Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-01-24
THE GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA.

We cannot refuse the tribute Of our respect to the
general character of the Inaugural Address of the
new Democratic Governor of the State of Pennsyl-
vania (the Hon. WILLIAM BIGLER) The tone OF
the subjoined extract from it particularly challenges
our admiration for its conservatism and practical
wisdom and, above all, for its clear and unreserved
declarations of loyalty to the Union:
am most happy my fellow-citzens, to meet you in
my present capacity, at period when
try is at peace with all the world and prosperous in
eminent degree The dangerous conflict touching the
subject of slavery, which for time seemed TO
the stability of the National Government has been most
fortunately and trust permanently adjusted through
the medium of what generally known the Compro-
mise Measures The general acquescence of the several
States in this adjustment gives assurance Of continued
peace the country and permanence 10 the lnonper-
that Union the formation Of which gave our
nation early influence and dignity of position with the
other Powers Of the earth Her rights have consequent
w. been respected by ALL and her wishes heard with pro-
found regard In war she has gained high character
for military prowess and in peace secured the confidence
of all mankind The justice and beraty of her nsttu
ons constrained the oppressed of every land seek
an asylum within her limits and enjoy under the ample
folds of her national ag political and religious freedom
The continuance Of these unequalled blessings de-
pendant entirely upon the pepetuty of this great national
compact and this only be secured by faithful OBJ
servance of the of the Constitution under which it
was formed The Union and the Constitution and
ndvisible The former exist without the latter
and the latter had purpose but to perfect and sustain
the former He therefore, who is not for the Consttu
ton is against the Union; and he who would strike at
either would commit political sacrilege against the great
fabric sanctioned by Washington and Franklin. The Fe-
he nd
all its parts 1t is the paramount law of each State and
it the imperative duty of their respective Governments
to assist in the just and full administration of all its pro-
visions To Congress undoubtedly belongs, in the first
instance the duty Of making provision to carry into
cution the intent of this instrument; but it is the right
and duty of the States moving within the limits of their
reserved rights to cooperate with the General Govern
in this legitimate work They should certainly
yer attempt by Of their legislation embarrass
the administration Of the Constitution Such interference
fail engender hostile feelings between the differ
ent sections of the Union and if persisted in lead to
separation of the States. SO far as legislation of this
kind be found the satutebook Of this State it
should be speedily repealed OF this character regard
the greater portion of the law of 1847 prohibiting the
use of our State prisons for the detention of fugves
from labor whilst awaiting trial In that work shall
most cheerfuly participate as shall also aid far
may properly do So suppress all attempts resst the
execution of the laws Of Congress- whether providing for
the rendition of fugtives from labor for any other
constitutional purpose. The necessity for such action is
fully demonstrated by the fatal consequences resulting
from such attempt recently occurring within
borders.
The loyalty of Pennsylvania to the National Union
be doubted She is now she has been for
the Constitution and its compromises She will maintain
and execute in letter and spirit the several adjustment
a1o.a ia
of slavery She regards these measures permanent
settlement Of this dangerous geographical conflict, and
will dscountenance, the full extent Of her influence all
attempts at future agitation Of the questions settled by
them She has planted herself the Constitution and
guided by its wise provisions viii seek to do justice to all
sections of the country and endeavor to strengthen the
bonds Of the Unon by chershng relations Of amiy and
fraterna affection between oil its members.
Il need say more, my felow-citizens, Of the i'm
portance Of the Union. You are, ! confident
abundantly impressed with its magnitude. Without
union our liberties could have been achieved ;
without it they be maintained With the dssou
ton Of this national compact would fall the hopes Of the
world for republcanism-the cause Of political and re
gious berty-the peace and prosperity Of our people
To the end then that its great blessings may be pre-
served and its advantages youchsafed to posterity il
becomes the duty of all to yield patriotic submission
the laws consttutonaly adopted and cherish feelings Of
aectonae intercourse between the several members Of
glorious Union Admonished do by the immortal
Washington let the injunction be regarded by each and
all Of us with Christian fidelity. Let habits Of
acting thinking, and speaking Of the Union be as though
il we're indeed the palladium Of political safety and
property-watchng for its preservation with jealous
anxiety discOuntenancng whatever may suggest even
suspicion that it in any be abandoned; and
indignantly frownng at the first dawn Of any attempt
ALLEVIATE any portion Of country from the rest
cnfeebe the sacred ties which now link together the
various parts Then shah have performed whole
duty-duty ourselves our sister States and to the
cause Of republicansm throughout the world"
MFTpOpaI