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

differently formed, they overlooked the Ear
more important consideration, that with Nc
war could never be the result of individual
or irresponsible will, but must be a measure
of redress for injuries sustained, voluntarily
resorted to by those who were to bear the
necessary sacrifice, who would consequent
" feel an individual interest in the contest,
and whose energy would be commensurate
with the difficulties to be encountered, Ac,
tual events have proved their error; the
last war, far from impairing, gave new con-
fidence to our Government and amid re-
cent apprehensions of a similar conflict, we
saw that the energies Of our country would
not be wanting in ample season to vindi-
cate its rights. We may not possess, rs we
should not desire to possess, the extended
and ever ready military organization of 9TH
er nations we may occasionally suffer in
the outset for the want of it but, among
ourselves, all doubt upon this grea, point
has ceased, while a salutary experience will
prevent contrary opinion from inviting
aggression from abroad.
Certain danger was foretold from the ex-
tension of our territory, the multiplication
of States, and the increase of population.
Our system was supposed to be adapted on
ly to boundaries comparatively narrow.
These have been widened beyond conjec-
ture the members of our confederacy are
already doubled and the numbers of our
people are incredibly augmented. The
alleged causes Of danger have long surpass-
ed anticipation, but none ofthe consequence
have followed. The power and influence
of the republic have risen 10 n height OBJ
vious to all mankind; respect for its au-
thority was not moro apparent at its ancient
than it is at its present limits; new and in
exhaustible sources of general prosperity
have been opened; the effects of distance
have been nyertcd by the Inventive genius
Of our people, developed and fostered by
the spirit Of our institutions (; and the en-
larged variety and amount ofinterests, pro-
ductions, and pursuits, have strengthened
the chain of mutual dependence, and form
ed a circle Of mutual benefits too apparent
ever to be overlooked,
In Justly balancing the powers Of the Fed
eraI and state authorities, difficulties nearly
insurmountable arose mt the outset and SUBJ
sequent collisions were deemed inevitable.
Amid these, it was scarcely believed pos
siblc that scheme of government, so com
plex in construction, could remain uninjur-
ed.-From time to time embarrassments
have certainly occurred; but how just is
the confidence Of future safety impaired by
the knowledge that each in succession has
been happily removed. partial
and temporary evils as inseparable from
the practical operations of all human in
stitutions, and looking only to the general
result, every patriot has reason to he sntis-
fed. While the Federal Government has
successful performed its appropriate func-
tions in relation to foreign affairs, and con-
Germs evidently national, that of every State
has remarkably improved in protecting local
interests and individual welfare; and if the
!, vibrations of authority have occasionally
!; tended too much towards one or the other
it is unquestionally certain that the ultimut,
operation Of the entire system has been &c
strengthen all the existing institutions, and
, to elevate our whole country in prosperity
; and renown,
The last, perhaps the greatest, of thu
prominent sources Of dIscord and disaste
supposed to lurk in our political condition
, was the institution Of domestic slavery. Ou
forefathers were deeply impressed with thu
, delicacy of thi. subject, and they treated i
with IA forbearance so evidently wise, that
in spite of every slusi,er foreboding, it new
J er, until the present period, disturbed thu
tranquility Of our common country. Sucf
/. a result is sufficient evidence of the justice
aud the patriotism Of their courses 1t Il
evidence not to be mistaken, that an nd
herence to 1t can prevent all embarrassment
: from this, as we'll as from every other an
ticipated cause of difficulty or danger
Have not recent events made it obvious tc
the slightest reflection, that the least de-
Walton from this spirit of forberance Is in
iurions to every interest, that Of humanity
included' Amidst the violence of exciting
J passions, this generous, and fraternal feeI
r ing has been sometimes disregarded ant
standing as now do before my Country
men in this high place Of honor and of trus
: Il cannot refrain from anxiOusly invoking
{ my felIow-citizens ever to be deaf to III
g dictates. Perceiying, before my election
: the deep interest this subject was begin
$ ming to excite, believed it solemn duty
:, fully to make known my sentiments III re-
? gard to it /; and now, when every motiv,
! for Misrepresentation has passed away,
: trust they will he caodidly weighed and un
! derstood. At least they will be my standard
: of conduct in the path before me. l ,her
declared that, if the desire of those Of IN,
/. countrymen who we're favorable to my elec
: ton was gratifed, &" must go into the Pres
, ;dential Chair the inhexiblc and uncom
|. promising opponent Of every attempt, OF
9 the part Of Congress, to abolish slavery a.
: the District of Columbia, against the wish
!. es Of the slaveIolding States; and also witt
,f determination equally decided to resi-,
: the slightest interference with it int the State
: where il exists" I submitted also to m