The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-03
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

Reing suddenly called, In the midst OF the las
session of Congress, by painful dspensatlol
Of Divine Providence, to the responsible station
which now hold, | contented myself with sucl
communications to the Legislature as the exl,
gancv of the moment seemed to require. IN,
Country was shrouded in mourning for the loss
of its venerated Chief Magistrate, and all hearts
were penetrated with grief Neither the time
nor the occasion appeared to require or to Just
ify, on my part, any general expression OF poll
teal opinions, or any announcement of the prln-
cples which would govern me in the discharge
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-assemb-
ling 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 foreign nations, and
in its management and administration OF internal
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 necessary and unavoidable re-
lations; which rights and duties there is no com.
mon human authority to protect and enforce
Still, they are rights and duties, binding in NOR
ais in conscience, and in honor although there
is no tribunal to which an injured party can APP
peal but the DISTINGUISHED judgment Of mankind,
and ultimately the arbitrament 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 prosperity of
its own citizens; of changing that form, as cir
cumstances may require; and of managing its
internal affairs according to its own will. The
people of the United States claim this right for
md lv IN thars
Hence it becomes an imperative duty not to in
terfere in the government or internal policy Of
other nations; and, although we may sympa-
thize with the unfortunate or the oppressed,
every where, in their struggles for freedom, our
principles forbid us from taking any part in such
foreign contests. We make no wars to pro-
mote or to prevent SUGGESTIONS to thrones; to
maintain any theory of balance of power !; or
to suppress the actual government which any
country chooses to establish for itself We in
stgate no revolutions, nor suffer any hostile
military expeditions to be fitted out in the Uni
ted States to invade the territory or provinces
of n friendly nation. The great law ofmoraty
ought to have a national, as we'll as personal
and individual, application. We should act
towards other nations as we wish them to act
towards us; and justice and conscience should
form the rule of conduct between governments,
instead of mere power self.interest or the de-
sire of ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. To maintain strict
neutrality in foreign wars, to cultivate friendly
relations to reciprocate every noble and gener-
GUS act, and to perform punctually and scrupu-
lousy every treaty obligaton-these are the
duties which we owe to other States, and by
the performance of which we best entite our.
selves to like treatment from them; or if that,
in any case, be refused, we can enforce our own
rights with justice and 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 deci-
sions of that tribunal, which was established to
expound it, and to the usage of the Government,
sanctioned by the acquiescence of the country.
| regard all its provisions as equally binding
In all it's parts it is the will of the people, eN-
pressed in the most solemn form, and the con-
stituted authorities, are but agents to carry that
will into effect. Every power which it has
granted is to be exercised for the public good
but no pretence of utility, no honest conviction
even. of what might be expedient, can justify the
assumption of any power not granted. The
powers conferred upon the Government and
their distribution to the several departments, are
as clearly expressed in that sacred instrument
rs the imperfection of human language will al
low; and deem it my first duty, not to ques.
ton its wisdom, add to its provisions, evade its
requirements, or nullify It's commands D.. .
Upon you, fellow-eitizens, as the representa-
tives of the States and the people, is wisely de
volved the Legislative power. shall comply
with my duty, in laying before you, from TIM
to time, any information calculated to enabi
you to discharge your high and responsibl
trust, for the benefit Of our common constituents
NY opinions viii be frankly expressed upo
the leading subjects of legislation; ard it, whc
do not anticipate, any net should pass the tw
Houses of Congress which should appear to m
unconstitutional, or an encroachment on tn
lust powers of other departments, or with prov
sons hastily adopted, and likely to produce cor
sequences injurious and unforeseen, should nc
shrink from the duty of returning it to yo'
with my reasons, for your further consideration
Beyond the due performance of these constit,
tional obligations, both my respect for the legi
lature and my sense Of propriety will rcstrai
me from any attempt to control or influence yol
proceeding. With you is the power, the homo
and the responsibility Of the legislation Of tt
country.
The Government of the United States is
limited Government. It is confined to the exc
else of powers expressly granted, and sue
others as may be necessary for carrying thos
powers into effect and it is at all times an espt
cial duty to guard against any Infringement o
the lust rights of the States. Over the object
and subjects intrusted to Congress, its legslativ
authority is supreme. But here that authorit
ceases, and every citizen who truly loves tn
Constitution, and desires the continuance of it
existence and its blessings, will resolutcly an
firmly resist any interference in those domesti
affairs, which the Constitution has clearly an
unequivocay left to the exclusive authority G
the States. And every such citizen will ais
deprecate useless irritation among the scvcra
members of the Union, and all reproach an,
elimination tending to ALLEVIATE one portion of tn
country from another. The beauty of our sys
TEN Of Government consists, and its safety an
durability must consist, in avoiding mutual co
lsions, and encroachments, and in the regula
separate action of all, while each is revolving
its own distinct orbit.
The Constitution has made it the duty of til
President to take care that the laws be faithful
executed. In n Government like ours in whic
all laws are passed by a majority of the repr,
sentatives Of the people, and these represent,
tives are chosen for such short periods, that an
injurious or obnoxious law can very soon be re