The mountain sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1844-1853, 1850-12-05
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE,


The last session Of Congress, by painful
iispensation of Divine Providence, 10 the
responsible station which now hold, !
con,ented myself with such communics-
tons to the Legislature as the exigency of
the moment seemed to require. The
country was shrouded in mourning for the
the loss Of its venerated Chief Magistrate,
and all hearts were penetrated with grief.
Neither the time nor the occasion appear
ed 10 require or to justify, on my part,
any general expression of political opin-
ions, or any announcement Of the princi-
Piles which would govern me in the dis
charge of the duties to the performance OF
which | had been so unexpectedly called.
! trust, therefore, 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 poll
cy which ought to be pursued by the
Government, both in its intercourse with
foreign nations, and in its management and
administration of internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals in state OF
nature, are equal and independent, posses
sing certain rights, and owing certain
duties to each other, arising from their
necessary and unavoidable relations; which
rights and duties there is no common hu-
man authority 10 protect and enforce
Sill, they are rights and duties, binding
IN morals, i'll conscience, and IN honor,
although there is no tribunal 10 which an
injured party can appeal but the disinter-
esied Judgment of mankind, and ultimately
the arbitrament of the sword.
Among the acknowledged rights of ma
lions is that, which each possesses of es-
tablishing that form of government which
il may deem most conducive 10 the happi-
ness and prosperity OF its own citizens; of
changing that form, as circumstances may
require; and of managing its internal affairs
according to its own will. The people of
the United States claim this right for
themselves, and they readily concede it TO
others. Hence il becomes an imperative
duty not 10 interfere in the government or
internal policy Of other nations; and, aliho'
we may sympathise with the unfortunate
or the oppressed, every where, in their
struggles for freedom, our principles for
bid us from taking any part in such foreign
contests.
We make no wars to promote or 10
prevent SUGGESTIONS 10 thrones; to maintain
any theory of balance Of power; or to
suppress the actual government which any
country chooses to establish for ITSELF
We instigate no revolutions, nor suffer any
hostile military expeditions to be fitted out
in the United States to invade the territory
or provinces of a friendly nation. The
great law of morality ought TO have a ma
,ional, a well as personal & individual,
application We should act towards other ma
tons as we wish them to aci towards US; and
justice and conscience should form the
rule of conduct between governments, in
stead of mere power, self-nterest, or the
desire of aggrandzement. To maintain a
strict neutrality in foreign wars, TO culti-
vate friendly relations, TO reciprocate every
noble and generous act, and TO perform
punctual!y and scrupulously 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: or If that, in
any case, be refused, we can enforce our
own rights with Justice and clear con.
science.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution
will be my guide; and in questions oi
doubt, shall look for its Interpretation to
the judicial decisions of that tribunal
which was established to expound it, and
70 the usage of the Government, sanction.
ed by the acquiesence of the country.
regard all its provisions as equally bind
ing. In all its parts it is the will of the
people, expressed in the most solemn
Tod thor
hut agents TO carry that will into effect
Every power which it has granted is tc
be exercised for the public good; but nc
Pretence of utility, no honest conviction
even, of what might be expedient, car
justify the assumption of any power no
granted. The powers conferred npon tn,
government and their distribution to tn,
several departments, are as clearly ex
pressed i'll that sacred instrument as tn,
imperfection of human language will allow
and deem it my first duty, not to ques
ton its, wisdom, add TO its provisions
crade its requirements, or nullify it
commands.
Upon you, fellow citizens, as the rep
rcsentatives of the States and the people
IS wisely devolved the legislative power
shall comply with my duty, in laying
before you, from time TO time, any infor
nation calculated to enable YOU to dis
charge your high and responsible trust 70
the benefit OF our common constituents.
My opinions will be frankly expresse,
upon the leading topics Of legislation; an,
If, which l do not anticipate, any ac
should pass the Two Houses of Congress
which should apnear 10 me uDconstitution