Volcano weekly ledger., 1857-04-04

and war, have been granted, either in express
terms or by the plainest implication While
deeply convinced of these truths, yet consd-
er it clear, that under the war-naking power,
Congress may appropriate money toward the
construction Of military road, when this is
absolutely necessary for the defense of any
State or Territory of the Union, against for
egn invasion. Under the Constitution, Con-
gresS has power to declare war, to raise and
support armies; to provide and maintain ma
Wy; to call forth the militia, and TO repel in
vasion
Thus endorsed in an ample manner with
the war making power, the corresponding du-
ty is required that the United States shall
protect each Of them, (the States) against
invasion. How is it possible to afford this
protection to California and our Pacific pos
sessions, except by means Of Il military road
through the territory of the United States,
over which men and munitions of war may
be speedily transported from the Atlantic
States to meet and repeal the invaders. 1t
might also be wise to consider whether the
love for the Union which now animates our
fellow citizens on the Pacific coast may not
be impaired by our neglect or refusal to pro-
vide for them in their remote 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.
forbear for the present from expressing
an opinion as to the wisest and most econom-
ical mode in which the Government can lend
its aid in accomplishing this great and neces-
sary work | believe that many difficulties
l., 81 20, ;lol
in great degree vanish, as soon as the near
est and best route shall have been satisfacto-
rily ascertained.
1t may be right that on this occasion
should make brief remarks as to our rights
and duties as 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 depart. We ought to cultivate peace,
commerce and friendship with all nations, and
this not merely as the best means of promo
ting our own material interests, but in spirit
of christian benevolence 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 sa-
cred regard for the independence of all ma
tions, and never attempt to interfere in the
domestiSconcerns of any, unless this shall be
imperativey required by the great law of
self-preseryaton
To avoid entangling alliances has been
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 10 return 1t is our
glory that while other nations have extended
their dominions by the sword, we have never
acquired any territory except by fair pur-
chase, or, as in the case of Texas by the vol
untary determination of brave, kindred and
independent people, to blend their destinies
with our own. Even our acquisitions from
Mexico form no exception. Unwilling to
take advantage of the fortune of war against
sister Republic, we purchased these posses
sons under the 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
right TO interfere or to complain if in the
progress of events we shall still further ex-
tend our possessions
Hitherto in all our acquisitions the people,
under the protection of the American flag,
have enjoyed civil and religions liberty as
well as equal and just laws, aud have been
contented, prosperous and happy. Their
trade with the rest of the world has rapidly
increased, aud thus has every commercial ma
ton in its successful progress
shall now proceed to take the oath Of of
flee prescribed by the Constitution, while hum
bly, invoking the blessing of Divine Proyi-
dence on this great people.
JAMES BUCHANAN.