The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-14
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
Fel7oac Citizens Of the Senate

eLOW CttIenS OJ tRe OendL6
and Of the House of Representatives |:
The interest with which the people of the
republic anticipate the assembling Of Con-
gress. and the ful6lment, on that occasion,
of the duty imposed upon anew President,
is one OF the best evidences Of their cs-
pacity to realize the hopes of the founders
OF political system, at once complex and
symmetrical. While the different branches
Of the government are, to certain extent.
independent of each other. the duties OF all.
alike, have direct reference to the source of
power. Fortunately, under this system,
no man is so high, and none so humble,
in the scale OF public station. as to escape
from the scrutiny. or to be exempt from
the responsibility, which all official func-
tions imply.
Upon the justice and intelligence of the
masses, in government thus organized,
is the sole reliance Of the confederacy.
and the only security for honest and ear
nest devotion to its interests. against the
usurpations and encroachments Of power
on the one hand, and the assaults of per-
sonal ambition on the other.
The interest, of which have spoken, is
inseparable from an inquiring. self-govern.
ing community, but stimulated, doubtless,
at the present time, by the unsettled con-
dtion Of our relations with several foreign
Powers; by the new obligations resulting
from sudden extension OF the field OF en-
terprise; by the spirit with which that field
has been entered, and the amazing energy
with which its resources for meeting the
demands of humanity have been develop
ed.
Although disease, assuming at one time
the characteristics Of wide. spread and
devastating pestilence, has left its sad
traces upon some portions of our country.
we have still the most abundan, cause for
reverent thankfulness 10 God for an accu
mutation Of signal mercies showered up
on lis rs nation. Ii is well that con.
sciousness of rapid advancement and in
creasing strength be habitually associated
with an abiding sense OF dependence upon
Him who holds in his hands the destiny
of men and of nations.
Recognizing the wisdom of the broad
principle Of absolute religious federation
proclaimed in our fundamental law. and
rejoicing in the benign influence which il
has exerted upon oiir social and political
condition. | should shrink from clear du
ty. did fail to express my deepest con )
viction that we can place no secure re-
lance upon any apparent progress, if il
be not sustained by national integrity rest
ing upon The great truths affirmed and H.
lustrated by divine revelation. In the midst
of our sorrow for the afflicted and suffer.
ing, it has been oDsoling to sce how
promptly disaster made true neighbors OF
districts and cities separated widely from
each other. and cheering to watch. the
hood. which unites all hearts. in all parts
Of this Union, when danger threatens from,
abroad, or calamity impends over US Of,
home.
Our diplomatic relations with foreign
powers have undergone no essential
change since the adjournment Of the last
Congress. With some Of them. questions
Of disturbing character are still pending
but there are good reasons to believe that
these may all be amicably adjusted.
For some years past, Great Britain has
so construed the first article. OF the conven.
lion OF the Goth of April. 1919. in regard to
the fisheries of the northeastern coast. as
to exclude our citizens from some of the
fishing grounds, 10 which they freely re-
sorted tor nearly quarter Of century
subsequent TO the date of thatireaty. The
United States have never acquiesced in
this construction, but have always claimed
for their fishermen all the rights which they
had SO long enjoyed without molestation.
With view to remove all difficulties on
the subject, to extend the rights OF our fish,
ermcn beyond the limits fixed by the con-
vention OF 1918. and TO regulate trade be-
North American Provinces, negotiation
has been opened, with fair prospect Of
favorable result. To project our fishermen
in the enjoyment of their rights, and pre-
vent collision between them and British
fishermen, deemed it expedichtto station
a naval force in tina, quarter during the
fishing season.
Embarrassing questions have also arisen
between the two governments in regard to
posed to settle them by an amicable ar
rangement. and our minister at London
is instructed to enter into negotiations on
that subject.
A commission for adjusting the claims
of our citizens against Great Britain, and
those Of British subjects against the United
States, organized under the convention OF
the 9th of February last. is now sitting in
London for the transaction OF business.
1t is in many respects desirable that the
boundary line between the United States
and the British provinces in the northwest,
as designated in the convention Of the 18th
Of June, 1916. and especially that part
which separates the Territory Of Washing
ton from the British possessions on the
north. should be traced and marked.
therefore present the subject to your notice.
With France Our relations continue on
the most friendly footing. The extensive
commerce between the United States and
that country might, it is conceived. be re-
leased from some unnecessary restrictions,
to the mutual advantage Of both parties.
With view to this object, some progress
has been made in negotiating treaty OF
commerce and navigation.
T. Al. 4 = III = -