Washington telegraph., 1853-03-23

An administration that would be wor-
thy of confidence at home and respect
abroad. should cease to be influenced by the
conviction that no apparent advantage can
be purchased at price so dear as that of
national wrong or dshonor.
1t is not our privilege as nation to sneak
of distant past, The striking incidents of
our history replete with instruction, and
furnishing abundant grounds for hopeful con-
fidence are comprised in period compara-
lively brief But if our past is limited. our
future is boundless. The obligations that
throng the unexplored pathway of advance
ment will be limitless as their duration
hence, sound and comprehensive philosophy
should embrace no less the distant future
than the urgent present. The great object
OF our Insults as people, are best to be
attained by peace, and are entirely consist
ent with the tranquility and interest of the
rest Of mankind. With the neighboring na-
tions on our continent. we should cultivate
kindly and friendly relations. We can de-
sire nothing in regard to them so much as to
see them consolidate their strength and pur-
sue the paths Of prosperity and happiness.
IT in the course of their growth we should
open new channels of trade, and information
al intercourse, it must always present no.
bic field for the moral influence of a great
people.
OF the complicated system of European
policy, we have heretofore been independ-
ent and from their wars, tumults and ankle
ties, we have been entirely exempt While
these are confined to the nations with which
they originate, and within their legitimate
jurisdiction, they cannot affect US, except in
appealing to our sympathies in the cause of
human freedom and universal advancement.
With these views firmly and honestly car
ried out, we have right to expect, and
shall under all circumstances require prompt
reciprocity. The rights which belong to us
as a nation, are not alone to be regarded:
but those which pertain to every citizen in
his individual capacity, at home and abroad,
must be saeredly maintained So long as be
can discern every star in its place upon that
ensign, though he may be without wealth to
purchase for himself place, it will be his
privilege, and must be his acknowledged
right to stand unabashed in the presence of
princes, with the proud consciousness that
he is himself one of nation of sovereigns
and that he cannot, in his legitimate pursuits
wander so far from home, that the agent he
shall leave behind in the place now occupy,
Will not see that no rude hand of power, or
tyrannical passion shall be laid upon him
with impunity, He must realize, that upon
every sea and upon every SOIL where our en-
terprlse may rightfully seek the protection
for our flag American citizenship is an in
violable panop!y for the security of Ameri-
can rights; and in this connection it can
hardly be necessary to reaffirm a principle
which now should be regarded as fundamen-
tai: The right, for the security and repose
Of this con!ederacy, to reject the idea of in
reference or colonization on this side of the
ocean, by any foreign power beyond its pres
cnt jurisdiction, is utterly inadmissible.
The opportunities ofobservation furnished
by my brief experience as a soldier, confirms
in my own mind the opinion entertained and
acted upon by others, from the foundation
of the government. that the maintenance of
large standing armies in our country, would
not only be dangerous but unnecessary
They also illustrate the importance, | might
well say. the absolute necessity, in military
service, of practical skill, which has made
our army what it is. Our Army. as organ
lied, must be the nucleus around which, in
every time of need, the strength Of our mil
itary power-the national militia may be
readily formed into a well disciplined and
efficient organization The skill and self
devotion of the navy, assure YOU that you
may take the performance of the past as a
pledge for the future, and you may conf
IDENTITY expect that the flag which has waved,
untarr rishod, its folds over every sea, will
still float in undiminished honor. But these,
as well as many other subjects, will be
brought before you at the appropriate time,
through the subordinate branches of the 90
vernment; to which shall always look with
profound respect and with trustful conf
dence, for that cordial aid and support which
shall so much need, and which their ex-
perience and wisdom will readily suggest.
In the administration OF our domestic af-
fairs you expect devoted integrity in the
public service, in all departments, so marked
as never justly to be questioned, and if this
reasonable expectation be not realized, |
frankly confess that one of my leading hopes
is doomed to disappointment, and tha, my
efforts in very important particular must
result in humiiating failure
Offices can be promptly accepted only as
aids for the accomplishment of these objects,
aud as occupancy can confer no perogative.
nor inordinate desire for preferment, any
claim the public interest imreratively de-
mands, and every good citizen may and will
claim the protection of the law, and the be-
nign influence of good government; but a
claim for office is what the people of the Re-
public should never recognize No reason
able man, of any party, will expect the ad-
-: L.. Il e.