Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1850-12-03
MES SAGE.
Fefiotc Citizens Of the Senate.
L 4 4 -


Feliote Citizens ofhe Senate
and ofde House Of Representatives.:
Being suddenly called in the midst of the last
sion Of Congress- by a painful dspe Of Divine
Providence, TO the responsible station which ! now
hold. contented myself with such communications
to tho Legislature as the eSigency of the moment
seemed to require. The country was shrouded in
mourning for the loss Of its yenerated Chief Magis-
trate, and all hearts were penetrated with grief
Neither the time nor the occasion appeared TO require
Or 70 justify. on my part, any general expression OF po-
icai opinions or any announcement Of the principles
which would govern in the discharge of the duties
20 the performance Of which had been so une1pect-
edly called. trust, therefore, that it may not be
deemed Inappropriate, if avail myself of this opPor-
unity Of the re.assenbiing Of Congress to make known
my sentiments in general manner, in regard to the
policy which ought to be pursued by the Government.
both lis intercourse with foreign nations and in its
management and administration Of internal affairs.
Nations, like individuals 10 state of nature,
equal and independent possessing certain rights and
owing certain duties TO each other. arising from their
necessary and unavoidable relations which rights and
duties there is common human authority protect
and enforce Still they are rights and duties binding
in morals conscience, ard in honor, although there
is tribunal 10 which injured party appeal
but the dsinterested judgment Of mankind, and ulti
matey 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 citizens Of
changing that form, 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 it becomes imperative duty not to interfere
IN the government or internal policy Of other nations;
and, although We may sympahiZe with the unfortunate
the oppressed every where in their struggles for
freedom principles forbid from taking any part
in such foreign contests. We make no wars TO pro-
mote or to prevent SUGGESTIONS to thrones; 10 main
tain any theory of balance Of power; or to suppress
the actual government which any country chooses to
establish for itself We nstigate revolutions. nor
suffer any hostile military petitions 10 be fitted out
IN the United States to invade the territory prov
inces Of friendly nation The great law Of morality
ought TO have national as well as personal and
Giyldual application. We should act towards other
nations we wish them to act towards us; and JUS
tice and should form the rule Of conduct
between governments, instead of mere power, self
interest, or the desire Of aggrandizement TO main
tam sirlct neutrality in foreign wars to cultivate
friendly relations to recprocae every noble and gem
erous act and to perform punctualIy and scrupuIously
every treaty obligatonfhese the duties which
owe to other States and by the performance Of which
we best ente ourselves TO ike treatment from them
or it that, IN any case be refused enforce
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 decisions Of that tribunal
of tho Gararnnat sanrtfoncd by Tie acquescence OF
the country. regard all its provisions equally
expressed in the most solemn FORM and the coBstitu-
ted authorities but agents TO carry that will into
effect Every power which it has granted is to be ex-
erciscd for the public good but petence Of utility
10 honest conviction, even, of what might be expedi-
ent justify the assumption Of any power not grant
cd. The powers conferred upon the Government md
their distribution to the several departments are as
clearly expressed in that sacred instrument the i'm
perfection OF human language will allow and deem
il my first duty not to question its wisdom add its
provisions, eyade its requirements nulliy its
mands
Upon you, fellow citizens, as the repr senfatives d
the States and the people is wisely deyolved the leg
isative power. shall comply with my duty, in laying
before you, from time to time any information calcu-
lated to enable you TO dsch1Ige your high and respon
slbe trust for the benefit Of constituents
My opinion will be frankly expressed upon the lead
ing objects Of legislation; and it, which do not an
ucjpae any act should pass the two Houses of Con
gress which should appear to me unconstitutional, OF
an encroachment on the Just powers Of other depart
mens, or with provisions hastily adopted and likely
TO produce consequences injurious and unforeseen.
should not shrink from the duty Of returning TO you
with my reasons, for your further considerations Be.
yond the due performance Of these constitutional
obligations both my respect for the Legislature and my
sense OF proprety 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 limited
Government 1t is confined TO the exercise OF powers
expressly granted and such others as may be neces
say Tor carrying those powers into effect; and il is ut
all times an especial duty TO guard against any infringe
menl on the Just rights of the States Over the OBJ
Jecs and subjects ntrusted to Congress- lis
authority is supreme But here that authority ceases.
and every citizen who truly loves the Constitution and
desires the continuance of its exstance and its bless
lngs. viii resoutey and firmly resist any interference
IN those domestic affairs which the Constitution has
clearly and unequvocally left to the exclusive autnor
ty Of the States. And every such citizen will also
depsecate useless irritation among the several mem
Ders OF the Union, and all reproach and elimination
tending to- ALLEVIATE portion of the country from
another Tine beauty Of our system Of Government
consists and It's safety and durability must consist in
avoiding mutual collisions and entertainments and in
the regular separate action OF ALL while each is revolt
wing ~ its own distinct orbit
The Constitution has made il the duty of the Presi
dent TO take that the laws be faithfully executed
In Government like ours; in which all laws are pass
ed by majority OF the representatives Of the people
and these representatives chosen for such short
periods, that any Injurious obnoxious law can very
soon be repealed 1t would appear unlikely that any
great numbers should be found ready to resist the ex
ecution Of the laws. But it must be borne in mind
that the country is extensive, that there may be local
interests or preudlces rendering law odious in one
part which is not in another and that the thought
less aud incpnsderate mised by their passions or
their imaginalions, may be induced madly TO resist
such laws as they disopproye Such persons should
recoect that, without law there can be no real prac
tical liberty that, when law is tram led under foot
tyranny rules, whether il appears in the form Of
military despoiism OF Of popular violence. The law
~ ne only sure protection Of the weak and the only
efficient restraint upon the strong When mparally
and faithfully administered, none is beneath lis pro-
lection, and none above its control You gentlemen
aud the country may be assured that 20 the utmost Of
my ability, and 10 the extent Of the power vested in
me shall at all times and in oil places, take care
that the laws be faithfully exec uted In the discharge
of this duty. soemny imposed upon me by the Con-
stuton, and by my oath Of Office shall shrink from
no responsibility, and shall cndeavor to meet events
as they may arise, with 6rmness, as we'll as with pru
Jence and discretion.
fIhn nnnniniinn Ia Il Ihn dol