Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1850-12-03
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.


srtented myself with such communications to the i&
.,ure as the cxigency of the moment seemed to re-
- The country was shrouded in mourning Tor the
= If lis venerated Chief Magistrate and al hearts were
s,rat,i with grief Neither the time nor the occa-
~ sppeared TO require Justify, on my part any gen.
y cxpression of political opinions. or any announce
a, ii the principles which would govern me IN the
b,pe of the duties to the performance OF which had
n 50 Unexpectedly called trust, therefore, that il
NJ not be deemed Inappropriate if avail myself of this
ar rnnty of the re-assembling Of Congress to make
.Fr~n nv sentiments in general manner, in regard to
Nv nolry which ought to be pursued by the Govern
NV both in IFS intercourse with foreign nations, and in
~ management and administration of internal affairs
y,nn, like individuals in state of nature, are equal
I'D independent possessing certain rights and owing
, duties 10 each other, arising from their necessary
"A unavoidable relations; which rights and duties
.ss,, is no common human authority to protect and
' s-rs Still thew are right and duties, binding in mo-
o. conscience and in honor, although there is no tr
,r 10 which an injured party can appeal but the disn-
~ Judgment of mankind and ultimately the arbitrl-
n,ofot me sword
,ropr the acknowledged rights of nations is that which
sn,s,sses of esta osling that form of government
r il NAV deem most conducive to the happiness and
,iy of its own citizens; of changing that form, as
instances may require and of managing its internal
~. according 10 its own will. The people of the U.
.r,,se il TO Others Hence it becomes an imperative
nj, mol TO interfere in the government internal policy
o,her nations and although We may sympathize with
80 unfortunate or the oppressed, every where, in their
struggle, for Freedom our principles forbid us from TAX
no any part in snch foreign contests We make wars
onotc TO prevent SUGGESTIONS 10 thrones to main.
n sny theory of balance of power; to suppress the
ym government which any country chooses to estab-
y t- Itself We instgatc nc revolutions, nor suffer
~ tn he nod thp
Ssi,, 10 invade the territory provinces OF friendly
.con The great law % morality ought to have ma
na, a, well as personal and individual application
II. should act towards other nations as we wish them
&C, towards US: and Justice and conscience should
IN the rule of conduct between governments, instead
.aere power sefntercst or the desire OF aggrdize-
ra.. To maintain strict neutrality in foreign wars
ultvae friendly relation, to recprocate every noble
generous act, and TO perform punctuay and scrupu-
s every treaty obigaton-thesc are the duties which
owe to other States and 10y the performance oiwhlcI
s.best ente ourselves to ike treatment from them:
That in any case, be refused. enforce own
sa,s with Justice and clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution will b. my
-e aud in questions OF doubt shall look for lis i'll
,ore,aon TO the judicial decisions OF that tribunal
h was established to cypound it. and To- the usage OF
= Government sanctioned by the acquiescence of the
mtry regard NIL its provisions equally binding.
all paris Is inc VIII oI III TIE
asst solemn torm and the constituted authorities,
I, agents 10 carry that will into effect Every power
nrh has granted is to he exercised for the public
I'D but no prccnce Of utility honest conviction
en Of what might be eXpedient can justify the ;lssunr-
In Of any power not granted The powers conferred
on the Government and their distribution to the sever
departments clearly expressed in that sacred liz
s-lnen as the impcriection of human language will al
y and deem it my first duty not TO question its wis
c and 10 lis provisions cvade its requirements multi
is coulmends.
Upon you. feow-citizens, the representatives OF
III States and the people, is wisely devoved the egsa-
\ liz power shall comply with my duty, in laying be-
tce you from time to time, any information calculated
enabe youto discharge your high and responsible trust
4 ar the benefit OF our common constituents
Mr. opinions will be frankly expressed upon the lead
lg subjects OF legislation; and it, which do not antici-
ate any act should pass the two Houses of Congress
sich should appear To me unconstitutional, or an en-
oaehwent on the just powers of other departments. or
Th provisions hastily adopted, and likely to produce
! lseGnenccs injurious and unforeseen, should not
rink from H., duty of returning it to YOU with my roa-
~. for your further consideration. Beyond the due
tormance Of these constitutional obligations, both my
ci Tor the legislature and my of propriety will
ian me from any attempt 10 control or influence Your
Seednss With you is the power, the honor, and the
nyNnsibIlty If the legislation Of the country.
he Government of the United States is limited Go
eminent II is confined To the exercise OF powers ex-
.,~ granted and such others may be necessary for
String those powers into effect. and it is at all times
so4l duty to guard against any Infringement on the
Ihiighs Of the States. Over the objects and subjects
itaed TO Congress, its Legislative authority is su-
sn-e BIT here that authority ceases. and every citi-
Who truly loves the Constitution and desires the con-
Lance of its existence and its blessings will resoutely
nhmly resist any interference in those domestic al
- Witch The Constitution has clearly and unequvo-
II left TO the exclusive authority Of the States And
ID: such citizen will also dcprecatc useless irritation
Eng the several members OF the Union, and all re-
h and elimination tending TO ALLEVIATE one portion of
L ouniry from another The beauty of our system
government consists. and s safety and durability
- consist, IN avoiding mutual collisions, and en-
Hhieh's and IN the regular separate action OF all,
ne each Is revolving in its own distinct orbit.
Inc Constitution has made it the duty of the Presi
nj 70 take care that the laws be faithfully executed
u9'ernment like ours, in which all laws are passed
amaofl,y OF the representatives, of the people, and
csc representatives. are chosen for such short periods,
any injurious or obnoxious law Gun very soon be re-
aM II would appear unlikely that any great numbers
"u d ould ready 10 resist tine execution of the laws.
'n mus, be borne in mind that the country is extern
eU'tncre may be local interests or preudices rem
I'M law odlous in one part, which is not so in an
ef and that the hongltlcss and inconsderatc msled
TeN PASSIONS, o, tl,.r magnations, may be induced
E !" resist such laws O. they dsapprove. Such per-
% Sa'i's cco!lcct th: without law, there can be no
- p@eiral liberty; th:t, when law is tramped under
~ !'nny rules, whether ii appears in the form of a
'A'' Gespollsn or Of popular violence. The law is
oaE sure protection o. tn. weak, aud the only eff
% lf''nt upon the strong. When impartialy and
s'4! administered, none Is beneath It's protection
'"ole above It's co..roi. You, gentlemen, and the
may be assured, Tia: - the utmost of my ab-
'II n: eNen; OF tie Power Vested in me, shall
and in all places, take that the laws be
--!y executed. In the discharge of this duty So
IMPOSED upon me BY the Constitution, and hy nv
~ Once shall shrink from 10 responsibility, and
@uea'or to meet events they may arise, with
rs' as well as with prudence and discretion.
~ .apponlmg power is one Of the most delicate with
he Executive is invested. regard it us a sacred
80 exercised with the sole view OF advancing the
I'm and happiness OF the people. 1t shall be my
., elevate the standard of official employment, by
lcr places ii Importance individuals fitted fol
~ 20 which they are assigned, by their known in
=, aen,s, and virtues. In 80 extensive Il country
d.. great population, and where few persons ap
asp Office can be known TO the appointing power
~. %. Will sometimes unavoidably happen and unfor
=, Pponinents be made, Notwithstanding the great
NM, IN sneh cases, the power of removal may be
,ssercised and neglect of duty or maeasance in
W, be no more tolerated in individuals appointed
Il i, Tl th'n IN those appointed BY others
&ar -pW III being able 10 say that no unf;,vorable
our foreign relations his taken place since the
Ny,. 'hc opening OF the last session OF Congress
,a,s,, peace with all nations, and We enjoy in m