Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1850-12-06
BrtSihrut'5 %Jflrssugr.
FslIOw- citizens Of the Senate,

Being suddenly called, in the midst of
the last session Of Congress, by a painful
dlspensatiOn of Divine Providence, to the
responsible station which / now hold, l con-
tented myself with such communications to
the Legislature as the exigency of the mo-
ment seemed to require. The country was
shrouded in mourning for the loss of its ven
Grated Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were
penetrated with grief. Neither the time nor
the occasion appeared to require or to justi-
~, on my part, any general expressions of
political opinions, or any announcement Of
the principles which would govern me in the
discharge Of the duties to the performance of
which'l had been so unexpectedly called. 1
trust, therefore, that it may not be deemed
inappropriate, if l avail myself Of this oppor-
tunity Of the re-assembling of Congress, to
make known my sentiments, in q general
manner, IN regard to the policy which ought
to be pursued by the Government, both in
its intercourse with foreign nations, and in
Its management and administration of inter
nal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in a state of ma
ture' are equal and independent, possessing
certain rights, and owing certain duties to
each other, arising from their necessary and
unavoidable relations which rights and du-
ties 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
70 which an injured party can appeal but
the disinterested Judgment of mankind, and
ultimately the arbitrament of the sword.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution
will be my guide; and in questions of doubt,
1 shall look for its Interpretation to the III.
dieid decisions Of that tribunal, which was
established to expound it, and to the usage
ofthe Government, sanctioned by the, acaui.
escence Of the country. 1 regard all its pro
visions as equally binding. In all its parts
it Isl the will of the people, expressed in the
most solemn form, and the constituted au.
thorities, are but agents to carry that will
into effect. Every power which it has gran.
ted is to be exercised for the public good
but no pretenee of utility, no honest eonvic.
ton, even, Of what might be expedient, car
justify the assumption of any power moi
granted. The powers conferred upon tbs
Government and their distribution to the
several departments, are as clearly expressed
IN that sacred instrument as the imperfectior
Of human language will allow and 1 deem
tiny hrst duty, not to question its wisdom
add to its provisions, evade its requirements
or nullify its commands.
Upon you, fellowcitizens, as the repre-
sentatiTes of the States and the people. i
? wisely devOlved the legislative power.
shall comply with my duty, in laying bofor,
you, from time to time, any information cal
eulated to enable you to discharge your higI
and responsible trust, for the benefit of GU
eommon constituents.
Ny opinions will be frankly expressed
upon the leading subjects Of legislation /; ant
if which I DO not anticipate, any act should
pass the two Houses of Congress whicl
should appear to me unconstitutional, or al
encrOachment on the Just powers of othel
departments, or with provisions hastily adop
ted, and likely to produce consequences in
furious and unforeseen, / should not shrinI
from the duty Of returning it to you, witt
my reasons for your further consideration
Beyond the due performance of these con
stitutional obligations, both my respect 70
the legislature and my sense Of prophet,
Willrestrain me from any attempt to contro
or influence your proceedings. With you i
the power, the honor, and the responsible
Of the Legislation of the country.
The Government of the United States i
admitted Government. 1t is confined t
the exercise Of powers expressly granted
and snch others as may be necessary for car
Iying those powers into effect and it is 8
all times an especial duty to guard againl
eny Infringement on the Just rights Of th
btates. Over the objects intrusted to Coz
REess. its legislative authority is supreme
But here that authority ceases, and ever
citizen who truly loves the Constitution, an
desires the continuance of its existence an
its blessings, will resolutely and firmly resi-
any interference in those domestic affair
which the Constitution has clearly and un
quivocally left To. the exclusive authority
the States. And'every such citizen will
30 deprecate useless irritation among the Sc
erd members of the Union, and all reproa
and elimination tending to a~lienate one pc
ton Of the country from another. The bea
ty Of our system Of Government consists, al
its safety and durability must consist,
avoiding mutual collisions, and encroac
nents, and in the regular separate action
all, while each is revolving in its own d
= tinct orbit.
The Constitution has made it the duty
the President to take care that the laws
faithfully executed. In a Government Ii
ours, in which all laws are passed by a n
jority Of the Representatives of the poop
and these representatives are chosen
such short periods, that any injurious or {
noxious law can very soon be repealed,
would appear unlikely that any great nui