Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1853-12-16
The Presidents Message.

We have been reading the messages of PreSl-
dents for some years past, as they periodically
came TO oar notice, but we have seldom traTersed
column after column of these usually lengthy
documents, with as much pleasure, prefit and
democratic pride, as the late production of our
Yankee President, Franklin Pierce, has afforded
us.
With characteristic ingenuity, he has imprO-
scd the old pattern, and while he retains i'll his,
thc main substantial features of the old and SIM
liar papers of his predecessors, he gives easy
grace to the sentiment, and polish to the style,
which add to our admiration ofthe statesman the
fascinations of the scholar.
In alIuding to the general interest manifested
by the people at the assembling of each succeed
ing Congress, he pays a merited compliment te
the intelligence of our nation tthe truth of which
we may all make matter of congratulation)
that, that interest is q inseparable from in
quiring, self governing community"
The President, with great propriety, adopts
the example of his forerunncrs, and alludes with
beauty and reverence to the abundant cause,
which we, as nation, have, for thankfulness and
alteration 20 the supreme ruler of all.
Men of callous hearts and wicked and immoral
practices, may, it is true, write very christian
paragraphs and the lover of truth-the pure in
heart can appreciate them, and be edited by them,
if angel spoke. But we are not all so rea-
dy, to take good from a source for which we feel
indifference, and perhaps too apt to call in
question the character of the preacher. How
gratifying, in the case in hand, to know that he
whose precepts we much approve, and which
are only the fruit of a mind chastened by severe
Providence, and imbued with grace is the hum
ble and consistent practitioner of his faith.
Mr.. Pierce adds encOmium to the fundamental
principles of absolute religious liberation, and
from his high, and now unqualifiedly independent
position brings to naught and scatters the asser-
tions of his foes, who before his election strove
TO identify him with puritanical persecution, and
soul-pinching illiberality.
After discussing with becoming care the vari-
ous topics offorcign interest the President lays
before US, conciscly and yet fully, the condition
Of our own affairs. The financial policy "a dem
ocra:ic creation) which has withstood the attacks
Of our political adversaries until its workings
have overfowcd the treasury with the splendid
sum of thirty odd millions of dollars, and scnced
all rational objections, will meet with no radical
changes at the hands of the chief executive and
his supporters. American policy, in State and
individual practice, is, to pay debt when accu-
mnlatcd and by just economy, avoid it.
1t is gratifying to know that the present sys-
tom of cheap postnge, has not been the cause ofa
deficiency in the revenue of the Post Office de-
partmcnt; but although the expenses have ex-
cecded the receipts some two millions of dollass>
the reason is to be found in the enormous ra ~
which have been extorted by Rail Road compa
mics for carrying services. Retrcnchment in this
respect, will secure to the public the benefits of
continuance Of our present rates, than which
nothing can be more desired, felt and appreciated
by highly intelligent people, such as ours We
are eminently letter writing nation. Every
body, we may say, sends and receives comnuni-
cations by mail, and the Post Office is place of
interest to millions and millions.
Though among the most powerful nations of
the globe. commanding the respect of all. and
formidable enough for success in any emergency.
o:Ir army has been proportionably the smallest in
the world. Courage is the natural growth ofin-
te-g5t, and wherever every man is a stakeholder
~ the common veal, each will feel bound TO re-
deem his share whether the common veal con-
flsts Of homes aud fresides, freedom or religion
lhe Yastness Of our boundary and themultiplici-
y ol the objects Of care as well as the dangers
70 "h'h they arc exposed, seem TO call foP an
increase oil forces in the war department of the
government and the same has been reconlnen-
dcd TO the favorable consideration OF Congress
President Pierce 5 message Is full of living en-
ih''jiasin for the maintanancc Of States Riehts-
ise faithful construction Of the constitution. view