The Placer herald., 1857-04-04

in perfect equality with native born citizens
and in this character they should ever be
kindly recognized. The Frederal Constitu-
ton is grant from the States to Congress
OF certain specific Powers, and the question
whether this grant shall be literally or strict
ly construed has more or less divided politi-
cal parties from the beginning.
Without entering into the argument, |
desire to state, at the commencement of my
administration, that long experience and
observation, have convinced me that a strict
construction of the powers of this Govern
ment is the only one, as we'll as the only
safe theory of the Constitution. Whenever
in our past history, doubtful powers have
been exercised by Congress, they have nev-
er failed to produce injurious and unhap-
py consequences. Many such instances
might be adduced if this was the proper
OCCASION Neither is it necessary for the
public service to train the language of the
Constitution, because all the great ann use
ful powers required for successful admins
traton of the Government, both in peace
and war, have been granted, either in ex-
press TERMS or by the planest implication
While deeply convinced of these truths,
yet consider it clear, that under the war
making power Congress may appropriate
money toward the construction of mill
tary road, when this is absolutely necessary
for the defense Of any State or Territory
of the Union, against foreign invasion
Under the Constitution, Congress has pow
er to declare war; to raise and support ar
mics; to provide and maintain a navy; to
call forth the militia and to repel invas-
ion.
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, (the States) against inva-
sion How is it possible to afford this protec-
ton to California and our Pacific possessions,
except by means of military road through
the territory of the United States, over which
men and munitions of war may be speedy
transported from the Atlantic States to meet
sand repel the invaders. 1t might also be
wise to consider whether the love for the
Union which now anmates our fellow citi-
zens on the Pacific coast may not be impair
ed by our neglect or 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 Mountains
can reach them in sufficient time to protect
them against invasion.
forbear for the present from expressing
an opinion as to the wisest and most econC-
nical mode in which the Government can
lend its aid in accomplishing this great and
necessary work. | believe that many diff
culties in the way, which now appear form-
dable, will in great degree vanish, as soon
as the nearest and best route shall have been
satisfactorily ascertained.
1t may be right that on this occasion
should make brief remarks as to our 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
cutivating our own material interests, but
in a spirit Of christian benevolence towards
our fellow-men, wherever their lot may be |
cast. Our diplomacy should be direct and |
frank, neither seeking to obtain more nor
accepting less than our due. We ought to
cherish a sacred regard for the independence |
of all nations, and never attempt to inter
tere in the domestic concerns of any, unless
this shall be required by the great law of
self preservation.
To avoid entanging alliances has been
maxim Of our policy ever since the days of
Washington And its wisdom no one will
attempt to dispute. In short, we ought to
do justice in a kindly spirit to all nations,
and require justice from them in return. 1t
is our glory that while other nations have ex-
tended their dominions by the sword, we
have never acquired any territory except by
fair purchase, or, as in the case of Texas, by |
a voluntary determination of brave, kin
dred and independent people, to blend their
destnies with our own. Even our acquisi-
tions from Mexico form no exception. I'm
willing to take advantage of the fortune of
war against a sister Republic, we purchased |
these possessions under the treaty of peace,
for sum which we considered at the time
a 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
a right to interfere or complain, if in the
progress of events we shall still further ex-
tend our possessions. Hitherto in all our
acquisitions the people under the protection
of the American flag, have enjoyed civil and
religious liberty, as well 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 commercial nation in its successful pro-
gress
shall now proceed to take the oath of
office prescribed by the Constitution, while
humbly invoking the blessing of Divine Pro-
vidence on this great people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
A Petition is being circulated in sacra-
mento asking the Governor to veto the
ID.