Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1857-03-06


Among those ! might mention the extin-
guishment of the public debt a reasonable
increase of the Navy which is, at present,
inadequate to the protection OF our vast ton
mage ahoat, now greater than that OF any other
nation, as well as the defence OF our extended
sea coast
1t is beyond all question the true principle
that no more Revenue ought TO be collected
from the People than the amount necessary
to deiray the expenses of a wise, economical
aud efficient administration Of the government
To reach this point it was necessary to re.
sort to 4 modification OF the Tariff, and this
hasbeen accomplished in such a manner as 10
do as little injury may have been praeti-
cable to our domestic manufactures, especi-
ally those necessary for the defence of the
country Any discrimination against par
tlcular branch for the purpose of beneitng
favored corporations, individuals, or interests,
would have been unjust to the rest of the
country, and Inconsistent with that spirit of
hrmness and equality which ought to govern
in this adjustment of a Revenue Tariff
But the squandering Of the public money
sinks into comparative msigmicance as
temptation to corruption, when compared
with the squandering of the pubic lands. No
nation in the tide of time has ever been bless
ed with so rich and noble an inheritance as
we enjoy in the public lands In administer.
ing this important trust, while it may be
wise to grant portions of them for the inn
provement Of the remainder, yet we should
never forget that it is our cardinal policy to
preserve these lands, as much as may be, Tor
actua! 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 industrious citizens, but shall secure
homes for our chidten and our children
children,as well as for these exiles from foreign
shores who may seek in this country to i'm
| prove their condition and to enjoy the bless
lngs OF civil and religious liberty. Such emil
| grants have done much to promote the growth
and prosperity of the country; they have
| proved faithful, both in peace and
After becoming citzens, they are entitled IN
| der the Constitution and Laws, TO be placed
on perfect equality with native born ciuzeus,
aud III this character they should ever be
kindly recognized.
Inc Feaera Constitution is a grant from
the States to Congress of certain SPECIFIC
| powers; and Tie question, whether this grant
shall be Literally strictly construed, has,
more or less, divided political parties from the
beginning Without entering into the argu-
ment, desire to state, at the commencement
of my administration, that long experience
aud observation have convinced me that a
strict construction Of the powers of the gov
ernment is the only true, as well as the only
sale theory OF the Constitution.
Whenever, in our past history, doubtful
powers have been exercised by Congress, they
have never failed to produce injurious and un
happy Consequences Many such instances
might be adduced if this were the proper
occasion. Neither is it necessary for the pub
he service TO strain the language Of the Con-
stitutlon, because all the great and useful
powe required for a successful administra.
ton OF the government, both in peace aud In
war, nave been granted either i'll express
terms or by the plainest implication. While
| deeply convinced of these truths, l yet con-
slder 1t clear that under the war making pow
| ers Congress may appropriate money toward
the construction OF military road, when
this is absolutely necessary tor 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
s-to provide and maintain a Maryland to
call forth the militia TO repel invasion. Thus
| endowed in an ample manner with the war
| making power, the corresponding duty is
required, that the United States shall protect
each of them (the States) against INVASION.
How is it possible to afford this protection
to California, and our Pacific possessions, ex-
territory of the United States, over which
men and munitions of wur may be speedily
trans pQEIgd ,ttrera 49, '''H'0s, ~ lneet
with naval power much stronger than our
own, we should have no other available access
to the Pacific coast, because such mower
would instantly close the route across the
1sthmus OF Central America. 1t is impossi.
Die to conceive that, while the Constitution
mas expressly required Congress To defend all
the states, II Should yet deny to them, by
any ialr construction, the only possible IL cans
| by which one OF these States can be defended
besides, the government, ever since its origin,
has been IN the constant practice of construct.
ing military roads. 1t might also be wise to
consider whether the love OF the Union,
which now animates our fellow. citzens N,
the Pacific coast, may not be impaired by our
neglect or refusal to provide tor them in their
remote and isolated condition, the only means
by which the power of the States, Oh this side
OF the Rocky Mountains can reach them in
sulhcienl time 10 protect them against inya-
sion. bear, for the present, from express
ing an opinion as 10 the wisest and most
economical mode IN which the government
can lend Its aid in accomplishing this great
and necessary work. 1 believe that many
difficulties in the way which now appear
formidable VIII. IN great degree, vanish
40 oouh as the nearest and best route shall
have been satisfactorily ascertained.
II may be right that, on this occasion, l
should make some brief remarks as to our
nights and duties as member of the great
family of nations.
In our intercourse with them, there are
some plain principles, approved by our expe-
hence, 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 spirit of
christian beneVolence towards our fellow
| men, wherever their lot may be cast. Our
diplomacy should be direct and frank, neither
seeking to obtain more nor accepting less than
| is our due.
We ought to cherish sacred regard for the
Independence of all nations, and never attempt
| TO lntetere in the domestic concerns of any.
unless 1t shall be imperatiyely required by the
| great law OF self preservation. 10 avoid en-
! tangling alliances has been a maxim of orr
! policy ever since the days of WASHINGTON
and Its wisdom no one will attempt to dis.
pu'e, ln short, we ought to do Justice in a
kihuly spirit to all nations, and require Jus
tice from them in return.
IL Is our glory, that while other nations
nave extended their dominions by the sword.
we nave never acquired auy territory EXCEPT
ov lalt purchase, or, as in the case of Texas.
| oy the voluntary determination of brave,
kindred, and independent people to blend their
uestlhies with our own. Even our acquis-
AIaxra d.