Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1853-03-11

planning endurance with which il was prose
euted 70 is consummatiOn, we're only surpass-
ed By the wisdom and patriotic spirit Of con
eession which characterized all the councils Of
the early fathers.
One Of the most impressive condolences Of
that wisdom, is 10 be found in the fact that the
actual working Of our system has dispeled a
degree Of solcitude, which at the outset disturb
ed bold hearts and far-reaching inlellects. The
apprehension Of dangers from extended terrific
ry, multiplied States, accumulated wealth and
augmented population, has proved TO be un-
founded. The stars upon your banner have
become nearly threefold their original number
Your densely populated possessions skirt the
shores OF two great oceans, and yet this vast
increase Of people and territory has not only
shown itself compatible with the harmonious
action Of the States and the Federal Govern
ment, in their respective constitutional spheres,
but has afforded an additional guaranty Of the
strength and integrity Of both. With an expe-
rience thus suggestive and cheering, the policy
Of my administration will not be controlled by
any Iimid forebodings Of evil from expansion.
Indeed il is not TO be disguised that our attitude
as a nation, and our position on the globe, rem
der the acquisition Of certain possessions not
within our jurisdiction eminenty important for
our protection, II not now, at least in the future,
and essential for the preservation Of the rights
OF commerce and the peace Of the world. Should
they be obtained, it will be through no grasp
ing spirit, but with view TO obvious national
interest and security, and in manner entirely
consistent with the strictest observance Of ma
lional faith.
We have nothing in our history or position
to invite aggression; we have every thing to
beckOn TO the cultivation Of relations Of peace
and amity with all nations. Purposes, there
fore, at once just and pacific, will be significant
y marked in the conduct of our foreign affairs.
| intend that my administration shall leave no
foul 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
cur citizens, which cannot challenge ready
justification before the tribunal Of the civilized
world. An administration would be unworthy
of confidence at home or abroad, should il cease
to be influenced by the conviction that no ap-
parent advantage can be purchased at price
so dear as that Of national wrong or dishonor.
1t is not your privilege as a nation to speak
of distant past The striking incidents of your
history are replete with instruction, and fur
nishing abundant grounds for hopeful conf
denee, are comprised in period comparatively
limited but il your past is limited, your future
is boundess Its obligations throng the unex-
plored pathway Of advancement, and will be
limitless as duration. Hence a sound and
comprehensive policy should embrace not less
Al G,,i,, 4 h.,
The great objects Of our pursuit, as peo-
pie, are best to be attained by peace and are
entirely consistent with the tranquility and in
terest Of the rest Of mankind. With the neigh
boring nations on our continent, we should cul-
tiyate kindly 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 and happiness II, in
the course Of their growth, we should open new
channels Of trade, and create additional facil-
| ties for friendly intercourse, the benefits real
lied would be equal and mutual.
OF the complicated European systems Of ma
tional polity, we have heretofore been indepen-
dent. From their wars, their tumuts and anx-
ieties, we are and have been happily, almost
entirely exempt. Whilst these are confined to
the nations which gave them existence, and
within their legitimate jurisdiction, they cannot
affect us except as they appeal to our sympa-
thies in the cause of human freedom and uni
versal advancement. But the vast interests OF
. commerce are common to all mankind, and the
advantages of trade and international inter
course must always present a noble field for
the moral influence Of great people. With
these views firmly and honestly carried out, we
have a right to expect, and shall, under all cir
cumstances, require prompt reciprocity.
The rights which belong TO us as nation
are not alone to be regarded, but those which
pertain TO every citizen in bis individual capa-
city, at home and abroad, must be sacredly
maintained. 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, ii will be his privilege,
and must be his acknowledged right, TO stand
unabashed even in the presences Of princes,
with proud consciousness that he is himself
one Of nation Of sovereigns, and that he can
not, in legitimate pursuit, wander so far from
home that the agent whom he should leave be-
hind, in the place which l now occupy, will
not see that no rude hand of power or tyran-
nical passion is laid upon him with mpunity
He must realize that upon any and every soil
where our enterprise may rightfully seek the
protection of our flag American citizenship
is an iHviolable panOply for the security Of
American rights, and in this connection it can
hardly be necessary to reaIirm principle
which should now be regarded as fundamental
The rights, security and repose Of this con-
federacy reject the idea Of interference or col
onization on this side of the ocean by any for
eign power beyond the present jurisdiction, as
utterly inadmissable
The opportunities Of observation furnished
by my brief experience as soldier confirmed
in my own mind the opinion entertained and
acted upon by others from the formation Of The
Government, that the maintenance Of large
standing armies in our country would be not on
ly dangerous, but unnecessary; they also il
I . Illustrated the Importance, might well say, thu
" absolute necessity of the military science an(