Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1853-03-05


With the neighbonng nations on our continent. |
should cultivate kindly anil traternal relations;
we can desire nothing in regard to them much
Us to see them consolidate their strength and pur-
sue tile path of prosperity and happiness. If i'll
the course of their growth should open new
channels OF trade, and create additional facilities
for friendly intercourse, the benefits realized will
be mutual. Of the complicated European system
OF national pGlity, we have heretofore been indie
pendent; from their wars and anXietieS we have
happily been almost entirely exempt; whilst these
are confined to the nations which gave them eX-
lstence, and within their legitimate jurisdiction
they cannot effect us except as they appeal 10 our
SympatheS i'll the cause OF human freedom and
universal advancement; but the just interests of
commerce are common TO all mankind, and the adj
vantageS OF trade and International intercourse
must always present noble field for the influence
OF great people. With these views firmly and
honestly carried out have n right to expect and
Shall under all circumstances require prompt re-
ciproclty.
-1The rights which belong to us rs a nation are
not alone 10 be regarded, but those hich pertain
to every citizen in his undivided capacity at home
and abroad must be SacIedly maintained SO long
as he can discern every star in its place upon that
enSign-withou: wealth to purchase him prefer |
ment or title 10 secure him place-it will be his |
privilege, and must be lis acknowledged right, TO
stand unabaShed even i'll the presence of princes,
with the proud CONSCIOUSNESS that he is one him !
self Of nation Of Soveregns, and that he cannot,
III legitimate pursuits, wander so far from home
that the agent whom lie Shall leav behind in the |
place which now occupy, will not that no
rude hand of power or tyTannicIl passion is laid
upon him with impunity. lie must realize that |
upon every sea and upon every soil where en-
terprize rightfully seek the protection Cf our
flag, American citizenship is an lnviOlabe piano. |
ply for the security of American rights and in this
connection it can hardly be necessary to re-atiirm
the principles which should now be regarded us
fundamental. The rights, security and repose of
this contederacy regard the idea of interference
or colonization on this side OF the ocean by any
foreign power, beyond their present jurisdiction,
as utterly lnadmSSlble.
The opportunities of observation furnished by
my brief experience as soldier confirmed in my
own mind the opinion entertained and acted upon |
by Others from the formation oil the governmant-I
that the maintenance of large standing army III
our country would be not only dangerous but un |
necessary. They also illustrate the Importance l
might well say the absolute necessity of the militia
ry science and practical skill furnished in such au
eminent degree by the institution which has made
your army what II IS under the discipline and in
Structon OF officers not mDre distinguished for |
their solid attaInmentS calamity, aid devotion to
the public service, than to an diffusion bearing n
high moral tone. the army as organized must be
the nucleus around which in every time of need
the strength OF your military power, the sure bull
wark OF your defence; national military shall so
much need, and which their experience and wis |
d III shall readily suggest.
In the administration of domestic affairs you eX-
pect devoted integrity III the public service and
an observance of rigid economy in all departments
SO marked never Justly to be questioned if the
reasonable expectations be not realized | frankly
confess that one of your leading hopes is doomed TO
disappointment, and that my efforts in very i'm
portant particular must result in huinilia-
ting failure. Officers can be properly rewarded on
ly in the light of aid for the accomplishment OF
these objects and as occupancy can confer pro-
creative nor important desire Tor preferment any
calm, the public interest mperativrly demands
that they be conSIdeted with sole reference to the
duties to be performed.
Good citizens may we'll proclaim the protection
of good laws and the benign influence OF good
government, but the claim for office is what the
people OF q Republic should never recogmze.-l
No reasonable man of any party will expect the
administration TO be regardless Of its RESPONSE
bllity and Of the odlouS elements of success to
retain persons known to be under the influence Of
political hostility and partizan preiudceS in posi-
tons which will require not only severe labor but
cordial corporation.
Having no implied promises to ratify, no rewards
10 beStow, no reSenimentS to remember, person.
al wishes to consult in selecting my official station
shall fulfil this difficult and delicate trust ad-
hitting OF no motive a, worthy of may character or
position, which does not contemplate an efficient
discharge of duty and the best interests of my
country. | acknowledge my obligations to the
masses OF my cOuntrymLn and TO them alone. High
er objects than personal agrandizement gave drec-
ton and energy to their eXeronS in the late nvass
and they shall no: be disappointed. They require
at my hands diligence and capacity wherever there
are duties to be performed. Without these qualities
public laws more stringent Tor the prevention or
punishment oil frauds, negligence and population
Will be vain with them, they will be unnecessary,
but these not the only points to which you look
for vlglence and watchfulneSS.
The dangers OF Il concentration of all power in
the general government OF confeGerucy SO vast
as ours are too obvious to be disregarded You
have right therefore to expect your agents in ev-
cry department to regard strictly the limits impos-
ed upon them the constitution of the U. States.
The great scheme of our constitutional liberty
rests upon proper distribution of power between
The St1T 4 El.la
Hence has shown tina: the harmony and happiness
OF our people must depend upon a just diScrimina-
ton between the separate rights and responsible
ties OF the States and Your common rights and ohli
cations under the general Government, and herein,
i'll my opinion, are the considerations which shou Id
form the true basis of future concord in regard to
the questions which have most seriously disturbed
the public tranquility. If the general Govern
ment will confne itself to the exercise of its pow
ers, clearly granted by TIE constitution, it can
hardly Happen that its action upon question Shout
endanger the institutions of the States or interfere
with their rights TO manage matters strictly domes
TIC according to the will Of their own people.
In expressing briefly my views upon an mpor-
tant question which has recently agtated the ma
ton 10 almost fearful degree, | am moved by no
other impulse than most desire for the per-
petuity of that Union which has made us what we
are. Showerlng upon us blessings and comforting
power and influence which our fathers would have
hardly anticipated, even with their most sanguine
hope directed to far of future.
The sentiments now announce were not I'M
know before the expression of the voice which
called me here. My own position upon this SUBJ
1ect was clear and unequivocal upon the record of
my words and my acts, and it is only required to at
this time because silence might perhaps be miscon-
structed. With the Union my best and dearest
earthly hopes are entwined, without it, what are
we individually or collectively. What becomes OF
the noblest field ever open for the announcement
of race, in religion, in government, in the arts
and in all that dgnifies and adorns mankind, from
that radent constellation which both illuminates