The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1851-01-16

which are supposed TO threaten itin conpec
ton with the qass.ion oi Slavery. Whether
slavery be the cause or pretext Of intidelil..
to the Union, and 10 what precise extent dis
affection exists, it is not my purpose TO en-
quire There was local .disloyally long be-
fore slavery became the immediate source
Of excitement, add there will be local DIS
loyalty long ailer slavery and the questions
connected with il are finally adjusted. But
be the cause what it may, il is in vain 10 de-
ny that tho Union Of .l,e States is lightly and
irrevereuly talked of in certain quarters,
and made the subjec, Of healed discussion
by rash and unreheciiag men. Icannot be-
heye, however, that any serious design TO
disrupt and overthrow the Government. ex-
lists 10 any considerable ey,cn, in any por'
tiorl of The country. The American heart
revolis NJ the idea
What is the National Union? 1t is the
basis of constitutional right, the guarantee
of peace, lhe security of religion, the bull
wark Of law and order. 1t gives the surest
pledge of protection to the oppressed chill
<lren of other lands, who coming from
scenes of misery and discord, expect here
harmony and peaceful refuge. tits literally
ia beacon on tho TOP of mountain and all
ensign or hill' TO fhe lovers OF rational liber-
ty throughout the world 1t was an emana-
ton of the same pure spirit of conservative
freedom, of justice, and truth, which con-
ceived, controlled and consnmmued our
Revolutionary struggle. 1t is the perfect
work of disciplined intelligence and rational
patriotism. llis hallowed BY the rich mem.
ories of the past, and by the consciousness
that It's founders were the father of the Re-
public. II is sacred, as tho solo remaining
memorial of the enlightened labors of the
bes, minds Of an age, distinguished for its
devotion torie cause OF human rights, the
elevation of mans social condition, the in
vcstigation of political truths and OF Tevo'
lulionary action against the dosmas ahd fan
atacism Of tyrannies and tyranls.
The Union of the States is the outer and
inner wall, which encirclcs and guards the
temple of our independence. Tho Union
alone secures 10 our commerce protection on
every sea, defence to oui citizens on every
shore, gives us proud name among tho ma
tions Of the earth and ensures 10 the Repub-
lic an enlarged and glorious destiny. Its
preservation ra,ifies the assurance that man
is capable of sslf.govemment, and that equal
righ's, equal laws, and equal privileges, are
alone the results of democratic institutions
The dissolution oflhe National Union would
be the beginning of civil war, the strife of
sections, of scenes of iraernal discord. 1t
would raise the arm of the boudman amidst
the horrors of servie war and the destruc-
ton of a race of men alone would terminate
the fearful struggle. ltwould involve con-
telmiuous Suites, acting MS jealous strangers,
in vexatious disputes about rights of navga-
tion, Of tribute, of transit. 1t would de-
s,roy the army and navy, and with them the
proud recollecions of their early exploits.
The trophies of the nation would be disper-
vo-', -r,si ilI,, gran u,'.a..';en ef .hou5ht
of sentiment, and of interest, in which, for
more than seventy ears, we have glorifed,
would be gone forever.
Deeply impressed by these considerations,
and relying most confidently on the entire
sympathies of ihc General Assembly of a
State, which has never known an instant's
disloyalty 10 the Union, | solemnly protest
against the utterance Of rash and illdevised
thoughts on q subject so dear 10 our constit-
uency, and more earnestly against all delib-
erations by means of Conventions, or other
modes of action, unknown TO the Constitu-
lion, and having Tor their object, either the
dissolution of the Union, or the discussion of
sectional and hazardous questions, for the de-
cision of which the Consliluiion has made
ample provision. Pennsylvania venerates
and cherishes the unimpaired institutions of
our fathers.
With the .fervent prayers that Almighty
God will so direct the deliberations of the
General Assembly, that "peace and happi'
ness, truth and justice, religion and piety,
may be established among us for all genera
tons" the suggestions and recommendations
contained in this annual massage are respect.
fluffy submitted for your consideration and
action.
VIM. T. JOHNSTON.
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER,
Harrisburg, Jan. Z, 1851.