The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-03-15

will be through no spirit Of aggression, but
with view to obvious national interests
and security, and in manner entirely con-
sistent with the strictest observance of
national faith. We have nothing in our
history or position to invite aggression
We have everything to impress on us the
cultivation of peace and amity with all
nations. / intend that my administration
shall leave no 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 our citizens
which cannot challenge ready justi6ca-
ton before the tribunal of the civilized
world. An administration would be un-
worthy Of confidence at home, or respect
abroad, should it cease to be influenced
BY the conviction that no apparent advan-
tage can be purchased at price SO dca.
as that of national wrong or dishonor. 1t
is not our privilege as a nation, to speak of
a distant past. The striking incidents of
our history, replete with instruction, and
furnishing abundant grounds for hopeful
confidence, are comprised in period
comparatively brief; but if ohr past is
limited, our future is boundless. The ex-
plorations through the pathway of ad-
vancement, will be lmitless in duration;
hence sound and comprensive policy should
embrace no less the distant future than
the urgent present. The great objects Of
our pursuits as people are best to be at
tanned by peace, and are entirely consis-
tent with the tranquility and interest of
the, rest of mankind. H
With the neighboring nations on this
continent we should cultivate kindly and
fraternal relations. We can desire moth
ing in regard to them so 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 new channels of trade, and create
additional facilities for friendly intercourse
the benefits realized will be equal and
mutual.
Of the complicated European system of
national policy, we have heretofore been
independent From their wars, their tu-
mults, and their anxieties, we have been
happily almost exempt. While these are
confined to- the nations which gave them
existence, and within their separate juris-
diction, they cannot effect us except as
they appeal to oursympathies for the cause
of human freedom and universal advance
ment. But the vast interests OF commerce
are common to all mankind, and the ad-
vantages of trade and international inter-
course must always present noble field
for the moral influence of great people.
With these views firmly and earnestly
carried out, we have Alright to expect, and
should under all circumstances require, a
prompt reciprocity. The rights which
belong to us as nation are not alone to
be regarded, put those which appertain to
every citizens in his individual capacity,
at home and abroad, must be sacredly
maintained, so long as he can discern every
star in its place upon that ensign. With
out wealth to purchase for him prefer
ment, or title to secure for him place, it
will be his privilege, and must be his ack
nowledged right, to stand unabashed even
in the presence of princes with a proud
conciousness that he is himself one of
nation of sovereigns, and that the cannot,
in legitimate pursuits, wander so far from
home that the agent whom he shall leave
behind, in the place which / nowyoccupy,
will not see that the rude hand. of power
or tyrannical passion is laid upon him
with impuity. He must realize that, upon
every sea and on every soil where our en-
terprise may respectfully seek the protec-
ton of onr flag, America rights, ard, in
this connection, it can hardly be necessa-
ry to reaffirm the principles which should
now be regard as fundamental. The
rights of security and repose of this con-
federacy rejects the idea of interference
or colonization on this side of the ocean,
by any foreign power beyond present
jurisdiction, as utterly inadmissble.
The opportunities OF observation furnished
by my brief cxpcriance as II soldier, confirm
cd in my own mind the opinion entertained
and acted upon by others frosn the ffrhation
Of largo standing armies in our country would
bc not only dangerous. but Unnecessary
They also illustrated the importance, might
say, will say, tho absolute necessity. of tho
military, civil ahd practical skill, furnished
in such ON eminent degree by the constiiu
ton, which has made your army what it is,
under tho discipline and instruction of of1i-
GERS no, more Distinguished for their solid at
gallontry, and devotion to the
public service, tbahfor unobtrusivo bearing
and high moral tone. Tho army, as organ
lied, must bo nucleus around which, in ev-
cry time Of need, tho strength of your mill
tary power, the suro bnlwark of your defence
a national militia may be readily formed
into well disciplined and efficient otganiza-
ton; and the skill and elfdcvotion OF tho
navy assure you that you may take tho per-
Of tho past as a pledge for the fu-
ture, aud May confidently expect that tho flaw
which has waved its untarnshcd folds over
every sea, will still float in .undiminshcd
honor Ni-
But these like many other subjects, will be
brought. at future time, be-
foro tho attention Of tho coordinate branch
es Of the government, TO which shall al
ways look with profound respect. nhd with
trustful confidence that they viii accord to
mo the aid and support which shall so
much nccd. and which their experience and