Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-19

fest destiny, disregard our internal interests in
the discharge of external obligations, or ne
g!ect external relations in complying with the
demands Of duty TO internal concerns. They
modify and control each other: and it is only
when each is regarded, SO far only as is not in.
consistent with the fair demands of the other,
that our highest destiny is attainable.
Thus construed, these words plainly involve
all limitations of constitutional power, the
restraints imposed by domestic policy upon
foreign lnterierence---and such rs international
law would impose-they involve calm con
sideration of our capabity for good to others,
consistently with a regard to their rights and
our internal Interestingly demand, in fine,
that i'll oil our policy, right and justice should
precede the exercise of power or the dictates
Of interest.
We can conceive, under this plain view,
nothing more essential, not to add captivating,
than constant and earnest searching out of
the manifest destiny Of our great country.
How shall we know how to direct our present
energies and use our present means, unless We
look ahead to the results which may be attained,
and the glory which may be achieved Unless
blindly and inertly fatalized, how can our mani
fest destiny be wrought out unless we contem-
plate our own capacities--the wants and ten
denotes of our age--our situation and that of
other nations---their susceptiblities for COM
mereial intercourse-for higher development,
and more glorious civilization? How can we
use our means to any noble ends, unless we
measure results in the future by our means in
the present, and SO contrive them as to accom-
plish those worthy results to which they are ade-
auate, instead of blindly wasting them, for no
purpose beneficial TO ourselves, or to no end
which would bring blessing upon others?
We admit the practical difficulties in the de-
termination of our manifest destiny" We
admit the absurd vagaries which have some
times been promulgated. We admit that we
can only speak with defniteness upon any
point, much>mo upon the whole Of our des-
| tiny, when we shall have thoroughly mastered
| the elements already indicated as entering into
is the wider, because, as we believe, the destiny
Of our country is the grandest that has ever
| fallen to the part of any people to fulfil. 1t will
| be found, however, never to be our destiny to
! do wrong to ourselves, or to any other people,
but always to do right and justice, as the only
mode by which an all-wise Providence will con-
summate his grand designs in the establish
ment and wonderful preservation of this great
and growing people.
FIVE are asked what compass we give to this
idea, we answer frankly. II should be the pur-
| pose Of those who direct the policy of the coun-
try to make its manifest destiny consist in the
| inviolate. preservation of its Constitution, by
| avoiding all increase of federal authority BY
doubtful implication, as opposed to the genius
| Of our institutions, and tending to a fatal Gen.
tralization of power-in leaving the States to
| develope their own resources and manage their
| domestic concerns in shielding the humblest
citizen from every invasion Of his rights by
any foreign power; in making the American
| flag sponsor for every enterprise sanctioned by
American law, upon every sea in the exclu-
sion Of foreign intervention in our own, and in
selfexclusion from foreign affairs il cultivat-
ing the arts Of peace, and the most liberal COM
merce with every people; in granting, not
guiding, individual enterprise; in lessening
burthens and decreasing expenditures, until
industry and energy will spring forward and
onward, unchecked by the weight Of govern
ment and parasites and drones shall cease to
feed npon the Overlooking treasury of free
people. These are some Of the grand points
Of policy which would make it our destiny man.
ifestly to attain the greatest freedom for the
citizens of the confederated States--the highest
glory for the American name--and the most
benefcent results for the human race. In this
sense we are believers in manifest destiny
for our country, and rejoice in hoping and an
ticipatng its glorious realization