Washington telegraph., 1855-01-03
The Message

III OUT last issue we lalQ the SecOnU dnuu-
al message of President PIERCE, In full. be-
fore cur readers, but, owing to the crowded
state of our columns. we were unable to
give our views upon it. After very atten-
tive perusal Of the message, we scarcely
know how to express our opinion. 1t is
rather lengthy, and composed. We should
say, with much care and attention. 1t is
marked by no profound thought or deep
views.-more commendable
for what it omits than for what it contains
and, upon the whole. we see but little in it
to condemn
The Presidents views in relation 10 our
position in the quarrels and disputes of 9TH
er nations. we approve to the fullest extent.
conporting as they do with the various ele-
mehts that enter into the composition of our
government, ara harmonizing with the doc
trires laid down in the Federalist. and
tht opinions of WASHINGTON, the great
arstle of liberty. We say We fully endorse
thee views. and they should be the watch
woM of those who. in any way. are en-
trusted with the management of our affairs.
The doctrine of the rights of neutrals in
time of war, as expressed in the message, is
the received and acknowledged law Of all
civilized nations. and meets the views of the
various writer's on that subject.
We most heartily concur in the Presi-
dents views with regard to those lawless or
fillibustering expeditions formed in the Uni
ted States against Cuba or other countries.
They are so different from the views We had
thought the President entertained, that We
were not little surprised at seeing them in
the message, and if the President will use
the power vested in him, to carry out
these views, we, for one. will give him great
credit.
The message enters into graphic histo-
ry of the Greytown affair-an affair which
has excited much attention and elected va
rious views from this as well as other cOun-
tries Every one who reads the news of the
day has long since made up his opinion on
this subject, and we will simply remark
here that. taking the facts, as set forth in
the message to be correct, We do not see
what other course the administration could
have pursued, and can only wish the neces-
sity for that course had not existed
An increase in both the Army and Navy
is recommended. We deem this essential
to the protection of our vast and extensive
frontier, aud the protection Of our commerce
whose sails whiten every sea, and are spread
to every breeze. bearing in their onward
course the seeds Of knowledge, civilization
and liberty
That part of the message which speaks
Of the grants of lands by Congress to diff
ftrent States for Railroad purposes. we think
in part good. We think those grants ought
to be made. not to every contemplated rail
road project in any State or territory, but
oily to those to be connected with some great
thoroughfare-
The message contains little else worthy Of
comment 1t alludes 10 the financial and
commercial conditions of our country, as we'll
as our peaceful relations with other nations.
1t closes with a patriotic reference to the
founders of our government. whose names
should ever be as dear to us as cur birth
rights, and with reverential invocation of
divine blessings On US fer the future, which
we sincerely hope to merit and receive. and
that our country, like Gideon's fleece. when
others are dry and barren. may be fresh
with the dews of Heaven.