Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-03-17

iCot ArSt uCy 5uOuiu WdHc, Uut 10 De
cheered by their steady and
radiance. In this our country
has. iE my opinion. fulfilled its highest
duties to suffering humanity. 1t has
spoken, and will continue 10 speak. no,
only by its words but by its ac,s--in
language of sympathy, encouragement,
and hope, TO those who earnestly listen
TO tones which pronounce for The largest
rational liberty. But, after all. the mos.
animating encouragement and patient
appeal for freedom will be its own histo-
ry and its triumphs, and prominently,
the power of our example; but no ex-
ample, be j, remembered, can be power
ful for lasting good. whatever apparent
advantages may be gained, which is not
based upon the eternal principles of right
and justice. .......... .....
Our Fathers decided for themselves,
both upon the hour to declare and the
hour to strike-they were their own
jucges of the circumstances under which
j. became them to pledge to each other
"their lives. their fortunes, and their sa-
cred honor" for the acquisition of the
priceless inheritance transmitted TO US.
The energy with which that great conflic,
was opened, and, under the guidance of
a manifest and munificent Providence,
the accomplishing endurance with which
il was prosecuted to its consumma.ion.
were only surpassed by the wisdom and
patriotic spirit and concessions which
characterized all the counsels of the ear
ly fathers. One Of the most impressive
evidences of that wisdom is TO be found
in the fact. that the actual working OF
our system has dispelled degree Of So
lici;ude, which at the outse. disturbed
bold hearts and far-reaching in.ellec,s.- -
The apprehension Of danger from. ex-
tended terrilory-Stsles accumulated
wealth, and augmented population, has
proved to be un founded. The stars up
on your banner have become nearly three
fold their original number; your densely
populated possessions skir. the shores
OF two great oceans; and yet, this vast
increase of territory and people has nv,
only shown itself compatible with the
harmonious action Of the State and Fed
eral Governments in their respective
constitutional spheres. bul has afforded
an additional guarantee of the strength
and integrity of both. With an expert
ence thus suggested and cheering, the
policy of my administration will not be
controlled by any timid forebodings Of
evil from expansion. Indeed, i. is no,
to be disguised, that our attitude as ha-
tion, and our position on the globe, rem.
der the acquisition of certain posses.
sions, not within our jurisdiction, evident,
iy important for our protection, if not.
IN the future essential to the preserva.
ton of the rights of commerce and the
peace Of the world. Should they be
obtained. it will be through no grasping
spirit, but with view 10 obvious nation.
al interest and security, and in manner
entirely consistent with the strictest OBJ.
servance of national faith. We have
nothing in our history or position to in.
vite aggression--we have verything to
impress upon US the cultivation of rela-
tons of peace and amity. intend my
shall leave no blot upon
our fair name, and trust may safely
give the assurance that no act within the
legitimate scope OF my constitutional
control will be tolerated on the part OF
any portion of our citizens, which can
not challenge ready justification before
the tribunals of the civilized world
The Administration would be unworthy
Of confidence at home, or respect abroad,
should il cease TO be influenced by the
;hat no apparent advantage
can be purchased at price SO dear as
that Of national wrong or dishonor.
II is not our privilege as a nation to
speak of distant past The striking
Of our history, replete with in
struction, and furnishing abundant ground
for hopeful confidence. are comprised in
a period comparatively brief. But if
our past is limited, our future is bound
ess. The obligations that ,hrong the
lnexplored pathway of advancement
will be limi,less as their duration; hence,
sound and comprehensive philosophy
should embrace no less the distant fu-
ure than the urgent present. The great
,bject Of our pursuits as people. are
best to be attained by peace. and are en-
irely consissen. with the tranquility and
interests of the rest of mankind. With
he neighboring nations on our continent,
we should cultivate kind and friendly
relations. We can desire nothing in re.
,ard to them so much as to see them
their strength and pursue the
path Of prosperity and happiness. II.
n the course of their growth, we shonld
open new channels of trade and in,erna.
Iional intercourse, il must always present
\ noble field for the moral influence OF
great people.
OF the complicated system Of Euro.
pean policy. we have heretofore been in
dependent, and from their wars, tumults
and anxieties, we have been entirely ex-
smps. While these are confined to the
nations with which they originate, and
within their legitimate jurisdiction. they
affect US. except in appealing to
Dur sympathies in the cause of human
freedom and universal advancement.
With these views firmly and honestly