Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1853-03-10
rrAreunAL AppREss.

MY CoUNTRYHEN-t is a reliel
10 feel that no heart bot my own can
know the psrsonal'regret. and bitter
sorrow over which 4 havs been
borne TO a position so suitable for
others rather than desirable for my
self.
The circumstances that have been
called Cor a limited period TO preside
over the desiinies Of the Republic
fills me with profound sense Of the
responsibility, but with nothing like
shrinking apprehension. ] repair Ic
the post assigned ne. not as 10 one
sought, bui in obedience TO the un.
solicited expression of your will,
answerabIe only 70; a fearless. faith.
ful and diIigent exercise Of my besI
powers.
ough. to be, and am, truly CRATE.
ful for the rare manifestation of the
nations confidence. but this so iar
from tightening my obligations, only
adds TO their weight. You have
summoned me in nv weakness; you
must sustain me by your strsngth.
When boxing for the ful6iment OF
reasonable requirements, you will
not be unmindful of the great
changes which have occurred even
within the last quarter of century,
and the consequent augmentation,
and compIexity of the duties imposed
on the administration, both OF your
home and foreign affairs.
Whether the elements OF inherent
force in the Republic have kept pace
with its unparalleled progression in
territory, population and wealth. has
been the subject OF earnest thought
and discussion on both sides Of the
ocean. Less than So years ago, the
Father Of his Country made the then
recent accession OF the important
State OF North Carolina to the Con-
stilution OF the United States one Of
the subjects Of his especial congratu-
lations. AT that moment, however,
when the agitation consequent upon
the revolutionary struggle had partly
subsided, when we were just emerg-
ing from the weakness and embar-
easements Of the confederation, there
was an evident consciousness Of
vigor equal TO the great mission so
wisely and bravely fulfilled by our
fathers.
Ii was not presumptuouS assur-
ance. but calm faith springing from
a clear view of the sources OF power
in a government constituted like ours.
1t is no paradox to say that, although
comparatively weak, the new born
nation was intrinsically strong.
Ihconsiderable in population and
apparent resources, it was upheld by
a broad and intelligent comprehen-
sion Of rights, and an all pervading
purpose TO maintain. them stronger
than ornaments. II came from the
furnace OF the revolution tempered
TO the necessities of the times. The
thoughts Of the men Of that day
were as practical as their sentiments
were patriotic. They wasted no
portion Of their energies upon idle
and delusive speculaiions, but with
firm and fearless step advanced be-
yond the governal landmarks which
had hitherto circumscribed the limits
Of human freedom, and planted their
standard where il has stood against
the dangers which have threatened
from abroad, and the internal agila-
lion which has al times fearfully
menaced at home. They have
proved themselves equal to the solu-
ton Of the great problem, to under
stand which their minds had been H.
by the dawning lights OF
the Revolution. The object sought
was not a thing dreamed OF, it was
a thing realized. They had ex-
bibited not only the power 10
achieve, but what all history affirms
10 be so much more unusual-ihe
capacity TO maintain. The op-
pressed throughout the world, from
hat day to the present, have turned |
heir eyes hitherward, not TO find the |
lights extinguished, or to lear lest /
hey should wane, but to be con-
'tantly cheered by their steady and |
Increasing radiance.
In this our country has, in my |
thus far fulfilled its high |
,st duty to suffering humanity. III
las spoken, and will continue TO |
peak, not only in words but by its
Icts, the language of sympathy. en-
and hope 10 those who
earnestly listen TO the tones which
pronounce for the largest national
liberty. But after all the most ami
mating encouragement and potent
lppeal for freedom, will be its own
history, its trials, and its triumphs.
Pre-eminently the power of our
dvocacy reposes in our example, but
10 example, be it remembered, can
e powerful for lasting good, what
ver apparent advantages may be
aimed, which is not hased upon the