Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1853-12-15

can have an appreciable value when weigh
ed against the obligation strictly to adhere
10 the constitution, and faithfully to execute
powers 1t confers.
Within this limit, and through the extent
Of the interests of the Government involv-
ed, it would seem both expedient and pro-
per, if an economical and practicable route
shall be found, to aid by all constitutional
means in the construction OF a road which
will unite, by speedy transit, the population
Of the Pacific and Atlantic States. To
guard against miSconception, it should be
remarked that, although the power to con-
struct, or to aid in the construction Of a road
within the limits of territory is not en-
barrassed by the question Of jurisdiction
which would arise within the limits of q
State, it's, nevertheless, held 10 be Of doubt
full power. and more than doubtful proprie-
ty, even within the limits of a territory, for
the General Government TO undertake to
administer the affairs Of railroad and canal,
or other similar constructions: and, there
fore, that its connection with a work of this
character should be incidental, rather than
primary.
will only add, at present, that fully APP
preciating the magnitude Of the subject, and
soicitous that the Atlantic and Pacific shores
of the Republic may be bound together by
inseparablc ties Of cannon interest, as well
as of common attachment TO the Union,
shall be disposed, SO far as my own action is
concurred, 10 follow the lights Of the con-
stitution, ns expounded and illustrated by
those whose opinions and expositions con-
stitute the standard Of my political faith; in
regard to the powers of the Federal Gov
eminent.
1t is, / trust not necessary to say that no
grandeur of enterprise, and no present ur-
gent inducements, promising popular favor,
will lead me TO disregard those lights, or de-
part from that path, which experience has
proved to be safe, and which is now radiant
with the glow Of prosperity and legitimate
constitutional progress. We can afford to
wait, but we cannot afford tc overlook the
ark Of our security.
1t is no part Of my purpose to give prom
inence to any subject which may properly
be regarded as set at rest by the deliberate
judgment of the people. But while the
present is bright with promise, and the fu-
ture fall Of demand and inducement for the
exercise of active intelligence, the past can
never be without useful LESSONS Of admoni-
ton and instruction. If its dangers serve
not as beacons, they will evidently fail to
fulfil the object of wise design. When
the grave shall have closed over all who
ure now endeavoring to meet the obligations
of duty. the year 1853 will be required 10
as period filled with anxious apprehen-
sion.
A successful war had Just terminated
Peace brought with it a vast augmentation
Of territory. Disturbing questions arose,
bearing upon the domestic institutions of one
portion OF the States; but, Notwithstanding
the difference of opinion and sentiment which
then existed, in relation to details and spe-
eitic provisions. the acquiescence Of distin-
xuished citizens, whose devotion to the
Union can never be doubted, has given re-
newed vgor 10 our institutions, and restor-
ed sense of repose aud security 10 the pub
lie mind throughout the confederacy. That
this repose is 10 suffer no shock during my
official term, if have power TO avert it
those who placed me here may be assured.
The wisdom Of men who knew what in
dependence cost, who had put all at stake
upon the issue Of the Revolutionary strug-
gle, disposed Of the subject to which l re-
fer, in the only way consistent with the
Union Of the States and with the march OF
power and prosperity which has made us
what we are. 1t is significant fact, that
from the adoption of the Constitution until
the officers and soldiers of the Revolution
were carried to their graves, OF through thu
infrmities of age and wounds, had ceased
TO participate actively in public affairs, Their,
was not merely quiet acquiescense in, bu
prompt vindication Of the constitutional
rig hts of the States. The reserved powers
were scrupulously respected.
No statesman put forth the narrow view
Of casuists, to justify interference and agi
tation; but the spirit Of the Compact was re
garded as sacred in the eye OF honor, ant
Indispensable for the great experiment O
civil liberty, which, environed by inheren
difficulties, was yet horne forward in appa
rent weakness by Power SUP erior to all OBJ
Staclcs. There is no condemnation which tn
voice of freedom will not pronounce upoI
us, should we prove faithless 10 this grea
trust. While men inhabiting different part
Of this great continent can no more be eX
pected to hold the same opinions or enter
tain the same sentiment, than every variet
of climate and soil can be expected to fur
nish the same agricultural products, the
unite in common object, and sustain com
mon principles, essential to the maintenance
Of that object.
The gallant men of the South and til
North could stand together during the strug
gle of the revolutions; they could stand tc
gether in the more trying period which sue
ceeded the clangor of arms. As their un
ted valor was adequate to all the trials {
the camp and dangers of the field, SO the
united wisdom proved equal 10 the create
task Of founding upon deep and broad b;
sis, institutions which it has been our pri,
ilcge 10 enjoy, and will ever be our most S;
cred duty to sustain.
1t is but the feeble expression of fait
strong and universal TO say, that their son
whose blood mingled so often upon the san
field during the war Of 1912, and who hay