Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1837-03-09


lion equally decided, to resist the slightest In
reference with il in the States where il ex
ists." submitted also 10 my fellow citizen.
with follness and frankness, the reason
which led me 20 this determination. TIL
result authorizes me to believe that the
have been approved, and are confided in, b.
majority Of the people Of the United States
including those whom they most immediate
" affect. II now only remains to add, tina
no Dill conflicting with these views can eve
receive my constitutional sanction. Thes.
opinions have been adopted in the firm be
iiei That they ure in accordance with the spir.
That actuated the venerated fathers OF the
republic, and that succeeding experience has
proved them 10 be humane, patriotic, expe.
dient, honorable, and just. If the agitation
oil this subject was intended 10 reach the sta
billy OF our institutions, enough has occur
red TO show that il has signally failed; and
that IN this, as in every other instance, the
approximations of the timid and the hopes oil
the wicked for the destruction OF cur Gov
eminent, are again destined TO be disappoint-
ed. Here and there. indeed, scenes of dan
gerous excitement have occurred terrify ing
instances OF local violence have been witt
messed and reckless disregard of the con-
sequences OF theiY conduct has exposed indi-
masses OF the. people, nor sections of the
country, have been swerved from their de-
votion TO the bond of union, and the prinCi-
piles il has made sacred. 1t will be ever
thus. Such attempts al dangerous agitation
may periodically return, but with each the
object will be better understood. That pre-
dominating affection fur our political system
which prevails throughout our territorial
limits; that calm and enlightened judgment
which ultimately governs our people as one
vast body; will always he at hand to resist
and control every effort, foreign or domestic,
which aims, or would lead, 10 overthrow our
institutions.
What can be more crafty ing than such
retrospect as this (! We look back on obsta>
cIes avoided, and dangers overcome; on
expectations more than realized, and prosper
ily 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 dispel every uniavorahle forebod-
verse circumstance, dreaded at the outset as
beyo n6 control. Present excitement will,
al 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 we have just
reason, 10 entertain an abiding confidence in
the stability of our institutions, and an en-
tire conviction that, if administered in the
true form, character, and spirit in which
they were established, they are abundantly
adequate to preserve TO US and our children
the rich blessings already derived frem them;
to make our below ed land, for thousand gem
erations. that chosen spot where happiness
springs from perfect equality of political
rights.
For myself, therefore, desire TO declare,
that the principle that will govern me in the
high duty to which my country calls me, is,
a strict adherence to the letter and spirit of
the constitution, as il was designed by those
who framed it. Looking back to it as ga
cred instrument carefully and not easily
framed; remembering that it was through
out work Of concession and compromise
viewing it as limited 10 national objects; re-
garding il as leaving 10 the people and the
States all power not explicitly parted with
shall endeavor 10 preserve, protect, and de-
fend il, by anx;ously referring TO lis provi-
sion Tor direction in every action. To mat
tiers OF domestic cOncerDment which it has
intrusted TO the Federal Government, and TO
such as relate 10 our intercourse with foreign
nations, shall Zeaiously devote myself; be-
yond those limits shall never pass.
10 enter, on this occasion, into further
or more minute exposition OF my views On
the various questions of domestic policy,
would be as obstrusive as it is probably I'M
expected. Before the suffrages OF my cnun>
trymen were conferred upon me, submit
ted TO them, with great precision, my opin
ions on all the most prominent Of these sub
Iects. Those opinions | shall endeavor 10
carry out with my utmost ability.
Our course of foreign policy has been so
uniform and intelligible, as TO constitute
rule of executive conduct which leaves little
TO my discretion, unless, indeed, were will
ling 10 run counter TO the lights of experi-
ence, and the known opinions of my consii-
tuents. We sedulously cultivate the friend
ship of all nations, as the condition mos,
with our welfare, and the princi>
plies OF our Government. We decline ALI.
ances, as adverse TO our peace. We desire
commercial relations on equal terms, being
ever willing TO give fair equivalent for ad-
vantages received. We endeavor to con-
duct our intercourse with openness and sim
cerIiy; promptly ayowing our objects, and
seeking 10 establish that mutual frankness
which is as beneficial in the dealings of ma
lions as of men. We have no disposition,
and We disclaim all right, TO NEEDLE in dis
pules, whether internal or foreign, that may
modest other countries; regarding them, in
their actual state: as SOCIAL communities, and
preserving strict neutrality in all their con-
troversies. Well knowing the tried vaior
of our people, and our exhaustless resources,
we neither anticipate nor fear any designed
aggression; ard, in the consciousness OF our
own just conduct, we feel a security that we
shall never be called upon TO exert our de.
termination, never TO permit an invasion OF
r,c,tN al -