The Feliciana Democrat. (Clinton, La.) 1855-186?, 1856-07-05

tuition and Union to preserve a conVlc-
ton of these truths has induced many OF the
pnrcst. the ablest and most independent Of our
former opponents, who have differed from us
in times gone by upon old and extinct party
issues. TO come into our ranks and devote
themselves with us in the cause Of the Consti-
tuition and the Union. Under these circum-
stances, most cheerfully pledge myself, should
the nomination OF this Convention be ratified
by the people, that all the power and influence
|constitutionally possessed by the Executive
shall be exerted, in u firm but conciliatory
spirit, during the single term | shall remain in
Office, to restore the same harmony among the
sister States which prevailed before this apple
of discord, in the form of slavery agitation,
had been cast into their midst Let the mem
bers Of the family abstain from intermeddling
with the exclusive domestic concerns of each
other, and cordially unite, on the basis of per-
feet equality among themselves, in promoting
the great national objects of common interest
to all, and the great work will be instantly
accomplished.
In regard to our foreign policy, to which
you have referred in your communication, it
is quite impossible for any human foreknow-
ledge to prescribe positive rules in advance, to
regulate the conduct Of future administration
in all the cxigcnccs which may arise in our
various and ever changing relations with for
cign powers The Federal Government must
Of necessity exercise sound discretion in deal
ing with international questions that may oc-
cur, but this under the strict responsibility
which the Executive must always feel to the
people of the United States and the Judgment
Of posterity. You will therefore excuse me
for not entering into particulars, whilst heart
lily concur with you in the general sentiment,
that our foreign affairs ought to be conducted
with such wisdom and iirmncss as to assure
the prosperity OF the people ut home, whilst
the interests and honor of our country are
wisely but inileXibly maintained abroad Our
foreign policy ought ever to be based upon the
principle of doing justice to all nations and
requiring justice from them in return; and from
this principle | shall never depart.
I Should be placed in the Executive chair,
| shall use my best cXertons cultivate peace
and friendship with all nations believing this
to be our highest policy as well as our most
imperative duty; but at the same time, | shall
never forget that in ease the necessity should
arise, which do not now apprchend, our ma
tional rights and national honor must be pre-
served at all hazards and at any sacrifice.
Firmly convinced that special providence
governs the affairs Of nations, let us humbly
implore His continued blessing upon our conn
try, and that He may avert from us the pun
iShmcnt we justly deserve for being discomfort
ed and ungratciuI whilst enjoying privileges
above all nations under such constitution
and such n Union us has never been vouchsa:
ed to any other people. Yours very respect.
fully, JAMES BUCHANAN.
Hon. john H. Ward, w. A. Richardson,
Harry I!ihbard, w. b. Lawrence A. G
Brown, John l.. Manning, John Forsyth,
w. Preston, j. Randolph Tucker and lIora.
lilo Seymour, Committee, dc.