Marshall County Republican. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1856-1878, 1857-03-12

for the Improvement of the reminder yet we should
never forget that it is our cardinal policy to reserve
thsse lands as much as may be for actual settlers
and Tins at moderate prices. ~
We shall thus not only best promote the prosperi-
ty OF the new States by furnishing them hardy and
independent race of honest and industrious citizens
but shah secure homes for children and our chill
drcns children, we'll as for those exiles from for
eisn shores who may seek in this country to improve
their condition and to enjoy the blessings of civil
and religious liberty. Such emi.rsnts have dene
much to promote the growth and p-o,oerty of the
country They have proved faithful both in peace
and in war. After becoming citizens they are emit
tied, under the Constitution and laws TO be placed
on perfect equality with native-bon citizens and in
this character they Should ever be kindly recor-
nized.
The Federal constitution is a grant from
the States to Congress of certain specific
powers, and the question whether this grant
shall be literally or strictly construed has
more or less divided political parties from
the beginning. Without going into the ar
gument, desire to state at the commence
ment of my Administration that long cx-
perience and observation have convinced
me that strict construction of the powers
of the Governm mt is the only true as well
as the only safe theory of the Constitution.
Whenever in our past history doubtful pow
ers have been exercised by Congress, they
have never failel to produce injurious and
unhappy consequences. Many such incl
dents might be adluced, ifthis were the
proper occasion. Neither is it necessary for
the public service to strain the language of
the Constitution, because all the great and
useful powers required for a successful! adj
ministration Of the Government, both in
peace and war, have been granted either in
express terms or by the plainest implica-
ton. Whilst deeply convinced OF these
truths, yet consider it clear that under the
ar-making power Congress may appro-
pirate money towards the construction of a
military road, when this is absolutely ne
cessary for the defence of any State or
Territory of the Union against foreign in
vasion.
Under the Constitution, Congress has
power to declare war, to raise and support
armies, to 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 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
possessions except by means of 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 repel the inva-
der? In case of war with naval power
much stronger than Our own, we should
then have no other access to the Pacific
coast, because such power would instantly
close the route across the Isthmus of Cen
trail America Ii is impossible 20 conceive
that whilst the Constitution has expressly
required Congress to defend all the States,
it should deny to them by any fair constrc-
ton, the only possible means by which one
of these States can be defended Besides.
the Government ever since its origin, has
been in the constant practice of construct
ing military roads. 1t might also DC 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. provide 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 | fosbeir, for the
present, from expressing an opinion as TO
the wisest and most economical mode. in
which the Government can lend It's aid in
accomplishing this great anil necessary
work. believe that many difficulties in
the way, which now appear formidable. will
in a great degree vanish as soon as the near
est and best route shall have been satisfac-
torily ascertained.
1t may be right that on this occasion |
should make some brief remarks as to our
rights and duties as member of the great
family of Nations. In our intercourse with
them there are some plain principles, ap-
proved by our own experience from which
we should neverdepart We ought to cul-
tivate peace, commerce and friendship with
all nations, and tlis.not merely as the best
means of promoting our own material. in
terest, but in a spirit of Christian benevo-
lence towards our fellow-m wherever their
lot may be cast. Our diplomacy should
be direct and frank-neither seeking to OBJ
tain more nor accepting less, than is our
due. We ought to cherish sacred regard
for the independence of all nations and
never attemptto interfere in the domestic
concerns ofany, unless this shall be imper-
atively required by the great law of self
preservation. To avoid entangling ALLAN
ces, has been q maxim of our policy ever
since the days of Washington, and its wis
dom no ono will attempt to dispute. In
short, we ought to do justice in kindly
spirit to all nations, and require justice from
them in return. 1t is our glory that, while
other nations have extended their dominions
by the sword, we haze never acquired any
territory except by fairspurchase, or, as in
the case Of Texas, by the voluntary deter
mination of brave, kindred AMI independ-
ent people to blend their destinies with our
own. Even our acquisitions from Mexico
form no exception. Unwilling to take adj
vantage of the fortuna of war against sis
terrcpublic, we purchased these possessions
under the treaty of peace for a sum which
was considered attic time a fair equivalent.
Our past history forbids that we shall in the
future acquire territory, unless this be sane
toned by the laws of justice and honor
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