Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1853-03-09

could hardly have anticipated, even Win LH6lf lSI
sanguine hopes directed to far off future. The
sentiments now announce were not unknown be-
fore the expression of the voice which called me
here My own position uron the subject was clear
and unequivocal, upon the record OF my words and
my acts and it is only required to at this time be-
cause silence might, perhaps, be miscohstrued.
With the Union my best and dearest earthly hopes
are entwined Without it, what are we, individu-
ally 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 dignifes and adorns mankind From that
radiant constellation which both illumines our own
way and points out to struggling nations their
course let but single star be lost and, II there be
not utter darkness the lustre of the whole is dim
med. Do my countrymen need any assurance that
such catastrophe is not to overtake them while
possess the power to stay it! 1t is with me an
earnest and vital belief that as the Union has been
the source under Providence, of our prosperity to
this time, it is the surest pledge of continu-
ance of the blessings we have enjoyed, and which
we are sacredly bound to transmit undiminished to
our children. The field of calm and free discus
sion in country is open, and will always be so,
but it never has been and never can be traversed
for good in a spirit of sectonalism and uncharit-
ableness. The founders of the Republic dealt with
things as they were presented to them, in a spirit
of sefsacrfcing patriotism, and, time has prov
ed, with comprehensive wisdom, which it will
always be safe for us to consult. Every measure
tending to strengthen the fraternal feelings of all
the members of our Union has had my heartfelt
appreciation. To every theory of society or gov
ernment, whether the offspring Of feverish ambition
or morbid enthusiasm, calculated to dissolve the
bonds of law and affection which unite US, l shall
nterpose ready and stern resistance. l believe
that involuntary servtude, it exists in the differ
ent States of this Conederacy, is recognised by the
Constitution believe that it stands like any other
admitted right, and that the States where it exists
are entitled to efficient remedies to enforce the
constitutional provisions. hold that the laws of
1850, commonly called the compromise
ures, strictly constitutional and to be unhesi
tatinGly carried into effect. believe that the
stituted authorities of this Republic are bound to
regard the rights of the South in this respect as
they would view any other legal and constitutional
right, and that the laws to enforce them should be
respected and obeyed, not with reluctance encour-
aged by abstract opinions to their proprety in
different state of society, but cheerfully, and ac-
cording to the decisions of the tribunal to which
their exposition belongs. Such have been, and are,
my convictions, and upon them l shall act. I fer
vently hope that the question is at rest, and that
no SECTIONAL or ambitious, or tanatical excitement
may again threaten the durability of institu-
tons, or obscure the light of our prosperity
But let not the foundation of our hopes rest upon
mans wisdom. 1t will not be sufficient that sec
tonaI prejudices find no place in the public deliber-
ations. 1t will be sufficient that the rash
sells of human passion are rejected. 1t must be
felt that there is national security but in the
tons humbled, acknowledged dependence upon
God and His overruling Providence.
We have been carried in safety through peril
Gus crisis. Wise counsels, like those which gave
the Constitution prevailed to uphold it. Let the
period be remembered as an admonition, and not
encouragement in any section of the Union
to make experiments where experiments are fraught
with such fearful hazards. Let it be impressed
upon all hearts that beautiful as our fabric is,
earthly power or wisdom could ever re-unite its
broken fragments. Standing as do almost within
view of the green slopes of Monticello, and as it
were, within reach of the tomb of Washington,
with all the cherished memories of the past gath
ering around me, like SO many eloquent voices of
exhortation from Heaven, can express no better
hope for my country than that the kind Providence
which smiled upon our fathers may enable their
chill lren to preserve the blessings they have inner
itcd.