The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-12-15
@set Y. {: u q unparalleled enterprise and

With the last half century, the number of
States in this Union has nearly doubled,
the population has almost quadrupled.
and our boundaries have been extended
from the Mississippi to the Pacific. Our
territory is chequered over with railroads,
and furrowed with canals. The inventive
talent of our country is excited to the high
est pitch, and the numerous applications
for patents for valuable improvements dis
tinnguish this age and this people from all
others.
The genius of one American has ena.
Oled our commerce to move against wind
and tide, and that of another has annihi-
lated distance in the transmission of intel
ligencc. The whole country is full of cn-
terprlse. Our common schools are diffu-
sing Intelligence among the people, and
our industry is fast accumulating the COM
forts and luxurics of life.
This is in part owing to our peculiar 20
sitlon, to our fertile soil, and comparatively
sparse population; but much of it is also
owing TO the popular institutions under
which we live, to the freedom which eve
ry man feels to engage in any useful pur-
suit, according to his taste or inclination,
and to the entire confidence that his per
son and property will be protected by the
laws. But whatever may be the cause
Of this unparalleled growth in population.
Intelligence, and wealth, one thing is clear,
;hat the Government must keep pace with
the progress Of the people.
1t must participate in their spirit of en-
tcrpriSe, and while it cxacts obedience to
the laws, and restraints all unauthorized
lnrasions of the rights Of ncighboring
States, it should foster and protect home
industry, and lend its powerful strength to
the improvement of such means of inter
communication as are necessary TO pro-
mote our internal commerce, and strength
on the ties which bind us together ms
people.
1t is not strange, however much it NAV
be regretted, that such an cyubcrance of
enterprise shonld cause some individuals
TO mistake change for progress, and the
INVASION Of the rights of Others, for nation
al power .and glory. The former are con-
stantly agitat;ng for some change in the
organic law, or urging new and untricd
theories of human rights. The latter are
ever ready TO engage in any wild crusade
against n,iShbor:ng people, regardless
OF the justice of the enterprise, and with
cut looking at the fatal consequences to
ourselves and to the cause of popular gov
crnmcnts
Such expeditions, however, are often
stimulated by mcrccnary individuals, who
expect to share the profit or plunder of
the enterprise without exposing themselves
to danger and arc led on by some ire
sponslble foreigner, who abuses the hospi-
taiIty OF our own Government by scducinc
the young and ignorant to join in his
scheme of personal ambition or revenge,
under the false and dcusvc prctcnce of
extending the area Of freedom.
These reprchensib!c aggrcssions but re-
tard the true ptogreSs of our nation and
.''''-i- s.s-f.i.. -saine. They sIrvulti, there
fore, receive the indignant frowns of every
good citizen who sincerely loves his conn
try and takes pride in its prosperity and
honor. ...a,,
Our Constitution, though not perfect, is
doubtless the best that ever WAS rormcL
Therefore let every proposition to change
it be well weighed, and, if found bcnc6.
ciai, cautiously adopted. Every patriot
will rejoice to sec its authority so cxcrted
as to advance the prosperity aud honor
OF the nation, whilst he will watch with
jealousy any attempt to mutiate this char
ter OF our liberties, or pcrvert its powers to
acts of aggression or rinjusticc.
Thus shall conservatism and oropross
blend their harmonious action in pTescv-
ing the form and spirit, of the Constitution
and at the same time carry forward the
great improvements of the country with
rapidity and energy which freemcn only
can display.
In closing this, my last annual commu.
nication, permit, me fclow-citizens, to con-
gratuIatc you on the prosperous condition
of our beloved country. Abroad It's rela-
tions with all foreign powers are friendly
Its rights are respected, and its high place
IN the family Of nations chcerfnlly rccor-
nIzed. At home we enjoy an amount of
happiness, public and private, which has
probably never fallen to the lot of any 9th
er people. Besides aiiording to our own
citizens degree of prosperity, of which
on 50 large scale know of no other in.
stance, our country is annually affording a
refuge and home to multitudes. alto.
gether without example, from tile Old
World.
We owe these blessings, under Heaven,
to the happy Constitution and Govern.
ment which were bequeathed to us by
our fathers, and which it is our sacred dn-
" to transmit in all their integrity to our
children. We must all consider It n great
distinction and privilege TO have been
chosen by the people to bear a part in the
administration of such Government.
Called 10y an unexpected dispensation to
It's highest trust at a season ofembarrass-
ment and alarm, | entered upon its ardu-
ous duties with extreme diflidencc. | claim
only to have discharged them to the best
Of an humble ability, with a single eve TO