The north Iowa times. [volume] (M'Gregor [i.e. McGregor], Iowa) 1856-1857, 1857-03-20

and unhappy consequences. Many such
instances might be added if this were the
proper occasion. Neither is it necessary
for the public service to strain the Ian.
guage of the constitution, because all the
great and useful powers required for a
successful administration of the govern
ment, both in peace and in war, have been
granted either in express terms or by the
plainest implication. Whilst deeply con.
vinced of these truths, l yet consider ii
clear that under the war making power,
Congress may appropriate money towards
the construction Of a military road, when
this is absolutely necessary for the defence
Of any State or Territory of the Union
against foreign invasion. Under the con-
stitution, Congress has power to declare
war. to raise and support armies, to pro-
vide and maintain a navy, and to call forth
the militia to repeal invasion. Thus en-.
dowed in an ample manner with the war
making power, the corresponding duty is
required, that the United States shall pro-
tecteach Of them (the States against inva-
sion.
How is it possible to afford this protec-
ton to California and our Pacific possess
sions 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 At
lantic States to meet and repeal the inva-
ders In case of war with naval pow
er much stronger 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 18TH
mus of Central America. 1t is imposs-
ible to conceive that while the Constitu-
ton has expressly required Congress to
defend all the States, it should yet deny to
them, by any fair construction, the only
possible way by which one of those States
can be defended. Besides, the Govern
ment ever since its origin, has been in the
constant practice of constructing military
roads. 1t mi ght also be wise to consider
whether the love for the Union which now
animates our How citizens on the Pacific
coast may not be impaired by our neglect
or refusal to provide for them in their re-
mote 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. l forbear for the
present from expressing an opinion as to
the wisest and most economical mode in
which the Government can lend its aid in
accomplishing this great and necessary
work. l believe that many difficulties in
the way, which now appear formidable.
will in great degree vanish rs soon as
the nearest and best route shall have been
satisfactorily ascertained.
1t may be right that on this occasion I
should make some brief remarks as to our
rights and duties as member of the great
family of nation. In our intercourse with
them there are some plain principles, ap-
proved 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 promoting our own ma
terial interest, but in spirit of Christian
benevolence towards our fellow-men
wherever their lot may be cast Our dip
lomacy should be direct and frank
neither seeking to obtain more nor accept
inc less than is our due. We ought to
cherish sacred regard for the indepen-
dence Of all nations. and never attempt TO
interfere ia the domestic concerns of any,
unless this shall be imperaliyely required
by the grea, law Of self preservation.
Toavoid cntangling alliances has been a
maxim of onr policy every since the days
of Washington. and its wisdom no one
will attempt to dispute. In short we
ought to do justice in kindly spirit to
! all nations, and require justice from them
i'll return. Itis our glory that while other
nations have extended their dominions by
the sword, we have never acquired any
territory except by fair purchase or, as in
the case of Texas, by the voluntary de-
termination OF brave kindred and inde-
pendent people to blend their destinies
with our own.
Even our acquisitions from Mexico
form no exception unwilling to take ad-
vantage of the fortune of war against a
sister republic, we purchased these pos
sessions under the treaty of peace, for a
sum which was considered at the time, a
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 ma
tion will have right to interfere or to
complain if, in the progress of events, we
shall! still further extend our possessions.
Hitherto, in all our acquisitions the people
under the protection of the American flag
have enjoyed civil and religious liberty,
as well as equal and just laws, and have
been contented, prosperous and happy
Their trade with the rest of the world has
rapidly increased, and thus every COM
mercial nation has shared largely in their
successful progress. | shall now proceed
to take the oath prescribed by the oonsti-
tuition, whilst humbly invoking the bless
ing of divine Providence on this great
people. @
EH- The Postmaster General has au-
thorized one of his assistants to say, that
II ;e not tho d,,tv of q postmaStar to Mace