Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1851-12-04

This injunction Of the Constitution is as peremptory
and binding any other. Ii stands exactly the
same foundation that clause which provides Tor the
return OF uaitives from justice, that which declares
that no bill of attainder post faco law shall be
passed, that which provides for equality Of taxa
ton according TO the census, that clause declaring
that all duties shall be uniform throughout the United
States that the trial Of all crimes shall be by jury.
These clauses resting the authorities, and
must stand or fall together.
Some objections have bcea urged against the act for
the return OF iugltves from labor, but 1t worthy oil
remark that the main opposition is aimed against the
Constitution itself and proceeds from persons and classes
OF persons many Of whom declare their wish that
Constitution overturned They their hostility to
any law which shall give full and practical effects to
this requirement Of the Constitution. Fortunately the
number Of these persons is comparatively small and is
believed to be daily diminishing. The issue which they
present is which involves the supremacy and
istence OF the Constitution.
Cases have heretofore arisen in which individuals have
denied the binding authority of Of Congress, and
States have proposed nuy such acts, upon the
ground that the Constitution the supreme law OF
the land and that those of Congress repug
nant to that Instrument but notification is now aimed
not much against particular laws as being lnconsst.
with the Constitution, against the Constitution
itself; and is to be disguised that spirit exists
and has been actively work, rend asundsr this
Union, which is cherished Inheritance from our re-
volutonaTy fathers.
In my last annual message stated that considered
that the series of which had been adopted the
previous session in reference 10 the agitation growing
out oil the territorial and slavery qGestons as maj set
Element in principle and substance of the dangerous and
exciting subjects which they embrace. And recon-
mend adherence the adjustment established by those
measures until time and experience should demonstrate
the necessity OF further legislation TO guard against eva
sion abuse / was induced make this recommen
daon because thought those perfect, for
no human legislation can be perfect
Wide differences and Earring opinions can only be re-
concled by yielding something all Sides and this re-
suit had been reached after angry conflict OF many
months, in which part of the country was arrayed
against another. and violent CONFUSION seemed be
eminent Looking the interest Of the whole country
felt it to be nv duty seize upon this Compromise as
the best that could be obtained amid conflicting interests
and 10 insist upon final settlement TO be adhered TO by
all who valued the peace and welfare Of the country
year has elapsed since that Recommendation
made. To thrt Recommendation still adhere, and
Won and the country upon the general
quiesccnce in these of peace which has been
exhibited in all parts Of the Republic. Not only is there
general acquesccnce in these measures, bot spirit Of
roncation has been manifested in regard to them in all
parts OF the country. which has removed doubts and
in the minds of thousands Of good men con-
corning the durability of our popular institutions, and
given renewed assurance that liberty and our Union
nav susSt together for the benefit o. this and all
cecding generations
WILLARD FILLMORE.
WASHINGTON, Dec. ?, 1851.