The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1852-12-10

pAnnPlo VI HHlOhdi luoticct iiV1pcfltJs duubI
glory as shall teach to all nations the blessings
|ofselfgoyernment, and the unparalleled enter
prise and success of free people
We live in an age ofprogress, and ours is en-
phatically country Of progress. Within the
halfcentury the humber Of States in this Union
has nearly doubled, the population has almost
|quadrupled, and our boundaries have been ex-
tended 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 highest pitch, and
the numerous applications for patents for valu-
able improvements distinguish this age and this
people from all others, The genius Of one A.
merican has enabled our commerce to move a.
lgainst wind and tide, and that Of another has
Iannihilated distance in the transmission of in
ltelligence. The wholeconntry is full Of enter
prise, Our common schools are diffusing intel
gence among the people, and our industry is
fast accumulating the comforts and luxuries Of
life. This is in part owing to our peculiar po-
sition, to our fertile soil, and comparatively
sparse population; hut much Of it is also owing
TO the popular institutions under which we liver
to the freedom which every man feels to engag
in any useful pursuit, according TO his taste oe
inclination, and tothe entire confidence that his
person 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, that the govern
ment must keep pace with the progress of the
people
Unjust participate in their spirit of enterprise
and while it exacts obedience to the laws, and
restraints all unauthorized inyasions Of the
rights of neighboring States it should foster and
protect home industry, and lend its powerful
strength to the improvement Of such means ol
interc0mmunication as are necessary to promote
our internal commerce and strengthen the ties
which bind US together as people,
| ltisnot strange, however uchitmay be regret
| ed, that such an exuberancc of enterprise shoult
cause some individuals to mistake change for prog
ress, and the invasion of the rights of others fo
national prowess and glory. The former are con
stantly agitating for some change in the organi
law, or urging new and untried theories Of human
rights. The latter are ever ready to engage il
any wild crusade against neighboring people
regardless of the justice of the enterprise, an,
without looking at the fatal consequences to our
selves and to the cause of popular government
Such expeditions, however, are often stimulate,
by mercenary individuals, who expect to share tn
plunder or profit of the enterprise without expos
ing themselves to danger, and are led on by som
irresponsible foreigner, who abuses the hospitalit
Of our own Government by seducing the young AM
ton or revenge, under the false and delusive pre-
tenee OF extending the area Of freedom.
These reprehensible aggressions but retard th
true progress Of our nation and tarnish its fame
They should, therefore, receive the indenan
frowns Of every good citizen who sincerely love
his country and takes pride inits prosperity an
honor. f-3a
Our Constitution, though not perfect, is doubt
less the best that ever was formed. Therefore le
Iat'a tra ala,, u
if found beneficial, cautiously adopted. Ever
patriot will rejoice to see its authority so exerte
as to advance the prosperity and honor of the ma
ton, whilst he will watch with jealousy any at
tempt to mutilate this charter of our liberties,
pervert powers to acts of aggression or injustice
Thus shall conservatism and progress blend thei
harmonious action in preserving the form an
spirit of theConstitution, and at the same tim
carry forward the great Improvements of til
country with rapidity and energy which freema
only can display.
III closing this, my last annual communici
lion, permit me, my fellow citizens to congratv
tate you on the prosperous condition Of o r b,
loved coutry. Abroad its relations with a
foreign powers are friendly: its rights are r,
spected, and its high place in the family of nj
tions cheerfully recognized At home we el
voyan amount of happiness, public and pr
"N' nus PioohoiJ hSfCi idlicn W VI
, lot of any other people. Beside affording
our own citizens degree of prosperity,
. which on SO large scale know of no 9TH
instance, our country is annually affording
refuge and a home 10 mutitudes, altogeth
: without example, from the Old World.
Il We owe these blessings, under Heaven,
Z the happy Constitution and Government viii,
! were bequeathed to us by our fathers, al
i which it is our duty to transmit in all their j
. tegrity to our children, We must consider
4 great distinction and privilege to have be,
g chosei by the people to bear part in the a
ministration Of such Government Called
t an unexpected dispensation to its highest tru
q at "A season of embarrassment and alaim, e
n tered upon its arduous duties with exirer
r dtiidence. l claim only to Lave discharg
: I them to the best of an humble ability with 81
y !, gle eye 10 the public good; and it is with d
= vout gratitude, in retiring from office, that
g perity.
S MILLARD FILLMORE.