Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1857-03-12

ever since its origin, has been in the con
stant practice of constructing military roads
1t might also be wise to consider whether
: the lore for the Union which now animates
! our fellow citizens on the Pacific coast may not
/ be impaired by our neglect or refusal to pro.
vide for them in their isolated condition, 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 expressing
an opinion as to the wisest and most economi-
cal mode in which the Government can lend
its aid in accomplishing this great and ne
cessary work. | believe that many of the
difficulties in the way which now appear
/ formidable, will, in u great degree, vanish
as soon as the nearest and best route shall
have been satisfactorily ascertained.
1t may be right that this occasion
should make some brief remarks in regard
to our rights and duties as a member 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 depart.
We ought to cultivate peace, commerce
and friendship with all nations, and this, not
merely as the best means Of promoting our
own material interests, but in Il spirit of
Christian beneyoienca towards our fellow
men, wherever their lot may be cast
Our diplomacy should be direct and frank
neither seeking to obtain more, nor accept
ing less, than is cur due. We ought to
cherish sacred regard for the independence
ct all nations, and never attempt to interfere
In the domestic concerns of any, unless this
shall be imperatively required by the great
law Of selt-preservation. To avoid entang-
ling alliances has been a maxim of our policy
ever since the days Of Washington, and its
wisdom no one will attempt to dispute. In
short we ought to do justice in kindly
spirit to all nations, and require Justice from
them in return.
1t is our glory that whilst other nations
have extended their dominions by the sword,
we have never acquired any territory except
by fair purchase, or, as in the case Of Texas,
by the voluntary determination Of brave,
kindred, and independent people Co blend
their destlnlcs with our own. Even our ac-
QUESTIONS from Mexico form no exception
Unwilling to take advantage Of the fortune
Of war against sister Republic, we pur-
chased these possessions under the treaty of
peace, for sum which was considered, at
the tine, fair equivalent. Our past history
iorblds that we should, in the future acquire
territory, unless this be sanctioned by the
laws Of justice and honor Acting on this
principle, NJ nation will baye a right to in
terf,re or to complain, if, in the progress Of
events, we shall still further extend our
possessions. Hitherto, in all our acquisitions,
the people under the protection OF the
American flag have eojoyeI civil and reIi-
gious liberty, rs well as equal ana just laws,
and have been c,ntentc4, prosperous and
happy. Their trade with the rest of the
world has rapidly Increased, and thus every
cDmmercial nation has share 4 lsrg ly in their
successful progress. L shall now proceed 10
take the oath prescribed by the Constitution,
whilst humbIy invoking the blessings of Di-
vine Providence on this great people.
JAMES BUCUANA\