Washington sentinel., 1853-10-19

but at the time he wrote his reckless criticism
upon the inaugural, he was also aware that the
broad pledge, just published, was about to be
tested under circumstances which have excited
extraordinary interest all over the civilized
world. We refer here to the prompt and glori-
ous rescue, by Captain lngraham, Of the United
States ship st. Louis, from the hands of Greek
hirelings and nsolent Austrian officials, Of
Martin koszta, who both challenged and de.
served American protection, in having taken
the initiatory step of American citizenship, and
at the moment holding an American "tezkereh"
on Turkish ard neutral soil.
Within few days, however, We have had
still another proof that the inaugural was not
the tame and insignificant document which the
calumniator in putnam assumes it to be.
The Presidents answer to the protest OF Aus
tria, Russia, and Prussia, through his Secretary
of State, has just made its appearance. 1t is
paper worthy Of the subject and worthy of
the country. Wherever read it will arouse in
tense interest Elevated, forcible, logical and
true: animated by none of the reckless spirit
that would precipitate trouble, and vet dis
graced by none of the craven spirit which would
avoid tit appeals to all the best sympathies
ofour race. Nor will it answer for this calum
niator to escape by an approval OF this great
State paper, resulting as it does directly and
irresistibly from the very inaugural which he
denounces as common place and .'insig-
nfcant."
Another reference to the inaugural address
may be useful to illustrate the unfairness and
falsehood Of this alleged insignfcance We
allude to the passage in which the President
refers to the value of the Union, and to his
determination, at all and every hazard, to stand
by the constitutional rights Of the States. No
other public man in this country has been
bolder or more decided on this great question,
as well throughout his past life, in his earnest
and eloquent declaration upon this, point, on
entering the presidential chair. These decla-
rations coming from the Chief Magistrate on
such an occasion, were hailed as sure and aus
picious guarantees against future agitation;
and they awakened the liveliest sensations of
gratitude i'll every part OF the country. To
these pledges thus given, President Pierce has
been faithful from the first He may have
failed in some instances TO crafty personal
preferences in his appointments to office; but
all who accept position under his administra-
ton are understood to accept also his full and
fearless avowal of sentiment i'll favor of the
Union and the Constitution, and in favor of the
compromise measures, including the fugitive
slave laws of Congress. Hence it was that this
part of the inaugural address was greeted with
burst of applause that proved it was not re.
garded by the American people as either
commonplace or insignificant General
Pierce says:
In expressing briefly my views upon an impor-
tant subject which has recently agtated the nation
to almost fearful degree, l am moved by no other
impulse than most earnest desire for the perpet-
uation of that Union, which has made us what we
are-showerlng upon us blessings aud conterrng
power and influence, which our fathers could
hardly have anticipated, even with their most san
guine hopes directed to far-of-future The SEN
timents now announce were not unknown before
the expression Of the voice which called me here
My own position upon.this subject was clear and
unequivocal, upon the record of my words and acts
and it is only recurred to al this time because si-
lence might perhaps, be misconstrued. With the
Union, my best and dearest earthly hopes are en-
twined. Without il, what are we, individually or
collectively What becomes of the noblest field
ever opened for the advancement of our race in
religion, in government, in the arts, and in all that
dignihes and adorns mankind! :! From that radiant
constellation, which both illunlines our own way
aud points out to struggling nations their course
let but single star be lost and if there be not utter
darkness, the lustre of the whole is dmmed. Do
my countrymen need any assurance that such a
catastrophe is not TO overtake them, while pos
| sess the power to stay il tits with me earn
est and vital belief, that the Union has been the
source, under Providence, of our prosperity to this
time so it is the surest pledge of continuance OF
the blessings we have enjoyed and which we are
sacredly bound TO transmit undiminished TO our
children. The field of calm and free discussion in
our country is open. and will always he so, but il
never has been and never can be iraversed for
! good in spirit Of sectionalism and uncharitabe
ness. The founders Of the republic dealt with
things as they We're presented to them, in a spirit
OF se-sacrlhcng patriotism, and. time has
proved with comprehensive wisdom, which il
will always be safe for us to consult. Every mea,
sure tending 10 strengthen the iraternal feelings OF
all the members of our tnon, has had my heart
felt appreciation. To every theory of society or
government, whether the offspring of teverish am
| bton or of morbid cnthusiasm calculated to dis
solve the bonds Of law and affection which unite
us, shall interpose ready and stern resistance.
believe that involuntary servtudc it exists in
different States of this confederacy, is recognized
by the Constitution. | believe that il stands like
any other admitted right, and that the States where
il cxissa entitled TO efficient remedies to enforce
the constitutional provisions. hold that the laws
of 1850, commonly called the compromise mea-
sures are strictly constitutional, and to be unhes-
tatngly carried into effect believe that the con-
stltutcd authorities of this Republic are bound to
regard the rights of the south in this respect as
| they would view any olerlega and constitutional
right, and that the laws to enforce them should be
| respected and obeycd, not with a reluctance en-
couraged by abstract opinions to their propricty
| IN different state of society but cheeruly. and
according TO the decisions OF the tribunal TO which
their exposition belongs. Such have been. and are,
my convictions. and upon them shall act. / fer
venty hope that the question is at rest and that no
sectional, ambitious, ianatical excitement
may again threaten the durability of our ins,itu.
tions, or obscure the light of our prosperity.
We do not deem it necessary to strengthen
this part of our statement BY recalling other
features Of the Inaugural, no less pointed, posi-
tive and practical.
The condition of the country, when General
Pierce came into the presidency, suggests a
marked contrast with the condition of the
country when Mr.. Polk received the reins of
power. When Mr. Polk was inuagurated, the
great question of the annexation Of Texas Tor
rather the threatened results of that annexa-
tion) had assumed most exciting aspect.
The British claim to Oregon was scarcely a less
absorbing topic in the public mind. Added to
this, was the restrictive tariff of 1912. the in.
| stant reform and reduction of which was de.
manded by the public sentiment. While such
subjects as these monopolzed the attention of
the country, little interest was given to the be-.
stowal of government Offices. How different
the commencement of the present general ad-
minstration Beyond the detection of the