Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1857-03-13

domestic manufactures especially those necessary
for the defence of the country. Any discrimination
against particular branch, for The purpose of bene
fling favored corporations individuals or interests
would have been unjust 10 the rest OF the communi
ty and inconsistent with that spirit of fairness and
equality which ought TO govern in the adjustment VI
a revenue larlf. .. ....s.
But the squandering of the public money sinks
into comparative insignifcance temptation to
corruption when compared to the squanderng OF the
public lands.
No nation in the tide of time has ever been blessed
with so rich and noble inheritance we enjoy in
the nublic lands. in administering this important
trust whilst it may be wise 10 grant portions of them
for the Improvement of the remainder, yet We should
never forget that it is cardinal policy to reserve
these lands, much as may be, for actual settlers,
and this al moderate prices. We shall thus not only
best promote Tie prosperity OF me ne" Sea'es ana
Territories by furnishing them hardy and indePen.
dent race of honest and industrious citizens, but shall
secure homes for children and our chlldren's
children, as we'll for those exlles from foreign
shores who may seek in this country TO improve ther
condition and to enjoy the blessings OF civil and re-
ligous iberty Such emgrants have done much 10
promote the growth and prosperity or the country.
Thew have proved faithful both in peace and IN war
After becoming citizens they are entitled, under the
constitution and laws to be placed on perfect equal
y with native born citizens and IN this character
they should ever be kindly recognized
The federal constitution is grant from the States
to Congress of certain specific powers and The ques
ton whether this grant should be literally or strictly
construed, has, less, divided political parties
from The beginning Without rnterlng into the ar
gument, desire TO state, at the commencement OF
my administration, that long experience and obser
walton have convinced me- that strict construc ION
of the pow of the government is the only true, as
we'll as the only safe, theory of the constitution
Whenever, in past history, doubtful powers have
been exercised by Congress, these have never failed
to produce injurious and unhappy consequences
Many such instances mi ht be adduced, If this were
the proper occasion. Neither is it necessary Tor the
public service to strain the language of the constitu
ton because all he great and useful powers
quired for successful administration OF the govern
ment both in peace and in war, have been granted,
either in express tems or by the planest implication
Whilst deeply convinced of these truths yet consider it
appropriate money towards the construction military
road when this absolutely for the defence OF
State Territory in the Union against foreign INVASION
Under the Constitution Congress has to declare
war;, TO raise and support armies Ito provide ana
maintain navy and to call forth the militia to "repel in
vasons " Thus endowed, in an ample manner with the
power the corresponding duty is required that
against nvasons Now, how possible to afford this
protection California and PACIFIC possession by
ted States, which and munitions of may be
speedily transported from the Atlantic States to meet and to
repel the invader! In the event with naval pow
err much stronger than own should then have
other available to the Pacific coast because such
Central America 1t is impossible to conceive that whilst
the Constitution has expressly required Congress defend
all the States it should yet deny them by any fair
struction the only posi- means by which one of these
States be defended. Besdes the government, ever
origin been the constant practice Of
structng military roads might also be wise to consider
whether the love for the Union which now our fell
citizens the Pacific coast not be impaired by
neglect provide Them in their remote and
isolated condition. the only by which the power OF the
States this side of the Rocky mountains reach them
in sufficient time protect them against invasion.
forbear for the present from expressing opinion as to
Wlses and most economical mode which the govern
work believe that of the difficulties in the
which appear formd able, WILL in great degree,
sh the nearest and best route shall have been
| satsf actory ascertaned.
1t may be proper that, this occasion, should make
brief remarks in regard to rights and duties as
member of the great family of nations In intercourse
with them there plain principles, approved by
experience, from which should depart. We
ought to cultivate peace, commerce. and friendship with all
nations and this merely the best of promoting
material interests, but in spirit of Christian be-
nevolence towards feowmeu wherever their lot may
be cast Our diplomacy should be direct and frank, neither
seeking to obtain accepting less than is due
We ought to cherish sacred regard for the independence
s Be mpers1ey
by the great law of To avoid entangng
alliances has been maxim of policy since the days
of Washington and its wisdom will attempt to dis
pTte In short we ought to do justice in kindly spirit to
1t is glory that whilst other nations have extended
their dominons by the sword we have never acquired
territory except by fair purchase as In the case f
by the voluntary determination of brave kindred and in
dependent people to blend their destinies with own
Even QUESTIONS from Mexico fc exception I'm
willing to take advantage of the fortune of against
sister republic, we purchased these possessions under the
treaty of peace for which considered at the time
fair equivalent Our past history forbds that shall in
the future acquire territory unless this be sanctioned by the
laws of justice and honor Acting this principle,
ton will have right to interfere to complain if, in the
progress of events shall still further extend posses
sons Hitherto in all our acquisitions, the people, under
the protection of the American flag have enjoyed civil and
religious liberty, well equal and just laws, and have
been conented. prosperous and happy Their trade with
the rest OF the world has rapidly increased and thus
commercial nation has shared largely in their successful
progress.
shall proceed take the oath prescribed by the
sution, whilst humbly invoking the blessing Divine Pro-
violence on this great people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.
WASHINGTON CITY, 4th March, 1857.