The home journal. [volume] (Winchester, Tenn.) 1857-1857, 1857-03-20

istralion, that long experience and obser.
vation have convinced me that q strict
construction OF the powers Of the govern.
mcnt is the only true, as well as tho only
safe, theory Of the constitution, When,
ever, in our past history, doubtful powers
have been exercised by Congress, these
have never failed to produce injurious
and unhappy consequences. Many such
instances might be adduccd if this were
the proper occasion. Neither is it nee,
essary for the public service to strain the
language Of the constitution, because all
the great and useful powers required for
q successful administration of the govern.
ment, both in peace and in war, have been
granted, either in express terms or by the
planest implication,
Whilst deeply convinced these truths,
| yet consider it clear that, under the war.
making power, Congress may appropriate
money towards the construction of mil.
itary road, when this is absolutely neces,
sary for the defence of any State or Ter
rtory Of the Union against foreign inva.
sion. Under the constitution Congress
has power"to declare war;" "to raise
and support armies" "to provide and
maintain anavy," and call forth the mil
tia to "repel nvasions." Thus endow.
ed, in an ample manner, with the war.
making power, the corresponding duty
is inquired that "the United States shall
protect each Of them (lhe States) against
INVASION" Now, how is it possible to
afor( this protection TO California and
our Pacific possessions, except by means
of a military road through the Territories
Of the United States, over which men and
munitions OF war may be speedily trans
ported from the Atlantic States to meet
and to repel the invader? In the event
ola war with a naval power much strong.
er than our own, we should then have no
other available access to the Pacific
coast; because such a power would in.
stantly close the route across the lsthmus
OF Central America. 1t lis, impossible to
convince that, whilst the constitution has
expressly required Congress to defend all
the States, it should yet deny to them, by
any fair construction, the only possible
means by which one Of these States can
be defended. Besides, the government,
ever since its origin, has been in the con-.
slant practice Of constructing military
roads. 1t might also be wise to consider
whether the love for the Union which
now animates our fellow citizens on the
Pacific coast may not be impaired by our
neglector refusal to provide for them,
in their remote and isolated condition the
only means by which the power of the
States, on this side Of the Rocky Noun
tains, can reach them in sufficient time to
"protect" them against invasion. for
bear 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. believe that many
of tee di faculties in the way which now
appear formidable will, in great degree,
vanish as soon as the nearest and best
route shall have been satisfac torally as
ccrtained.
1t may be proper that, on this occasion
should make some brief remarks in re-
gard 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 ex
pcrience, from which we should never de
part. We ought to cultivate peace, com
merce, and friendship with all nations
and this not merel y as the best means
promoting our own material interests
but in spirit Of christian benevolenc'
towards our fellow men, wherever the
lot may be cast. Our diplomacy shoult
be direct and frank, neither seeking t.
obtain more nor accepting less than is GU
due. We ought to cherish sacred re
gard for the independence of all nations
and never attempt to interfere in the do
nestle concerns Of any, unless this shall
be imperatively required by the great Law
of self.perservaton. To avoid cntang
ling alliances has been maxim Of GU
policy ever since the days Of Washington
and its wisdom no one will attempt t.
dispute. In short we ought to do justice
in kindly spirit, to all nations, and re
quire justice from them in return.
1t is urglory that, whilst other nation
have extended their dominions by tn
sword, we have never acquired any terri
tory except by fair purchase, or, as in tn
case Of Texas, by the voluntary detsmin
alton OF brave, kindred, and independ
ent people to bleni their destinics with on
own. Even our acquisitions from Mex
leo form no exception. Unwilling to tax
advantage of the fortune or war again:
sister Republic, we purchased these pc:
sessions, under the treaty Of peace; for
sum which was considered at the time
fair equivalent. Our past history forbid
that we shall in the future acquire terrific
ry unless this be sanctioned by the law
of Justice and honor. Acting on thi