The Cadiz sentinel. [volume] (Cadiz, Ohio) 184?-1851, 1845-03-12

sed, the constitution itself may be saved from
infraction, aud the rights of all preserved and
protected.
The iaestimable value Of our federal Union
is felt and acknowledged by all. BY this system
Of united and coafederated States, our people
are permitted, collectively and individually, 10.
seek their own happiness in their own way; and
the consequences have been most auspicious.-
the Union was formed, the numbero of the
has Increased from thirteen 10 twenty
two of these have taken their position as
members of the confederacy within the last week.
Our population has increased from three 10 twen-
ty millions. New communities and States are
seeking protection under its egis, and multHudes
from the Old World are focking TO our shores to
participate in its blessings. Beneath its benign
sway, peace and prosperity prevail. Freed flom
the burdens and miseries OF war, our trade and
intercourse have extended throughout the world.
Mind, no longer tasked in devising means 10 &C.
%coinplish or resist schemes Of ambition, usurpa-
ton, or conquest, is devoting itself TO mans true
interests, in developing bis faculties and powers,
and the capacity of nature TO minister to bis en-
ioyments. Genius is free TO announce its inven-
tons and discoveries; and the hand is free to ac-
complish whatever the head conceives, not in
compatible with the rights of fellow being
All distinctions of birth or of rank have been
abolished. All citizens, whether native or adop-
ted, are placed upon terms Of precise equality.
All are entitled TO equal rights and equal protec-
ton. No union exists between church and state
and perfect freedom of opinion is guaranteed 10
all sects aud creeds.
These are some Of the blessings secured TO
our happy land by our federal Union, To per-
petuate them, it is our sacred duty TO preserve
it.. Who shall assign limits TO the achievements
of free minds and free hands, under the protec-
ton of this glorious Union? No treason to man
kind since the organization of society, would be
equal in a%trocity 10 that of him who would lift
his hand to destroy il. He would overthrow the
noblest structure of human wisdom, which pro-
tects himself and his fellow-man. He would
stop the progress of free government, and involve
his country either in anarchy or despotism. He
would extinguish the fire of liberty which warns
and animates the hearts of happy millions, and
invites all the nations of the earth 10 initiate oul
example. Ii he say that error and wrong are
committed in the administration of the govern
mcnt, let him remember that nothing human can
be perfect; and that under no other system Of
government revealed by Heaven, or devised by
man, has reason beer allowed so free and broad
a scope to combat error. Has the sword of des-
pots proved TO be a safer or surer instrument OF
reform in government, than enlightened reason?
Does he expect TO find among the ruins of this
Union a happier abode for our swarming millions
than they now have undcrit? Every lover Of his
country must shudder al the thought of the pos
sibility of its dissolution, and will be ready to
adopt the patriotic sentiment, "Our federal Union
- it must be preserved To preserve it, the
compromises which alone enabled our fathers TO
form a common constitution for the government
and protection of so many States and distinct
communities, of such diversified habits, interests,
and domestic institutions, must be sacredIy and
religiously observed. Any attempt to disturb or
destroy these compromises, being terms of the
compact of Union, can lead to none other than
the most "ruinous' and disastrous consequences.
1t is a source Of deep regret that, in some sec
lions of our country, misguided persons have &C.
casionally INDUCED in schemes and agitations,
whose object is the destruction Of domestic insti-
tutions existing in other seciions--institutlons
which existed at the adoption of the constitution,
and were recognized and protected by 1t. All
must see that if it were possible for them to be
successful in attaining their object. the dissolu-
ton of the Union; and the consequent destruc-
ton of our happy form of government. must
speedily follow.
| am happy TO believe that at every period of
our existence as a nation, there has existed, and
continues to exist, among the great mass of our
people, a devotion to the Union of the States,
which will shield and protect it againstlhe moral
treason of any who would seriously contemplate
lis destruction. To secure a continuance of that
devotion, the compromises of the constitution
must not only be preserved, but sectional jeal-
ousies and heart-burnlngs must be discountenan-
ced; and all should remember that they are men,
bers of the same political family, having a COM
mon destiny. 70 increase the attachment of our
people to the Union, our laws should be just
Any policy which shall tend to favor monopolies,
or the peculiar interests of sections or classes,
must operate to the prejudice of the interests of
their fellow-citizens, and should be avoided. If
the compromises of the constitution be preserved,
If sectional iealousies and heart-burnings BE
discounienanced,-i j our laws be just, and the
government be practically administered strictly
within the limits of power prescribed to tive
may discard all apprehensions for the safety o!
the Union.
With these views of the nature, character,
and objects of the government, and the value of
the Union, shall steadily oppose the creation of
those institutions and systems which, in their ma
ture, tend TO pervert ii from its legitimate purpo-
SEES, and make it the instrument of sections,
classes, and individuals. We need no national
banks, or other extraneous institutions, planted
around the government to control or strengthen
it in opposition 10 the will of its authors. Ex-
p%erience has taught us how unnecessary they are
as auxiliaries Of the public authorities, how i'm
potent for good, and how powerful for mischief.
Ours was intended TO be a plain and frugal
government; and | shall regard it 10 be my duty
10 recommend 10 Congress, and, as far as The ex-
is concerned, TO enforce by all the means