Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1853-03-10
With an experience thus suggestive and

will not be co1troled by any uniIa f0re-
bodings Of evil frem expansion, Indeed
it is not TO be disguised that our attitude
as nation, and ourposition on.the globe
render the acquisition of certain posses
sions, not within our jurisdiction, eminent
ly important for our protection, if not il
the future, essential for the preservation
of the rights of commerce and the peace
of the world. Should they be obtained, il
will be through no grasping spirit, but
with view to obvious national interest
and security, and in manner entirely
consistent with the strict observance ot
national faith. We have nothing in our
history or position to invite aggression,
we have everything to beckoni us to the
cultivation of relations of peace and ami
ty with all nations. Purposes, therefore,
at once just and pacific, will be significant
ly marked in the conduct of our foreign
affairs. l intend that my administration
shall leave no blot upon our fair record,
and trust l 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 justifca-
ton before the tribunal of the civilized
world. An administration, would be un-
worthy of confidence at homo, or respect
abroad, should it cease to be influenced
by the conviction, that no apparent ad-
vantage can be purchased at price so
dear as that of national wrong or dishon-
or. 1t is not your privilege, as nation,
to speak of distant past. The striking in
cidents of your history, replete with in
structiou, ,aud furnishing abundantgrounds
for hopeful confidence, are comprised in
period comparatively brief. But if your
past is limited, your future is boundless.
Its obligations throng the unexplored path
way of advancement, and will be limit
less as duration. Hence, a sound and
comprehensive policy should embrace,
not less the distant future, than the urgent
present.
The great objects Of our pursuit, as
people, are best to be attained by peace,
and are entirely consistent with the tran
guilty and interests of the rest of man
kind. With the neighborng nations up
on our continent, we should cultivate kind
ly and fraternal relations We can desire
nothing in regard to them so much as to
see them consolidate their strength, and
pursue the paths of prosperity AMI hap
piness. Ii, in the course of their growth,
We should open new channels of trade,
and create additional facilities for friendly
the benefits realized will be
equal and mutual. Of the complicated
European systems of national polity We
have heretofore been independent. From
their wars, their tumults and anxieties,
we have been, happily, almost entirely
exempt. While these are confined to the
nations which gave them existence, and
within their legitimate jurisdiction, they
affect US, except as they appeal to
our sympathies in the cause of human
freedom and universal advancement But
The vast interests of commerce are COM
mon to all mankind, and the advantages
IF trade and international intercourse must
always present noble field for the NOR
Il influence of a great people. -.i}
With these, views firmly and honestly
carried out, We have right to expect, and
shall under all circumstances require,
prompt reciprocity. The rights which
belong to us a nation, are not alone to be |
regarded, but those which pertain to ev-
Try citizen in his individual capacity, at
home and abroad, must be sacrcdly main
aimed. So long as he can discern every
tar in its place upon that ensign, without |
wealth to purchase for him preferment, or
title to secure for him place, will be his
privilege, and must be his acknowledged |
light, to stand unabashed even in the pres
nee of princes, with a proud consciousness
hat he is himself one of nation of sove-
'eigns, and that he cannot, in legitimate
pursuit, wander so far from home, that the
lgent, whom he shall leave behind in the |
'lace which ] now occupy, will not see that |
10 rude hand ofpower or tyrannical passion |
S laid upon him with impunity. He must !
ealize, that upon every sea, on every soil,
where our enterprise may rightfully seek
he protection of our flag, American citi-
enship is an inviolable panoply for the
ecurity of American rights. And, in
his connection, it can hardly be necessary
o re-afirm principle which should now
'e regarded as fundamental. The rights,
ecurity, and repose of this Confedcracy
eject the idea of interference or colonial
ion, on this side of the ocean, by any
Oreign power, beyond present jurisdiction,
S utterly inadmissib!e.
The opportunities of observation, fur
ished by my briefexperience as soldier,
onfrmed in my opinion, entertained and
cted upon by others from the formation
f the Government, that the maintenance
large standing armies in our country
Tould be not only dangerous but unne-
essary. They also illustrated the i'm
ortance I mioht we'll say the absolute