The Carolina Spartan. [volume] (Spartanburg, S.C.) 1852-1896, 1857-03-19

rience and observation have convinced me
that strict construction of the powers Of
the government is the only true as well MS
the only safe theory Of the constitution.
Whenever in our past history doubtful
powers have been exercised by Congress,
they have never failed to produce injuries
and unhappy consequences. Many such
instances might be adduced 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 and
useful powers required for successful ad
minstration Of the government, both in
peace and in war, have been granted Ell
ther in express terms or by the painest i'm
plication.
Whilst deeply convinced of these truths,
yet consider it clear, that under the war
making power Congress may appropriate
money towards the construction of militia.
ry road, when this is absolutely necessary
for the defence Of any State or Territory Of
the Union against foreign invasion. Un-
der the Constitution Congress has power to
declare war, to raise and support armies, to
provide and maintain a navy, and TO call
forth the militia TO repel invasion. Thus
endowed IN an ample manner with the war
making power, the corresponding duty is
required that the United States shall pro.
tect each OF them (the States) against inva.
sion. How is it possible to afford this pro.
lection TO California and our Pacific posses.
sions, except 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 a naval power much
stronger than our own, we should then have
no other available access 10 the Pacific coast;
because such power would instantly close
tho route across the Isthmus Of Central
America.
1t is impossible to conceive that whilst
the Constitution has expressly required
Congress to defend all the States, it should
yet deny TO them by any fair construction
the only possible means bv which one of
these States can be defended. Besides, the
Government, ever since its origin, has been
in the constant practice Of constructing mill
tary roads. 1t might also be wise 10 con.
slider whether the love for the Union, which
now animates our fellow-citizens on the Pa.
cifc coast, may not be impaired 10y our
neglect or reiuss,, 20 provile for them, in
their remote and isolated conq.,,,,cn. the on
Iy 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 10 the wiSest
and most economical mode in which the
Government can lend its aid in accomplish
ing this great and necessary work. | be.
Ieve 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 satisfactori
ly ascertained. 1t may be right ihat on
this occasion should make some brief re.
marks rs to our rights and duties as q mem
Der 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 de,
part We ought to cultivate peace, com
merce and friendship with all nations, and
this not merely as the best means of promo
ting our own national interest but in
spirit Of christian beuevolence towards fell
low men wherever their lot may be cast.
Our diplomacy should be direct and frank,
neither seeking 10 obtain more, nor accept.
ing less than is our due. We ought TO
cherish sacred regard for the indepen-
dence of all nations, and never attempt TO
interfere in the domestic concerns of any,
unless this shall be impera,ively required
by the great law of self preservation.
To avoid entangling alliances has been n
maxim of our policy ever since the days OF
Washington, and its wisdom no one will at.
temp; to dispute. In short, wo ought to do
justice in 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, rs in the case Of Texas, 10y
the voluntary determination of a brave, kin.
dred and independent people 10 blend their
destnies with our own. Even our acqui.
sitions from Mexico form no exception.
Unwilling to take advantage of the fortune
OF war against sister Republic, we pur.
chased the possessions under the treaty of
peace, for a sum which was considered AT
the time a fair equivalent.
Ou' p"St h'o'O'y iOIplNS Nudl VIC slldII II
the future acquire territory unless this be
sanctioned by the laws Of Justice and hon
or. Acting on this principle, no nation will
have right to interfere, or 10 complain, if,
in the progress Of events, we shall still fur.
ther extend our possessions. Hitherto in
all our acquisitions, the people under the
American flag have enjoyed civil and reli.
pious liberty, as well AS equal and lust laws
and have been contented, prosperous, and
happy. Their trade with the rest of the
world has rapidly increased, and thus eve
ry commercial nation has shared largely in
their successful progress. | shall now pro.
ceed to take the oath prescribed by the
Constitution, whilst humbly invoking the
blessing Of Divine Providence on this great
people. JAMES BUoHAcAN.
On concluding his address the President
nlnpf turpol tn,yor1s Cb;.f I,.t,,a