The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1854-12-13
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE,
eilo,o- Citizens of the Senate


and ofthe House of Representatives
The past has been an evenHul wear
and will be. hereafter referred to as q
msrked epoch in the history Of the world
While we have been happily preserved
from the caiamities Of war, our domesti,
prosperity has not been entirely uuiuter
rupted. The crops, in portions OF the
country, have been nearly cut of. Dis
ease has prevaile To n greater extent
than usual, aud the sacrifice of human
life, through casualties by sea and land
Is without parallel. But the pestience
has swept by, and restored saIubrity in,
vites the absent to their homes, and the
return OF business to its ordiuary ch an,
nels. Ii the earth has rewarded the la.
Dor OF the husbandman less bountifuIly
than in preceding seasons, it has left him
With abundance tor domestic wants, and
n large surplus for expectation. In the
present, therefore, rs III the past, we find
ample grounds for reverent thankfulness
TO the God OF Grace and Providence, for
His protecting care and mercifui dealings
with US rs people.
Although our attention has been arres.
ted 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
suffering, nor regret for the causes which
produce IT. AS nation, We are remin>
ded, that whatever interrupts the peace,
or checks the prosperity OF any part of
christendom, tends, more or less, TO in.
volve our own. The condition Of States
is not unlike that of individuals. They
are mutually dependent upon each other.
Amicable relations between them, and re-
ciprocal good will, are essential for the
promotion of whatever is desirable in
their moral, social and political condition.
Hence, 1t has been my earnest endea,or
TO maintain peace and friendly intercourse
with all nations.
Tie wiss theory Of this government,
SO early adopted and steadily pursued,
Of avoiding all entangling alliances, has
hitherto exempted it from many compii-
cations, III which il would otherwise have
become involved. Notwithstanding this
our clearly defined aud wel-sustaineJ
course OF action, aud our geographical
position SO remote from Europe, inc, easing
disposition has been manifested, by some
of It's governments, To supervise, and, in
certain respects, to direct, our foreign
policy. In plans for adjusting the bal
ance Of power among themselves, they
have assumed to take US into account, AMI
would constra;n Us TO conform our con-
duct to their views. One or anotller Of
the powers Of Europe has, from time to
time, undertaken to enforce arbitrary regu-
iations, contrary, in many respects to es.
tsblished principles of international law.
That law the United States have, in their
foreign intercourse, uniformly respected
and observed, and they cannot recognise
any such interpretations therein, as the
temporary interests OF others may sug-
gest. They DO not admit, that the sove-
reigns of one continent or Of particu.
Lar community Of States, can legslate foi
all others.
LEAVING tho trans atlantic n,,;,ns %
adjust their politicaI syst.m in the way
th.y NAV think best IL, the;r c,,n,mon
welfare. The independent nowers of mi.
continent may well assert The rioht n bs
exempt from all annoyinp interEIrence on
their part. Systematic abstinence r. nn
ultimate political connexion with dia,an,
foreign nations does not conflict with
giving IN. widcs. rance IN o,r G,,a;.,n
commerce. Tia distinction. 40 clearly
marked in hista,y. see,ns IN have Lean
overlooked or disregarded bv some leaJ.
ing foreign States. Our refusal to be
brough. within and subjected TO their ne.
culiaP system. has. I fear, created a ;eal.
Gus disirust OF our conduct. and induced
on their part oc .ssional acts of disturb.
iup effect upon our foreign reI.,ions-
Our present attitude and pnst course give
assurances which should not be ,,,es,,ou-
ed. that our purposes are NOT a1,yras.iys
nor threatening 20 the safety and SsIIare
Of other nations. Our military establish.
ment in time Of peace Is adap,ed 10 main.
tain exterior deiepces, aud 10 preserve or.