Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-12-10

leled growth in population, intelligence and
wealth, one thing is clear, that the Government
must keep pace with the progress of the people
1t must participate in their spirit OF enterprise,
and while it exacts obedience to the laws, and
restrains all unauthorized invasions of the rights
of neighboring States, it should foster and pro-
tect home industry, and lend its powerful
strength to the improvement Of such means OF
intercommuncation as are necessary to promote
our internal commerce, and strengthen the ties
which bind us together as people.
1t is not strange, however much 1t may be re-
GREETED, that such an exuberance of enterprise
should cause some individuals to mistake change
for progress, and the invasion of the rights OF
Others, for national prowess and glory. The for
mer are constantly agitating for some change in
the organic law, or urging new and untrled the
ories Of human rights. The latter are ever ready
to engage in any wild crusade against neigh
boring people, regardless of the justice of the en-
terprise, and without looking at the fatal conse-
uuences to ourselves and to the cause of popular
government.
Such expeditions, however, are often stimula-
ted by mercenary individuals, who expect to
share the profit or plumber of the enterprise with
out exposing themselves to danger, and are led
on Ly some irresponsible foreigner, who abuses
the hospitality of our own Government by Sc
ducing the young and ignorant 10 join in his
scheme of personal ambition or revenge, under
the false and delusive pretence of extending the
area Of freedom. is
These reprehensible aggressions but retard the
true progress of our nation and tarnish its fair
fame. They should, therefore, receive the indig-
nant frowns Of every good citizen who sincerely
loves his country and takes pride in its pros
perity and honor.
Our Constitution, though not perfect, is doubt
less the best that ever was formed Therefore
let every proposition to change it be we'll weigh
ed, and if found beneficial, cautiously adopted.
Every patriot will rejoice to see its authority so
exerted as to advance the prosperity and honor
of the nation, whilst he will watch with jealousy
any attempt to mutiate this charter of our lib
critics, pervert its powers to acts Of aggression
or injustice.
Thus shall conservatism and progress blend
their harmonious action in preserving the form
and spirit of the Constitution, and at the same
time carry forward the greatmprovements of the
country with a rapidity and energy which free
men only can display.
In closing this, my last annual communication,
permit me, fellow citizens to congratulate you on
the prosperous condition of our beloved country.
Abroad its relations with all foreign powers are
friendly: its rights are respected, and its high
place in the family of nations cheerfully recog-
nized. At home we enjoy an amount of happi-
ness, public and private, which has probably nev-
er fallen to the lot of any other people. Besides
affording to our own citizens degree of prosper
ity, of which on SO large a scele know Of no
other instance our country is annually attordlng
refuge and a home to multitudes, altogether
t;Al---...- -Axa,nnla 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
our sacred duty to transmit in all their integrity
to our children. We must all consider it a great
distinction and privilege to have been chosen by
the people to bear part in the administration Of
such Government. Called by all unexpected
dispensation to its highest trust, at a season Of
embarrassment and alarm, entered upon its ar
duous duties with extreme difidence. claim
only to have discharged them to the best Of an
humble ability, with single eye to the public
good; and it is with devout gratitude, in retiring
from Office, that l leave the country in state ol
peace and prosperity.
MILLARD FILLMORE
Washington, December 6, 1852.
II