Mountain Democrat., 1857-04-04
NUnkBER q.

to the PaciAt coast, bscatse such power
would Instantly close che route across the
Isthmus of Central America. tits impOs:
sible to conceive that while the COnstitd:
ton has expressly required Congress u
defend oil the States, il should yet deny
to them by any fair construction the only
possibly means by which one Of these
States can be defended Beside, the Gov
crnnent, eyer since its origin, has been in
the constant practice of constructing mil:
tary roads. 1t might also be wise to con-
slider whether the love for the Union which
now animates our fellow:citizens on the
Pacific Coast, may not be impaired by our
neglect or refusal to provide for them, m
their remote and isolated condition, the
cnly means by which the power Of taae
States on this side of the Rocky Noun.
tains can reach them in sufficient time to
protect them against invasion.
fOrbear, for the present, from efRres:
sing an opinion as to the wisest and most
economical mode in which the Govern.
ment can lend its aid in accomplishing
this great and necessary work. believe
that many difficulties in the way, which
now appear formidable, will, in q great
degree; vanish as soon as tho nearest and
best route shall have been satisfactorily
ascertained.
1t may be right that on this OCCASION,
l should make some brief remarks Is to
our rights and duties as q member of the
great Family Of Nations. In our inter-
course with them, there are some plain
principles approved by our own experi.-
ence from which we should never depart.
We ought to cultivate peace, commerce
and friendship with all nations, and this
not merely rs the best means Of promo,
ting our own national interest, but in 8
spirit Of Christian benevolence toward
fcllowmen, wherever their lot may be.
cast. Our diplomacy should be direct.
and frank, neither seeking to ObtainmOre
nor accepting less than Is our due. We
ought to cherish sacred regard for the,
independence of all nations, and never at
tempt to interfere in the domestic con-.
cern of my, unless this shall be impeta-
lively required by the great law Of self
preservation. To avoid entangling alli-
ances has been maxim of our policy ev-
er since the days Of, Washington and its
wisdom no one will attempt to dispute.
In short, we ought to do justice IN o Kind
ly spirit to all nations, and require Justice
from them in return. 1t is our elorv
that while other nations have extended
their dOminions by the sword, We have
never acquired any territory except by
fair purchase, Or, as in the case Of Texas,
i by the voluntary determination Of abraVe
kindred, and independent people to blend
thtir destinics with our own. Even our
acquisitions from Mexico form no. excep.
tion. 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 con.
sidsred at the time ihf oqufvalSMtr
Our past history IOrbidS THAI We shall
in the future acquire territory emleae -thil
be sanctioned by the laws Of iast6ce and
honor. Acting on this princlp pie, no ma
ton will have a right TO interfere or to
complain if in the progress Of o%snts va
shall still further extend our psasessions.
Hitherto, in all our acquisitions, the peO4
pie under the protection Of the American
flag have enjoyed civil and religious liber-
ty, as well rs equal and just laws, and
have been cOntented, prosperous and hap
py. Their trade with the rest of the wosid
has rapidly increased, and this every cen.
mercial nation has shared largely n Their
successful progress. / shall now proceed
to take the cath prescribed by the Con.
stitutiOns while humbIy invoking the
blessing Of Divine Providence on thi1
great people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.