The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1852-12-15

Syyfdiaf ~iasatadons undss which ~ liys.
~ lfssdcin which avery man Ifssls 10
engage 10 any useful pursuit, according TO
t,his taste Of inclination, md TO the entirs
ssesnfdsncs that his person and properly
will BE- protected BY the laws. But WHIST
!, svst, may be The csuse Of this unparalleled
u growth Ia population, intelligence and
j wealth, one thingsis clear. that the Govern.
rnent must keep pace with the progress Of
i The people. II must participates in their
spirit soi enterprise. and while it exacts
obedience to the laws, and restrains all
unauthorized inyasions Of the rights Of
n~eighboring States, il should foster and
protect home industry. and lend its pow.
erful strength to the improvement Of such
means Of intercommunication IS are me-
cessary to promote our internal commerce,
and strengthen the ties which bind US to-
gether a. . people. sitt
II 10 not strange. however much 1t may
bs regretted, that such an exuberance OF
enterprise, should cause some individuals
10 mistake change for progress, and the
invasion Of the rights Of others for national
prowess and glory. The former are con-
stantly agitating for some change in the
organic law, or urging new and untried
theories Of human rights. The latter are
ever ready to engage in any wild crusade
against q n%eighboring people, regardless
Of the justice Of the enterprise. and with.
out looking at the fatal consequences to
ourselves, and to the cause Of popular
government. Such expeditions, however,
ars often stimulated by mercenary indivi.
duals, who expect to share the plumber or
profit Of the enterprise without exposing
themselves to danger, and are led on by
some irresponsible foreigner, who abuses
the hospitality Of our " government by
ssducing the young and ignorant to join in
his scheme 0 fpersonal ambition or revenge,
under the false and delusive pretenoe Of
/, extending the area of freedom. These
rsprehensible sggressions but retard the
true progress OF our nation, and tarnish
lie fair fame. They should, therefore, re-
csive the indignant frowns Of every good
citizen who sincerely loves his country and
takes . pride in its prosperity and honor.
Our Constitution, though not perfect, is
doubtless the best that ever was formed.
Therefore let every proposition to change
il BE- well weighed, and if found beneficial.
cautiously adopted. Every patriot will
rejoice to see its authority 50 exerted As to
advance the prosperity and honor Of the
nation. whilst he will watch with jealousy
any attemptto mutilate this charter Of our
liberties. or perver: its powers to acts of
aggression or injustice. Thus shall con.
ssrvatism and progress blend their har.
monious action in preserving the form and
spirit OF the Constitution. and at the same
time carry for ward the great improvements
Of the country with = rapidity and energy
which ireemen only can display.
In closing this, my last annual commu.
ni~cation, permit me, fellow. citizens, to con.
graduate you on the prosperous condition
OF our beloved country. Abroad its rsla-
tons with all foreign powers are friendly,
il rights are respected, and its high place
in the family Of nations oheerfully recog.
Inissd. At home we enjoy an amount Of
happiness. public and private, which has
probably never fallen TO the lot Of any
ether people. Besides afarding to our
own citizens = degree Of prosperity, Of
which on 70 large q scale | know Of no
other instance. III country is annually
aGording a refuge and a homo to multi.
sudss, altogether without example, from the
Old World.
pa We owe these blessings, under Heaven,
40 The happy Constitution and Government
which were bequeathed to us by our faith.
ora, and which it is our sacred duty to
transm:t in all their integrity to our chill.
.drsn. W. must all consider it a great
and privilege to have been
chosen by the people to bear a part in the
administration Of such a Government.
Called by an unexpected dispsnsa,ion to
its highest trust at a season of embarrass.
msnt and alarm, | entered upon its ardu.
Gus duties with extreme difidence.
claim only 10 have discharged them to the
best Of an humble ability. with a single
eye to the public good; and it is with de-
'vout gratitude. in retiring from Office, that
llaavs the country in q state Of peace and
prosperity.
MILLARD FILLMORE.
WAsHINGToN, Dec. 6, 1853.
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