Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1857-03-13

ported from the Atlantic States 10 meet
and ropel the invader? In case Of war
with anaval power stronger than our own,
We should have no other ayIlablc access
10 Tho Pacific coast, because such power
would instantly close the route across tho
lslhmus Of Central America. II Is Impos.
siblc 10 conceive IL.
The Constitution has expressly requir-
cd Congress TO defend all the States II
should not deny to them by any fair con-
slruction the only possible means by
which ono Of these States can DO defend
en-. Besides, tho Government over since
It's origin, has been In tho constant prac-
tlce Of constructing military roads II
might alao be wise 10 consider whether the
love Cor tho Union which now animatcs
our fclIow-cItizens on tho Pacific coast
may not DO impaired by neglect or refusrl
to provide for them, in their isolated con-
dltIon, tho only means by which tho pow
or Of the States on this side OF the Rocky
Mountains can reach them In suiii Gent
iimo to protect them against invasion. l
forbcar for tho present from expressing
an opinion as to the wisest and most Geo.
nomIcal mode In which Government can
lend It's aid in accomplishing this great and
necessary work. Ibelieve that many diff
icultlcs In the way which now appear for
midable, will in great degree vanish as
soon NJ the nearest and best route shall be
satisfactorily ascertained.
II may be right that on this occasion ]
should make some brief remarks as 70 our
rights and duties as member Of the
great family OF nations. In our inter-
course with them there are some plain
principles approved by our own expert
once 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 promot-
ing our own material interest, but in n
spirit Of Christian bonevolence toward our
fellow men wherever their lot may DO cast.
Our diplomacy should DO direct and frank,
neither seeking 10 obtain moro nor accept.
ing less than Is our duo. We ought TO
cherish sacred regard for tho indcpcnd-
cnco Of all nations and never attempt to
Interfere IN tho domestic concerns Of any,
unless this shall DO imperatively required
by tho great law Of solf-preservation.
To avoid ontangling alliances has been
maxim Of our policy ever since tho days
Of Washington, and its wisdom 20 one will
attempt to dispute. In short, We ought
to do justice IN kindly spirit TO all ma
lions, and require justice from them In 70.
turn. II Is our glory that, while other no.
tIons have extended their dominons by
the aword, We have never acquired any
territory except by fair purchase. or, M In
tho case Of Texas, by tho voluntary de-
termination Of brave, kindred and inde-
pendent people to blend their dcstinies
with our own. Even our acquisitions
from Mexico form no exception. Unwll-
ling TO take advantage Of the fortune Of
war against sister Republic, we purchas.
cd these possessions under tho treaty oil
peace for sum which was considered a
tho time fair equivalent.
Our past history forbids that we shall
in tho future acquire territory unless thi'
DO sanctioned bv the laws of justice and
honor Acting on this principle, no na'
ton will have a right to interfere or com.
plain Of the progress OF events. We shall
still further extend our possessions.
Hitherto in all our acquisitions, the peo.
pie, under tho protection Of tho American
fag have enjoyed civil and religious liber.
" as well as equal and just laws, and have
been contentcd' prosperous and happy
Their trade with the rest Of the world
has rapidly increased, and thus every com.
mercial nation has shared largely in thei
successful progress. | shall now proceed
to take the oath prescribed by the Consti
tuition, whilo kumbly Invoking the bless
ing OF Divine Providence on this grea
people. JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON, March L.