Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-12-11

genius Of one American has enabled our commerce to
against wind and tide and that Of another has an
Aihsted distance in the transmission Of intelligence
Me whole country is full Of enterprise Our common
schools are difusng intelligence among the people, snd
industry is fast accommodating the comforts and uxu-
res OF life. This is in part owing to our peculiar
position, TO cur fertile SOIL and comparatively sparsepo
pulaon but much of it is also owing TO the popular
situations under which we live, to the freedom which
every man feels to engage in any useful pursuit accord
ing TO his taste inclination, and the entire conf
dence that his person and property will be protected by
the laws But whatever may be the cause of this
paraeled growth in population intelligence and wealth,
one thing is clear that the Government must keep
with the progress of the people 1t participate in
their spirit Of enterprise and while it exacs obedience
10 the laws and resrans all unauthorized nvasions Of
the rights Of neghborng States should foster and pro-
tect home industry and lend its powerful strength TO the
Improvement Of such means Of ntercommunication as
are necessary to promote our internal commerce, and
strengthen the ties which bind together people
1t is not strange, however much ii may be regretted
that such exuberance of enterprise should some
individuals to mistake change for progress and the nva
sion Of the rights OF others for national prowess and go
The former constantly agitatng for some change
in the organic law urging and untred theories OF
human rights. The latter are ready to engage IN
any wild crusade against neighboring people, regard
less of the justice of the enterprise and without looking
at the fatal consequences to and to the cause OF
popular government. Such expeditions, however, are
often stimulated by Individuals who expect to
share the plumber profit Of the enterprise without ex
posing themselves unu Oh SOME
sponsbe foreigner who abuses the hospitality of
Government by seducing the young and ignorant join
in his scheme of personal ambition revenge, under the
false and deusye pretence Of extending the OF free
DOM These reprehensibe aggressions but retard the
true progress of nation and tarnsh its fair fame
They should therefore receive the indignant rowns 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 formed Therefore let every PROPOSE
ton 70 change il Be wel weighed and if found beneficial
cautiously adopted Every patriot will rejoice to its
authority exerted to advance the prosperity and
honor Of the nation whilst he will watch with jealousy
any attempt to mutate this charter Of liberties
pervert its powers acts Of aggression injustice Thus
shall conservatism and progress blend their harmonious
action in preserving the form and spirit OF the Consu-
ton, and at the time carry forward the great i'm
provements of the country with rapidty and energy
which freemen only can display.
In closing this my last annual communication, permit
me- congratulate you the prosperous
condition of beloved country Abroad its relations
with all foreign Powers friendly; its rights
pected and its high place in the family of nations cheer
fully recognised At home enjoy of happi
ness public and private which has probably fallen
to the lot Of any other people Besides afordng
citizens degree of prosperity of which large
scale know Of other instance country is
nually aordng refuge and home multitudes, alto
gether without example, from the Old World.
We these blessings, under Heaven to the happy
Constitution and Government which bequeathed
by fathers and which it is sacred duty to
transmit in all their integrity children We must
all consider it great distinction and privilege to have
been chosen by the people to bear part in the admins
traton Of such Government Called by unexpected
dispensaton to its highest Of embarrass
ment and alarm, | entered upon its ardnous duties
with extreme difdence claim only have discharged
them to the best of humble ability with single eye
TO the public good and it is with deyout gratitude in
retiring from office, that leave the country in of
peace and prosperity. WILLARD FILLMORE.
WASHINGTON DECEMBER 6, 1852