Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1853-03-12


Of dangers from extended territory, multiplied States,
accumulated wealth and augmented population, has
proved to be unfounded. The upon your banner
have become nearly threshold their original number
Your densey populated possessions skirt the shores of
the two oceans and yet this vast increase Of people
and territory has not only shown itself compatible
with the harmonious action of the States and federal
government in their constitutional spheres, but has a
torded an additional guarantee of strength and secur
ty to both. With experience thus suggested and
cheering the policy OF my administration will not be
controlled by any tmid forebodngs of evil from ex-
panson. Indeed, it is not to be disguised that at
titude as nation and our position the globe rend-
er the acquisition OF certain possessions not within
our jurisdiction, evidently important for our protection
IN the future II not essential Tor the preservation oil
the States, commerce. and the peace Of the world
They should be obtained through no grasping spirit,
but with view to obvious national interest and secu-
rty and in manner consistent with the strlctest OBJ
servance of national faith. We have nothing in our
history or position to invite aggression We have
cry thing to beckon to the cultivation OF relations OF
peace and amity with all nations. Purposes at once
just and pacific will be significantly marked in the
duct of our affairs.
| intend that my administration shall leave foul
blot on our fair record and trust may safely give
the assurance that act WILL in the legitimate scope
of my constitutional contro be tolerated on the part
of any portion of citizens, which cannot challenge
ready justification before the tribunal of the civilized
world. That administration would be unworthy of
confidence at home or respect abroad, should it
to be influenced by the conviction, that apparent
advantage can be purchased at price dear that
of National wrong dshonor. 1t is not your privi-
lege nation to speak of distant past. The stri-
king hisoryreplete with instructions and furnishing
abundant grounds for hopeful confidence, compris
ed in period comparatively short But if your past
was limited your future is boundless in its obligations
through the UNEMPLOYED pathway of advancement, and
will be limitless in duration. Hence sound and
comprehensive policy should embrace the distant flu
ture rather than the urgent present, great objects of
our pursuit as Republic are entirely consistent with
the tranquility and interest of the rest of mankind
w 18th neighborng nations, our account we should
cultivate kindly and friendly relations. We desire
nothing in regard to them, 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 channels of trade, and
create additional facilities for friendly intercourse the
benefits realized will be equal and mutual. OF the
complicated European systems of National policy,
we have heretofore been independent. From their
wars, tumus and anXeties we have been almost en-
tirey exempt. Whilst these are confined to the Ma
tons which gave their existence and with their egi
innate jurisdiction they cannot affect us except as thew
appeal to sympathies in the cause of human free
dom and universal advancement. But vast interests
of commerce are common to all mankind and the adj
vantages of trade and International intercourse must
always present noble fields for the moral influence OF
great people With these views firmly and honest
y carried out, have arightto expect and shall I'M
der the circumstances, require prompt reciprocity
The rights which belong to nation are not a,
lone to be regarded but those which pertain to eyery
citizen in his individual capacity at home and abroad
must be sacredv maintained. So lone as we can dis
every star in its place upon that ensign without
wealth to purchase for him place, it will be his pr-
vilege and must be his acknowledged right to stand
unabashed in the presence of princes with proud
consciousness that he is himselfon of nations SOW
eregns and that he cannot, in legitimate pursuits
wander so far from home that agents who he shall
leave behind in the place which now occupy will not
see that no rude hand of power tyranncal passion
is laid upon him with impunity. He must realize up
on every soil, which our enterprise may SEEK the pro
lection OF our flag American citizenship is an inva
liable panoply for security of American rights ant
in this connection it hardly be necessary to reaf
firm principle which should now be regarded as fun
damenta The rights, security and repose ofths con
ederacy reject the idea of interference or colonial
ton on this side of the by any foreign powers
beyond present jurisdiction, utterly nadmssible-
The opportunities of observation furnished by my brie
experience soldier confirms in nv own mind the
opinion entertained and acted upon by others from the
formation of the government that the maintenance
standing armies in country would not only be dan
;, gerous, but unnecessary. They also illustrate thu
Importance might well say-the absolute necessity
of military science and practical skill furnshedin sucl
an eminent degree, which has made your army what
IS. The discipline and instruction OF officers more
distinguished for their solid attainments gallanry ant
devotion to the public service, than its too unobrusiv
bearing andhigh moral tone The army as organizes
: must be the nucleus around which in every time
need the strength of your military power must form
the sodiery-a sure bulwark of your defence
The national militia readily formed into we'll discip
lined and efficient organization and the skill and sci
devotion OF the navy you that you may take tn
performance of the past pledge for thy FUTURE an
may confidently expect that the flag which has
its unarnshed folds every sea- will still float in un
diminished honor But these like many other subjects
will be appropriately brought at future time to tn
S coordinate branches of the government to which
shall always look with profound respect and trusu
confidence, that they will accord to the aid and sup
It port which shall so much need, and which their ex
perence and wisdom will readily suggest In the ad
mnstration OF domestic affairs, you expect devote
integrity in the public service-and an observance
1t it in all departments marked never Justly to
questioned this reasonable expectation be not re
alzed frankly confess that of your leading hope
is doomed to disappointment, and that my effort in yer
important particulars must result in humiliatng fa
o ure. Officers can be properly regarded only in tn
light of aids for the accomplishment of these objects
ID and occupancy confer no prerogative nor inord
nate desire for preferment any claim. The public il
terest demands that they be considered with reerenc
s. to the duties to be performed. Good citizens may,
will claim the protection of good laws and benign il
N huence of good government; but a claim for Office
of what the people of the Republic should recos
ut nze No reasonable man. of any party, will expet
the administration to be regardless of its respons
Dy and the obvious elements of success as to retail
persons known to be under the influence of politics
Ve hostility and partizan prejudice in position which wi
require not only labor but cordial cooperation
9y Having no implied engagements to ratify, reward
ne to bestow, resentments to remember, persona
I'D wishes to consult in selecting for official stations,
shall fulfill the difficult and delicate trust, admitting
IT. motive worthy either nv character or position