Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1850-12-07
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Fcllow Citizens of the Senate,
and of the House of Representatives:

ed in mourning for the loss of its veneraled
Chief Magistrate, and all hearts were pene-
traled with grief. Neither the time nor the
occasion appeared TO require or TO justify, on
my part, any general expression OF political
opinions, or any announcement of the prlncl-
pies which would govern me in the discharge
of The duties 10 the performance OF which
had been so Unexpectedly called, trust,
therefore, that it may not be deemed map
propriate, 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 lis inter-
course with foreign nations, and in lis man
agement and administration of internal al
fairs
Nations, like individuals in a stale of ma.
ture, are equal and independent, possessing
certain rights, and owing certain duties to
each other, arising from their necessary and
unavoidable relations; which rights and du-
ties there is TO common human authority to
protect and enforce. Still, they are rights
and duties. binding in morals, in conscience,
and in houor, although there is no tribunal 10
which an injured party can appeal but the
dsinteres,ed judgment of mankind and ul.i-
mately 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 pros
perity Of It's own citizens or changing that
form, as circumstances may require and OF
managing lis internal affairs according to lis
own will. The people of the United States
claim this right for themselves, and they
readily concede il TO Others. Hence 1t be-
comes an imperative duty not 10 interfere III
the government or internal policy OF other
nations and, although we may sympathlse
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
promote or TO prevent succession to thrones I;
to maintain any theory of a balance OF pow
er; or TO suppress the actual government
which any country chooses 10 establish Tor
itself We insligaie no revolutions, nor SUI
fer any hostile military expeditions to be
fitted out in the United States 10 invade the
territory or provinces of friendly uaion.-
The grea, law of morality ought to have Il
national as well 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-nterest, or the desire OF
aggrandisement. To maintain strict nen-
irality in foreign wars, 10 cultivate friendly
relations TO reciptocate every noble and gem
erous act and 10 perform pnnctuaIly and
scrupnlonslv every treaty of obligatlon-these
are the duties which we owe to other States,
aud by the performance of which we best
en,itle ourselves TO like treatment from them;
or if that, in any case, be refused, we can
enforce onr own rights with justice and a
clear conscience.
In our domestic policy, the Constitution
will be our guide: and in questions OF doubt,
| shall look for lis Interpretation 10 the judi
cia decisions of that tribunal, which was
established to eXpouud it, and to the usa"e OF
the Government, sanctioned by the ac,, us
cence of the country. | regard all It's pro-
visions as equally binding. In all lis parts II
is the will of the people, expressed IN the
most solemn form, and the constituted au-
thoriies, are but agents TO carry that Will M
to effect Every power which it has granted
is to be exercised for the public good; bnl
no pretence of utility, no honest conviction,
even, of what might be eXpedienl, can justify
the assumption of any power not granted
The powers conferred upon the Government
and their distribution TO the several depart
menls. are as clearly expressed in that sacred
instrument as the imperection ot human
language will allow; and deem il my duty,
! not To question lis wisdom, add TO It's pro-
visions, evade lis requirements or nullliy lis
commands.
! Upon vou, fellow-ciizens as the represen'
iatiyes of the States and the people, is wisely
devolved the legislative power | shall com
ply with my duty, in laying before you, iron
! lime 10 time, any information calculated IL
enable you TO discharge your high and Ie
sponsible trust for the benefit OF our common
constituents.
NV opinions will be frankly expressed
upon the leading subjects OF legislation anc
! it. which do not anticipate, any act shoul'
pass the two Houses of Congress which shoule
appear to me unconstitutional, or an encroach
menl on the just powers OF other departments
or with provisions hastily adopted, and likely
TO produce consequences injurious and unlor
seen, | should not shrink from tho duty oi re
turning il to you, with my reasons, ior you
further consideration. Beyond the dne per
formance of these constitutional obligations
both my respect for the Legislature and m,
sense of proprieiy will restrain me from any
attempt to control or influence your proceed
ngs With YOU is The power, the honor an,
the responsibility OF the legislation OF ih'
country
The Government of the United States is
limited Government. II is confined 10 iht
exercise of powers expressly granted, an,
snch others as may be necessary for carryin:
those powers into effect; and 1t Is at all time
an especial duty TO guard against any infringe
ment on The just rights oil the States Owe
the objects and subjects lnlrusted TO Congress
lie legislative authority is supreme. But her