The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1837-03-15

these views can ever receive my constitu-
tiona sanction. These opinions have been
adopted in the firm belief that they are in
accordance with the spirit that actuated the
venerated Fathers of the republic, and that
succeeding experience has proved them to
be humane, patriotic, expedient, honorable,
and just.
IL the agitation of this subject was intend
ed 10 reach the stability Of our institutions,
enough has occurred to show that it has
signally failed and that in this, MS in every
other instance, the npprehcnsions Of the |
timld and the hopes of the wicked for the |
destruction Of our Government, are again !
destined to be Disappointed. Here and
there, indeed, scenes Of dangerous excite
ment have occurred terrifying instances of
local violence have been witnessed and a
reckless disregard of the onsequcnces of
their conduct has exposed individuals to
popular indignation, but neither masses Of
the people, nor sectiocs ofthe country, have
been swerved from their devotion to the
bond Of union, ,'and the principles it has
m made sacred, II will be ever thus. Such
attempts at dangerous agitation may peri
odically return, but with each the object
will be better understood. That pycdomi.
mating affection for our political system
which prevails throughout our territorial
limits that calm and enlightened judg-
ment which ultimately governs our people
MS one vast body will always be at hand
TO resists and control every effort, foreign
or domestic, which aims, or would lead, to
overthrow our institutions.
What can be more gratifying than such
n retrospect as this We look back on OBJ
staces avoided, and dangers overcome on
expectations more than realized, and pros
perty perfectly secured. To the hopes of
the hostile, the fears of the timid, and the
doubts Of the anxious, actual experience
has given the conclusive reply. We have
seen time gradually dispcl every unfavora-
BILE foreboding, and our Constitution sur.
mount every adverse circumstance, dread
ed at the outset us beyond control. Pres
cnt excitement will, at all times, magnify
present dangers but true philosophy must
teach us that none more threatening than the
past can remain to be overcome; and we
ought, for VIC have just reason, to entertain
an abiding confidence in the stability of our
institutions, and an entire conviction that,
IL administered in the true form, character,
and spirit, in which they were established,
they are ahandantly adequate to preserve
to us and our children the rich blessings
already derived from them to make our
beloved land, for thousand generations,
that chosen spot we're happiness springs
from perfect equahty Of political rights,
For myself, therefore, I desire to declare,
Al. hat q ,ho
high duty to which my country calls me, is
a strict adherence to the letter and spirit Of
the Constitution, as It was designed by
those who framed it. Looking back to it Us
sacred instrument carefully und not easi-
ly framed remembering that it was through
out work Of concession and compromise ;
viewing it as limited to national objects ;
regarding it as leaving to the people and the
States all power not explicitly parted with ;
shall endeavor to preserve, protect, aud
defend it, by anxIousIy referring to its pro-
vision for direction in every action. To
matters of domestic concernmcnt which j,
has ntrusted to the Federal Government,
and to such as relate to our intercourse with
foreign nations. shall zealously devote my
self; beyond those limits shall reyer pass
To enter, on this occasion, into further
or more minute exposition Of my views on
the various questions Of domestic policy,
would be as obtrusive as il is probably un-
expected. Before the suffrnges ofmy country
men were conferred upon me, i submitted
them, with great precision, my opinions on
all the most prominent OF these subjects
Those opinions i shall endcavor 10 carry
out with my utmost ability.
Our course of foreign policy has been SC
uniform and ineligible, as to constitute a
, rule of executive conduct which leaves lit
tie to my discretion, unless. indeed, ! were
willing to run counter to the lights Of eIpe-
rience, and the known opinions of my con-
stituents. We sedulously cultivate the
friendship Of all nations, as the condition
most compatible with our welfare, and the
principles of our Government.-We decline
alliances, as adverse to our peace. We de-
, sire commercial relations on equal terms
being ever willing to give fair equivaen
for advantages received. We esdeavor tt
conduct our intercourse with opcDncss ant
sincerity; promptly syowing our objects
and seeking to establish that mutual frank
ness which is rs beneficial in nations as Il
men. We have no disposition, aDd We dis
claim all right, to meddlein disputes, wheth
er internal or foreign, that may molest 9th
er countries regarding them, in the ac:u
al state, rs social communities, aud pre-
serving a strict neutrality in all their con
troversies. Well knowing the tried valo
Of our people, and our exhaustiess resourc
es, we neither anticipate nor fear any de
signed aggression: aud. in the conscious
ness Of our own just conduct, we feel u Sc
, cufity tha, we shall never be called upon I
{ exert our determination, never to permit a
8 invasion Of our rights, without punishment
y or redress.