The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-03-11


lions OF war may be speedily transported from
the Atlantic States 10 meet and repel the in
vader. In the event of war with naval
power much stronger than our own, we should
then have no other available access 10 The
Pacific coast, because such a power would
Instantly close The route across the lsthmus
OF Central America. Ii is impossible 10 con-
ceive, that whilst the Constitution has ex-
pressly required Congress TO defend all tho
States, it should yet deny 10 them by any fair
construction, the ohly possible means By
which orc OF these States can be defended.
Besides, the Government ever since is origin,
has been in the constant practice ofconstruct-
ing military roads. 1t might also be wise TO
consider whether the love for the Union which
now animaies our fellow .ci;izens on tho Pa
cifc coast may not be impaired by our neg
lec or refusal to provide for them in their
remote 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 10 project them against iuva-
sion.
forbear for tho present from expressing
an opinion as to the wisest and most eco
nomi ical mode in which The Government can
lend its aid in accomplishing this great aud
necessary work, believe that many OF the
difficulties in the way which now appear
formidable, will in s,great degree vanish as
soon as The nearest and best route sh all
have been satisfactorily ascer,ained, II may
5e right that on this occasion | should make
some brief remark in regard to our rights
and duties rs member Of the great family
of nations. In our intercourse with them,
there are some plaiu principles approved by
our own experience from which we should
never depart.
We ought 10 cultivate peace, commerce,
ard friendship with all nations, and this not
merely as the best means Of promoting our
own maetisl interests, but in spirit Of Chris.
tisn benevolsuce towards fellow meu wher.
ever their lot may be cast.
Oar diplomacy should be direct aud frank,
neither seeking 10 obtain more, nor accepting
less. than is our due. We ough, TO cherish
a sacred regard for the Independence of all
nations, aud never attempt 10 interfere in the
domestic concerns OF any, unless this shall
be impera,ively tequi,ed by the great law of
seli-pressrva,ion. To avoid enlansns al.
since the days OF Washington, aud its wisdom
no one will attempt to dispute.
In short, we onshi TO do Justice in kindly
spin, TO all nations, aud require justice from
them in return.
Ii is our glory that whilst other nations !
have extended their domnions by the sword, ,
we have never acquired any territory excep, |
by fair purchase, or as in Tie case Of Texas,
by the voluntary determination Of brave
>indTsd and independent, people 10 blend their
lesIinies with our own. Even our arguis-
'ilions from Mexico form no exception. Uu.
Wiling 10 take advantage Of the fortune Of
var against sister Republic, we purchased
hese possessions under the treaty OF peace
OF 4 sum which was considered al the time
! tau equivalent, Our past history tothils
ha, we should in the tn,ure acquire ,errGoty,
AnlsSs this be sanctioned ny the laws oi Jus
ice and Honor. Acting on ,hispripciple, no ,
nation will have right to inrertsre or 10 .
il in the progress Of events we
shah still further extend our possessions !
Hitherto in oil our acquisitions, the people .
under the protection OF the American Flag .
hsve enjoyed civil and religious liberty, as
we'll as equal and jus, laws, and have been I
routen,ed, prosperous and happy. Their !
rais with the rest of the world has rapidly /,
increased ana thus every commercial nation I
has shared largely in their successful prog |
fsss shall now proceed 10 take The oath !
prescribed hy the Cons,iluiion-whils hum. /
bly, invoking the blessings OF Divine rrovi. /,
lie zoe on tins great people,
lANES EIrruASAS