Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-11-20
Gov. Cohh,s Innugurall

We copy the following extract from the Inaugural
Address Of Hon. Howell Cobb, Governor of Georgia:
"a thu commencement Of the last Congress the coun
try was convulsed with a bitter sectional controversy,
growing out of the institution of Slavery as it exists in
the Southern States. The ablest heads were appalled,
with the magnitude Of the danger that threatened the
int gritty Of the Repnblic-1nd the srontest hearts falter-
ed under the weight OF responsibility. IL would be In
appropriate to this occasion TO review the history OF that
angry and threatening controversy-nOr would unneces-
sarily refresh your memories with many oil Its painful
rehections-but there are lessons and admonitions to be
drawn from its consideration, which cannot be too deeply
and fOrcibly impressed upon the public mind of the
country.
This threatening issue was ultimately brought 10 a
close in cur National Legislature, by the adoption OF a
series Of measures familiarity known to the country as
the Compromise. That Compromise was based upon
two important principles. The first recognised the
great American doctrine OF the right OF every people,
in the organization of their State Governments. TO de-
termine for themselves whether or not they would have
the institution OF Slavery as a part OF their social sys-
TEN, a principle dear to every Republican heart, and one
upon which rests the whole fabric of American institu-
tions, thus regulating that other doctrine, so Justly
odious to the people OF the South, OF the right and duty
OF Congress to reject a State applying for admission into
the Union because her Constitution tolerated the institu-
ton of Slavery. The other cardinal principle OF the
Compromise recognises the constitutional obligation to
deliver up our fugitive slaves when they may escape into
the Non-slaveholding States-a duty expressly imposed
by the letter of the Constitution, and the enforcement of
which is essential 10 the permanence Of the Republic. Al
ter the adoption of this adjustment 10y Congress, cIrcum-
stances imposed upon the people of Georgia the impor-
tant duty of pronouncing the first authoritative Judg-
ment upon it.
"To our action the eyes OF the whole country were
directed, and our lellow-citiZens everywhere looked to
our movements with anxious solicitude. II was under
these circum stances that Georgia was called upon to
speak. She spoke, and her voice breathed a mingled
spirit Of ardent devotion to the Union, and of patriotic
warning to It's Northern friends. Looking to the past,
and considering the rights and interests that had been
involved in the contest, the dangers and difficulties which
had surrounded the country, and the important princi-
pies upon which the final action Of the Government was
based, she solcmnlv declared her determination to stand
to and abide by the Compromise as a permanent and
final settlement of this dangerous and vital issGe-its
finaliiy, and faithful enforcement in all its parts, consti-
tuting essential elements TO commend it to the favor and
support of herself and her sister States of the South.
Looking to the future, with reference TO the menaces of
threatened aggression which had been so freely INDUCED
in by a portion of the people of the North and regard
ing the adoption of those measures against which she
raised her warning voice, IN the fourth resolution oil her
Convention, as invidious blows aimed at her most vital
interest, she has calmly but firmly said to this maddened
spirit Of anaticism-Thus far shalt thou 90, and no far
Their. Her position was taken with calmness in 1850
il has been reafirmcd with dcliberaton in 1851; and /
now renew the pledge Of my hearty cooperation IN
maintaining il with firmness and decision. Georgia has
TINS placed herself upon a broad national and patriotic
platform, and invites her sister States ofihe Union to
stand by her in the preservation of the happiest and
frecst Government on earth-upon these great principles
Of right and Justice. Her policy and principles look to
the preservation Of the Union, and the maintenance Of
the Constitution. rs one and inseparable.' Ambition can
seek no. higher and nobler object than the transmission
to posterity Of this ineStimable leGacy:-.d union of
soreTsign States. cemented By a Constitution dispensing
equality and justice to all its members-a Constitution
consecrated by the wisdom Of the great and good men
of revolutionary memory-a Union whose flag floats up
on every breeze, is honored in every land. and regarded
throughout the world as the emblem Of Constitutional
freedom. The maintenance Of such a Constitution and
the preservation Of such n Union, is worthy cf the united
and untiring efforts Of patriotic men North and South,
East and West-worthv Of their best energies and pu-
devotions. Assembled here in The Capital Of Geor.
around her iime-honored and consecrated affairs, let
ms unite in one common prayer to the great Ruler ofthe
Universe, that this Constitution and this Union may be
perpetuated to our latest posteriy."