Preble County Democrat. [volume] (Eaton, Ohio) 1857-1859, 1857-03-12

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, to provide and maintain a
navy, and to call forth the militia to re-
pei invasion. Thus endowed in an m
pie manner with a war-making power,
the corresponding duty is required that
the United States shall protect each of
the States against invasion. How is it
possible to afford protection to Califor-
MIA and our Pacific possessions except
by means ofa military road through the
Territories of the United States, over
which men and munitions of war may be
speedily transported from the Atlantic
States to meet and repei the invader?-
In case,of awar with a naval power stron-
ger than u own, we should have no
other available access to the Pacific coast,
because such a power would Instantly
close the route across the Isthmus OF
Central America. 1t is impossible to
conceive it.
The Constitution has expressly re
quired Congress to defend all the States.
1t should not deny to them by any fair
construction the only possible means By
which one of these States can be defend
cd. Besides, the Government, ever
since its origin, has becn in the constant
practice of constructing military roads.
1t might also be wise to consider whcth-
er the love for the Union which.now an
mates our fellow citizens OIL the Pacific
coast may not be impaired by neglect or
refusal to provide for them, in their re
mote 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. [ for6ear for
the present from expressing al opinion
as to the wisest and most economical
mode in which Government can lcndits
aid in accomplishing this great and nee
essary work. l believe that many diff
formidable, will in a great degree van
ish as soon as the nearest and bestroute
shall be satisfactorily asccrtained.
1t may be r. h that 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 -expe-
rience from which we should never de-
part. We ought to cultivate peace, com
merce and friendship with all nations;
and this not merely as the best means Of
promoting our own material interests,
but in a spirit of Christian b~cnevolence
toward 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 a sacred
regard for the independence of all M
tons and never attempt 10 interfere in
the domestic concerns of az, unless this
shall be imperativcly required by the
great law Of representation.
To avoid tanglinc alliances has been
a maxim of our policy ever since the
days of Washington, and its wisdom no
one will attempt to dispute. In short,
we ought to do justice in a kindly spir-
it to all nations, and require justice from
them i'll return. 1t is III glory that,
while other nations have extended their
dominions by the sword, we have never
acquired any territory except by fair
purchase, or, as in the case Of Texas, by
the voluntary determination Of a brave,
kindred and independent peoplet to blend
their destinics with our own. Even our
acquisitions from Mexico form no OK
ception. Unwilling to take advantage
Of the fortune of Wal against a sister Re-
public, we purchased these possessions
under the treaty of peace for Il sum which
was considered at the time 4 fair equiv
a!cnt.
Our past history forbids that we shall!
in the future acquire territory unless
this be sanctioned by the laws of justice
and honor. Acting on this principle,
no nation will have a right to interfere
or complain of the progress of events.
We shall still further extend our pos
sessions.
Hitherto, in all our acquisitions, the
people, under the protection OF the
American flag, have enjoyed civil and
religious liberty, as well as equal and
just laws, andhavc been cont1ntel, pros
porous and happy. Their trade with
the rest of the world has rapidly in
creased, aud thus every commercial nj
t;on has shared l:@9sgviiy in tnoir success
full progress. I shall now proceed to
take the oath prescribed by the Consti-
tuition, while humbly invoking the bless
ing of Divine Providence on this great
people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON, March T..