The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1857-03-12

perity and growth Of the country. They
have proved faithful both in peace and q
war. After becoming cisixens they are snti-
tied, under the Consultation and laws to b.
| placed on perfect equality with nasivs-born
| citizens, and In this character they should
ever be kindly recognised.
| The Federal Consultation 10 grant from
the states to Congress Of certain specific
powers, aud the question whether this grant
shall be literally or strictly construed has
more or less divided political parties from
/ the beginning. Without going into the ar-
gument, desire to state at the commence
ment Of my administration, that long expe-
rience and observation have convinced me
| that strict construction Of the powers OF
the Government 10 the only true - we'll a.
a. the only safe theory Of the Consultation.
Whenever in our past history doubtful pow
ers have been exercised BY Congress, they
have never failed to produce injurious and
unhappy consequences. Many such instan-
ces might be udduced, il this were the pro-
per occasion. Neither is it necessary for the
public service to strain the language Of tho
Constitution, because all the great and USE
full powers required for q successful admins
tration Of the Government, both in peace
and war, have been granted either in express
terms or by the plainest implication. Whilst
deeply convinced Of these truths, / yet con-
slider IL clear that unier the war making
power Congress may appropriate money to-
wards the construction Of q military road i,
when this is absolutely necessary for the de-
fence of any state or territory Of the Union
against foreign invasion.
Under the Constitution, Congress has pow
er to declare war, to raise and support arm
sns H. xkas-
call forth the militia to repel mn invasion. -
Thus endowed in an ample manner with the
war-making power, the corresponding duty
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 naval power much
stronger than our own, We should then have
no other available access to the Pacific coast
because such power would instantly close
the route across the lsthmus Of Central
America. 1t is impossible to conceive that
whilst the Constitution has expressly required
Congress to defend all the states, 1t should
yet deny to them, by any fair construction,
the only possible means by which one OF
these states can be defended. Besides. the
Government, ever since its origin, has been
10 the constant practice of constructing mil
itary roads. 1t might also be wise to con-
slider whether the love for the Union which
now animates our fellow citizens on tho Pa
cifc coast, may not be impaired by our neg
lect or refusal to provide for them in their
remote aud 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 invA-
sion. forbear, for the present, from ex-
pressing an opinion as to the wisest and most
economical way in which the Government
can lend its aid in accomplishing this great
and necessary work. believe that many
difficulties in the way, which now appear
formidable, will in algreat degree vanish as
| soon as tho nearest and best route shall have
been satisfactorily ascertained.
IT may be right that on this occasion
should make some brief remarks 40 to our
rights and duties as q member Of the great
family OF Nations. In our intercourse with
them there are some plain principles, ap-
proved by our own experience, from which
We should never depart. We ought to cul-
tivstc peace, commerce and friendship with
all nations, and this not merely ~ the best
means OF promoting our own material inter-
est, but ia spirit Of Christian benevo lence
towards our fellow-men wherever their lot
may be cast. Our diplomacy should be d.
rect and fIank-neither seeking to obtain
more, nor accepting less than Is our DUE
We ought to cherish sacred regard for the
independence OF oil nations, and never at
tempt to interfere in the domestic concerns
Of any, unless this shall be imperatively re-
CURED by the great law of self preservation.
To avoid entangling alliances, has been u
maxim OF our policy ever since the days Of
Washington, and its wisdom no ono will at
tempt to dispute. In short, we ought to do
justice in q kindly spirit to oil nations, and
require justice from them in return. It 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, as in the case Of Texas,
by the voluntary determination Of q brave,
kindred and independent people to blend
their dcstinics with our own. Even our &C
QUESTIONS from Mexico form no exception
Unwilling to take advantage of the fortune
OF war against a sister republic, we pur-
chased these possessions under the treaty Of
peace for = sum which was considered at the
time fair equivalent. Our past history
forbids that We shall in the future acquire
territory, unless this be sanctioned by the
laws Of justice and humanity.
Acting on this principle, no nation will
have right to interfere or complain, il, 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 enjoyed civil and
religious liberty, ~ we'll - equal and Just
laws, and have been contented, 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. shall now proceed to
take the oath prescribed by the Constitution,
whilst humbly invoking the blessing Of Di.
vine Providenc on this great people.
JAMES BUCHAN AN.
allen. AsHER 4 Co.,