Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1848-09-02

than four degrees Of latitude the question whether
in the language Of the Texas compromise, they
"shall be admitted las Stae) into the Union
with or without slavery" Is this a question to
be pushed 10 such exremties by excited parlizans
on the one side or the olhet, in regard to our
newly acquired distant possessions on tie pacific,
as to endanger the union OF thirty glorious States
which constitute our confederacy? | have an
abiding confidence that the sober reflection and
sound patriotism Of the people Of all the States
will bring them to the conclusion that the dictate
Of wisdom is 10 follow the example Of those who
have gone before US. and settle this dangerous
question on the Missouri compromise, or some
other equitable compromise which would respect
The rights OF all, and prove satisfactory to the dif
lerent portions OF the Union.
Holding as a sacred trust the executive author
ity for the whole Union, and bound to guard the
rights OF all, should be constrained by sense
OF duty, to withhold my official sanction from any
measure which would conflict with those impoT>
tant objects.
cannot more appropriately close this message
than by quoting from the farewell address Of the
Father Of his Country. His warning voice can
never be heard in vain by the American people.
If the spirit OF prophecy had distinctly presented
to his view, more than half century ago, the
present distracted condition OF his country, the
language which he then employed could not have
been more appropriate than il is TO the present
occasion. He declared
1.-The unity OF Government which constitutes
you one people is also now dear to you. 1t is
justly so for it is a main pillar in the edifce Of
your real independence, the support OF your tran.
guilty at home, your peace abroad. Of your safes
w. Of your prosperity, OF that very liberty which
prt 10
that, from different causes and from different quar-
ters much pains will be taken, many articles en-
ployed, 10 weaken in your minds the conviction
OF this trulh-as this is the point in your political
fortress against which the batteries Of internal and
external enemies will be most constantly and
actively Uhough often coverlly and insidously)
directed is OF infinite moment that you should
properly estimate the Immense value OF your ma
tional Union to your collective and individual
happiness; that you should cherish cordial hab
ilual and immovable attachment to it; accuslom>
ing yourself 10 think and 10 speak OF it as pal.
ladium OF your political safety and prosperity;
watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety;
discountenancing whatever may suggest even a
suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned;
and indignantly lrowning upon the first dawning
Of every attempt 10 ALLEVIATE any portion OF otr
country from the rest, or 10 enleeble the sacred
ties which now link together the various parts.
"For this you have every nducement OF oym>
pa,hy and interests. Citizens by birth or choice
Of common country, that country has right to
concentrate your affections. The name OF Amer
lean. which belongs 10 you in your national ca.
pacy must always exslt the just pride OF patriot,
ism more than any appelalion derived from local
Determinations. With slight shades OF difference
you have the religion. manners, habits and polit>
ical principles. You have in common cause
fought and lriumphed together. The ndepen,
dence and liberty you possess are the work Of
councils and ont efforts. Of common dangers,
sufferings, and success. With such powerful and
obvious motives to union affecting all parts Of our
country, while experience shall not have demon.
strated its impractcabilty, there will always be
reason to dis,rust the patriotism Of those who in
any quarter may endeavor 10 weaken its bands.
I'm contemplating the causes which may dis
turb our union, it occurs as matter OF serious con.
Germ that any ground should have been furnished
for characterzing parties by geographical dis
examinations. Northern and Southern atlantic
and Western, whence designing men may en-.
deavor to excite belief that there is real diff.
ference OF local interests and views. One Of the
expedients OF party 10 acquire influence within
particular districts is 10 misrepresent The opinions
and aims Of other districts. You cannot shield
yourself too much against the jealousies and
heartburnings which spring from these misrePre,
sensations. They tend 10 render alien to each
other those who ought to be bound together by
lraternal affection.
JAMES X. POLK.