The Tiffin tribune. [volume] (Tiffin, Ohio) 1848-1859, 1857-03-13

ily transported from the Atlantic Sta.se
-c5-mgst aud f6psi the invader. 10 case
Of war with naval power stronger
than our own wo should have no other
available access 10 The Pacific coast, be.
cause slch power would Instantly close
the route across The Isthmus Of Central
Amefca. Il is impossible to conceive
il.
The constitution has expressly fequir-
ed Congress 10 defend all the States. 1t
should not deny to them by any fair con
struction the only possible means by
which two Of these States can be deien-
ded. Besides, the Government, ever
since its origin, has been in the constant
practice Of constructing Military Roads,
II might also be wise TO consider wheth.
or the love for the Union which now ami.
mates our fellow citizens on the Pacific
coast may not be impaired by neglect or
refusal 10 provide ior them in their re-
mote and 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. r forbear, for the
present, from expressing rn opinion as
20 the wisest and most economical mode
in which Government can lend It's aid in
accomplishing its great and necessary
work / believe that many difficulties in
the way, which now appear Formidable
will, in a degree, vanish as soon as the
nearest and best route shall be satisfacto-
rily ascertained.
II may bo right that. on this occasion,
/ should make some brief remarks as TO
our rights and duties rs member Of the
great family Of nations. In our inter-
course with them there are some plain
principles approved by our own expe.
rionco from which we should never de-
part, We ought to cultivate peace, COM
morce and friendship, with all nations,
and this not merely as the best means Of
promoting our own material interest, but
/ in spirit OF Christian beneyolence to-
wards our fellow men wherever their lot
may be cast. Our diplomacy should be
frank neither seeking to obtain more nor
accepting less than is our due. We
ought TO cherish "A sacred regard for the
independence Of all nations, and never at.
tempt TO interfere in tho domestic CON
Germs Of any, unless this shall be mpera-
lively required by the great law Of self
| preservation.
To avoid entapgling alliances has been
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. IL Is our glory that
while other nations have extended their
domnions by the sword we have never
acquired any Territory except by fair pur-
chase or, as in the case Of Texas, by the
voluntary determination of brave, kin
dred aud independent people 20 blend
their destines with our own. Even our
acquisitions from Mexico form no exoep.
lion. Unwilling TO take advantage Of the
fortune of war against a sister Republic,
we purchased these possessions under the
treaty Of peace for sum which was con
siderod, at the time, fair equivalent.
Our past history forbids that we
shall in the future acquire territory un
ess this be sanctioned by the laws of
Justice and honor Acting on this prin-
tiple no nation will have a right to inter
tere or to complain, if, in the progress of
events, we shall still further extend our
possessions.
Hitherto in alb our acquisitions. the
people, under the protection Of the Amer
lean flag, have enjoyed civil and relig
ious liberty, as we'll as equal and just
laws, and have been oontented, prosper
Gus and happy, Their trade with the
rest Of the world has rapidly increased
aud thus every commercial natiA has
shared largely in their successful pro
gress. shall now proceed to take the
oath prescribed by the Constitution.
whilst humby invoking the blessing Of
Divine Providence on this great people
JAMES BUCHANAN.
Washington, March a.