu-
ton, and by my oath Of office, shall
shrink from no responsibility, and shall
endeayor to meet events as they may arise,
with frmness, as we'll as with prudence
and discretion.
i The appointing power is one of the most
delicate with which the Executive is in
vested. | regard il as a sacred trust, to be
exercised with the sole view of advancing
the prosperity and happiness ofthc people.
1t shall be my effort 10 elevate the standard
of official employment, by selecting for
!. places OF importance individuals fitted for
the posts TO which they are assigned, by
their known integrity, talents, and virtues.
In SO extensive country, with so great a
population, and where few persons ap-
pointed 10 Office can be known to the ap-
pointing power, mistakes will sometimes
unavoidably happen, and unfortunate ap-
, pointments be made, Notwithstanding the
greatest care. In such cases, the power of
removal may be properly exercised; and
neglect of duty or malfeasance in office will
be no more tolerated in individuals appoint
ed by myself than in those appointed by
others.
/ am happy in being able to say that no
unlavorable change in our foreign relations
has taken place since the 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 unexampled
growth of the country, the present amoun,
of its population, and its ample means of
self-protection, assure for it the respect oI
all nations;- while it is trusted that its char.
; acter for justice and regard to the rights o
other States, will cause that respect to be
; readily and cheerfully paid.
convention was negotiated between the
United States and Great Britain, in April
last, for facilitating and protecting the con
struction of ship ca nal between the Allan
tic and Pacific Oceans, and for other pur-
poses. This instrument has since been
: ratified by the contracting parties, the ex
change of ratifcatious has been effected
and proclamation thereof has been duly
made.
' In addition TO the stipnlations contained
IN this convention, two other objects remain
: to be accomplished between the contracting
powers.
First. the designation and establishment
of u free port at each end of the canal.
! Second, an agreement fixing the distanc,