The Perrysburg journal. [volume] (Perrysburg, Ohio) 1853-1861, 1854-12-09

eel IL from many COmpllCatonS, IN WnlCn III
would otherwise have become involved
Notwithstanding this our clearly defined and
well-sustained course Of action, and our
geographical position so remote from Eu-
rope, increasing disposition has been mani
tested, by some of its governments, to super
wise, and, in certain respects, to direct, our
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 our conduct
to their views. One or another of the pow
ers of Europe has from time to time, under
taken to enforce arbitrary regulations, con
trary in many respects to esta blished princi-
pies Of International law. That law, the
United States have, in their foreign inter
course, uniformly respected and observed
and they cannot recognize any such intcrpo-
lations therein, as the temporary interests Of
Others may suggest. They do not admit,
that the sovereigns of one continent, or of a
particular community Of states, can legislate
for all others.
L aving the trans A tlantic nations to adj
just their political system, in the way they
may think best for their common welfare,
the ind pendent powers of this continent
may well assert the right to be exempt from
all annoying interference on their pert
Systematic abstinence from intimate politi
cal connection with distant foreign nations,
does not conflict with giving the widest
range 10 our foreign commerce. This dis
tincton, so clearly marked in history, seems
to have been overlooked or disregarded. by
some leading foreign states. Our refusal to
be brought within, and subjected to, their
peculiar system, has, fear, ted jealous
distrust of our conduct, and induced, on
their part, occasional acts Of disturbing eff
feet upon our foreign relations. Our present
attitude and past course give assurances
which should not be questioned, that our
purposes are not aggressive nor threaten
ing to the safety and welfare Of other
nations. Our military establishment, in
time Of peace, is adapted to maintain ex-
terror detences, and to preserve order among
the aboriginal tribes within the limits Of the
Union. Our naval force is intended only
for the protection Of onr citizens abroad, and
of our commerce, dillused as it is, over all
the seas Of the globe. The government Of
the United States, being essentially pacific
in policy, stands prepared 10 repyl invasion
by the voluntary service Of patriotic pro.
pie, and provides no permanent means Of
foreign aggression. These considerations
should al'ay all apprehension, that we are
ger the security, of other States.
Some European powers have regarded with
Idsquieting concern, the territorial expansion
of the United States This rapid growth has
resulted from the legitimate exercise Of SOW
ereign rights. belonging alike to all nations,
and by many literally exercised. Under
such circumstances, it could hardly have
been expected that those among them, which
have, within a comparatively recent period
snbdued and absorbed ancient kingdoms,
planted their standards on every continent,
and now possess or claim the control of the
islands Of every ocean as their appropriate
domaiA, would look with unfriendIy senti-
mcnts upon the acquisitions Of this country,
in every instance honorably obtained or
would feel themselves justified in impuing
our advancement 10 spirit of aggression.
or to a passion for political predominance.
Our foreign commerce has reached mag
nitudc and extent nearly equal to that OF the
first maritime power Of the earth and exceed
ing that Of any other Over this great in
terest, in which not only our merchants, but
all other classes Of citizens, at least, indi-
rectly are concerned, it is the duty Of the
Executive anil Legislative branches Of the
government TO exercise careful supervision,
and adopt proper measures for its protection
The policy which have had in view, in re-
gard to this interest, embraces its future as
we'll as its present security.
L II I