Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-07-14

upon those popular movements which have
been made, or may be contemplated, in
respect to the next election OF a Pre- resident
OF the United States.
lf to have served my country, during
long series of years, with lervent zeal
and mistaken fidelity, in seasons Of peace
and war, al home and abroad, in the Lee
gislative Hall and in an Executive De-
par,ment If to have labored mos, sedu
lousy to avert the embarrassment and
distress which now overspread this Union;
and when they came, to have exerted my
self anxiously, at the Extra Session, and
at this, TO devise healing remedies if to
reform in the general administration, cur.
tail enormous Executive power, and am
ply provide, nj the same time, for the
wants Of the Government and the wants
of the People by Tariff which would
give it revenue and them protection if to
have earnestly sough. TO establish the
bright but too raie example of party in
power, faithful to its promises and pledges
when out of power-if these services, ex-
eI,ions and endeavors justify the accusa-
ton of ambition, must plead guilty TO the
charge.
have wished the good opinion Of the
world but defy the most malignant of
my enemies to show that have attempted
to gain il by any low or groveling arts,
by any mean or unworthy sacrifices, by
the violation Of any of the obligations Of
honor, or by q breach Of any Of the duties
which owed to my country.
turn, Sir, from these personal illusions
and "reminiscences, to The vastly more i'm.
portant subject of the present actual con.
dition of this country. lf they could ever
be justifable or excusable, it would be on
such an occasion as this, when am ad.
dressing those to whom am bound by so
many intimate and friendly ties.
In speaking Of the present state OF the
country, it will be necessary for me TO
touch with freedom and independence upon
The pas, as well as the present, and upon
the conduct, spirit and principles Of par
ties. In doing this, assure my demo-
cratic brethren and fellow citizens, Of
whom am Told there are many here pre-
sent, land tender to them my cordial
thanks for the honor done me by their at.
tendance here this day, with as much sin
certify and gratitude as if they agreed
with me in political sentiment,) that moth.
ing is farther from my intention than to
say one single word tina, ought to wound
their feelings or give offence to them
But surely, if there ever were a period in
the progress OF any People when all were
called upon, with calmness and candor,
10 consider thoroughly the present posture
Of public and private affairs, and delibe.
rntely TO inquire into the causes and rem.
edies of this unpropitious state Of things,
we have arrived at that period in the Unit
ed States. And, if ever People stood
bound by tho highest duties to themselves
aud to their posterity, to sacrifice upon
the altar of their country, cherished pre-.
JUDGES and party predictions and antip.
alhies, we are now called upon to make
that sacrifice, if necessary.
What is our actual condition Ii is
one of unexampled distress and embar-
rnssmeni, as il is intense, pervading the
whole community, and sparing none.-
Property Of all kinds, and every where,
fallen and falling in value agricultural
produce Of every description al the most
reduced price money unsound, and at
the same time scarce, and becoming more
scarce by preparations, of doubtful and
uncertain issue, to increase its soun3ness
all the departments Of business inactive
and stagnant; exchanges extravngantly
high and f1uctuating; credit, public and
private, at the lowest ebb, and confidence
lost and feeling Of general discourage
ment and depression. And what darkens
the gloom which hangs over the country,
no one can discern any termination Of this
sad state Of things, not see in the future
any glimpses OF light or hope.
Is not this a faithful, although appalling
picture Of the United States in 1912? |
appeal to all present, Wings and Demo-
Gratis, Ladies and Gentlemen, TO say il il
be at all too high colored.
Now let US see what was our real con-
dition only the short time of ten years
ago. had occasion, in February 1892,
in the Senate of the United States, when
was defending the American System "a
gainst the late Col. Hayne, of South Car.
DINA, to describe it; and refer to this
description as eridence OF what believed
to be the state Of the country at that time.
That it coniormed to the truth Of the case,
appeal with confidence TO those now
present. On that occasion, among other
things, | said;
al have now TO perform the more pleas
ing task Of exhibiting an imperfect sketch
of the existing state of the unparalleled
prosperity Of the country. On general
survey, we behold cultivation extended,
the arts hourishing, the face Of the coun.
try improved, our people fully and profit
ably employed, and the public counten-
ance exhibiting tranquility, con,entment
and happiness. And, If we descend INTO
particulars, we have the agreeable con.
temptation of a people gu, of debt, land
rising slowly in value, but in secure
and salutary degree; ready, though ex'
travagant, market for all the surplus pro-
ductions of our industry Innumeraoie
flocks and herds browsing and gamoo'iing
on ten thousand hills and plains, covered
with rich and verdant grasses; our cities
EXPANDED, and whole villages springing
nm as !, we're, by enchantmen. ; our ex-
- o,,r imnorts increased and in