Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1853-03-16

DaraIuA ~ sd ..."u, .;...ioISu Uv'"p......i.>.,
weak, the new born nation was intrinsically
strong. Inconsderable in population and
apparent resources, it was upheld by a broad
and intelligent comprehension of rights, aud
an all.pervading purpose to maintain them,
stronger than armaments. 1t came from the
furnace of the Revolution, tempered to the
necessities of the times The thoughts OF
the men of that day were as practical as
their sentiments were patriotic. They vast
ed no portion Of their energies upon idle
and delusive speculations, but with firm
and fearless step advanced beyond the gov
ernmental landmarks, which had hitherto
circumscribed the limits Of human freedom,
and planted their standard where it has
stood, against dangers, which have threaten
ed from abroad, and internal agitation, which
has at times iearfully menaced at home
They approved themselves equal 10 the so.
luton of the great problem, to understand
which their minds had been illuminated by
the dawning light Of the revolution. The
object sought was not thing dreamed of;
it was thing realized. They had exhibited
not only the power to achieve, but what all
history atfirms to be so much more unusual, ,
the apacity to maintain. The oppressed
throug hout the world, from that day to the
present, have turned their eyes hitherward,
not to find those lights extinguished, or to
fear lest they should wane, but to be con-
stantly cheered by their steady and increas-
ing radiance.
In this our country has, in my judgment,
thus far fulfilled its highest duty to suffering
humanity. 1t has spoken, and will con-
tinue to speak, not only by its words but BY
its acts the language Of sympathy, encour'
agement, and hope, to those who earnestly
listen to tones which pronounce for the
largest rational liberty. But, after all, the
most animating encouragement and potent
appeal for freedom will be its own history,
its trials, and its triumphs. Pre- ,emincntly
the power Of our advocacy reposes in oul
example; but 10 example, be it remembered
can be powerful for lasting good, whatever
apparent advantages may be gained, wh'ct
is not based upon eternal principles OF r'gh
and justice. Our fathers decided for them
selves, beth upon the hour to declare ant
the hour to strike. They were their owr
Judges Of the circumstances under which /
became them to pledge to each other thel
lives, their fortunes, aud their sacred honor,
for the acquisition of the priceless inherI
tance transmitted to us. The energy witt
which that great conflict was opened, AM
under the guidance of a manifest and bene
fcent Providence, the uncomplaining endl It.
rance with which it was prosecuted to It
consummation, were only surpassed by tn
wisdom and patriotic spirit of concosslo
which characterized all the counsels OF tn
early fathers.
/ One OF the most impressive evidences
that wisdom is to be found in the TACT, tn'
the actual working of our system has d,'
PEELED degree of solicitude, which, al IN
, outset, disturbed bold hearts and lar-researcf
ing intellects The apprehension of danger
from extended territory, multiplied State
accumulated wealth, and augmented pop'
ation, has proved to be unfounded. In
!, stars upon your banner have become nearl
three-fold their original number, your dens
! ly populated possessions skirt the shores
the two great oceans, and yet this vast II
crease of people and territory has not on
0 shown itself compatible with the harmon1o'
). action of the States and the Federal Uo