The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1854-12-14
ri. ri, -,..,PRGSLDHNT'S p
ME SSAe::,, :, ,
Gentlemen of the Senate and
Hou,e of Rsnresentaiires:

Gentlemen Of The Senate and
House Of Representatives.:
The past has been an eventtul year. and
will be hereafter referred to as a marked
epoch in the history OF the world. While
we have been happily preserved from the
calamiies ofwar, our domestic prosperity
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 saIubriy invites the ab.
sent TO their homes, and the return fbus.
mess to its ordinary channels. II the
earth has rewarded the labor OF the hus-
bandman less bounliiully than in pre-.
ceedng seasons, it has left him with abun-
dance for domestic wants, and large
surplus for exportat.on. In the present,
therefore, as in the past, we find ample
grounds for reverent thankulnesS 10 the
COD of Grace and Providence. for his
protecting care and mercilul dealings
with Us as people.
Although our attention has been arres.
ted by painful interest in passing events
yet our country feels no more than the
slight vibrations ofthe convusons. which
have shaken Europe. As individuals, we
cannot repress sympathy with human suf
ferings, nor regret for the causes which
produce it. AS a nation, we are remn.
ded, that whatever interrupts the peace
or checks the prosperity OF any part o
Chr!stendom, 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
Amicabe relations between them, and re
ciprocal good will, are essential for the
promotion Of whatever is desirable il
their moral, social, and political condI
tion. Hence, it has been my earnest en-
deavor TO maintain peace and friendly
intercourse with all nauons.
p. The wise theory of this government, SC
early adopted and SleadyiIy pursued, o
avoiding all entangling alliances, ha.
hitherto exempted il from many compIi
cations, in which il would otherwise have
become involved. Notwithstanding this
our clearly defined and weIlsustained
course of action, aud our geographical
position SO rem1te from Europe, increas
ing disposition has been manifested By
some Of its governments, 10 supervise
and, in certain respects, TO direct, ouI
foreign policy inp plans for adjusting the
balance Of power among themselves they
have assumed 10 take US into account
and would constrain US to conform oul
conduct 10 their views. One or another
of the powers Of Europe has, from 'Imt
20 time. undertaken to enforce arbitrary
regulations, contrary in many respects tG
established principles Of international
Law. That law, the United States ave
in their foreign intercourse, uniformly
respected and observed, and they cannot
recognize my such interpretations there
in, as the temporary interests Of Others
may g1ggest. They do not admit, tina
she soFereigns Of one continent, or Of I
particular community OF states, can leg
islate Tor all others.
Leaving the transatlantic nations Il
adjust their political system, in the wal
they may think best for their common
welfare, the independent powers Of thi
continent may well assert the right TO bt
exempt from all annoying interference
OH their part. Systematic abstinence fron
intimate political connection with dista~
foreign nations, does not conflict with Civ
ing the widest range to our foreign com
merce. This distinction, so clearly
marked in history, seems to have beer
overlooked, or tisregarded, By som,
leading foreign states Our refusal to b'
brought within. and subjected to, thei
peculiar system. has, fear, created I
Jealous distrust Of our conduct, and in
duced, on their part, occasional acts o
disturbing effect upon our foreign reIa
ton. Our present attitude and pas
course give assurances, which should no
be questioned, lhat cur purposes are no
aggressive, nor threatening TO the saiet,
and welfare OF other nations. Our mill
tary establishment, in time of peace, i
adapted 10 maintain exterior defences
and to preserve order among the aborig
inal tribes wilhp the limits of the Union
Our naval force is intended only for III
nrotection of our citizens abroad, and o
our commerce, diff'used, as it is, over a
the seas of the globe. The Government
of the United States, being essential
pacific in policy, stands prepared 10 re
pei invasion by the voluntary service OF
patriotic people, and provides no Perma
nent means OF foreign aggression. Thes
considerations should allay all appreher
sion, that we are disposed to encroach o