Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-03-18

promote the growth and prosperity Of the
conntry. They have proved faithful both in
peace and in war. After becoming citizens
they are entitled, under the Constitution and
laws, to be placed on perfect equality with ma
tive born citizens, and in this character they
should ever be kindly recognized.
The Federal Constitution is grant from
the States to Congress of certain specific pow
ers, and the question whether this grant
shall be literally or strictly constituted has
more or less divided political parties from the
beginning. Without entering into the argu-
ment, desire to state at the commencement
Of my Administration that long experience
and observation has convinced me thata strict
construction of the powers of the Govern
ment is the only true theory of the Constit-
tuition. Whenever in our past history doubt
full powers have been exercised by Congress,
they have never failed to produce injuri-
GUS and unhappy consequences. Many such
instances might be adduced, if this was the
proper, occasion. Neither is it necessary for
the public service to strain the language of
the Constitution because all the great and
useful powers required for successful admin
istration of the government, both in peace
and in war, have been granted either in ex-
press terms or by the plainest implication.
Whilst deeply convinced Of these truths, l
yet consider it clear that under the war-mak-
ing power Congress may appropriate money
towards the construction of military road,
when this road is absolutely necessary for the
defence of any State or Territory of the
Union against foreign invasion. Thus en-
dowed in an ample manner with the war
making power, the corresponding duty is re-
quired that the Uuited States shall protect
each of them (the States against invasion
How is it possible to afford this protection
to California and our Pacific possessions ex-
cept by means of military road through 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 a
power would instantly close the route across
the Isthmus of Central America. 1t is i'm
possible to conceive that whilst the Constitu-
ton has expressly required Congress to de-
fend all the States, it should yet deny to
them, by any fair construction, the only pos
sible means by which one of these States can
be defended. Besides, the Government, ev-
er since its origin, has been in the constant
practice of constructing military roads. 1t
might also be wise to consider whether the
love of the Union which now anlmates our
fellow-citizens on the Pacific coast may not
be impaired by our neglect or refusal to pro-
vide 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 pro-
tect them against invasion. | forbear for
the present, from expressing an opinion as to
the wisest and most economical mode in
which the Government can lend its aid in ac-
complishing this great and necessary work.
| believe that many difficulties in the way,
which now appear formidable, will in great
degree vanish as soon as the nearest and best
route shall have been satisfactorily ascertain
ed.
1t may be right that on this occasion
should make some brief remarks as to our
rights and duties as n member Of the great
family of nations. In our intercourse with
, them there are some plain principles, approx
ed by our own experience, from which we
should never depart. We ought to cultivate
peace, commerce and friendship with all ma
: tions, and this not merely as the best means
5 of promoting our own material interest, but
) in 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 none, nor accept
ing less, than is our due. We ought to cher
, ish sacred regard for the independence Of
all nations, and never attempt to interfere in
. the domestic concerns of any, unless this shal
t be imperatively required by the great law o
! self preservation. To avoid entangng ALI
0 ances, has been maxim of our policy ever
D since the days of Washington, and its wisdom
D no one will attempt to dispute. In short
: we ought to do justice in a kindly spirit tc
G all nations and require justice from them il
D return.
n 1t is our glory that, while other nations
S have extended their dominions by the sword
t we have never acquired any territory excep
o by fair purchase, or, as in the case of Texas
t by the voluntary determination of a brave
S kindred and independent people to blend thei
i destinies with our own. Even our acquisi
t tions from Mexico form no exception. Un