Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1853-03-10

/ working OF our system has dispelled
a degree Of solicitude which at the
! outcast disturbed bold hearts and far
reaching intellects. The apprehen-
sion Of dangers from external terri.
tory. multiplied States, accumulated
wealth, and augmented population
has proved 10 be unfounded. The
stars upon your banner have become
nearly threeiold their original num-
Der. Four densely populated pos
sessions skirt the shores OF two great
oceans, and yet this vast increase oi
people and territory has not only
shown itself compatible with the
harmonious action Of the States and
the Federal Government, in their
respective constitutional spheres, but
has afforded an additional guaranty
Of The strength and integrity Of both.
With an experience thus sugges-
tive and cheering, the policy Of my
administration will not be controlled
by any limid forebodings Of evil from
expansion. Indeed, it is not TO be
disguised that our attitude as ma
iion and our position on the globe
render the acquisition Of certain
possessions not within our jurisdic-
lion eminenily important tor our
protection, If not now, at least in
the future, and essential for the
preservation of the rights OF COM
merce and the peace of the world.
Should they be obtained, it will be
through no erasping spirit, but with
view to obvious national interest
ard security and in manner en-
tirely consistent with the striciest
observance of national faith.
We have nothing in our history
or position TO invite aggression; we
have everything TO beckon TO the cul-
livation of relations OF peace and
amiiy with all nations. Purposes
therefore at once just and pacific will
be significantly marked in the con-
duct OF our foreign affairs. / intend
that my administration shall leave
no foul blot upon our fair record, and
trust | may safely give the as
surance that no act within the legiti
mate scope Of my constitutional
control, will be tolerated on the part
of any portion Of our citizens, which
cannot challenge a ready jurisdiction
before The tribunal OF the civilized
world. An administration would be
unworthy of confidence at home, or
abroad, should it cease to be in
fluenced by the conviction, that no
apparent advantage can be pur-
chased at price so dear as that ol
national wrong or dishonor. ...
1t is not your privilege as nation,
to speak Of a distant past. The
striking incidents of your history are
replete with Instruction and furnish
ing abundant grounds for hopeful
confidence, is comprised in a period
comparatively, but if your past is
limited your future is boundless. Its
obligations throng the unexplored
pathway Of advancement and will
be limitless as duration. Hence
sound and comprehensive policy
should embrace not less the distant
future than the urgent present.
The great objects of our pursuits
as a people are best 20 be attained
by peace, and are entirely consistent
with the tranquility and interest OF
the rest of mankind, with neighbor-
ing nations on our Continent. We
should cultivate kindly and paternal
relations; we can desire nothing in
regard 10 them so much as TO see
them consolidate their strength and
pursue the paths Of prosperity and
happiness.
If in the course Of their growth /
we should open new channels of
trade and create additional facilities
for friendly intercourse, the benefits
realized will be equal and mutual. |
Oh the complicated European system
of national policy we have hereto
fore been independent. From their
wars, their iumults and anxie;ies we
have been happily-almosi entirely
exempt; whilst these are confined 10
the nations which gave them exis.
tence, and within their legitimate
jurisdiction, they cannot effect us,
except as they appeal to our sympa>
,hies, in the cause of human freedom
and universal advancement. But
the vast interests OF Commerce are
common TO all mankind, and The ad-
vantages Of trade and international
must always present I
noble field for the moral influence oil
a great people. With these views
firmly, and honestly carried out. we
have a right TO expect and shall
under all circumstances require
prompt reciprocity. ac 90 |,
The rights which belong 10 US as a
nation, are not alone TO be regarded,
but those which pertain TO every cit
zen in his individual capacity at
nome and abroad must be sacredIy
So long as he can dis
l. L. ID.