The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1857-03-18

administration, that long experience and observation
rave convinced that strict construction Of the
powers Of the government is the only true as well as
safe, theory Of the constitution Whenever, in our
PAST HISTORY, doubtful powers have been exercised by
Congress these have never filled to produce Injurious
ana unhappy consequences. Many such instances
might be adduccd If this were the proper occasion
elher Is It necessary for the public service to strain
te language OF the constitution because all the great
and useful powers required for successful admins
tftlon OF the government, both peace and in war;
nave been granted either in express terms by the
rlainest Implication.
| Whilst deeply convinced ofthese truths, / vet con-
slider II clear that under the warnaking power, Con-
Egress may appropriate money towards the construc
tion OF military road when this is absolutely neces
sy for the defence of any State Territory of the
Union against foreign invasion, Under the constitu
ton Congress has power " to declare war;, to raise
and support armies" to provide and maintain 10
navy, and to call forth the militia to repel inva-
SONS Thus endowed in ample manner with
TIE war making power the corresponding duty is re-
CURED that the United States shall protect each Of
item the States against INVASION Now how is it
psslDle TO afford this protection to California and our
racine possessions, except by means of a military
read through the Territories of the United States
which men, and munitions Of war may be speedily
Transported from the Atlantic States to meet and repe
/ the invader? In the event Of a war with a naval
power much stronger than our own, we should then
have no other available access to the Pacific coast
because such power would instantly close the route
It is impossible to conceive that, whilst the consti
Triton has expressly require Congress to defend all
the States it should yet deny to them BY any fair
construction, the only possible means BY which one of
these States be defended Besides, the govern
iEent ever since its origin has been in the constant
practice of constructing military roads. It might also
BIZ wiseto consider whether the love for the Union
which annlates fellowcitizens on the Pacific
coast may not beimpared by neglect refusal to
provide for Them their remote and isolated eondi
hv yyh he If +1a Sfata
on this side OF the Rocky mountains reach them
IN sufficient time to protect them against inva-
sion" ! forbear for the present from expressing an
opinion to the wsest and most economical mode in
winch the government lend its aid in accomplish
ing the great and necessary work. | believe that
many of the difficulties in the way, which now ap-
pear formidable, will in great degree, vanish as
as the nearest and best route shall have been
satisfactorily ascertalned. r. 49,.
1t may be proper that, on this occasion, I should
make some brief remarks regard to rights and
duties member of the great families of nations
In our intercourse with them there some plain
principles approved by own experience, from
which we should never depart. Weoughtto cultivate
peace, commerce and friendship with all nations and
this net merely as the best means of promoting our
own material interests in spirit of Christian beneyo
lehce towards our felloWmen wherever their lot may
be cast. Our diplomacy should be direct and frank
neither seeking to obtain excepting less than
is our due We ougtto cherish sacred regard forthe
independence OF all nations, and never attempt to in
teftere IN the domestic concerns of any, unless this
shall be mperativey required by the great law of self
preservation To avoid entangng alliances has been
IA maxim of our policy ever since the days of
Washington, and its wisdom no one will attempt to
dispute In short, ought to do Justice in kindly
spirit TO all nations and require justice from them in
return - s-.'-
It is glory that, whilst other nations have ex-
tended their domnons by the sword we have never
acquired any territory except by fair purchase, Or
in the of Texas, by the voluntary determination
of brave, kindred and independent people to blend
their destnies with own. Even our acquisitions
from Mexico form exception. Unwilling to take
advantage ofthe fortune Of against sister Re
public, we purchased these possessions under the
treaty peace for which considered at the
time fair equivalent. Our past history forbids that
SHALL in the future, acquire territory unless this
be sanctioned by the laws Of justice and honor.
Acting this principle, nation will have a right
to interfere or to complain it, in the progress of events
we shall still further extend possessions. Hither
to- all acquisitions, the people, under the protec
ton Of the American flag, have enjoyed civil and
lisious liberty well equal and just laws, and
have been contented prosperous and happy. Their
trade with the rest Of the world has rapidly increased
and thus every commercial nation has shared largely
in their successful progress.
shall now proceed to take the oath prescribed by
the constitution whilst humbly invoking the blessing
Of Divine Providence on the great people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
1,ako,, ~,