The southern enterprise. [volume] (Greenville, S.C.) 1854-1870, 1857-03-19

10 Salitornla and our pacific possessions, ey-
cept by means Of a military road through
the territory ofthe United States, over which
men and munitions of war may he speedily
transported from the Atlantic States to NEE,
and repel the invader? In case ofwar with
a naval power much stronger than our own.
we should then have no other available ac-
cess to the Pacific coast; because such
power would Instantly close the route across
the lsthmus Of Central America.
II is impossible to conceive that whilst
the Constitution has expressly required Con
gress 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 can be defended. Besides, the Gov
ernment, ever since its origin, has been in
the constant practice Of constructing militia
ry roads. 1t might also be wise to consider
the love for the Union, which now animated
our fel!ow-citizens on the Pacific coast, may
not be impaired by our neglect or refusal to
provide for them in their remote and isola.
ted 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 forbear.
for the present, from expressing an opinion
rs to the wisest and most economical mode
III which The Government can lend its aid in
accomplishing this great and necessary
work. | believe that many difficulties in
the way, which now appear formidable, will
in great degree vanish. as soon rs the
nearest and best route shall have been salts
factorily ascertaincd. 1t may be right that
on this occasion | should make some b,ief
remarks rs TO our rights and duti,s is a
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 de.
part We ought to cultivate peace, com.
merce and friendship with all nations, and
this not merely as the best means Of pro.
noting our own national interest, but in r
spirit of christian benevolence towards f;.l.
low-men wherever their lot may be cast.
Our di iplomacy should be direct and frank
neither seeking to obtain more, nor &C.
cepting less than is our due. We ought to
cherish sacred regard for the independence
OF all nations, and nevar attempt to interfere
in the domestic concerns of any, unless this
shall be imperatively required by the great
law of self preservation.
To avoid entangIing alliances has been a
maxim Of our policy ever since the DAYS OF
Washington, and its wisdom no one will at.
tempt to dispute. In short, we ought to do
justice in a kindly spirit to all nations and
| require justice from them in return. 1t is
! our glory, that while other nations have ex.
tended their dominions by the sword, we
have never acquired any territory except by
iair purchase, or, as in the case of Texas, bv
the voluntary determinations of brave.
kindred and independent people to blend
their destinies with our own Even our ac
qniSitionS from Mexico form no exception
Unwilling to take advantage of the fortune
Of war against a sister Republic, We parchas
ed the possessions under the treaty Of peace
for sum which was considered at the time
a fair equivalent.
Our past history forbids that we shall il
the future acquire territory unless this be
sanctioned by the laws of justice and honor
Acting on this principle, no nation will have
right to interfere, or TO complain, il, in the
progress Of events, we shall still further ex
tend our possessions. Hitherto in all our
acquisitions, the people under the American
flag have enjoyed civil and religious liberty
as well as equal and just laws, and have
been contented, prosperous and happy
TER trade with the rest of the world ha,
rapidly Increased, and thus every CONNER
cia! nation has shared largely in their sue
cessful progress. shall now proceed tt
take the oath prescribed by the Constitution
whilst humbly invoking the blessing of Di
vine Providence on this great people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
On concluding his address. the President
elect turned towards Chief Justice 1aney
who advanced and extending the Bible TO-
ward Mr. Buchanan. administered the oath
Of office in the terms presented bv the Con
stitution, as follows:
II do soienanly s,Dear that I ,DiU f,iM
fully execute the Office of President of til.
United States, and ,oili, to the best of M,
ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Con
stitution Of The United States"
During the taking Of this solemn attesta
tion the deepest interest was manifested, ant
the multitude were stilled in the most earn
est attention. When it was concluded, and
those upon the platform followed the Chic
Justice in copgratulatipg the President elect
upon his accession to Office, the spectators
joined in an enthusiastic acclaim of applause
whilst the swelling music Of half dozen
bands, and the roar Of cannon announced
that the important ceremony was completed
and James Buchanan duly inaugurated rs