Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-03-13

pOllcy 10 preserve THESE itAos 40 l1t'SN -
NAV be for actual settlers, and this at /
moderate prices We shall thus not only /
best promote the prosperity Of the new
States, by furnishing them hardy and /
independent race of honest and industrI-
Gus citizens, but shall secure homes for
our children and our children's children,
as well as for those exiles from foreign
shores who may seek, in this country, TO
improve their condition, and to enjoy the
blessings of civil and religious liberty
Such emigrants have done much to pro-
mote the growth and prosperity of the
country. They have proved faithful,
both in peace and in war. After becom-|
ing citizens, they are entitled, under the
Constitution and Laws, TO be placed on
perfect equality with native born citizens,
and in this character they should ever
be kindly recognized.
The Federal Constitution is grant
from the States TO Congress of certain
specific powersj and the question, whether
this grant shall be literally or strictly
construed, has, more or less, divided po-
litical parties from the beginning. With
out entering into the argument, and de-
sire to state, at the commencement of
my administration, that long experience
and observation have convinced me that
strict construction of the powers of
the government is the only true, as well
as the only safe, theory of the Constitu-
ton.
Whenever, in our past history, doubt
full powers have been exercised by Con-
gress, they have never failed to produce
injuries and unhappy consequences
Many such instances might be adduced
Iif this were the proper occasion. Neither
lis it necessary for the public service to
strain the language Of the Constitution
because all the great and useful powers
required for a successful administration
of the government, both in peace and in
war. have been granted either in express
terms or by the plainest implication
| Whilst deeply convinced of these truths
I yet consider it clear that under the
war-making power, Congress may ab-
! propriate money towards the construc.
S ton of military road, when this is alb
solutely necessary for the defense Of any
r State or Territory of the Union agains
: foreign invasion.
: Under the Constitution, Congress ha
: power to declare war, to raise and sup
: port armies, to provide and maintain /;
navy, and to call forth the militia to re
Z pei invasion. Thus endowed in an am
e pie manner with the war making power
e the corresponding duty is required tina
= the United States shall protect each 0
it them (the States) against INVASION
It How is il possible to afford this protec
e SEQ a. cs~l;sy-:, s.r.d 9rsr pssvifiu PUz1rz
b sions, except by means of a military roa
: through the territory Of the Unite
? States, over which men and munitions c
war may be speedily transported fror
? the Atlantic States to meet and expel tn
2 invaders?
a In case of a war with naval powe
st much stronger than our own, we shout
ut have no other available access to til
of Pacific Coast, because such a powe
J. would instantly close the route across til
is Isthmus of Central America. 1t is in
< possible to conceive, that, whilst the Coz
stitution has expressly required Congre!
s, to defend all the States, it should y,
$ deny to them, by any fair constructio
v the only possible means by which one
he these States can be defended. Beside
at the Government, ever since its origi
m has been in the constant practice of co
he structing military roads. It might al
al be wise to consider whether the love f
be the Union, which now animates our fe
sc low citizens on the Pacific coast, may n
of be impaired by our neglect or refusal
Sc provide for them in their remote and is
le- lated condition. The only means |
n which the power of the States, on til
ny side Of the Rocky Mountains, can rea'
of them in sufficient time to protect the
all against invasion. I forbear, for the pre-
ire ent, from expressing an opinion as to Il
he wisest and most economical mode in viii
le- the government can lend its aid in a
10 complishing this great and necessar
he work. l believe that many difficulties
the way, which now appear formidab
to would, in great degree, vanish as 50
nd as the nearest and best route shall la
4 a been satisfactorily ascertained.
ay 1t may be right that, on this oecasic
tic l should make some brief remarks as