The Yazoo City weekly Whig. (Yazoo City, Miss.) 18??-1855, 1853-03-25

WneFe II has stood against dangers winch nave
threatened from abroad and internal agitation
which has at times fearfully menaced at home.
They proved themselves equal to the solution Of
the great problem, to understand which their
minds had been Illuminated by the dawning
lights OF the revolution. The object sought was
not thing dreamed Oft was thing realized
They had exhibited not only the power toachieve
but what all history affirms to be SO much
more unusal--the capacity to maintain. The
oppressed throughout the world, from that day
to the present, have turned theireyes hitherward,
not to find those lights extinguished or to fear
lest they should wane, but 10 be constantly
cheered by their steady and increasing radiance.
In this, our country has, in my judgment, thus
far fulfilled its highest duty to suffering human
ity. 1t has spoken, and will continue to speak,
not only its words but by its acts, the language
of sympathy, encouragement 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. Prominently, the pow
er of our advocacy reposes in our example; but
no example, be it remembered, eau be powerful
for lasting good, whatever apparent advantages
may be gained, which is not based upon eternal
principles of right and justice.
Our fathers decided for themselves, both upon
the hour to declare and the hour to strike; they
were their own judges of the circumstances un-
1ar irh RI LODI IN oTh
er their lives their fortunes gnd their sacred hon
or, for the acquisition Of the priceless inheritance
transmitted to us. The energy with which that
great conflict was opened and under the guidance
of manifest and benifcent Providence; the
accomplishing endurance with which it was
prosecuted to its consummation, were only sur
passed by the wisdom and patriotic spirit OF
concession which characterized all the counsels
of the early fathers. One of the most impress
sive evidences of that wisdom is to be found in
the fact that the actual working of our system
has dispelled degree of solicitude which, at the
outset, disturbed both hearts and far reaching
lntellects. The apprehension of dangers from
extended territory, multiplied States, accumula-
ted wealth, and augmented population, has pro-
we'd to be unfounded.
The stars upon your banner have become near
iy three told their original number. Your dense
ly populated possessions skirt the shores of the
two great oceans, and yet this vast increase of
people and territory has not only shown itself
compatible with the harmonious action of the
States and Federal Government in their respec-
tive constitutional spheres, but has afforded an
additional guaranty of the strength aud integ-
rity OF both. With an experience thus sugges-
tive and cheering, the policy of my admins
tration will not be controlled by any timid fore
holdings of evil from expansion. Indeed, it is
not to be disguised that our attitude as nation
and our position on the globe, render the acqui-
sition of certain possessions not within our ju-
risdiction, eminently important for our protec-
tion if not, in the future essential for the pres
ervation of the rights of commerce and the peace
of the world. Should they be obtained, it will
be through no grasping spirit but with a view
to obvious national interest and security, and in
a manner entirely consistent with the strictest
observance of national faith.
We have nothing in our history or position
to invite aggression. We have everything to
beckon us to the cultivation of relations Of peace
and amity with all nations. Purposes, there
fore, at once just and pacific will be significant
Iy marked in the conduct of our foreign affairs.
intend that my administration shall leave
no blot upon our fair record, and trust may
safely give the assurance that no act, within the
legitimate scope of my constitutional control,
will be tolerated on the part OF any portion of
our citizens, which cannot challenge ready JUS
tification before the tribunal of the civilized
world. An administration would be unworthy
of confidence at home, or respect abroad, should
it cease 10 be influenced by the conviction that
no apparent advantage can be purchased at a
price so dear as that of national wrong or dis
honor.
1t is not your privilege as nation to speak
of distant past The striking incidents of your
history, replete with instruction and furnishing
abundant grounds for hopeful confidence, are
comprised in period comparatively brief. But
if your past is limited your future is boundless.
Its obligations throng the UNEMPLOYED pathway
of advancement, and will be limitless as dura-
ton. Hence sound and comprehensive poll
CIV should embrace not less the distant future
than the urgent present.
The great objects of our pursuit as people
are best to be attained by peace, and are entire
ly consistent With the tranquility and interests
of the rest of mankind With the neighboring
nations upon our continent we should cultivate
kindly and fratemal relations. We can desire
nothing in regard to them so much. as to see
them consolidate their strength and pursue the
paths OF prosperity and happiness. If in the
course of their growth we should open new chan
nele of trade and reate additional facilities for