The Yazoo Democrat., 1853-03-23

1
people and territory has not only shown itseli
compatible with the harmonious action Of the
States and Federal Government in their Tespec-
tive constitutional spheres, but has afforded an
additional guaranty of the strength and integ-
rity oi both. With an experience thus sugges
tive and cheering, the policy Of my admins
tration will not be controlled by any timid fore
bodings of evil from expansion. Indeed, H. rs
not TO be disguised that our attitude as nation
and our position on the globe, render the acqui-
sltion of certain possessions not within our ju-
nsdiction, eminently important for our protec
ton, II not 10 the future essential for the pres
ervation of the rights of commerce and the peace
oil the world. Should they be obtained, it will
be through no grasping spirit, but with view
to obvious national interest and security, and in
manner entirely consistent with the strictest
observance of national faith.
| We have nothing in our history or position
to invite aggression. We have everything to
beckon us to the cultivation of relations of peace
and amity with all nations. Purposes there
fore, at once just and pacific will be significant
ly marked in the conduct of our foreign affairs.
intend that my administration shall leave
no blot upon our fair record, 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 cannot challenge ready JUS
tiication before the tribunal of the civ ilized
world. An administration would be unworthy
of confidence at home, or respect abroad, should
it cease to be Influenced by the conviction that
no apparent advantage can be purchased at a
price SO dear as that of national wrong or dis
honor.
1t is not your privilege as nation to speak
of distant past. The striking incidents of your
history, replete with instruction and furnishing
abundant grounds for hopeful confidence, are
comprised in a period comparatively brief But
if your past is limited your future is boundless.
Its obligations throng the unex pored pathway
of advancement, and will be limitless as dura-
ton. Hence sound and comprehensive poll
cy should embrace not less the distant future
than the urgent present.
The great objects of our pursuit as a people
are best to be attained by peace, and are entire
ly consistent with the tranquility aud interests
of The rest of mankind. With the neighboring
nations upon our continent we should cultivate
kindly and fraterual relations. We can desire
nothing in regard to them so much as to see
them consolidate their strength and pursue the
paths of prosperity and happiness. If in the
course of their grow tn we should open new chan
nes of trade and create additional facilities for
friendly intercourse, the benefits realized will
be equal and mutual.
Of the complicated European systems of ma
tional policy we have heretofore been indepen-
dent. From their wars, their tumults and anx-
ieties, we have been happily almost exempt
Whilst these are confined to the nations which
gave them existence and within their legitimat te
jurisdictions, they cannot effect us except as they
appeal to sympathies in the cause of human
freedom and universal advancement. But the
vast interests of commerce are common to all
mankind and the advantages Of trade and inter-
national intercourse must always present no
BILE field for the moral influence of great peo-
pie. With these views firmly and honestly
carried out, we have right to expect, and shall
under all circumstances require prompt recipro-
city. The rights which belong to us as nation
are not alone to be regarded. but those which
pertain to every citizen in his individual capac-
ity at home and abroad, must be saeredly main
tanned. So long as he can discern every star in
its place upon that ensign, without wealth to
purchase for him preferment or title to secure
for him place, it will be his privilege, and must
be his acknowledged right, to stand unabashed |
even in the presence Of Princes, with the proud |
consciousness that he is himself one of nation /
of sovereigns, and that he cannot in legitimate /
pursuit wander so far from home, that the agent
whom he shall leave behind, in the place which /
now occup1, will see that no rude hand of
power, or tyIannicai passion, Is laid upon him
with impunity. He must lCcalize that upon ev-
cry and on every soil where or enterPrIze
may rightfully seek the protection of Our flag,
American citizenship is an inyiolable panopiy
or the security of American rights, and in this
connection it can hardly be necessary to reafirm L
principle which should now be regarded as
fundamental. The right, security, and repose
# this confederacy reject the idea of interfer- Is
nee or colonization on this side of the ocean
" any foreign power, beyond present jurisdic- q
ion, as utterly inadmissibe. h
The opportunities of observation furnished Z
" my brief experience as a soldier confirmed q
n my own mind the opinion entertained and i
cted upon by others from the formation Of the I
government, that the maintenance Of large
landing armies in our country would be not =
My dangerous, but unnecessary. They also =
Illustrated the importance, might well say a
he absolute necessity, of the military science \
nd practical skill furnished in such an emf