Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-12-13
THE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

--- TIE PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
We have never read Presidents message which
so little required an index, as that of Gen. PIERCE
And it is useless to attempt to condense it Its
statements are SO brief and yet clear that he who
would attempt to condense by rewriting would
very likely make longer document than the mes
sage itself AS it stands it is plain, forcble state
ment of the condition Of the country, which all J
will read-some TO attempt to find matter of COM
plants but the great majority with sympathy in the
principles it enunciates and all true Americans with
pride for their country, whose progress is glow
ingly described in the message.
We shall not therefore, give an analysis of the
message, but, as occasion offers, may take from it
some texts for approving comments.
As a sound and eloquent exposition Of the prin-
ciples of the democratic sparty-principles which
render the party invincible AMI the adoption of
which las given to the country its present pros
rerty-we republsh now the following extractfrom
the message Our democratic friends will reperuse
the extract with pride in the Chief Magistrate of
their choice and with renewed devotion to their
party creed
1t is evident that a confederation so vast and so
varied, both in numbers and in territorial extent
in habits and in interests, could only be kept in
national cohesion by the strictest fidelity to the
principles of the constitution, as understood by
those who have adhered to the most restricted con-
struciion of the powers granted by the people and
The States Interpreted and applied according to
those principles, the great compact adapts itself
with perfect ease and freedom TO an unlimited ex-
tension of that benign system of federatiVe self
government of which it is our glorious and trust,
immortal charter. Let us, then, with redoubed
vigilance be on our guard against yielding to the
temptation of the exercise of doubtful powers, even
under the pressure of the motives of conceded tenn
aorary advantage, and apparent temporary expedi-
ency.
The minimum Of federal government compati-
bic with the maintenance Of national unity and eff
iicent action in our relations with the rest of the
world should afford the rule and measure of the
construction of our powers under the general clau
of the constitution. spirit of strict Difference
to the sovereign rights and dignity Of every State
rather than disposition to subordinate the States
into provincial relation to the central authority
should characterize all exercise of the respec-
tive powers temporarily vested in US as a sacred
trust from the generous confidence of our consttu-
ents
In ike manner as amanifestlyindspensable con-
dtOn of the perpetuaton of the Union and of the
realization of that magnificent national future ad-
vered to- does the duty become yearly stronger and
clearer upon u.s. citizens Of the several States TO
cultivate araternal and afeconate spirit language
and conduct in regard to other States, and in relH-
lion to the varied interests Institutions and habits
of sentiment and opinion, which may respectively
characterize them. Mutual forbearance respect,
and non-interference in our personal action as cti-
gene and an enlarged exercise Of the most liberal
principles of comfy the public dealings of State
with State whether in legislation or in the execG-
ton of laws, the means to perpetuote that con-
Gdence and fraternity, the decay of which a mere
political union on SO vast SCALE could not long sur
yve.
In still another point of view, It is an important
practical duty suggested by THIS consideration of
the magnitude OF dimensions to which our politi-
cal system, with its corresponding machinery of
government is 50 RAPIDLY expanding. With in
creased vigilance does it require to cultivate the
cardinal virtues OF public frugality and official in
tegrity and purity. Public affairs ought to be 50
conducted that settled conviction shall pervade
the entire Union that nothing short of the highest
and standard Of public morality marks every
part OF the administration and legislation of the
general government Thus will the federal system,
whatever expansion time and progress may give it,
continue more and more deeply rooted in the love
and confidence Of the people
That wise economy which is as far removed from
parsimonv as frrm corrupt and corrupting extra
yagance-that single regard for the public good,
which will frown upon all attempts to approach the
treasury with nsdIous projects of private interest
cloakei under public pretexts,-that sound fiscal
administration. which, in the legislative department
guards against the dangerous temptations incident
TO Overlooking revenue and, in the executive, main
tains an uusleepng watchfulness against the ten
dency ofal national expenditure to extravaganza,
while they are admitted elementary political dIr
ties may, trust, be deemed as properly adverted
10 and urged in view Of the more impressive sense
of that necessity which is directly suggested by tie
Tod