Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-03-10

coming citizens they are entitled under the Constitution
and laws 70 be placed perfect equality with native
born citizens and in this character they should ever BE-
kindly recognized.
The Federal Constitution is grant from The States Ia
Congress OF certain specific powers and the Iuestio
whether this grant shall be literally and strictly constu
ed has more or less divided political parties from the be-
ginning Without entering into the argument desire n
state ct the commencement OF my administration that
long experience and observation have convinced me that
street construction Of the powers OF the government
the only true well the only sas theory Of the on
ST. usu. Whenever in past history doubtful powers
have bsen exercised By Congress they have never failed
to produce Injurious and unhappy eOnseq Mapv
such Instances might be adduced If this The proper
occasion.
Neither it necessary for the public service to stn
the language OF the Constitution because ell the eat aad
useful powers required for successful administration Of
the government both in peace in war have beea gran
TED either Ia express terms, or By ihs panest mPca
on Whilst deeply convinced Of these truths ret coa-
slider it clear that under the making power Congress
may aFp-Oprists money towards the construction Of
military road, when this IS absolutely necessary, for the
defense Of any State Territory Of the Union Rsens
foreign invasion
Under tie Constitution, Congress has power to declare
war; 70 raise and support armies to provide and maintain
navy, aud 70 AL forth the militia TO Iepel nTasOu-
Thus endowed in an ample manner with a WarmakinR
plFer the corresponding duty srequr, that the United
states shall project each C tie States against invasion
How Is It possible to afford his protection to California
and our Pacific possessions except by Of military
road through the territories Of the United States over
which men and Munitions OF war may he speedily trans-
ported from The Atlantic States to and repe the in
Vads9 In of with naval power stTonger than
own, Ghoud have ether available access 10 The
Pacific coast because such power would instantly Gloss
the route across the lsthmus Of Central America
1t is impossible 70 conceive it, the Constitution has
expressly required Congress to defend oil the States
il should YET deny 90 them. by any fair construction
the only p ssll, means BY which e 4 these States
be Tended. Bsidss, the Gov, rnmcnt ave. 8 nee
It's origin, has been ia the constant Practice Of con-
siructtg military roads 1t might also b wise -
slider whether the love of the U6ion, which now AMI
mates fellow ctzsns the Pacific coast may rot be
impaired BY negect refusal provide for them their
remote isolated condition. the only means BY which
the power OF tn States this side Of the cSy Noun
tans reach them ia sufficient time protect them
against INVASION orbesr for ts present from express
ing opinion as to the aud economical mode
10 which ths Government lead its aid in accomplishing
this great A1d necessary work believe that many dfl
eultes in The way, which now appear formidable viii in
great degree vanish the aud bss
sh al have been satisfactorily ascertziDed.
Il may be right that, this occasion, should mako
some brief remarks as 10 our rights aud duties
Der Of the great family Of nations La intercourse
with Them, there some plain principles approved by
eXper sncs from which We should never depart
We ought - cultivate peac5, commerce., and friendship
vi ali naoae and This not merely as the best means Of
promoting material interest but in q spirit Of
Christian benevO towards our fellow men wherever
their lot be cast Our 9Omscy should be direct and
trunk, neither seeking 10 obtain more nor accepting lees
than due WeOu 70 cherish sacred regard for the
independence Of all nations and attempt interfere
IN The domestic concerns any unless Ibis snail be i'm
psTatveT required by the great law Of sell preservation
To avoid nt4ngng alliances boR bsen a mazm Of cur
policy the days Of ashogtor and wisdom
one will attempt 10 dispute In short oueht to d. JUS
ti;s in kinoly spirit 10 all natcn5 and require jusucs
from them return 1t is glory that while other
yns have extended their dsmnODs By the sword we
never acquired any Territory except by fair purchase
as in the Of Texa b. tie voluntary determination Of
brave kindred and Independent PeOglJ 10 blend heir
dstInles With Even acquisitions from Ae1-
leo form exception.
Unwilling take advantage ofthe fortune Of war against
sister Republic, purchased these possessions under
tas treaty q peace FOR which considered at the
time lair equivalent
Our past history for5ds that shs Ia future acquire
territory unless this be sanctioned by the OF justice
and honor. Acting this principal nation will have
right 70 interfere OF 70 complain, If IL progress Ofeven
We thall atlll further tIeud our POSSESSIONS
Hitherto IL all our acquisitions the people under the
protest Of the American f. have enjoyed civil and
hgous liberty well as equal a1d jusG lass, and have
en- OOnentsd, prosperous uEd Ia py Their trade with
tne rest Of tue world has rapid increased ard thus every
cmmeTcill nation has shared largely in their successful
progress shall proceed 70 take the oVth prescribed
By Inc Constitution, whilst bumbiy invoking the blessing
OF Divine Providence on this great pc Jpls.
JAMMS BUCHANAN.
Washington, March 4, 1857