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

Fello,c Csti1ens of the Senate and Of the House ot
Representatives.
The past has been an eventful year and will be
hereafter referred TO a marked epoch in the his
tory Of The world. While we have been happily
preserved from the calames of war; 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 and land is without PARALLEL
But the peStience has swept by, and restored salu
brlty invites the absent 10 their homes, and the
turn of business to its ordinary channels. II The
earth has rewarded the labor Of the husbandman
less bouniluliy than in preceding feasons, ii has
left him with abundance for domestic wants, and
large surplus for expectation. In the present,
therefore, in the past, find ample grounds for
reverent lhanktulneSs TO the God Of Grace aad Pro,
vdence, for His protecting care and merciful deal
ings with Us people.
Although our attention has been arrested by pain
full interest in passing events yet our country feels
no more than the slight vibrations of the convul-
sions, which have shaken Europe. AS individuals
we cannot repreSs sympathy with human suffering
nor regret for the causes which produce it. AS a
nation, we are reminded that whatever interrupts
the peace, or checks the prosperity of any part OF
ChrSlendom, tends more or less, to involve our
own. The conditions Of States is not unlike thai
OF individuals. They are mutually dependent up
on each other. Amicable relations between them,
and reciprocal good will, essential for the pro.
motion OF whatever is desirable in their moral, So
cial, and political condition. Hence, il has been
my earnest endeavors 10 maintain peace and friend.
ly intercourse with all nations
The wise theory of this Government, SO early
adopted and steadily pursued of ofavoidng all enang-
ling alliances, has hitherto exempted it from many
Implications, in which it would otherwise have
become involved. Notwithstanding this our clear
ly defined and well sustained course Of action, and
our geographical position remote from Europe,
increasing disposition has been manifested by some
OF its Governments, 10 supervise, and, in certain
respects, TO direct, foreign policy. In plans for
adjusting the balance Of power among themselves,
they have assumed to take US into account, and
would conStrain Us TO conform conduct TO their
views. One another of the Powers of Europe
has, from time to time undertaken to enforce arbi-
trary regulations, contrary in many respects to es-
tabished principles of international law. That law
the United States have, in their foreign intercourse,
uniformly respected and observed, and they cannot
recognize any such interpretations therein, as the
temporary interests OF others may suggest. They
do not admit:hat the soveruiGns of one continent,
of particular community of States, legisate
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 may we'll assert the right TO be ex-
empt from all annoying interference on their part.
Systematic abstinence from intimate political
connection with distant foreign nations, does not
conflict with giving the widest range TO our foreign
commerce. This distinction, so clearly marked in
history seems 10 have been overlooked, or disre.
garded, by some leading foreign States. Our re-
fusal to be brought Within ana subjected 10, their
peculiar system, has, fear, created jealous dis
trust of condnct and induced, on their part &C.
casonal acts of disturbing effect upon foreign
relations. Our present attitude and past course
give assurance, which should not be questioned,
that purposes not aggressive, nor threatening
10 the safety and welfare of other nations. Our mil
itary establishment in time of peace is adapted 10
maintain exterior defences, and TO preserve order
among the aboriginal tribes within the limits of the
Union. Our naval force is intended only for the
protection of our citizens abroad, and of our com.
merce, dilused, as it is, over all the seas of the
globe. Thu government Of the United States, be-
ing essentially pacific in policy, stands prepared TO
repeI invas ion by the voluntary service of patri-
otc people, and provides no permanent meahs of
foreign aggression These considerations should
allay all apprehension, that disposed to en-
croach on the rights, or endanger the security Of
other States.
AMERICAN EXPANSION.
Some European Powers have regarded, with dis.
9uieung concern, the territorial expansion of the
United Slater This rapid growth has resulted from
the legitimate exercise of sovereign rights, belong
ing alike TO all nations, and by many literally exer-
cised. Under such circumstances il could hardly
have been expected that those anous them which