Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1857-03-11

itary road. when this is absolutely ne
cessary for the defense Of any State or
Territory Of the Union against foreign
invasion.
Under the constitution Congress has
power to declare war, TO raise and sup
port armies, 10 provide and maintain a
navy and 10 call forth the militia to re
pei invasion. Thus endowed in an an =
pie with a war making wv
the corresponding duty is required that
the United States shall protect each of
the States against invasion. How is it
possible to afford this protection to CAL
fornia and our Pacific possessions except
by means Of a military road through the
territories of the United States over
which men and munitions Of war NAV be
speedily transported from the Atlantic
States to meet and repel the invader
In case of war with naval power stronger
than nj own we should have no other
available access to the Pacific coast, be-
cause such a power would instantly close
the route across the Isthmus Of Centraf
America. 1t is impossible to conceive it.
The constitution has expressly requir-
ed Congress TO defend all the States. 1t
shonld not deny to them by any fair con-
struction the only possible means by
which one Of these States can be defend
ed. Besides. the Government, ever
since its origin, has been in the constant
practice OF constructing Military Roads.
1t might also be wise to consider whether
the love for the Union which now ami
mates our fellow citizens on the Pacific
coast may not be impaired by neglect or
refusal to provide for them in their re-
mole 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. l forbear for the
present from expressing an opinion as to
the wisest and most economical mode in
which Government can lend its aid in
accomplishing this great and necessary
work. | believe that many difficulties
in the way which % appear formida.
bic, will 10 a great degree vanish as soon
as the nearest and best route shall be
satisfactorily sscertained.
1t may be right hat on this occasion l
should make some brief remarks as to
our rights and duties as a member Of the
great family of nations. In our inter
course with them there are some plain
principles approved by our own expert
from which we should never depart.
ought to cultivate peace. commerce
and friendship with all nations aud this
merely as the best means Of promot.
ing our own material interest but in a
spirit Of Christian b~enevolence towards
our fellow men wherever their lot nav
be cast. Our diplomacy should be di,
rect and frank, neither seeking to obtain
more nor accepting less than is our due.
We ought to cherish q sacred regard for
the Independence Of all nations and
never attempt to interfere in the domestic
concerns Of any unless this shall be- i'm
peratively required by the great law of
self preservation.
To avoid e%ntangliag allianceshas' been
a maxim of our policy ever since the
days OF Washington, and its wisdom no
one will attempt to dispute Iu short,
we ought to do justice in a kindly spirit
all nations, and require justice from
them IN return Our glory is that while
nations have extended their domin
ions by the sword. We have never acqui.
red any Territory except by fair pur-
chase, or IS in the case Of Texas, By the
voluntary determination Of O brave. kin
dred and independent yeople to blend
their destinies with onr own. Even our
acquisitions from Mexico form no excep-
tioD. Unwilling to take advantage of
fortune of war against a sister Re-
we purchased these possessions
under the treaty of peace. fer a sum
which vas considered at the time a fair
equivalent.
Our past history forbids that we shall
in the future acquire territory unless this
sanctioned by the laws of justice and
honor. Acting on this principle. no ma
ion will have a right to interfere or to
complain of the progress of events. We
shall still further extend our possessions.
Hitherto in all u acquisitions. the
under the protection of the Amer
can flag, have enjoyed civil and reli-
sious liberty as we'll as equal and just
avs. and have been contented, prosper
'us and happy. Their trade with the
est of the world has rapidly increased,
Ind thus every commercial nation has
largely in their successful prog
'ess. shall now proceed to take the
'ath prescribed BY the Constitution,
whilst humbly invoking the blessing Of
Divine Providence on this great people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON. March 4.