The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-03-11

with me an earnest and vital belief, that as
the Union has been the source under provi-
dence of our prosperity to this time, SO 1t is
the sweet pledge of the continuance Of the
blessings we have enjoyed, and which we are
sacredly bound to transmit undiminished to
our children.
The field of calm and free discussion in our
country is open, and will always be so, but
never has been and never can be traverse for
good in a spirit of sec,ionasm and unchari-
tableness. The founders of the Republic
dealt with things as they were presened to
them in a spirit Of self-sacrifcing patriotism,
and as time has proved, with comprehensive
wisdom, which it will always be safe for us to
consult. Every measure tending to strengthen
the fraternal feelings Of all the members OF
our Union has had my hesrtfelt appreciation.
To every theory of society or government
whether the offspring Of feverish ambition
or of morbid enthusiasm calculated to dis.
solve the bonds of law and affection which
unite us, shall interpose ready and stern
resistance. believe that involuntary servi.
tude as it exists in different States of this
confederacy is recognized by the Constitution
| | believe that it stands like any other ad.
mitted right, and that the States where it ex
lists are entitled to efficient remedies to en-
force the constitutional provisions. l holt
that the laws of 1850, commonly. called com
promise measures, are strictly constitutional
and ought to be unhesitatingly carried into
thorites of this Republic are bound to regar'
the rights of the South in this respect, a
they would y any other legal and consti
tutional riH.s s'ssyds CONE laws to enforc,
them shoulds, rsspesSed and obeyed, no
with reluctance encouraged by abstract opin
ions as to their propriety in different state o
society, but cheerlully and according to th
decisions ofthe tribunal to which their expo
stion belongs.
Such have been and are my convictions, ant
upon them shall act. / fervently hope tina
the question is at rest, and that no sectiona
or ambitious or fanatical excitement may agaiI
threaten the durability of our institutions or OBJ
scure the light of our prosperity. But let no
the foundation of our hope rest upon man.
wisdom. 1t will not be sufficient that section
al prejudices find no place in the public delib
- GIutiouo. IL WIN hOt uC ouluOlCht tlut tuO 10
councils of human passion are rejected.
must, be felt that there is national secu
rity but in the nations humble acknow ledge
ment upon God and his overulng providence
We have been carried in safety through
perilous crisis. Wise~souncils, like thos
which gave us the constitution, prevailed t
uphold it. Let the period be remembered a
an admoniton and not as an encouragement i
any section of the Union to make experiment
where experiments are fraught with such fear
full hazard. Let it be impressed upon al
hearts, that beautiful as our fabric is, no earth
ly power or wisdom could ever re-unite it
broken fabrics. ...
Standing as do, almost within view o! tn
green slopes of Monticello, and as it wer
within reach of the tomb of Washington
[ with all the cherished memories of the pas
gathering around me like so many eloquen
voices of exhortation from heaven, / cal
express no better hope for my country
than that the kind Providence which smilet
upon our fathers, may enable their children, t.
preserve the blessings they have inherited.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.