Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-12-15

are constantly ag;ta,ing for scme chalge III t:'eo
ranic law, or urging new and untriod tiicoi'oS VI
human rights. The latter are ever ready 70 en-
gage in any wild crusade against a heigaooflhg
people regardless of the justice OF the enterprise,
and without looking at the fatal Consequences To
ourselves and the cause OF popalar government.-
Such expeditions. however, are often stimulated
lev mefceaary individuals, who expect to share the
plualcr or profit of the enterprise without exposing
themselves to danger. and are led en- by some ir-
responsible foreigner, who abuses tho hospitality Of
our own Government by seducing the young and
ignorant 10 join in his scheme Of personal ambition
or revenge, under the false and delusivo prctence
OF extending the area of freedom. These repre-,
hensbe aggresSjons but reiard the true progress OF
cur nation, and tarnish its fair fame. They should
therefore. receive the indignant frowns OF every
good citizen who sincerely loves his country ana
takes pride in lis prosperity and honor.
Oar Constitution, though not perfect, IS doubt
los; the best that ever was formed. Therefore let
every proposition to change ii be well weighed,
and if found beneficial, caGtiouly adopted, Every
patriot will rejoice to see its authority 50 eXerted
as to advance the prosperity aud honor of the ma
tion whilst he viii watch with jealousy any at
tempt to mutilate this charter Of our liberties, or
pcrver lis powers to acts Of aggression or injustice
Thus shall conservatism and progress blend their
harmonious action in preserving the form and splr-
it of the Constitution, and at the same time carry
forward the great Improvements OF the country
with rapidity and energy which ireemen only
can display.
In closing this my last annual communication,
permit me, tellow-ctizens, to congratulate yCu on
the prosperous condition of our beloved country
Abroad its relations with all foreign powers are
friendly its rights arc respected, and its high place
in the family Of nations chcorIully recognized
At home we enjoy an amount of happiness. pub
lie and private, which has probably never fallen to
tho lot of any other people. Besides aitordlng to
cur own citizens a degree Of prosperity, of which
on SO large scale know ofno other instance, cur
country is annually afordng refuge and home
to multitudes. altogether without example, from
the Old World.
We owe these blessings, under Heaven, to the
happy Constitution and Government which were
bequeathed to us by our fathers, and which it is
sacred duty to transmit in all their integrity to our
children. We must all consider it great dis
tinction and privilege to have been chosen by the
people to bear part in the administration of such
Government. Called by an unexpected dspen-
satiou to its highest trust at season of embarass
ment and alarm, entered upon its arduous duties
with extreme diflidence. claim only to have
discharged to the best of an humble ability, with
single eye to the public good and it is with de-
vcut gratitude, in retiring irDm office that leave
the country in state of peace and prosperity.
WILLARD FILLMORE.
w ,su.,croc Dec & 1880