The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-03-19

and in war, have been granted either in ex-
press terms or by the .plainest implicatio',.-
While deeply convinced Of these truths, Iyst
consider il clear that under the war-making
power Congress may appropriate money to-
ward the construction Of a military road when
this is absolutely necessary for the defense Of
any State or territory of the Union against for
eigE invasion. - tNs3 H ~
Under the Constitution Congress has
power to declare war, to raise and support sr-
mics, TO provide and maintain a navy, and to
call forth the militia to repel invasion. Thus
endowed in an ample manner with, the war
making power, the corresponding duty is ne
quired that the United States shall protect
each Of them (the States) against invzsion.--
How is it possible to afford this protection to
California and our Pacific possessions except
by means Of military road through the terri,
tory Of the United States, over which men ard
munitions Of war may be speedily transported
from the Atlantic States to meet and repel the
invader? In cate OF war with naval pow
er much stronger than our own, VIC should then
have no other available access to the Pacific
coast, because such power would instantly
close the route across the Isthmus Of Central
America. 1t is impossible to conceive that
while the Constitution has expressly required
Congress to defend all the States, it should yet
deny to them by any faIr construction the on
ly possible means by which one Of these States
ran ho fha
ever since its origin, has been in the constant
practice Of constructing military roads. It
might also be wise to consider whether the
love for the Union which now animates our
fellow-citizens on the Pacific Ceast may not
be impaired by our neglec. or refusal to pro-
vide for them, in their remote and isolated con-
dition, the only means by which the power Of
the States on this side Of the Rocky Noun
tains car reach them in sufficient time to pro-
tect them against invasion. --.- =, k,.s.,yrf
forbear, for the present, from expressing
an opinion as to the wisest and most econo-
mical mode in which the Government can
lend its aid in accomplishing this great and
necessary work. / believs that many, diff
culties in the way, which now appear formi-
dable, will, in a great degree, vanish as soon
as the nearest and best route shall have been,
satisfactorily ascertalned. .f4irg a. s.g !,
1t may be right that, on this occasion, I
should make some brief remarks as to eur
rights and duties as a 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 as the best means Of promo
ting our own national interest, but In spirit
Of Christian beneyolence toward fellow men,
wherever their lot may Is cast. Our diploma
cy should be direct and frank, neither seek
ing to obtain more nor accepting less than il
our due. We ought to cherish a sacred re-
gard FOR the independence of all nations, and
never attempt to interfere in the ,domss,ic
concerns Of any, unless this shall be impera-
lively required by the great law Of self f-pres-
ervation. To avoid entanglins alliances has
been maxim Of our policy ever since the days
Of Washington, and its wisdom no one will at
tempt to dispute. In short, we ought to do
justice in kindly spirit all nations, and re-
quire justice from them inr return. tits our glo-
ry that while other nations have extended their
dominions by the sword, we have never ac-
quired any territory except BY fair purchase,
or. as in the case Of Texas, by the voluntary
determination of . brave kindred, and inds-
pendent people to blend their destinies with
our own. = Even our acquisitions from Mexico
foru, no exception. Unwilling to take advan-
tage of the fortune of war against . sister Re.
public, we purchased these possessions under
the treaty Of peace for sum which was con-
siJered at the time fair equivalent. Our past
history forbids that we shall in the future ac-
quire territory unless this be sanctioned BY the
laws, OF justice, and honor. Acting on this
principle, no nation win have right to inter-
fere or to complain ii in the progress Of events
We shall still further extend our possessions,
Hitherto, in all our aequi.itions, the people un-
der the protection Of the American Gag have
enjoyed civil and religious liberty, - well .,
equal and just, laws, and have been contented
prosperous and happy. Their trade with ths
rest Of the world has rapidly increased, and
thus every commercial nation has shared large,
ly in their successful progress, shall nov
proceed, to take the oath prescribed by tn.
Constitution. while bumbly invoking the blss.
sing Of Divine Providence on this great people
| - .,l.4s vbe.s JAMES BUCHANAN. !.
| q Byron is said to have. remarked thai
"the greatest trial to . woman's beauty Is. thl
ungraceful act OF eating eggs" Some Yam