Hillsdale Whig standard. (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1846-1851, 1850-12-10
THE PRESIDENTS
Nj e S s AG e
Feiiop Citizens Of the Senate,
and House of Representatires,

Being suddenly called in the midst of tn,
last session of Congress by a painful dispen
sation of Divine Providence, to the responsi
bic station which | now hold, | contentec
myself with such communications to the Leg
islature, as the exegencies of the moment
seemed to require. The country was shrowd
ed in mourning for the loss of ils venerated
Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were pene
trated with grief; neither the time or the oc.
casion appeared to require or justify on my
part any general expression of political opin-
ions or any announcement of the principles
which would govern me in the discharge oi
the duties to the performance of which | had
been so Unexpectedly called. | trust there
fore that it may not be deemed inappropriate
if | avail myself of this opportunity of the re-
assembling of Congress to make known my
sentiments in general manner, in regard to
the policy which ought to be pursued by the
government, both in its Intercourse with for
cign nations and its management and admin
istraton of international 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 necessity and unavoidable relation,
which rights and duties there is no common
| human authority 10 protect or enforce. Still
they are rights nd duties binding in morals,
in conscience, and in honor, although there
is no tribunal to which an Injured party can
appeal but the dsinterested judgement of
mankind, and ultimately the abandonment 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 to the happiness and pros
perity of its own citizens, of changing that
form as circumstances may require. and OF
managing its international affairs according
to its own sil. The people of the United
States claim this right for themselves, and
they readily concede it to others. Hence 1t
becomes an imperative duty not to interfere
in the government or international policy OF
other nations, and although we may sympa-
thise with the unfortunate or the oppressed
everywhere in their struggles for freedom,
our principles forbid US taking any part in
any foreign contest. We make no wars to
prevent succession to thrones, to maintain any
theory of a balance of power. or to suppress
the actual government which any govern
ment may choose to establish for itself. We
instigate no revolutions. nor suffer any hos
tile military expedition to be fitted out in the
United States to invade the territory or prov
inces of friendly nation. The great law of
morality ought to have national as well as
personal and individual application.
We should act towards other nations as we
wish them 10 act towards us. Justice and
conscience should form the rule of conduct
between governments, instead of power or
the desire of aggrandizement, TO maintain
strict neutrality in foreign relations, to recip-
roca;e every noble and generous act and to
perform punctually and scrupuously every
treaty obligation. These are the duties which
we owe to other States, and by the perform
ance of which we best entitle ourselves to
like treatment from them, and if in any case
we are refused. we can enforce our own
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 its Interpretation to the Judicial oecl
sions Of that tribunal which was established
to expound it, and to the usage of govern
ment sanctioned by the acquesence of the
country
regard all its provisions, in all its parts,
as the will of the people expressed in the
most solemn form, and the constituted au
thorities are but agents TO carry that will in
to effect by every power which it has granted
them to exercise Cor the public good, but no
pretence Of utility or honest conviction even
of what might be expedient, can justify the
assumption Of any power not granted. The
powers conferred upon the government AID
their distribution to Inc several departments
are as clearly expressed in that sacred in
strument as the imperfection Of human lam
guage will allow. and deem il my first duty
not to question its wisdom-add to its provis
ions, evade its requirements, or nulify It's
commands. Upon you fellow citizens. as
of the States and people, is
wisely devolved the Legislative power. shall
comply with my duty in laying before you
from time to time, any information calculated |
to enable you to discharge your high and re-
sponsible trust for the benefit Of our common
NY opinion will be frankly expressed upon
the leading subjects of legislation, and it,
which do not anticipate, any act should pass
the two Houses OF Congress, which should |
appear to me unconstitutional, or an epcroach-
ment upon the just powers of other depart
ments, or with provisions hastily adopted,
and likely to produce any consequences inju
rious and unforeseen. | should not shrink
from the duty of returning it to you with my
reasons, for your further consideration. Be
yond the due performance of these constitu-
tional obligations, both my respect for the
and my sense of propriety will
restrain me from any attempt to control 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. 1t is confined to the
exercise Of powers expressly granted, and
such others as may be necessary for carry
ing these powers into effect. And il is at all
times an especial duty to guard against any
of the rights of the States
Over the objects and subjects intrusted to
Congress, its authority is supreme. But
hore that authority ceases, and every citizen
who truly loves tho Constitution, and de-
sires the continuance Of its existence, and
It's blessings, will resolutely and firmly re-
sist any interference in those domestic affairs
which the Constitution has clearly and une-
luivocally left to the exclusive authority Of