The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1850-12-06


ing mutual collisions, and encroachments, and
in the regular separate action OF all, while each
is revolving in its own distinct orbit.
The Constitution has made it the duty OF the
President to take care that the laws be faithful
ly executed. In n Government like ours, in
which all laws are passed by Il majority of the
representatives of the people, and these repre-
sentatives are chosen for such short periods,
that any injurious or obnoxious law can very
soon be repealed, it would appear unlikely that
any great numbers should be found ready to re.
sist the execution of the laws. But it must he
borne in mind that the country is extensive,
that there may be local interests or prciudices
rendering u law odious in one part, which is
not so in another and that the tloughtless and
inconsideratc. misled by their PASSIONS or their
imaginations, 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
tranpled under foot. tyranny rules, whether it
appears in the form of Il military despotism or
of popular violence. The law is the only sure
protection of the weak, and the only efficient
restraint upon the strong When impartaly
and faithfully administered, none is beneath its
| protection, and none above its control You,
gentlemen, and the country may be assured,
| that to the utmost Of my ability, and to the ex-
tent of the power vested in me, shall, at all
times, and in all places, fake care that the laws
be faithfully executed. In the discharge OF this
duty. solemnly imposed upon me by the, Con-
stitution, and by my oath Of office, shall shrink
from no responsibility, and shall en!eavor to
meet events as they may arise, with firnness,
as well as with prudence and discretion. 4 y =
am happy in being able to say that no un-
| favorable change in our foreign relations has
taken place since the message at tho 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
a prosperous and growing commerce, and in
| all the forms of amicabe national intercourse.
The unexampled growth of the country, the
present amount of its population, and its am
pie means of SELF protection, assure for it the
respect Of all nations; while it is trusted that
its character forjustice, and regard to the
rights of other States, will cause that respect
to be readily and cheerfully paid.
A convention was negotiated between the
United States and Great Britain in April last,
for facilitating and protecting the construction
of a ship canal between the Atlantic and Pa
ci6c Oceans, and for other purposes. This ILL
strument has been ratified by the contracting
parties, the exchange of rat6cations has been
effected, and proclamation thereofhas been du-
y made.
In addition to the stipulations contained in
convention, two other objects remain to be ac.
complished between the contracting powers.
First the designation and establishment OF
free port at each end of the canal.
Second, an agreement fixing the distance
from the shore within which the, belligerenl
maritime operations shall not be carried on
On these points there is little doubt that the
two governments will come to an understand,
ing.
The company Of citizens of the United States
who have acquired from the State OF Nicaragua
the privilege OF constructing Il ship canal be.
tween the two oceans, through the territory OF
that State have made progress in their prelim'
mary arrangements. The treaty between the
United States and Great Britain, of the l9tll
of April last, above referred to, being now in
operation, it is to be hoped that the guarantees
which it offers will be sufficient to secure the
completion Of the work with all practicable en-
petition. It's obvious that this result would
be indefinitely postponed; il any other than
peaceful measures, for the purpose OF harmo'
nizing conflicting claims to territory in that
quarter should DO adopted. 1t will consc.
quently be my endeavorto cuase any further
negotiations on the part Of this Government
which may be requisite for this purpose, to be
so conducted rs to bring them to Il speedy and
successful close.
Some unavoidable delay has occurred, ari.
sing iron, distance and the difficulty of inter,
course between this Government and that OF
Nicaragua, but, as intelligence has just been
received of the appointment of an Envoy Ex-
traordinary and Minister plenipotentiary of that
Government to reside at Washington, whose
arrival may soon DO expected, it is hoped that
no further impcdnents will be experienced in
the prompt transaction OF business between
the two Governments.
Citizens of the United States have undcrta-
ken the connection of the two oceans by means
ola Railroad across the Isthmus Of Tehuantc-
pee, under grants of that Republic. 1t is uu-
derstood that 4 thoroug ii survey of the course
Of the communication is i'll preparation and
there is every reason to expect that it will be
prosecuted with characteristic energy, especial.
| iy when that Government shall have consented
to such slipulations with the Government of
! the United States rs may be necessary TO i'm.