Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1853-03-19


With an experience thus suggested and
cheering the policy Of my administration will not be
controlled by any tmid forebodngs OF evil from ex-
pansion. Indeed it is not to be disguised that our at
tude as nation and our position on the globe rend-
er the ACQUISITION of certain possessions, not within
our jurisdiction emineny important for our protection,
if in the FUTURE 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 inter-
est and security, and in consistent with the
strictest observance of national faith.
We have nothing in our history position to in
vite aggression. We have every thing to beckon
to the cultivation of relations of and amity with
all nations. Purposes, therefore, at once just and
pacific will be significantly marked in the conduct of
our affairs.
intend that my administration shall leave no foul
blot fair record, and trust may safely give
the assurance that act within the legitimate scope
of my constitutional control, will be tolerated the
part Of any portion of our citizens, which cannot chal
lenge ready justification before the tribunal of the
civilized world. An administration would be unworthy Of
confidence at home respect abroad should 1t cease
to be influenced by the conviction that apparent
advantage can be purchased price dear that
of National wrong dshonor. 1t is not your privi
lege as nation to speak of distant past. The strk-
ing incidents of your history replete with instruction.
and furnishing abundant grounds for hopeful confidence
are comprised in period comparatively brief. But if
your past limited, your future is boundless. Its
obligations throng the unexpored pathway of adv
ment, and will be limtless duration. Hence
sound and comprehensive policy should embrace not
less the distant future than the urgent present.
! The great objects Of pursuit people best
to be attained by peace, and are entirely consistent
with the tranquility and interests of the rest of
kind. With the neighboring nations, upon con-
tnent should cultivate kindly and raternal rela-
tons.
We can desire nothing in regard to them so much as
to them consolidate their strength and pursue the
paths of prosperity and happiness. 1t in the of
their growth, should open channels of trade,
and create additional facilities for friendly intercourse,
the benefits realized will be equal and mutual.
| Ofthe complicated European systems of National
policy, we have heretofore been independent From
their their tumults and anxieties have been
happily almost entirely exempt. Whilst these are
confined to the nations which gave them existence,
and within their legitimate jurisdictions they a
feet US except they appeal to sympahes 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 interna-
tional intercourse must always present noble field
for the moral influence of great people. With these
views firmly and honestly carried cut we have right
to expect and shall under all circumstances, require
prompt reciprocity.
The rights which belong to Us as nation are not a.
lone to be regarded but those which pertain every
citizen in his individual capacity at home and abroad
must be sacredly maintained. So long he dis
Germ every star in its place upon that ensign, without
wealth purchase for him preferment title to Sc
cure for him place. it will be his privilege, and be
his acknowledged right to stand unabashed in the
presence of princes with proud that he
is himself one of nation ofsoyeregns, and that he
not in legitimate pursuit wander far from home that
the agent whom he shall leave behind in the place
which Inow occupy, will not that rude hand of
power tyrannca passion is laid upon him with i'm
punity. He must realize that upon every sea- and on
every soil where our enterprise may rghtfuy seek the
protection of flag American citizenship an invi-
oable panoply for the security of American rights
And in this connection it hardly be necessary to re-
affirm principle which should be regarded as fun
damental The rights, security and repose this con-
federacy reject the idea of interference or colonial
ton on this side of the ocean by any foreign powers,
beyond present jurisdiction, utterly inadmissble.-
The opportunities ofobseryation furnished by my brief
experience 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 country would be not only
dangerous, but unnecessary. They illustrated the i'm
portance-I might we'll say the absolute necesstv-of
military science and practical skill which has made
your army what 1t Is under the discipline and insruc-
ton of officers not distinguished for their solid
atainments gallantry and devotion the public SER
vice. than to unobtrusive bearing and Oh moral tone
The army as-organized must be the nucleus around
which, in time of need. the strength of Vour
military power (he sure bulwark of your Defence
national militia, may be readily formed into well dis
ciplned and efficient organization. And the skill and
sefdevoton of the navy you that you may take
the performance of the past pledge for the future
and may confidently expect that the flag which has
waved its untarnshed folds every sea wiIls float
in undiminshed honor
But these, like many other sub ecs, will be appropri
aey brought at future time to the attention of the
t coordinate branches of the government to which
shall always look with profound respect and trustfu
confidence that they will accord to me the aid and
port which shall so much need, and which their ex
} perence and wisdom will readily suggest.
In the administration of domestic affairs you expect
devotedntegrity in the public service, and the OBJ
servance of rigid economy in all the departments, so
marked as never justly TO be questioned If this reas-
enable expectation be not realized, frankly confess
that one of your leading hopes is doomed dsappont
ment, and that my eortsin very important particular
; must result in humilating failure
Officers can be properly regarded only in the light
of aids for the accomplishment of these objects and
as occupancy can confer prerogatiVe, nor mpor-
tnnate desire for preferment any claim the public in
terest mperatvey demands that they be considered
with sole reference to the duties to be performed
Good citizens may well claim the protection of good
laws and the benign in fuence of good government,
but claim for office is what the people Of Republic
e should never recognize.
No reasonable man, of any party, will expect the
administration to be regardless of its responsibility
and of the obvious elements of success as to retain
persons known to be under the influence of political
hostility and partzan prejudice in positions which will
require not only severe labor but cordial
Having no implied engagements to ratfy, no rewards
to bestow, oresentments remember and no person.
al wishes to consutin selections for official stations
shall fulfill the difficult and delicate trust admitting nc
motive as worthy, either my character or position
o which does not contemplate efficient discharge Of
! duty and the best interests ofmy country.
0 acknowledge my obligations to the masses of my