Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1852-01-22
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
GeatIemen Of he Ssuats.
and HOsse Of Represeniahres'

The will OF the people has, again,
conferred upon me the Chief Magis-
tracy OF this State, and for this re-
newed expression Of kindness and
partiality, now tender the ac-
acknowledgement of my humble graft
tude, to each and every member OF
this General Assembly, as the proper
channel through which it may be
conveyed to my constituents.
If there is any thing, in this life,
personal to myself, that | desire to
retain, it is the confidence Of my
fellow citizens; and amidst the un-
speakable emotions Of my bosom i
feel assurances, that so long as meri-
ted, it will not be withheld.
shall enter on the duties which
have been assigned me, by the late
election. under the New Constitu
ton, with no vain belief that | am
equal to the occasion. but with the
hope confirmed, from what has
hitherto occurred, that | shall be
literally and zealously sustained, not
only by the constituted authorities,
my associates in labor, but by the
people Of Ohio, without party dis
tinction, in every honest endeavor to
promote their true happiness and
welfare.
Having, but a few days since,
communicated to the General Assem-
bly,, in the annual message, my views
on what was then supposed would
be the most important subjects Of
legislation, at the present session, it
can neither he expected nor desired,
that | should, again, repeat what
was, at that time, expressed.
On occasion like this, it has, espe-
ciaIly. Of late, become customary to
speak Of the value of the Union Of
these States, and of the necessity OF
sustaining it, in the spirit of the Con-
stilutinn. This has occupied the at
tention of the Executives Of several
oI our sisters ol the con(ederacy,
within the last lew weeks. and their
communications both North and
South of Mason's and Dixon's line,
breathe a true spirit OF patriotism.
by the expression of the most loyal
attachment 10 the Union. This
evinces a much better state Of feeling
than has, hitherto, existed.
1t is true, the term, Northern
Fanatics. is occasionally employed,
as it Fanatics were known, only, in
the North, but, | apprehend, even
this lault will, hereafter, disappear,
when the true history Of some Of
our southern friends shall be fully
read, and better understood.
But in her attachment to the
| Union, and in her unIaltering deter
mination so support it. Ohio permits
no others TO lead. She neUer kneU
dislOyahy. She neither has. nor will
she, assemble in vention, to
weaken that Union by means in
palpable violation Of constitutional
dutv. II she IeeIs herself aggrieved
bv the measures Of Congress, or the
acts of other States, "in the Union.
she will seak redress, and not out of
IT," To null v constitutional Obli-
cations is not favorite remedy with
her people.
The law known as the "cOmpro-
mise," which has caused so much i'll
feeling, is the act Of the National
Legislature; held TO be constitutional
by the judicial tribunals, authorized
to decide that question; and, if the
measure, itself, as one Of policy,
necessity or Justice, were not worth
the parchment on which it was en-
crossed, the people oI Ohio, it is be-
lIieved, will never suIly their integri-
ty by its criminal violation. Under
all the circumstances which surround
us, it should remain undisturbed,
and this fruitful source Of agitation
and excitement be, forever closed.
The time for the agitation of its
repeal has not, at all events, arrived,
for the results which will flow from
liz, Tor good or for evil, cannot hnve
been fully tested in so short a period
OF time. By letting it remain. nei-
ther its policy nor justice is admitted,
but merely that The reagita'ion OF II
produce greater evil than the meas
ure itself can eiiect.
While public opinion may be divi-
ded perhaps on the subject of agita-
ting The repeal Of the "fugiIive slave
law" there is nevertheless another
/ matter in close cGnnexion with it,
on which, it is believed, the senti-
ment Of ouE people is entirely united.
The area of slavery must never be
extended in this government. while
the voice. the united voice and ac-
ton Of Ohio, in any constitutional
form, can stay it. Here. with pro
piiety, we may take our stand:
"7Hus far proud Odve shalt thou ad-
ydnce, but no further shalt thou come." "
That slavery is an evil, that il was
brought upon this nation by no moral
right, and exists by what is believed
TO be the force OF necessity, because