The republic., 1850-12-03
r Fl E r EPU Bill G.
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
FelIo,1- citizens Of the Senate,


Divine Providence, to the responsible station which
i now hold, contented myself with such commu
nicatons to the Legislature the exigency of the
moment seemed TO require. The country was
shrouded in mourning for the loss of its venerated
Chief Magistrate, and all hearts penetrated
with grief Neither the time the occasion ap-
peared to require to justify, on my part, any
general expression of political opinions, or any an
nouncement of the principles which would govern
me in the discharge of the duties to the per-
formance Of which had been unexpectedly
called. trust, therefore, that t may not be deem
ed inappropriate if avail myself of this opportu
nifty Of the assembling of Congress to make
known my sentiments, in a general manner, in
regard to the policy which ought to be pursued by
the Government, both in its intercourse with for
egn nations, and in its management and admins
tration Of internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in a 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 lights and duties there is no common human
authority to protect and enforce. Still, they are
rights and duties binding in morals, in conscience
and in honor, although there is no tribunal to
which injured party can appeal but the disinte-
rested judgment of mankind, and ultimately the
arbtrament 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
the happiness and prosperity of Its own citizens
of changing that form. as circumstances may re
quire; and of managing its internal affairs accord
ing to its own will. The people Of the United
States claim this right for themselves, and they
readily concede it to others Hence it becomes
imperative duty not 10 interfere in the government
or internal policy Of other nations; and, although
we may sympathze with the unfortunate the
oppressed, every where in their struggles for free
dom, principles forbid us from taking any part
in such foreign contests We make to
promote or to prevent SUGGESTIONS to thrones; to
maintain any theory of balance of power; to
suppress the actual government which any country
chooses to establish for itself We instigate re-
volutions suffer any hostile military expedi-
tons be fitted out in the United States to invade
the territory provinces OF friendly nation.
The great law of morality ought to have national
as we'll as a personal and individual, application
We should act towards other nations
wish them to act towards US; and justice and
science should form the rule Of conduct between
governments, instead of mere power, self interest,
or the desire OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. To maintain
strict neutrality in foreign wars to cultivate friend
ly relations to reciprocate every noble and gene
act, and to perform punctually and scrupu-
lously every treaty obligationthese the duties
Which we owe to other States, and by the perform
ance of which we best entitlc ourselves to like
treatment from them; if that, in any case be
fused, we can enforce rights with justice
and a clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution will be
my guide and In questions Of doubt, shall look
for it's Interpretation the judicial decisions of that
tribunal, which established to expound it. and
to the usage of the Government, sanctioned by the
acquiescence of the country. regard all its pro-
visions equally binding. In all its parts 1t is the
will OF the people, expressed in the most solemn
form, and the constituted authorities, are but
agents to carry that will into effect Every power
which il has granted is TO be exercised for the pub
lie good but pretencc Of utility, no honest con-
viction. even, Of what might be erpecent can jus
tfy the assumption Of any power not granted.
The powers Conferred upon the Government and
their distribution 10 the several departments,
clearly expressed in that sacred instrument as the
imperfection of human language will allow; and
deem it my fret duty, not to question it's wisdom,
add to its provisions, evade its requirements, OF
nullify its commands.
Upon you, fellow citizens, as the representatives
of the States and the people, is wisey devolyed the
Legislative power. shall comply with my duty, in
laying before you, from time TO time, any informa-
tion calculated to enable you to discharge your
iuh md for he n
common constituents.
My opinions 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 me unconsti.
tutonal, or an encroachment on the just powers OF
other departments, with provisions hastily
adopted, and likely to produce consequences inju.
rious and unforeseen, should not shrink from the
duty Of returning 1t to you, with my reasons, for
your further consideration. Beyond the due per
formance Of these constitutional obligations both
my rcspect for the Legislature and my sense Of pro
piety will restrain me from any attempt to con.
troll or influence your proceedings. With you is
the power, the honor and the responsibility Of the
Legislation Of the country.
The Government Of the United States is a limited
Government. II s confined 10 the exercise Of pow.
ers expressly granted, and such others may bc
necessary for carrying those powers into effect; and
IL is at all times especial duty to guard against
any infringement on the just rights Of the States
over the objects and subjects intrusted TO Con.
grcss, its legislative authority is supreme. But
here that authority ceases, and every citizen who
truly loves the Constitution, and desires the con.
nuancc Of iu existence and its blessings will reso.
lutely and firmly resist any interference in those
domestic affairs, which the Constitution has clearly
and unequivocay left to the exclusive authority OF
the States And every such citizen will also depre-
cate useless irritation among the several members
of the Union, and all rcproaoh and elimination
tending to ALLEVIATE one portion Of the country from
another. The beauty Of our system Of Government
consists, and its safety and durability consist
in avoiding mutual collisions, and encroachments
and in the regular separate action Of all while eacl
is revolving in its own distinct orbit.
The Constitution has made il the duty Of the Pre-
sident TO take that the laws be faithfully exc