Baton-Rouge gazette. [volume] (Baton-Rouge, La.) 1819-1856, 1850-12-14
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PRESIDENTS MESSAGE!
FssioU-caisess df the Senate

/ i'Vitl3 sHtiSHly Catici, Ill rue fHlttSt o
the last session of Congress-, by painfa
dispensation of Divine Providence to tbs
rasponsible station which | now hold,
contented myself with such commuilica
tlons TO the Legislature as the exigenrv 81
the moment seemed to TO require. The
country was shrou lel in mourning for the
loss Of its venerable Chief Magistrate
| and all hearts were penetrated with grief
! Neither the time nor the occasion appear.
Ell TO require or to justify, on my part, any
general expression Of political opinions,
or any announcement of the principles
| which would govern me in the discharge
of the duties to the performance of which
| had been so unexpeciedIy Y called. trust,
| therefore, that it may not he deemed iil-
appropriate if [ avail myself of the OPP
portunty of the re-asselnbing of Con-
e .ess to make known my sentiments, iii a
general manner, in regard to the policy
which ought to be pursued by the govern-
men', both in its Intercourse with foreign
nations, aud it its mana cement and all
rnillistraton of Internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in state of
nature, are equal and independent. pos
ses4ing certain rights, and owing certain
duties to each other, arising from their
necessary aul unavoidable relations; !;
which rights and duties there is no com
mon human authority to protect and en-
force. Still. they are rights aud duties,
binding in morals, in conscience, and in
houor. although there is no tribunal to
which all injured party can appeal but tue
disinterested ind gment Of mankind, and
ulti mately tie arbitrament OF the sword
Among the acknenedged ri yhts of lla-
tions i that, which each possesses of es-
tab ishin5 That form of government which
it may deem most conducive to the happi-
ness aud prosperity of its own citizens,
of changing that form, as circumstances
may require; and of managing its ilter-
ma affairs ace 1rti!ng to its own will. The
people of the Uunitel States Claim this
fielit for themselves and they readily cut-
ceie it 10 other. Hence it beccmes ali
imperative duty not to interfere in the
government or Internal policy of other
nations, and although we may sympa-
tliize with the unfortunate or the oppres-
sed, ev-rywhsfe, III their struggles for
ffeedoul, our principles forbid us ffom
taking amy part i'll such foreign contests
We make no wars to promote or to pre-
vent seccessiuns to thrones to maintain
any theory of a halance of power; or to
suppress the actual government which any
country chooses TO establish for itself We
ilstigatA no revolutions, nor suffer any
hostile military expeditions to be fitted
out III the Uniled States to invade the ter
ritcry or provinces of friendly nation
The great law of morality ought to have
a natieilal, as well as d personal and indi-
vidual application. We should act to.
wards other nations As we wish them TO
act towards us and justice and conscience
should form the rule OF conduct between
governments, instead OF mere power, self
or the power of aggraudizement
10 maintain strict neutrality in foreign
wars, to cultivate friendly relations, to re-
clpfocate every nobe and generous act,
aud to perform punctnally and scrupulous-
iy every treaty obigation-tllese are the
duties which we owe to other States, aud
by the performance of which we best en-
title ourselves to like treatment from
them; or if that in any case be refused,
we can enforce olr own ghts with justice
and clear conscitnce
LII our domestic policy, the constitu.
ton viii be my guide, and in, questions
of doubt, IslaIl look for its interpretations
to the judicial decisions of that tribunal,
which was established TO expouud it, aud
TO the usage of the government, sanction
ed by the acquiescence of the country.
| re gard all its provisions as equa ly bind
ing in all its parts it is the will Of the
people, expressed in the most solemn form,
and the constituted authorities, are but |
agents 10 carry that will into effect. Ev.|
cry power which it has granted is to be
exercised for the public good but no pre-
tence of utility, no honest conviction,
Of what might be expedient, can justify |
the assumption of any power not granted |
The powers conferred upon the Govern
ment and their distribution to the severa /
are as cleariy expressed III I
that sacred Instrument asthe impefection
If human language viii allow; aud I'll
1eem il my first duty, not TO question its
wisdom, aid to IFS provisions evade it, I
'equlrenlents, or nullify its commands.
Upon YOU, feliow-citizens. as represent
stives of tile States aud the people, is
wisely devoived the Legislative power. I
hall comply with my duty III laying be-
ore you. from time TO time, any informa-
lou calculated to enable yon to discharge
rour higli aud responsible trust, for the
,enesit or oarcoalInon constifuents.
NY opinions viii be frankly expressed
apoil he eadlng subjects of legislation
nd if, which do not anticipate. any ACT
llonid pass the two Houses of Congress
which should appear to me rsnconstituIion-
Tor an encfoacillnent on the just power
f other departments, or with provisions
lastiy adopted, and Likely 70 proInce con-
injurious and unforeseen, I
honsd not shrink from the duty of return
ng Il 20 you, with my reasons, for your +
nrther consideration. BeyeHd The due +
of these constitutional obsi-l
,,akaons, both my respect for tie legisla-
tres aad nly selise Ct propriety will re-
train nae from any attempt to control or
afiaelse your proceedings With you ~
be p0wers the honor. and tue responsibil-Il
y If the legislation Of the country.