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

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peopIe-will avail us nothing. il we fail
sacredly TO uphold those political insti.
tutions that were wisely and deliberately
j, formed. with reference to every circum-
stance that could preserve, or might Gu
danger, the blessings we enjoy. The
thoughtful trainers of our constitution
legislated for our country as they found
it. Looking upon it with the eyes OF
statesmen and Of patriots, they saw all
the sources of rapid and wonderful pros
perity, but they saw also that various
habits. opiniens, and institutions, pecu-
liar TO the various portions of so vast a
region. were deeply fixed. Distinct
sovereignties were in actual existence,
nhose cordial union was essential to the
welfare and happiness OF all. Between
many OF them there was. at least TO some
extent, real diversity Of interests, liable
to be exaggerated through sinister de-
signs; they differed in size, ia popula.
ton, in wealth, and in actual and pros
pec,ive resources and power; they va.
| ried IN the character of their industry
aud staple productions and in some ex-
listed domestic institutions. which I'M
wisely disturbed, might endanger the
harmony OF the whole. Most carefully
were all these circumstances weighed,
and the foundations Of the new Govern
ment laid upon principles of reciprocal
concessions and equitable compromise
The Iealousies which the smaller States
might entertain of the power of the rest
were al!ayed BY rule Misrepresentation,
confrssedly unequal at the time, and de.
signed forever to remain so. A natural
fear that the broad scope of general leg
isiatioA might bear upon and unwisely
control particular interests, was counter.
acted by limits strictly drawn around
the action of the federal authority and
TO the people and the States was left I'M
impaired their sovereign power over the
innumerable subjects embraced in the
internal government Of Il just republic,
excepting such only as necessarily ap-
pertain TO the concerns of the whole
confcderacy, or lis intercourse, as unit
ed community, with the 9th er nations of
the world
This provident forecast has been We
| rified by time. Half century, teem-
ing with extraordinary events, and else.
where producing astonishing results. has
passed along but on our institutions it
has lief. no Injurious mark From a small
community, we have risen to people
powerful in numbers and in siren 9Th
but with our increase has gone. hand in
hand. the progress Of just principles
the privileges. civil and religious, of the
humblest individual are still sacredly
protected at home and, while the valor
and torti:ude Of our people have remov-
ed far from US the slightest apprehension
of foreign power. they have not yet in
duced u.s. iu a single instance, to forget
what is right. Our commerce has been
extended to the remotest nations the
Val le, and even nature, of four productions
has been greatly changed a wide differ
ence has arisen in the relative wealth
aud resources of every portion of our
country yet the spirit of mutual regard
and OF faithful adherence to existing
compacts. has continued to prevail in our
councils, and never long been absent
from our conduct. We have learned by
experience fruitful lesson that an i'm
pacit aad undertaking adherence TO the
principles on which we set out can car
ry US prosperously onward through all
the conflicts Of circum stances, and the
vicissitudes inseparab!e from the lapse Of
years.
The success that has thus attended our
great experiment, is, in itself, sufficient
cause for gratitude, ON account of the happi-
ness II has actually conferred, and the exam
pie il has unanswerably given. But TO me,
my felow-citizens, looking forward to the
far distant future, with ardent prayers and
confding hopes, this retrospect presents
ground for still deeper delight. 1t iiDpresses
on my mind firm belief that the perpetnity
Of our institutions depends upon ourselves
that, if we maintain the principles on which
! they were established, they ara destined TO
confer their benefits on countless generations
yet to come and that America will present
to every friend of mankind the cheering
proof, that popular Government, wisely
formed, is wanting in no element Of endur
ance or strength. Fifty years ago, its rapid
failure was boldly predicted. Latent and
uncomfortable causes of dissolution were
supposed TO exist, even by the wise and good;
and not only did unfriendly or speculative
theorists anticipate Tor us the fate Of past re-
pubiIcs, but the fears of many an honest pats
RIOT overwhelmed bis sanguine hopes. Look
back on these forebodiDes, not hastily, but
reluctantly made, and see how, in every in
stance, they have completely failed.
An imperfect experience, during the strug-
giles oil the revolution, was supposed to war;
rant bel that the people would not bear
the taxation requisite 10 discharge an i'm.
mense public debt already incurred, and to
defray The necessary expenses Of the Gov
Or IL r Loo haoe