The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1857-03-11

powers nave Deen exercised Dy congress,
these have never failed to produce inju
fious and unhappy consequences. Many
such instances might be addnced if this
were the proper occasion. Neither is it
necessary for the public service to strain
the language of the Constitution; because
all the great aud useful powers required
! for successful administration Of the Gov
ernment both in peace and in war, have
been granted either in express terms or
by the plainest implication.
Whilst deeply convinced of these truths,
yet consider it clear that, under the
war making power, Congress may appro-
| PIRATE money towards the construction of
a military road, when this is absolutely
necessary for the defence Of any State or
Territory of the Union against foreign
invasion. Under the Constitution Con-
gress has power "to declare war;" "to
raise and support armies" "to provide
and maintain a navy" and to call forth
the militia TO "repel invasions" Tins
endowed, in an ample manner, with the
war-msking power, the corres1 s1onding duty
is required that /" the United States shall
| protect each of them (he States) against
Invasion" Nov, how is it possible to
afford this protection to California and
oar Pacific possessions, except by means
Of a military road through the Terrific
ries Of the United States over which men
and munitions of war may be speedily
transported from the Atlantic States to
meet and to lepel the invader? In the
event Of war with a naval Power much
stronger than our own, we should then
have no other available access 10 the
Pacific coast; because such a Power would
IiEatantly close the route across the isthmus
If Central America 1t is Impossible to
CONCEIVE that, whilst TIE Constitution has
expressly required Congress to defend all
the States, il 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 w-citiZenS on the Pacific
coast rsay not be impaired by our neglect
/ or refusal to provide for them, in their re-
| mote aud isolated condition, the only
means by which the power OF the States,
: on this side OF the Rocky Mountains, can
5 reach them in sufficient time to .protect' y
. them "against invasion forbear for
the present from expressing an opinion as
t to the wisest and most economical mode
{ in which the Government can lend its aid
: in accomplishing this great and necessary
work. / believe that many Of the Diff
: culties in the way which now appear for
y midabie WILL in great degree, vanish a;
r soon as the nearest and best route shai
: have been satisfactorily ascertained
: 1t may be proper that, on this occasion
a I should make some brief remarks in re
gard to our rights and duties as mem
IS Der of the great family of nations. Ii
= our intercourse with them there are som
J. plain principles, approved by our own ex
re perience, from which we should never de
Sc part. We ought to cultivate peace, com
he merce, and friendship with all nations, an
he this not merely as the best means of pro
to noting our own material interests, but j
t, spirit of Christian henevoence toward
n, our fellow men, wherever their lot may b
ID cast. Our diplomacy should be diret
and frank, neither seeking to obtain nor
n nor accepting less than is our due. W
De ought to cherish a sacred regard for th
nj independence of all nations, and neye
e attempt TO interfere in the domestic col
If Germs OF any, unless this shall be impers
it lively required by the great law of sci
,n preservation. To avoid entangling all
IN ances has been maxim OF onr policy CIV,
10 since the days of Washington, and i
H. wisdom no one will attempt to dispnt
g. In short. re ought to do justice, in a kiht
of ly spirit, to all nations, and require justit
81 from them in return. -
Oh 1t is orr glory that, whilst other nj
d. tions have extended their doniiiions ]
ISL the sword, we have never acquired ar
u territory except by fair purchase, or as
na thecase Of Texas, by the Voluntary. dete
q mination of brave, kindred, and ind
pendent. people, TO blend their aestiaii
lie with our own. Even our acquisition
Ill from Mexico form mo- exception. = o.
en- willing to take advantage of thesfoFtp1
he Of war against sister Republic, We pu
of chased these possessions, 2uuder the treas
I'd Iof peace, for a sum which was coasdere
ne tat the time a fair equivalent, Our pa
NJ history forbids that NE shall in the futn
TO acquire territory nnless. this be esanctione
e by thszlaws of justice and honor Ac
er ing on this principle, no nation viii ha1
e a right to interfere or to complain it
or the progress of events We shall still fn
es.z ther extend our possessions. Hilbert
he in all our acquisitions, the people, und
o. the protection of the American flag, ha'
e- enjoyed civil aud religious liberty, aswt
US as equal aud just laws, and have beenlcol
ur tented, prosperous, and happy. The
as trade with the rest Of the world has ra
'es idly increased; and thus every commerci
We nation has shared largely iu their success
SIS full progress.
li- shall now proceed to take the oat