The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-02-24
For the Union.
TOT ulo Union.
OUR coNEEDERAcY-ITs BOUNDARIES,

During our entire existence as a nation, there
have been maryland some Of them mon OF the
highest reputation for far-reachng sagacity-who
have deprecated most trongy-doubtless honestly
the extension Of the boundaries Of our Union,
believing that such extension must necessarily
weaken its bonds. Thus far, however, their pre-
detions have not been verified. The FIRST acquisi-
hon-that which now 10 the State Of Louisiana
excited fears IN the minds Of many Sectional feel
ing between the South and the North then ran high
even rtuG9 nations, either in the Old New World,
hardly exceled the bitterness of our hostility
the one towards the other; but time has not only
reconced us all to this important acquisition to our
terntory but satisfied every mind that il strength
ened, rather than weakened, the bond of union.
Government, even when best administered is
generally regarded as a necessary evil. Could men
everywhere and at all times, govern themselves no
institutions of government would be necessary.
Were our territory no larger than that OF some
OF the ancient republics, purely democratic gov
eminent might exist, and with an enlightened and
vlrtuous population, the voice Of the people be
heard and regarded as indeed the voice Of COP
We are, however, differendy-snd could we but
think so-more happily situated. We have a broad
domain; every variety Of soil, climate, and produo'
ton is embraced IN IL each section having its fitness
and facilities for pursuits which not equally con-
genial to all; thus exciting only the emulation
that shall tend most surely to the development OF
our vast resources nation encouraging only the
eral stock Of intelligence, Of virtue, and Of wealth.
And then, again, how much does this vast ex-
panse Of territory do To call forth and put into action
the inpsniirs genius Of our eountrynen' Commu-
nication between different sections is to be faeili-
tated-markets for the productions Of each mus,
be brought nearer; thus illustrating the truth that
necessity is the neither Of invention-the true
ground Of difference between the inhabitants OF
countries where protection against, and provision
for, lncement seasons are indispensable, and those
where perpetual summer Teigns
There are difficulties, by means insuTmounta-
bic in the way Of the extension OF our boundaries,
there in every enterprise for tho improvement
Of our race. Roots Of bitterness springing up,
trouble US" Enyyings and strife, jealousy and
dscord seem to be an inheritance OF which II seems
TO be difficult TO rid ourselves altogether. clan
ntsh feeling, too, operating upon the minds Of too
many, destroys, IN great measure, that sympathy
Of feeling which il essential every where. IhsiI
oun peculiar section is the only desirable one--the
only one favorable 10 the cultivation Of high and en-
nobling principes-the only field Of enterprse--ths
only abode Of learning and generous enthusiasm
Such notions, however, are evidently wearing away
The increased facilities Of communication between
different sections Of our country, have been the
means Of removing, in measure, prejudice from
the minds Of each, and bringing US nearer each
other in the bonds Of love.
Well can most Of US who have met, either at home
abroad, our fellow countrymen, recollect the ef-
iect OF mat meeting upon our mlhus. EaCn Iooheu
upon the other at first, perhaps, with anything bui
friendly feeling; then, perhaps, with mingled emo
lions Of surprise and admiration; until finally faml-
lar acquaintance broke the spell, and, like the OBJ.
ect dmly discerned in the distance, in the beautiful
delinestion by DIR. Price Of The pO,Osr Of prejudice
we found ourselves, upon a nearer approach, ciu'
zens Of a common eountry-brethren Of the human
race.
Sectional feeling be the only danger that be
sets our path in our efforts to enlarge the area OF
freedom; and it would seem that This feeling even
must be lessened by the extension Of our bounds
res, and the light which civilization and Christian
ty is shedding all around u.s. s.