The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1854-12-15
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE,

The past has been an eventful year, and
viii be hereafter referred to as marked
epoch in the history of the world. While
we have been happily preserved from the
calamities Of war, our domestic prosperi-
ty has not been entirely uninterrupted-
The crops, in portions of the country,
have been nearly cut off. Disease has
prevailed to greater extent than usual,
and the sacrifice of human life, through
casualties by sea and land, is without a
parallel But the pestilence has swept by,
and restored salubrity invites the absent to
their homes, and the return Of business
to its ordinary channels. If the earth has
rewarded the labor Of the husbandman
less bountifulE than in preceding seasons,
1t has left him with abundance for domes-
tic wants, and a large surplus for exporta-
ton. In the present, therefore, as in the
past, we fpd ample grounds for reverent
thankfulness to the God of Grace and
Providence, for His protecting care and
merciful dealings with us as people.
Although our attention has been arrest
ed by painful interest in passing events,
yet our country feels no more than the
slight vibrations of the commissions, which
have shaken Europe. AS individuals, we
cannot repress sympathy with human suf-
fering, nor regret for the causes which
produce it. Asa nation, we are remind
ed, that whatever interrupts the peace, or
checks the prosperity Of any part Of Chris
tendon, tends, more or less, to involve
our own. The condition of States is not
unlike that of individuals. They are mu-
tually dependent upon each other. Ami
cable relations between them, and recip-
rocal good will, are essential for the pro-
motion Of whatever is desirable in their
moral, social, and political condition
Hence, it has been my earnest endeavor
to maintain peace and friendly intercourse
with all nations.
The wise theory Of this government, SO
early adopted and steadily pursued, Of
avoiding all entangling alliances, has hith-
erto exempted it from many complications.
in which it would otherwise have become
involved. Notwithstanding this our clear
ly defined and well-sustained course of ac-
ton, and our geographical position so re-
mote from Europe, increasing disposition
has been manifested, by some of its gov
ernments, to supervise, and, in certain re-
spects, to direct our foreign policy In
plans for adjusting the balance of power
among themselves they have assumed te
take US into account, and would constrair
us to conform our conduct to their views
One or another of the powers of Europe
has, from time TO time, undertaken to en-
force arbitrary regulations, contrary il
many respects to established principles o
international law. That law, the Unitet
States have, in their foreign intercourse
uniformly respected and observed, anc
they cannot recognize any such interpola
tions therein, as the temporary interests o
others may suggest. They do not admi
thai the sovereigns of one continent or O
particular community of states, can leg
islate for all others.
Leaving the transatlantic nations t
adjust their political system, in the wa.
they may think best for common welfare
The independent powers of this continen
may well assert the right to be exemp
from all annoying interference on thei
part. Systematic abstinence from intimat
political connection with distant foreigl
nations, does not conflict with giving til
widest range to our foreign commerce. :
This distinction, so clearly marked in his
tory, seems to have been overlooked, o
disregarded, by some leading foreign states
Our refusal to be brought within, and sub
jected to, their peculiar system, has, feal
created Jealous distrust Of our conduct
and induced, on their part, occasional act
of disturbing effect upon our foreign rela
tons. Our present attitude and pas
course give assurances, which should nc
be questioned, that our purposes are nc
aggressive, nor threatening to the safet
and welfare Of other nations. Our mil
tary establishment, in time Of peace,
adapted to maintain exterior defencel
and to preserve order among the abol
iginal tribes within Che limits of the vi
ion. Our naval force is intended onl
for the protection Of our citizens abroad
and of our commerce, diffused, as it il
over all the seas Of the globe. The Gov
ernment Of the United States, being .,
sentially pacific in policy, stands prepare
to repel invasion by the voluntary serviC
of patriotic people, and provides no PEI
manent means Of foreign aggression
These considerations should allay all az
prehension, that we are disposed to er
cgoach ON the rights, or endanger the 81
curity, of other States. y4.siH
Some European powers have regarde
with disquieting concern, the territori'
expansion ofthe United States. This rap
id growth has resulted from the legitimal
exercise Of sovereign rights, belongin
alike to all nations, and by many LIBERAL
exercised, Under. such circumstance
It could hardly have been expected thi
those among them, which have, within
comparatively recent period, subdued an
abscrbed ancient kingdoms, planted the
standards on every continent, and moi
possess or claim the control Of, the island
of'evefy ocean as their appropriate d.
main, would look with unfriendly sent
nlents upon the acquisitions Of this cour
try, in every instance honorably obtaine,
orwould feel themselves justified in imp
Y ting our advancement to q spirit Of aggre
sion, or to passion for political predou
nance. lsaatae''t fs q