The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-03-09

tH6 huVdUCeInenL OI our TdCe, III TttiBiOII,
in government, in the arts. and in all that
dignifies and adorns mankind! 4s
From that radient constellation which
both Eliminates our own way and points
out to struggling nations their course, let
but single star be lost and If there be not
utter darkness the lusire Of the whole is
dimmed
Do my countrymen want any assurance
that such catastrophe will not overtake
them, while possess the power 10 stay
il? II is with me an earnest and vital belief
that as the Union has been the source un.
der Providence Of our prosperity. TO this
time so il is pledge of a continuance Of
the blessings we have enjoyed and which
we are sacredly bound TO transmit undi-
minished to our children.
The field Of calm and free discussion,
in our country is open. and will always be
so. but it never has been nor never can be
traversed for good in spirit of sectional
ism and uncharitableness The founders
OF the republic dealt with things as they
were presented TO them, in spirit Of self.
sacrificing patriotism, and as time has
proved, with a comprehensive wisdom
which will always be sale with US to con-
suit. Every measure tending TO strengthen
the iraternal feelings Of all the members
ofour Union, has had my heartfelt appro.
baton.
TO every theory Of society, Of govern.
ment, whether the offspring ofieverish am.
btion or OF morbid enthusiasm, calculat-
ed to dissolve the bonds Of law and affec.
ton which unite us. shall interpose rea.
dy aud stern resistance. | believe invol.
untary serviiude. as it exists. in different
States of this Coniederacy. is recognized
by the Con stilulion. believe that it stands
like any other admitted right and that the
States where it exists are entitled 10 efficient
remedies, TO enforce the Constitutional
provisions. hold that the law Of 1850.
commonly called compromise measures,
are strictly constitutional and to be unhes.
itatingly carried into effect.
believe that the constituted authorities
of tIisRepublic are bound 10 regard the
rights of the south in this respect as they
should view any other legal or constitution.
al right. ami that the laws 10 enforce them
would be respected and obeyed; not with
reluctance encouraged by abstract opn.
ions as TO the proprely in different state
OF society. but cheerIully and according to
the decisions ofihe tribunal to which their
exposition belongs.
Such have been and are my sentiments
and upon them | shall act. Iervenily
hope that the question is at rAst--lhat no
sectional or ambitious or fauaical excite
ment. may again threaten the durability Of
our institutions or obscure the light Of our
prosperity.
But let not the foundation OF our hopes
rest on mems wisdom. 1t will not be sui-
ficient that sectional preudces find no
place in the public deliberations. 1t will
not be sufficient that the rash counsels Of
human passions are rel ected II must be
felt that there is no national security hut
in the nations humble acknowledgement
of God and his overruling Providence.
We have been carried in safety through
perilous crisis. Wise councils. like those
which gave us the Constitution. prevail to
uphold it. Let the period be remembered
as an admonilion. not as an encourage
ment in any section Of the Union. to make
experiments where experiments are lraught
with such powerful hazard.
Let it be impressed upon all hearts that
beautiful as our fabric is, no earthly power
or wisdom could ever unite its broken
fragments. Standing. as do. almost in
view oflhe green slopes of Monticello. and
as it were. within reach of the tomb OF
Washington. with all the cherished mem
ories ofthe past. gathering around me. like
so many eloquent voices of exhoriaIion
from Heaven, | can express no better hope
for my country. than that the kind Provi.
dence which smiled upon our fathers may
enable their children to preserve the bles.
sings they have inherited.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
WASHINGTON, March 4, 1858.