The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1850-12-19

tuiloh mas thade II the duty oil The President, {
take care that the laws be faithfully executed Il
government like ours, in which all laws ar
passed by majority Of the Representatives of tn
People, and these Representatives are chosen "a
such short periods, that any injurious or obnoxou
law can very soon be repealed, il would appea
very unlikely that any great number should b
found ready to resist the execution Of the law; bu
II must be borne in mild that the country is OK
tensive, and that there may be many local inter
ests or prejudices, rendering law odious in on
part. while il is not so in another, and that tn
thoughtless and ilcOnsiderate msled by their pas
sions and their imag inations, may be induce,
madly to resist such laws as they disapprove.
Such persons should recolect that without Law
there can be no real practical liberty; that whel
law is trampled under foot, tyranny rules, wheth
er il appears Ill the form of military despostsm
or Of popular violence. The law is the only sur,
protection Of the weak, and the only eiicien, res
traint Of the strong. When impartially and faith
fully administered, none are beneath lis prOtec
ton, and none above its control.
You, gentlemen, and the country, may be as
sured, that, 10 the utmost Il my ability, shall
at all times and in all places, take care that tho
Laws be faithfully executed. In the discharge o
this duty, solemnly imposed on me by the Consti
sutton and by my oath Of Office. shall! shrink
from no responsibility, and shall endeavor to mee
events as they may arise, with frmness as wei
as with prudence and discretion.
The appointing power is.one Of the most deli
cate with which the Executive is invested. | re-
gard II as sacred trust, to be exercised with the
sole view Of advancing the prosperity and happi-
ness Of the people. 1t shall be my effort to ele-
vate the stan lard of official employment, by Sc
lecins for places of importance, individuals fitted
for the posts 20 which they assigned, by their
known integrity, talents aud virtue.
In so extensive country, with so great pop
alution, and where few persons appointed to office
can be known TO the appointing power, mistakes
will unavoidably happen, aud unfortunate ap-
pointments be made, notwithstanding the greatest
care. In such cases, the power Of removal NAV
be properly exercised, and neglect Of duty, OF
mafeasance in Office, viii no more be tolerated in
individuals appointed by myself, than in those APP
pointed by others.
lam happy in being able to say, that no unfa-
vorable 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 grow
ing commerce, and in all the forms Of amicable
national intercourse. The unexampled growth of
the country, the present amount of It's population,
and its ample means Of self protection assure for
II the respect Of all nations, while il is trusted
that its character for justice and regard to the
rights Of other States, will cause that respect 10
be readily and cheerfully paid
A Convention was negotiated between the
United States and Great Britain in April last, for
and perfecting the construction of q
ship canal .between the Atlantic and Pacific
Oceans, and for other purposes. This instrument
has since been ratified by the contracting parties.
The exchange Of ra,ifca,ions has been effected,
and proclamation thereof has been duly made In
addition no the stipulatiOns contained in this Con-
vention, two other objects remain to be accom-
pshed between the contracting powers--frst, the
designation and establishment of free port at
each end of the Canal; second, an agreement fix
ng the distance from the shore within which bel
igerent maritime operations shall not be carried
IN. On these points, there is little doubt, that
he two powers will come to understanding.
The company Of citizens Of the United States
which has accepted from the State of Nicaragua
he subject Of constructing q ship canal between
he two Oceans through the territory of that State,
nave made some progress in preliminary arrange
nents. The treaty between the United States and
Great Britain of The 10Th April last, above refer
led Ia, now beng in operation, it is 10 be hoped
hat the guarantees which it offers will be sufii-
,ient to secure the completion Of the work with
III practicable expedition.
1t is obvious that this result would be indefinite
y postponed, if any other than peaceable meas
Ires, for the purpose Of harmonzing conflicting
,laims of territory in that quarter, should be
adopted. 1t will, consequently, be my endeavor
o cause any further negotiation, on the part Of
his Government, for this purpose, to be 50 con-
lucted as to bring them TO a speedy and success
Ill close. Some unavoidable delay has occurred,
risng from distance and difficulty Of intercourse
between this Government and that Of Nicaragua;
,ut as intelligence has Just been received Of the
appointment of an envoy extraordinary and minis
er plenipotentiary Of that Government. to reside
t Washington, whose arrival niay soon be ex
'ected, it is hoped that no further difficulties will
e experienced in the prompt transaction Of busi-
less between the two Governments.
Citizens of the United States have undertaken
he connection of the two Oceans by means Of
abroad across the Isthmus Of Tehuantepec, I'M
er grants Of the Mexican Government to citi-
ems Of that Republic. 1t Is understood that
urvey of the communication is in preparation,
nd there Is every reason to expect that it will be
rosecuted with characteristic energy, especially,
When the government shall have consented to
UGH stpnlatons with the Government Of the
Jnlted States, as may be necessary to impart a
ceiling Of security to those who may embark their
property in the enterprise.
Negotiations are pending for the accomplish
cent Of that object; and hope is confidently en-
ertained that when the Government Of Mexico
hall become duly sensible of the advantages
Which that country canno; fail to derive from the
york, and learns the Government of the United
tates desires that the right Of sovereignty of
1exico in the isthmus shall remain unimpaired;
he stipulations referred TO will be agreed to with
iacrity.
BY the last adyices from Mexico, it would ap-
ear that the Government entertans strong OBJ |
,ctions to some of the stpulations which the par
es concerned In the project of a railroad deem
for their protection and security. Fur
,er consideration, it is to be hoped, or some
notification Of terms, may reconcile the differ |
noes existing between the two governments in
his respect. Fresh instructions have recently !
cen given to the Minister Of the United States
, Mexico, who is pressing the subject with |
and ability
Although negotiations with Portugal for the pay
lent Of claims Of citizens of the United States
ganst that Government, have not resulted in q
'rmal treaty, yet proposition made by the gov
rnment Of Portugal, for final adjustment Of
rose claims, has recently been accepted on the |
art Of the United States. 1t gives me pleasure |
say, that Mr.. Clay, to whom negotiations on
he part Of the United Statss have been intrusted,
as discharged the duties Of his appointment with |
biIity and discretion, acting always within the |
Of his government. 1t is expected !
lat q Convention will be immediately negotiated !
" carrying the agreement between the two gov
into effect