Weekly Trinity journal., 1857-04-11


coast. It is beyond all question the true princi-
pie that no more revenue ought to be collected
from the people than the amount necessary to
deiray the expenses Of wise, efficient and eco
noi1ical administration of Government. TO reach
this point. it was necessary to resort to modiG-
cation of the tariff and this has been accomplish
cd in such Il manner to do as little injury as
may have been practicable to our domestic man
ufactures, especially those necessary for the de-
fence of the country. Any discrimination against
particular branch, for the purpose of benefit
ting favored orporations.individuas or interests,
would have been un Just 10 the rest Of the COM
munty. and inconsistent with that spirit of fair
ness and equality which ought to govern in the
adjustment OF a revenue law. But the squander-
ing OF the public money sinks into comparative
insignlicance as temptation to corruption,
when compared TO the squandering Of the public
| lands.
No nation in the tide of time has ever been
blessed with so rich and noble an Inheritance as
we enjoy in the public lands. In administering
this important trust while it may be wise to
grant portions of them for the improvement of
the remainder. yet we should never forget that
ii is our cardinal policy to reserve these lands,
as much as may be, for actual settlers, and this
at moderate prices. We shall thus, not only best
promote the prosperity Of the new States by fur
nishng them a hardy and independent race Of
| honest and industrious citizens, but shall secure
! homes for children's children, as well as for
/ those cYilcs from foreign shares who may seek in
! this country to improve their conditions and to
enjoy the blessings of civil and religious liberty
Such emigrants have done much to promote the
growth and prosperity of the country. They
have proved faithful. both IN peace and in war
After becoming citizens they are entitled, under
the Constitution aud laws to be placed in perfect
equality with nativc-born citizens. and in this
character they should ever be kindly recognized.
The Federal Constitution is n Grant from tho
States TO Congress of certain specific powers. and
the question whether this grant shall be literally
or strictly construed has more or less divided
political parties from the beginning.
Without entering into the argument. desire
to state. at the commencement Of my administra-
ton. that long experience and observation, have
convinced me that strict construction of the
powers oi the Government is the only one, as
well as the only safe theory of the Constitution
Whenever in our past history, doubtful powers
have been exercised by Congress, they have ne
yer failed to produce injurious and unhappy con-
sequences. Many such instances might be indu-
ced if this was the proper occasion. Neither is it
necessary for the public service, to strain the
language Of the Constitution, because all the
great and useful powers required for a successful
administration OF the Government both in peace
and IN war, have been granted either in express
terms, or by the panest implication. While
deeply convinced of these truths yet consider
II clear that under the war making power Con-
8ress may appropriate money toward the con- t
structiOn of military road, when this is abso- I
utely necessary for the defense of any State or
Territory Of the lRon, against foreign invasion !
Ondur the Constitution, Congress has power to !
declare war, to raise and support armies to pro-
vide and maintain navy to call forth the mill
tia. and to repol invasion.
Thus endorsed in an ample manner with the
war making power. the corresponding duty is
required that the United States shall protect each
of them (thc Stats against invasion How is
it possible to afford this protection TO California
and our Pacific possessions, except BY means of
military road through the territory of the United
States, over VIII ch men and munitions of war
may be speedily transported from the Atlantic
states. to meet and repcl the inyadtrs it might
also be wise to consider whether the love lol the
lniOn which now animates our fellow citizens on
the Pacific coast may not be impaired by our
neglect or refusal TO provide for them in their
remote and isolated condition, the only m"an~
hy which the power OF the states on this side of
the Rocky Mountains can reach them in sufficient
time to protect them against invasion.
forbcar for the present from expressing an
opinion as to the wiScst and most economical
mode in which the Government can lerd ite aid
in accomplishing this great and necessary work.
! believe that many difficulties in the way which
now appear formidable. Will in great degree
vanish, aS soon as the nearest and best route
shall have been satisfactorily ascerlaincd
1t may be right that on this occasion should
make brief remarks as to our rights and duties
as member Of the great family OF nations. In
our Intercourse with them. there are some plain
principles, approved by our own experience. from
which we should never depart. We ought to
cultivate peace. commerce and friendship with
all nations, and this not merely the best means
Of promoting our own material Interests, but H.
spirit Of christian bcnevolcnce toward our fclcw
men, wherever their lot may be cast. Our diplo.
macy should be direct and frank. neither seeking
to obtain more, nor accepting less than is our
due. We ought to cherish u sacred regard for
the independence OF all nations, and never at
tempt 10 interfere in the domestic concerns of
any, unless this shall be imperatiycly required
by the great law of selfprcseryat:on
To avoid entanglng alliances has been max .
i'm -four policy ever since the days of Washing /
ton And its wisdom no one will attempt to dis /
pate. In short. we ought to do justice in a kind
ly spirit to all nations and require Justice from
them in return. 1t is our glory that while other
nations have extended their dominions by the
sword, we have never acquired any territory Gx-
cept by fair purchase or, as in the of Texas.
by the voluntary determinations of brave.
kindred and Independent people, to blend their
destinies with our own. Even our acquisitions
from Mexico form no exception. Unwilling to
take advantage Of the fortune of war against
sister Republic, we purchased these possessions
under the treaty of peace. for sum which was
considered at the time fair equivalent.
Our past history forbids that we shall, in the
future, acquire territory unless this be sanctioned
by the laws of justice and honor. Acting on this
principle no nation will have right to interfere
or to complain if in the progress of events we
shall still further extend our possessions lleith-
cr.o in all our acquisitions the people, under the
protection of the American flag. have enjoyed ci-
val and religious liberty. as we'll as equal and
just laws, and have been contented prosperous
and happy. Their trade with the rest Of the world
has rapidly increased, and thus has every com
melcial nation in its successful progress
! shall now proceed TO take the oath Of Office
prescribed by the Constitution. while humblv in
yokng the blessing of Divine Providence on this
great people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
INDIAN EL0QrENCE.-An impressive specimen
Of the untutOrcd cloquencc Of the Red Men is az
fOrded in the defiance of the Chetan the Creek
Nation to the General who had captured him =