New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1857-03-12

After becoming citizens they are entitled under the
and laws, to be placed perfect equality
with native born etzens and in this character they
shoad ever be kindly recognized - ss
The federal constitution is grant from the States
to Congress Of certain specific powers and the qes.
ton whether this grant should be iberay on strictly
construed has, more or less divided political parties
from the beginning. Without entering into the argu
ment, desire to state, at the commencement Of my
administration, that long experience md observation
have convinced me that strict constru<t6e a. the
powers OF the government Is the only true eel a.
the only safe theory Of the Constitution. WheSeyer,
IN our past history, doubtful powers have bsn sxer
csed by Congress, these have never failed produce
inlnrlons and unhappy consequences Many such in
stances might be adduced, ii this were the proper
occasion. Neither is It necessary for the public
because all the great and useful powers required for
sdceessin! administration Of the governments. both in
peace and war have been granted either in express
's1s Whist e q aeen, III painss M Implication u
slider 1t clear that, under the warmakne power Com
gress may appropriate money towards the Construction
Of military road, when this il absolutely necessary
aaans or ns aesncs any stase e Territory the Union
gress has power to declare war; "a raiae aud sun
port armies to provide and maintain nayv.r and
to call forth the militia to repe invasionsa Thus
endowed, in an ample manner, with lie war.nakine
power the corresponding duty required that ssthe
United States shall protect each Of them THE Staesl
against invasion, Now, how is 1t possible 70 afford
this protection to California and our Pacific posses
sons except by of military road through tie
Territories of the United States over which men and
munitions of war may be speedily transported from
the Atlantic States omeet and torepel the inva In
the event of war with naval power much stronger
than our own we should then have no other available
access to the Pacific coast because such apower would
instantly close the route across the sthmus Of Central
America. vi At
1t il impossible to conceive that whilst the Consti-
tuition has expressly required Congress to defend all
vot In fharo NV foi
construction, the only possible means by which one
of these States can be defended. Besides the Gov
ernment ever since its 0rogin, has been in the con-
slant practice Of constructing military roads, It
might also be wise to consider whether the love for
the Union which now animates our fellowcitzens on
the Pacific coast may not be impaired by neglect
or refusal to provide for them in their remote and so
lated condition. the only 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" I forbear for the present from
expressing an opinion as to the wisest and most
nomicai mode IN which the government can lend its
AID IN accomplishing this great and necessary work.
q believe that many of the difficulties in the way
which now appear formidable, will in great degree
vanish as soon as the nearest and best route shall
have been satisfactorily asceftaned.
1t may be proper that, on this occasion I should
make some brief remarks in regard to rights and
duties as member Of the great family Of nations
In our intercourse with them there are some plain
principles, approved by our own experience from
which we should never depart. We ought to cult
vate peace, commerce and friendship with all nations
and this not merely the best means of promoting
our own material interests, but in spirit of Christ
| ian benevolence towards our felow-men wherever
their lot may be cast Our diplomacy shonfd be di-
rect and frank neither seeking to obtain more nor
accepting less than is due. We ought to cherish
sacred regard for the independence of all nations.
and never attempt to interfere in the domestic con.
Germs Of any, unless this shall be mperatiyely re-
qnired by the great law of self-preservation. To
avoid entangfng alliances has been a maxim. of
our policy ever since tie days Of Washington and its
wisdom one will attempt to dispute IN short we
ought to do justice, in kindly spirit to all nations
| and require justice from them in return.
II is our glory that, whilst other nations have ex-
tended their dominions by the sword, have never
acquired any territory except by fair purchase
OF brave. kindred and independent people to blend
their destnies with our own. Even our acquisitions
from Mexico form no exception. Unwilling to take
advantage OF the fortune OF war against sister
public, we purchased these possessions, under the
1 treaty Of peace, for sum which was considered at
the time fair equivalent. 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 rgh.
| to Interfere to complain if, in the progress oil
events, we shall still further extend possessions
Hitherto in all cur acquisitions, the people under the
protection Of the American flag, have enjoyed civil
and religious liberty, well as equal and just laws
and have been contented prosperous and happy
Their trade with the rest of the world has rapidly in
| creased 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 this great people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
| WASHINGTON CRY, 4th March, 1857.