Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-03-11

the government To reach this point it was neces-
sary to- resort to modification Of the tariff and this
has, trust, been accomplished in such manner as
to do as little injury as may have been practicable
to our domestic manufactures, especially those nee
essary for the defence of the country. Any dscrm-
nation against particular branch, for the purpose
| of benefitiDg favored corporations individuals, or
interests would have been unjust to the rest Of the
community and inconsistent with that spirit Of fair
ness and equality which ought to govern in the ad
| justlncnt of a revenue tariff.
! But the squandering of the public money SIMS
into comparative insgni6cance as TEMPTATION 10 COT
ruption when compared with the squanderlng Oh inc
! public lands
No nation in the tide of time has ever been bless
| ed with SO rich and noble an inheritance as we en-
| iov in the public lands In administering this i'm
portant trust whilst it may be wise to grant por'
tons of them for the improvement OF the remainder,
vet should forget that it is our cardinal pol
lev TO reserve these lands as much as may be- TOR
actual settlers, and this at moderate prices we
shall thus not only best promote the prosperity OF
the new States and Territories by furnishing them
hardy and independent race of honest and indusri'
Gus citizens but shall homes for children
and chdrens children well for those exiIes
from foreign shores who may seek in this country
to improve their condition, and to enjoy the bless
ngs Of civil and religions liberty. Such emigrants
| have done much to promote the growth and pros.
pe,ity of the country. They have proved faithful
both in peace and in war. After becoming citizens,
they are entitled, under the constitution and laws,
to be placed perfect equality with nat've-born
citizens; and in this character they should ever be
kindly recognised.
The federal constitution is grant from the States
to Congress of certain specific powers and the ques.
ton whether this grant should be literally or strict
y construed has, or less divided political par
ties from the beginning Without entering into the
argument desire to state, at the commencement of
my administration, that long experience and obser-
walton have convinced me that strict construction
of the powers of the government is the only true,
we'll as the only safe, theory of the constitution
Whenever. in our past history, doubtful powers have
been exercised by Congress, these have never failed
to produce injurious and unhappy Consequences
Many such instances might be adduceG if this were
the proper occasion. Neither is it necessary for the
public service to strain the language of the consti-
tuition because all the great and useful powers re-
quired for successful administration of the govern
| ment both in peace and in war. have been grant
ed either in express terms or by the planest mpi.
cation.
Whilst deeply convinced of these truths yet
consider it clear that under the war-making power,
Congress may appropriate money towards the con-
strucon of military road when this is absolutely
necessary for the defence of any State Territory
Of the Union against foreign invasion. Under the
constitution Congress has power to declare war,
TO raise and support armies" ito provide and
maintain a navy" and to call forth the militia to ''re
pei invasions." Thus endowed, in ample manner,
with the war-making power, the corresponding du-
ty is required that "the United States shall protect
each of them 1.-THE States against INVASION" Now,
how is possible to afford this protection to Cali
fornia and our Pacific possessions except by means
of military road through the Territories of the Uni
ted States, over which men and munitions Of war
may be speedily transported from the Atlantic STATES
to meet and to repe the invader? In the event ola
war with naval power much stronger than our
own, should then have other available access
to the Pacific coast, because such power would in
stantly close the route the is,hmus 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 bv
any fair construction the only possible means by
which ofthese States can be defended. Besides the
government ever since its origin, has been in the
slant practice of constructing military roads. 1t might
also be wise consider whether the love for the Union
which now anmates our fclow.citzens on the Pa
cfc coast may not be impaired by our neglect
refusal to provide for them, in their remote and so
lated condition, the only means by which the pow
er of the States on this side of the Rocky Noun.
tains, reach them in sufficient ii to protect"
them "against INVASION" l forbear for the pres
ent from expressing an opinion to the wisest
and most economical mode in which the gov
lend its aid in accomplishing this great
and necessary work. / believe that many Of the
difficulties in the way, which appear formida-
bic, will, in great degree, vanish soon as the
nearest and best route shall have been satisfactorily
ascertained.
1t may be proper that, on this occasion, should
make some brief remarks in regard to rights and
duties as member of the great family Of nations
In our intercourse with them there are some plain
principles, approved by own experience from
which We should never depart. We ought to culti-
vate peace, commerce, and friendship with all ma
tions and this no. merely the best means of pro-
noting our own material interest, but in spirit of
Christian benevoence towards fellow men,
wherever their lot my be cast. Our diplomacy
should be direct and frank neither seeking to OBJ
tain more nor accepting less than is our due. We
ought to cherish sacred regard for the indepen-
dence of all nations, and attempt to interfere
in the domestic Of any, unless this shall be
imperatively required by the great law of self.pre
servation. To avoid entangling alliances has been
maxim of our policy ever since the days of Wash.
ingt IN, and its wisdom no one will attempt 10 dis.
pute. In short ought to do justice in kindly
spirit to all nations, and require justice from them
in return.
1t is our glory that whist other nations have ex.
tended their dominions by the sword, we have nev.
er acquired any territory except by fai. purchase,
or, as in the of Texas by the voluntary deter
minaton of brave, kindred and Independent peo-
pie to blend their destinies with own. Even our
acquisitions from Mexico form no exception. I'm.
willing to take advantake Of the fortune Of war
against sister republic, purchased these pos
sessions, under the treaty Of peace, for sum which
was considered at the time fair equivalent. Our
past history forbids that shall in the future
quire territory unless this be sanctioned by the laws
| ofjustice and honor. Acting this principle, no
nation will have right to interfere to complain if
in the progress of events, shall still further
tend our possessions Hitherto, in all our acquis-
tions the people, under the protection of the Amer
lean flag, have enjoyed civil and religious liberty,
well as equal and just laws, and have been content
ed, prosperous, and happy. Their trade with the
rest of the world has rapidly increased; and thus
every commercial nation has shared largely in their
successful progress.