Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1857-03-19

the territory Of the United States, over
which men and munitions Of war may be
speedily transported from the Atlantic
States to meet and repel the invader? In
case of war with naval power much
stronger than our own, we should then have
no other available access to the Pacific coast,
because such power would instantly close
the route across the Isthmus of Central A.
merica. 1t is impossible to conceive that
while the Constitution has expressly requir-
ed Congress to defend all the States, it
should yet deny TO them by any fair con-
structon the only possible means by which
one of these States can be defended. Be-
side, the Government, ever since its origin,
has been in the constant practice of con-
structing military roads. 1t might also be
wise TO consider whether the love for the
Union which now animates our fellow-citi-
zens on the Pacific Coast may not be I'M
paired by our neglect or refusal TO provide
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
Mountains can reach them in sufficient time
to protect them against invasion.
forbear, for the present, from express
ing an opinion as TO the wsest and most e.
conominaI mode in which the Government
can lend its aid in accomplishing this great
and necessary work. | believe that many
difficulties in the way, which now appear
formidable, will, in a 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 some brief remarks as TO our
rights and duties as member Of the great
Family of Nations. In our intercourse with
them, there are some plain principles, ap-
proved by our own experience, froEi which
we should never depart. We ought culti-
vate peace, commerce and friendship with
all nations, and this not merely as the best
means of promoting our own national inter-
est, but in spirit of Christian benevolence
TO ward 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 is our due. We
ought 10 cherish sacred regard for the in
dependence of all nations, and never attemp
to interfere inathe domestic concerns Of any
unless this shall be imperatively required
by the great law of self preservation. T,
avoid entangling alliances has been maxim
of our.policy ever since the days of Wash
inston, and its wisdom no one will attemp
) to dispute. In short, we ought to do jus
tice in kindly spirit TO all nations, and re
,, quire justice from them in return. 1t i
our glory that while other nations have ex
tended their dominions by the sword, W
have never acquired any territory except b.
fair purchase, or, as in the case of Texas
by the voluntary determination of brave
kindred, and independent people to blen
their destinies with our own. Even our &C
quistions from Mexico form no exception
: Unwilling 10 take advantage of the fortun
= Of war against sister Republic, we pur
Il chased these possessions under the treaty {
peace for sum which was considered &
the time fair equivalent. Our past histc
n ry forbids that we shall in the future acquir
territory unless this be sanctioned by III
II laws of justice and honor. Acting on thi
> principle, no nation will have right 10 in
n teriere or TO complain if in the progress {
e events we shall still further extend our pos
: sessions, Hitherto, iu all our acquisition:
: the people under the protection of the 4
e merican flag have enjoyed civil and relie
81 ious liberty, as well as equal and just laws
S and have been contented, prosperous an
: happy. Their trade with the rest of III
Il world has rapidly increased, and thus ever
81 commercial nation has shared largely
IS their successful progress. shall no.
n proceed to take the oath prescribed by ii
'e Constitution, while humbly invoking Ii
a. blessing of Divine Providence on this gre
J. people.
le I,.ps p,c,yru.r