Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1853-03-05

hscu the source, under Providence, OF our nfds=
perty to this time, it is the surest pledge OF a
Continuance Of the blessings We have enioyed
and which we are scarcely bound to transmit I'm
diminished to our children. The field of calm
and tree discussion in our country is open, and
will always be so, but it never has been and
never can be traversed for good in spirit of sec
tionalism and uncharitableness The founde rs
ofthe Republic dealt with things as they were
presented to them in spirit of self sacrificing
PATRIOTISM and, rs time has proved, with com :
prehensve wisdom, which it will be always safe
| for us to consult
| Every measure, tending to strengthen the fra
ternal feelings of all the members of our Union,
has had my heartfelt appreciation. To every
| theory OF society or government, whether the
offspring of feverish ambition or of morbid en-
thusiasm calculated to dissolve the bonds of law
and affection which unite us, [ shall interpose a
ready aud stern resistance. | believe that in
voluntary seryitude, as it exists in different
States of this confederacy, is recognized by the
Constitution. [ believe that it stands like any
other admitted right, and that Suites where it
exists entitled to efficient remedies to enforce
the constitutional provisions. | hold that the
laws of 1850, commonly called the "compromise
measures" are strictly constitutional, and to be
unhesitatingy carried into effect. believe that
the constitutional authorities of this Republic are
bound to regard the rights of the South in this
respect, rs they would view any other legal and
constitutional ght, and that the laws to enforce
them should be respected and obeyed not with
reluctance encouraged by abstract opinions as to
their propriety in different state of society but
cheerfully and according to the decisions of the
tribual to which their exposition belongs. Such
have been and are. my convictions, and upon
them shall act. ferventy hope that the ques-
ton Is at rest and that sectiO nal, ambitious
or ianatcal excitement may again threaten the
durability OF our institutions, or obscure the
light OF our prosperity.
| But let not the foundation of our hope rest
upon mans wisdom. 1t will not be sufficient
that sectional prejudices find no places in the
public deliberations. 1t will not be sufficient
that the rash councils of human passion are re-
Jected. 1t must be felt that there is no national
security but in the nations humble, acknowl-
edged dependence upoi God and his overruling
| providence.
| We have been carried in safety through n
perilous crisis. Wise counsels, like those which
gave us the Constitution, prevailed to uphold it,
| Let the period be remembered as an admonition,
and not as an encouragement, in any ec,ion The
| Union, to make experiments where experiments
are traught with such fearful hazard Let it be i'm
pressed upon all hearts, that beautiful as our fabric
is, no earthly power or wisdom could unite
its broken fragments. Standing as l do almost
within view of the green slopes Of Monticello,
and, his it were within reach of the tomb of
Washington, with all the cherished memories
of the past gathering around me, like so many
eloquent voices of EXPLORATION from Heaven, I
can express no better hope for my country. than
| that the kind Providence, which smiled upon
our Fathers may enable their children to pre-
serve the blessings they have inherited.