The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1854-12-12
Jflisffllanrullz Nlma ].
Presidents messuge.

sage in supplement where it will not occupy
that portion Of our space usually devoted to
reading matter.
AT scarcely any period of our history has
the annual communication of the Executive of
the Union been more anxiously expected. The
information impaired is SO ample on all SUBJ
jects OF Irrational interest that it leaves scarcely
anything desirable on the score of Executive
suggestion OF recommendation to Congress
The tone of the Message is no less digni6ed
than its style and manner are appropriate,
clear in statement, succnct in language, with.
out verbosity, misplaced ornament or rhetori-
cal exaggeration. 1t is on the score of compo-
!; ;sitfon model of its kiia. What is remarka-
s sble is that it is in taste SO eptionable-
SO free not only fromarerbal ampli6cation and
6gurative language that We cannot recall sin-
gle inflated phrase or image from the com.
mencement to the end of the Message.
The general remarks with which it opens, as
to the balance of power in the Western hemi.
spere, are conceived in just national spirit.
The doctrine of European intervention, to re.
strain such acquisition Of ofterrtory on this Con-
i, tinent as may be necessary to our security,
by purchase, or even by conquest,if absolute.
ly necessary, not forgetting, at the same time,
our duties and responsibilities under the law Of
nations, is properly repelled. The American
people must, in the language of the Message,
"not be questioned, while their purposes are
not aggressive, nor threatening to the safety
and welfare of other nations" Whether we
shall extend our territorial limits is simply
question for ourselves of cxpcdiency. But
there cannot be one,sijed principle interna.
tionaly. If the right of intervention is, denied
to European powers on this Continent, as re-
CARDS our acquisition Of territory and dominion,
looking not to aggrandizement but selfprotec
tion, we cannot refuse to those Powers which
have possessions on this hemisphere similar
right to acquire right and dominion, if neces
sary to the security of such possessions The
Monroe doctrine, although not affirmed by the
President, in this passage of his Message, in so
many words, is implied, but must be received
with this qualification. On the general prin-
ciple that there is no right Of interference with
us, to whatever extent We may choose to ex-
tend our limits, if by purchase of foreign terri
tory, or by conquest, if security so demands.
there cannot be dissent among our people
Still we must concede to those nations having
colonies as much as we claim ourselves, At least
for purposes of protection 10 thep, while we
reject the application of the doctrine of the old
balance of pc wer in the Eastern to the West
ern Continent.
Theapplication ofthe principles which should
regulate international intercourse during war,
in reference to neutral rights, are enunciated
with sense Of what is due to the general privi-
leges Of fneutrality, and to the peculiar position
ofthe United States. The amelioraton of the
principles of the maritime code of nations,
when engaged iH war, SO as to incorporate
into that code as one Of its permanent rules,
that free ships shall make free goods, ex.
cepting contraband of war; and that neutral
property, other than contraband, though on
board enemy's ships, should not be subject to
subject of negotiation with the different powers
Of Europe, the Emperor of Russia having
recognized in treaty the validity of the prin
ciple.
10 close connection with this subject the
President only echoes the public opinion of this
country and conforms to the dictates of wise
craftsmanship, when he expresses the opinion
that it is undesirable to agree to a treaty stipu.
lation to abolish privateering, and make it
penal offence, on the ineligible ground that it
would be surrender OF the power of resistance
in war by nations Of less, to countries Of greater
maritime strength. The President acknowl-
edges the sanctity of the principle that during
hostilities private property should be respected,
as we'll on sea as on land, suggesting the hap
py expedient Of exempting all private proper
ty yat sea from seizure, both by public armed
eru;zers and privateers.
The Message alludes to the very satisfactory
arrangement made with Great Britain with re-
gard to the Fisheries, and the settlement Of
troublesome controversy on principles of reci-
procity that forms one ofthe greatest diplomatic
achievements of the present Administration.
The question of Boundary at the North West
remains for adjustment, but there seems no pro-
gress to have been made in the Central Ameri.
can Question.
The French differences are alluded to as hap.
ply composed as regards. Mr.. Soule, and as in
q fortunate way ofadjustment as relates to the
French Consul at San Francisco
That part Of our foreign relations to which
the public anxiety was most strongly directed
our affairs with Span-the Message informs
us continues in the same state of inceritude
No allusion is made to irregular enterprises by
our citizens and let US hope that healthier
tone Of public sentiment is prevailing on this
subject
The negotiation in which the government is
engaged with regard to the dues exacted by
Denmark on our vessels passing the Sound,
asesworthy of an administration that has &C.
coinpIished SO much by its diplomacy for our
commerce. Nothing ia yet effected, but if
these unjust dues are abolished. through the