The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-12-08
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.
Eelkou,. citizens of the Senate

The past has been an eventiul year, anu -"h'
be hereafter referred to as marked epoch IN 'h'
history of the world. While we have been hapPi'
" preserved from the caiamities of war, our do.
mestic prosperity has not been entirely uninterrrp.
ted. The crors, in portions of the country, have
been nearly cut off. Disease has prevailed to
greater extent than usual, and the sacrifice OF hu'
man lie, through casualties by sea and land, Is
without parallel. But the ppstilence has swept
BY and restored aubrty invites The absent to their
homes and then the return OF business TO it's ordlna'
,ry cha Bnels. 1.-THE earth has rewarded the labor
of the Eusbandman less bounci!uIly than IN prece-
ding seasons, it has left him With abundance ior
domestic wants, and large surplus Tor eSPorla'
ZION. In the present. therefore, as in The past, we
find ample grounds for reverend thank uness 10 The
God of Grace and Providence, Tor His protecting
care and merciul dealings with us as people.
Although our attention has been arrested by
painful interest in passing events, yetour country
feels no more than the slight vibrations OF the con-
yuIsions which have shaken Europe. AS indlvl-
duas, we cannot rePress s. mpalhy with human
suffering nor regret for The causes which produce
it. Asa natron, we are reminded, that whatever
interrupts the peace, or checks the prosperity, OF
any part of Cbristendom, tends more or less to ln-
vnfVe our own. The condition OF states is not un-
like that Of individuals. They mutually de-
pendant upon each other. AmcabIe relations be-
tween them, and reciprocal good will, are essen
lial for the promotion Of whatever is desirable in
their moral, social and POLITICAL condition.
Hence it has been my earnest endeavor To main
tain peace and friendly intercourse with all ma
tions.
= The wise theory OF this government, so early
adopted and steadily pursued of avoiding all en-
tangIing alliances, has hitherto exempted it from
many complications, IN which it would otherwise
have become involved. Notwithstanding this, our
clearly defined and we-susaincd course Of action,
and our geographcal position so remote from En-
rope, increasing disposition has been manifested
by some of its governments TO supervise, and, IN
certain respects, to direct our foreign policy. 10
plans for adjusting the balance of power among
themselves, they have assumed 10 take us into &C.
count, and would constran US to conform our con.
duct to their views. One or another OF the pow
ers of Europe has. from time TO time, undertaken
enforce arbitrary regulations, contrary in many
respects to established principles Of international
law That law, the United States have, in their
foreign inter rcourse, uniformly respected and OBJ
served, and they cannot recognise any such inter-
polations therein as the temporary interests of
others may suggest. They do not admit that the
sovereigns ofone continent, or OF particular COM
munity of States. can legisfate for all others
Leaving the transatlantic nations TO adjust their
political system in the way they may think best
for their common welfare, the independent powers
of this continent NAV we'll assert the right to he
exemp: from all annoying interference -on their
part. Systematic abstinence from intimate peliti- i
cal connexion with distant foreign naoBs, does
not conflict with giving the widest range TO our for
eign commerce. This Distinctions so clearly mark.
ed IN history, seems to have been overlooked or
disregarded by some leading foreign States. Our
refusa to be brought within, and subjected TO their
peculiar system has, fear, created jealous dis.
trust of our conduct and induced, on their part,
e dis1p HacfI, Cor
egn relations Our present attitude and past
course give assurances, which should not be ques-
toned, that our purposes are not aggressive, nor
to the safely and welfare of other Ea-
tions. Our military establishment, in time of
peace, is adapted TO maintain exterior dpEences,
and 10 preserve order among the aboriginal tribes !
within the limits of the Union. Our naval force I
is intended only for the protection OF our citizens
a abroad. and OF our commerce, diffused, as it is |
over all the seas OF the globe. The government
Of the United States, being essentially pacific in
policy, stands prepared to repel invasion oy the
voluntary service OF a patriotic people, and pro-
vIdes permanent means oi foreign aggression
These considerations should alay aiapprehen ension
hat we are disposed 20 encroach on the rights or
endanger The security of other States. s
Some European powers have regarded, with
iisquieting concern, the territorial expansion of
he United States. This rapid growth has result.
s.,
belonging alike TO all nations, and by many Ibe-
ally exercised. Under such circumstances it
Gould hardly have been expected that those among
hem, which have, within comparatively recent
period, subdued and absorbed ancient kin ngdons,
planted their standards on every continent, and
possess, or claim the control of, the islands of
very as their appropriate domain, would
ook with unfriendiy sentiments upon the acquis-
ions Of this country, in every instance honorabIy
,I,,;o "A ~
,uing our advancement 10 a spirit Of aggression
'r TO a passion for political predofninance
Our foreign commerce has reached magnitude
md extent nearly equal to that Of the first mari.
ime power Of the earth, and exceeding that of any
her. Over this great interest. in which not ONLY
mir merchants, but all classes of citizens al least
Indirectly concerned, it is the duly Of the execu-
i've and legislative branches Of The government
o exercise careful supervision, and adopt proper
measures for its protection. The policy which
rave had in view in regard 10 this Interest en-. .
races its future as well as its present security.
Long experience has shown that, in general,
'hen the Principal powers Of Europe are engaged
D war, the rights of neutral nations are endan. I
cred. This consideration led, ~ the progress of
be war Of our independence, 10 the formation OIL ;
be celebrated contederacy OF armed neutrality. I
primary object Of which was. to assert the doc. I
rlne, that free ships, make free goods except in
1e CASE of articles conirahand Of war: doctrine [
Ihich. from ;he very commencement of our ma. I
onal being, has been a cherished idea OF the | $
atesmen of this country. AT one period or I