Delaware weekly Republican. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1841-188?, 1857-03-12

compared with the squandering Of the public
ands. No nation in the tide oftime has ever {
,een blessed with so rich and noble All inherl-
ance as we enjoy in the Public Lands. IN ad- {
this important trust, whilst 1t may
DO wise to grant portions OF them for the i'm (
lrovement of the remainder, yet we should
never forget that 1t il our cardinal policy to
preserve these lands, as much as may be, iOf
lctual settlers, and this at moderate prlces'-
We shall thus not only best promote the pros
perity of the new States and Territories by
them hardy and independent
race of honest and industrious citizens, but
shall secure homes for our children and our
children's children, rs well as for those cXiles
from foreign shores who may sealS in this conn
try to improve their condition and to enjoy the
blessings of civil and religious liberty. such
emigrauts have done much to promote tho
growth and prosperity of the country. They
have proved faithful both in peace and war
After becoming citizens they are entitled under
the constitution and laws, to be placed on per-
feet equality with native born citizens and IN
this character they should ever be kindly re
cognized.
The Federal constitution is a grant from the
States to Congress of certain specific powers,
and the question whether this grant should be
literally or strictly construed, has more OF less
divided political parties from the beginning
Without entering into the argument, desire
TO STATE, at Ile commencement VI my
istration, that long experience and observation
have convinced me that strict construction oil
the powers of the Government is @ only true,
as well as the only safe theory ofthe Constltu-
ton. Whenever, in our past history, doubtful
powers have been exercised by Congress, those
have never failed to produce injurious and I'M
happy consequences. Many such instances
might bo adduced, ii this were the proper
| occasion. Neither Is it necessary for the pubic
service to strain the language of the Conslitu
! ton, because all the great and useful powers
required for successful administration OF the
| Government, both in peace and in war, have
been granted either in express terms,o by the
plainest implication. Whilst deeply convinced
of these truths, yet consider it clear, that uh-
der the war making power, Congress may ap-
propriate money towards the construction OF
/ military road, when this is absolutely necessary
for the defence of any State or Territory OF the
/ Union, against foreign INVASION. Under the
Constitution, Congress has power $50 declare
war''-ss to raise and support armies
provide and maintain navy" and to call forth
the militia to repel INVASION" Thus endowed
in an ample manner with the war making power
the corresponding duty il required that the
United States shall protect each OF them one
States) against INVASION" Now is it possible
to afford this protection to California and our
Pacific possessions, except by means OF a mill
tary road through the territories of the United
may be speedily transported from the Atlantic
States to meet and repel the invader. In the
event ola war with naval powermuc Ii strong
er than our own, we should then have no other
available access to the Pacific coast, because
such power would instantly close the route
across the lsthmus OF Central America. 1t is
impossible to conceive, that the Gonstitu-
ton has expressly required Congress to defend
all the States, it should yet deny to them by
any fair construction the only possible means
by which ono of these States can be defended.
Besides, the Government, ever since its origin,
has been in the constant practice OF construct
ing military roads. ii might also be wise to
consider whether love for the Uniol whchnoN
animates our fellow citizens on the PacihC
coast, may not be impaired by our neglect OIL
refusal to provide for til In in their remote and
} isolated condition, the only means by whicl
the power OF the States ON this side Of the
Rocky Mountain can reach them in suilicien
time to protect them against invasion.
, / torbear for tho present from expressing al
opinion as to the wisest and most economical
mode in which the Government can lend its alt
in accomplishing this great and necessary work
$ believe that many Of the difficulties in tn
! way which now appear formidable, will in
h great degree vanish as soon AS the nearest am
l. best route shall have been satisfactorily ascer
II tanned. II may be right that on this occaso
: | shoald make some briefremarks in regard :
l.
c family otnatons. In our intercourse with then
e. there are some plain principles approved by OF
" own experience from which VIC should nevt
i depart.
0. We ought to cultivate peace, commerce an
10 friendship with allnatiOus-and this, not mer,
ID ly as the best means ofpromoting our own mi
m terial interests, but in spirit of Christian b
"A nevolencc towards fellow-men wherever the
he lot may be cast.
m Our diplomacy should be direct and tranI
il, neither seeking to obtain more, nor acceptir
M less than is our due. We ought to cherish
IL. sacred regard for the Independence of all n
"a tions, and never attempt to interfere in the d
:, nestle concerns of any, unless this shall be il
~ peratively required by the great law Of Sc
u.s. preservation. To avoid cntangling allianc
~ ~ las been maxim of our policy ever since t
- - days Of Washington, and its wisdom no o
~ will attempt to dispute.
~ In short, we ought to do justice in kind
y; spirit to all nations, and require justice fro
-, them in return.
hts 1t is our glory that whilst other nations ha
es- extended their dominions by the sword,
ny have never acquired any territory except
ih- fair purchase--Or as in the case of Texas,
nee the voluntary determination OF brave, kindr
my and independent people to blend their deStlh
mes with our own. Even our acquisitions fl
ere Mexico form no exception. Unwilling to IA
ties advantage of the fortune of war against
ent under the treaty OF peace for a sum which y
OF considered at the time a fair equivalent. I
ent past history tOrbids that should in the utt
ven acquire territory, unless this be sanctioned
the the laws of Justice and Honor. Acting
lult this principle, no nation will have right to
ion terfere or to complain, il, in the progress
tent events we shall still further extend our p
and sessions. Hitherto in all our acquisitions,
wit people under the protection OF the Am
und can flag, have enjoyed civil and religious
itch erty as well as equal and just laws, aud h
the been contented, prosperous ana happy' ~
nn- trade with the rest OF the world mas rapidly
the creased, and thus every commercial nation
ties, shared largely in their successful progress,
yari shall now proceed to take the oath prescrl
olive by the Cousttution-whlst humbly invok
ons. the blessings of Divine Providence on
into great people. JAMES BuCI4SA,
rife At the close of the Address, the ex-Presi,
yery advanced and offered his congratulations to
not President, and lie was followed by the other
more nitaTles. Inc crowd nj the same usie !cne
ot to their cheering, and the guns on the Capitol
that beloved out the news that new President
hers entered upon his term of Office The sainte
M of sisted of thirty-One guns-one for each Sta
will the Union.
been The ceremony being concluded, the Presi
the returned to the Senate Chamber, and soon
urh- resumed his seat in the carriage aud was
Quoted to the White House, the ex President
the others accompanying him.
pre-
Mt or LEGISLATIVE PROCEEDINGS
rtue SENATE
owes Tuesday, March 5, lS
We of Senate met pursuant to adjournment.