Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1850-12-06

the circumstances and condition of the country.
4 oelleve they were necessary to allay a~sperities
and aniInosities that were rapidly alternating one
section of the country from another, and DESTROYING
those maternal sentiments which are the strongest
supports of the Cons titution. They were adopted
In the spiritof Cancellation, and for the purpose of
conciliation. Ibelieve that a gIeat majority of our
fellow-citizens sympatfnze in that spirit, and that
purpose, aud in the main approve, and are pre-
pared, in all respects, to sustain these enactments,
l cannot doubt that the American people, bound
together by kindred blood and common traditions,
still cherish a paramount regard for the Union OF
their fathers and that they are ready to rebuke
any attempt TO violate its integrity, to disturb the
compromises on whichit is based, or to resist the
laws which have been enacted under its authority.
The series Of measures to which | have allu-
ded are regarded by me as a settlement, in
principle ard substance final settlement, of
the dangerous and exciting subjects which they
embraced. Most of these subjects, indeed, are
beyond your reach, as the legislation which dis
posed Of them was, in its character, final and
irrevocable. 1t may be presumed from the OPP
position which they all encountered that none
of those measures was free from impeTfections
but in their mutual dependence and connection
they formed a system of compromise, the most
concIliatory, and best for the entire country, that
could be obtained from conflicting sectional in.
~terests and opinions.
For this reason | recommend your adherence
10 the adjustment established by the measures,
until time and experience shall demonstrate the
necessity of further Legislation to guard against
evasion or abuse.
By that adjustment we have been rescued
from the wide and boundless agitation that sur
rounded us, and have a firm, distinct and legal
ground to rest upon. And the occasion, | trust,
viii justify me in exhorting my countrymen tt
rally upon and maintain that ground as the besl
IT not the only means, of restoring peace ant
quiet to the country, and maintaining i~nyiolatt
the integrity Of the Union.
And now, fellow-citizens, | cannot bring thi
communication to a close without invoking yoI
to join me in humble and devout thanks to tn,
, Great Ruler of nations for the multiplied bless
ings which he has graciously bestowed upon US
Ills hand SO often visible in our preservation
has stayed the pestilence, saved US from foreigl
z wars and domestic disturbances, and ~scatterel
= plenty throughout our land.
r Our liberties, religious and civil, have bee
maintained the fountains of knowledge hav
e all been kept, and means of happiness widel,
spread and generally enjoyed, greater than hav
fallen to the lot Of any other nation. And, Will
deeply penetrated with gratitude for the pas
let us hope that his all-wise Providence will s
guide our c~Ounsels, as that they shall result i
: giving satisfaction to our constituents, ~securin
the peace of the country, and adding me-
$ strength to the united Government under whic
we live.
WILLARD FILLMORE.
WASHINGTON, DECEMBER ID, 1850.