Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1854-12-09

schemes and extravaganza. But it is manifest that
with the most effective guards, there is danger Of
going too fast and too far.
emay pause before aproposition contemplat.
ing Simultaneous movement for the construction
of railroads, which in extent will equal, exclusive
of the great Pacific road and all its branches nearly
one-ihlrd of the entire length Of such words, now
completed, in the United States, and which cannot
COST with equipments, less than one hundred and
fifty-millions of dollars. The dangers likely TO re.
suit from combinations of interests of this charac-
ter can hardly be over estimated. But, indepen-
IDENTIFY of these Considerations where is the accurate
knowledge the comprehensive intelligence. which
shall discriminate between the elative claims of
these tweny-eight proposed roads, in eleven States
and one Territory Where will you begin, and
where end If to enable these companies TO exc
cute their proposed works. it is necessary that the
aid of the General Government be primarily given
the policy will present problem so comprehensive
In lis bearings, and so I'm portant to political and
social well being to claim, in anticipation, the
severest analysis. Entertaing these views, recur
with satisfaction to the experience and action of the
last session of Congress- furnishing that
the subject will not fail to elct a careful reexami-
nation and rigid scrutiny.
INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
1t was my intention TO present, on this occasion,
some suggestions regarding internal improvements
by the General Government, which want of time at
the close of the last session prevented my submit
llng on the return to the House of Representatives,
with objections of the bill entitled " An act making
appropriations for the repair preservation and com
petlon of certain public works heretofore COM
mences under authority of law :" but the space IN
this communication already occupied with other
matter of immediate public exIsency conslrains me
TO reserve tha: subject for a special message which
will be tran nsmtted to the two houses OF Congress
at an early day.
The judicial establishment Of the Unite States
requires modification, and certain reforms in the
manner of conducting the legal business of the gor
vernmeut are also much needed; but As | have ad-
essed you upon both of these subjects at length
before, have only to cal your attention TO the sugr
gestions then made.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
My former recommendations in relation to suita-
Die provision for various objects of deep interest to
the inhabitants OF the District Of Columbia
newed. Many of these objects partake largely of
national character. and are important. indepen-
IDENTIFY of their relation to the prosperity of the only
considerable organized community in the Union
entirely unre presented in Congress.
have thus presented suggestions such sub.
ects appear to me to be of particular interest
Importance, and therefore most worthy of conside-
ration during the short remaining period allotted TO
the labors of the present Congress.
PERoRATIoN.
Our forerathers of the thirteen United Colonies in
acquiring hei independence, and in founding this
Republic Of the United States Of America, have de-
volved upon us their descendants, the greatest and
most noble trust ever committed TO the hands of
man, imposing upon all, and especially upon such
the public will may have invested, for the time
being, with political functions the most sacred ob
cations. We have to maintain inviola'e the great
doctrine of the inherent right Of popular govern
ment; to reconcile the largest liberty OF the individ
ual citizen, with complete security of the public
der TO render cheerful obedience 10 The laws of the
land, to unite in enforcing their execution, and to
frown Indignantly on all combinations 10 resist
them to harnoniZe a sincere and ardent devotion
TO the institutions of religious faith with the most
universal liberation; TO preserve the rights of all
by causing each to respect those of the other; 10
carry forward every social Improvement 10 the ut
termost limit of human perfectbllliy, by the free
action Of mind upon mind, not by the obruslve Oh.
servation of msappied force; to uphold the lnteg-
Tity, and guard The limitations of our organic law
to preserve sacred from all touch Of usurpaion,
the very palladium of political salvation, the
reserved powers of the several States and of the
people to cherish with loyal featy aud devoted af.
fection. this Union, the only sure foundation on
which the hopes of civil liberty rest; 10 administer
the Government with vigilant integrity and rigid
economy, to cultivate peace and friendship with TO-
reign nations, and 10 demand and exact eq ual Justice
from all, but TO do wrong to none TO eschew
termeddlng with the naiional policy and the do
meStc repOSe Of other governments, and 10 repel
from our own never to shrink from war when the
rights and the honor Of our country call to arms,
but to cultivate in preference the arts of peace, seek
enlargement Of the rights of neutrality, and elevate
and lberaze the intercourse Of nations, and by just
and honorable means, and such only, whilst exalt-
ing the condition of the Republic il the
legitimate influence and the benign authority of
great example amongst all the powers Of Christen
dom.
Under the soemnity of these convictions the
blhssigg of Almighty Gcd is earnestly invoked to
attend upon yuur deliberations, and upon all the
counse's and acts of the Government, to the end
that, with common zeal and common eifnrts,w may
in humble submission to the Divine will, cooperate
for the promotion of the supreme good of these Uni
ted States. FRANKLIN PIERCE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. a, 1854.