Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1851-12-11
e. &, ID e "a Ct e
THURSDAY, DECEMBER II, 1851.
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

1URSDAG, DECEMBER ii, 1901.
The PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
The Boston Post contains an article upon
this document which we copy in preference to
anything we might write upon the subject, ii
being in every respect what we could wish to
place before our readers:
"The message of President Fillmore will be
read ' it'll the interest and pride with which the
American people are wont to receive this an
nua exhibit Of our country's condition and pro-
gross. 1t is mostly plain narrative OF events
and statement of facts and figures, presented
often with an ability and clearness that deserve
much credit. There are portions that to demo-
Gratis will appear lacking in national spirit and
soundness of principle and they will not be cX-
pected to give in to its notions as to the tariff,
or to internal improvements, or other whig
ideas. Still there is much in it that will receive
a cordial acquiescencc. There arc some well
put passages on the right of search, some kind
ly illusions to Governor Kossuth, and brief
and conclusive argument on the compromise
measures that many will feel little inclined to
find fault with Taking it as whole, it is a
candid moderate, tame, busincss-like docu-
ment
And what proud exhibit, in this simple EMU
meration of facts, does this official paper spread
before the world of the state of this great Re-
public! 1t is, indeed, in the full tide of sue
cessful experiment-morc successful now than
ever before-successful in its individual and
collective wealth-successful in all that goes to
may the array of figures and facts as to our ma
tional finances, our commerce, and agriculture
and the prospect OF the splendid future that is
opening up-excite n thrill of gratfcation.-
Would it have been too candid or just for Pres
ident Fillmore to have admitted that the general
policy under which this prosperity has accumu-
lated was laid down by the democratic party?
If the monster evil Of civil war is not upon us,
to what is it owing more than to the fact that
strictly national policy has been faithfully ad-
hered to by successive democratic administra-
tions? If there is no monopoly moneyed insti
tuition to embarrass trade with its mutations and
contractions, is it net owing to the veto of that
lustrious patriot, Andrew Jackson and to the
patriotic masses who rallied to support him.
1t is this vast increase of national strength
and on a truly national policy, that indicates
the wisdom of this policy and mperiousy de-
mands a rigid adherence to it. both as TO our
extensive internal affairs and our foreign rela-
ton. AS to the latter, the message is too tame
by far. 1t is to be deeply regretted, When
Munroc made his celebrated avowal ""as to for
egn interference on this continent-whcn Jack
son took so decided a stand as to the French
Polk announced bold policy
as to Oregon-tllerc was not near the call for
firm language as there is today on the open
of sort of protectorate assum-
ed by France and England over Cuba. The
message here is tame and spirtless, unworthily |
of sound american national law,
principle as to this continent 1t is true that it
we'll asserts the old Jefferson democratic ma
onal princpe-for which the last war was
the American flag shall cover the
American ships-her property and her crew.
But this is not the point at issue here The
great question is, what business have these two
European powers to make or to NEEDLE with
Cuba? Do they mean to apply here, in our
waters, on our coasts, to territory SO vital to
'ur interests that every instinct of the law of
will demand of us watchfu
EYE over it, their old European notions as to
balance of power? And is this to be tolerated.
If it be not this, what are their ships in Cuban
seas for? That is the question. Now, if ever,
The American government should say distinctly,
AID with emphasis, too, that while it will dis
un,,snance all unlawful expeditions, get it ,cil
,ot permit any po'rsr but Spain to meddle uith
Cuba. No democratic President would ever .
zee two European nations, as France and Eng
and, protecting portions of this North Ameri-
IAN continent, and stop with such tame language
IS this wing message contains. 1t is not up to
he mark of the occasion, and Iuworthy rep
esents the public opinion of this country.
We refrain from presenting an abstract of
lis document, but trust all will read il, for the
Information il gives of the domestic and foreign
of our country, and the illustrations it