The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-03-19
TCOncluded from First Pape.1

hopes are entwined. Without it, what are they.
individually or collectively what becomes of
the noblest field ever opened for the advance
ment of our race, in relation to the government
in the arts, and in all that dignifies and adorns
mankind, from that evident constellation which
both illumines our own way, and points out to
struggling nations their source? Let but q
single star be lost and if there be not darkness.
the lustre Of the whole is dim. Domy country
men need any assurance that such catastrophe
is not to overtake them while have power to
stay it! 1t is, with me, an earnest and vital
belief that as the Union has been the source
under Providence, of the surest pledge OF a
continuance Of the blessings we have enjoyed,
and of which we are sacredly bound TO trans
init undiminished 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,
md never can be, traversed for good in spirit
of sectionalism and uncharitableness.
The founders of the Republic dealt with
things as they were presented to them, in
spirit of sclEsacriicing patriotism, and as time
has proved, with a comprehensive wisdom,
which it will always he safe to consult Every
measure tending to strengthen the fraternal
feelings of all the members of the Union, has
had my humble appreciation. To every theory
in society or government, whether the offspring
of feverish ambition or morbid enthusiasm, cal
culated to dissolve the bond Of love and atiec-
ton, shall interposc steady and stern re-
sstance.
believe that universal servitudc, as it ey-
lists in the different States of this confcderacv,
is recognized in the Constitution, and it stands
like any other administrative rights. and the
States where it exists, are entitled to efficient
remedies to enforce the constitutional prOvis-
ion. l hold that the laws of 1850, commonly
called the Compromise measures, are strictly
constitutional and should he carried into effect.
believe the constituted authorities of this Re-
public should regard this law as they would
view any other legal and constitutional right,
and that the laws to enforce them should be
obeyed, not with reluctance encouraged by
abstract opinions as to their propriety in diff
ferent state of society, but cbeerfully and ac-
cording to the decisions Of tribunals to which
their exposition belongs. Such have been and
are my convictions. Upon them l shall act,
and fOndly hope that the question is at rest,
and that no sectional ambition or fanatical ex-
citement may again threaten the durability of
our institutions or observance of them lessen
the light of our prosperity. Let not the foun-
dation Of our hopes rest upon mans WISDOM
1t will not be sufficient that sectional prejudice
find no place in the public deliberations 1t
will not be sufficient that the rash cOunsels of
human passions are rejected. 1t must he felt
that there is no security but in the nations
humble acknowledgment of dependence upon
zoo ana an oVcrrullng ProVldcnce.
We have been carried in safety through a
primary crisis by wise counsels, like those
which gave us the constitutional privileges to
uphold it. Let the period be remembered as
an admOntiOn, and not as one of encourage
ment to any section of the Union, to make ex-
periments which are fraught with such fearful
hazards. Let it be impressed upon all hearts
that beautiful as our favored form of goScrn-
ment is, no earthly power or wisdom could
ever re-unite its broken fragments. Standing
as do, almost within view of Monticello. and
as itwere, within reach of the tomb of Washing
ton, with all the cherished memories of the past
generation 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 children to preserve the bless
ings they have inherited
FRANKLIN PIERCE
WASHINGTON, March H. 1853.