Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1853-12-16

", even within tue MINUS VI tcFFttOrf
for the general government to undertake
to administer the affairs Of rail road, a
canal; or other similar construction; and
therefore that its connection with work
Of this character should be incidental
rather than primary.
will only add. at present, that, fully
appreciating the mag nitude of the sub
iect, and solicitous that the Atlantic and
Pacific shores o. the republic may be
bound together by inseperabIe ties oil
common interest, as well as of common
fealty and attachment TO The Union,
shall be disposed, so far as my own &C
ton is concerned, to follow the lights OF
the constitution, as expounded and illus
trated by those, whose opinions and ex-
positions constitute the standard of my
political faith in regard to the powers OF
the federal government. II is, | trust,
not necessary to say, that no grandeur
OF enterprise, and no present urgent in
ducement promising popular favor, will
lead me TO disregard those lights, or to
depart from that path, which experience
has proved TO be safe, and which is now
radiant with the glow Of prosperity and
legitimate constitutional progress. We
can afford to wait, but we cannot afford
to overlook the ark OF our security.
1t is no part of my purpose to give
prominence TO any subject, which may
properly be regarded as set at rest by
the deliberate judgment of the people =
But while the present is bright with
promise, and the future full oil demand
and inducement for the exercise Of active
intelligence, the past can never be with
ont useful lessons Of admonition and in
struction. IL its dangers serve not as
beacons, they will evidently fail to fulfil
the object Of wise design. When the
grave shall have closed over all, who are
now endeavoring 10 meet the obligations
Of duty, the year 1850 will oe REQUIRED to
as a period filed with anxious apprehen-
sion.
A successful war had Just terminated.
Peace brought with it vast augmenta-
ton Of territory. Disturbing questions
arose, bearing npon the domestic insti-
futions Of one portion Of the confedera-
cy. and involving the constitutional
rights Of the State. But, notwithstand-
ing difFerens es of opinion and sentiment,
which then existed in relation to details
and specific provisions, The acquiesence
of distinguished citizens, whose devotion
to the Union can never be doubted, has
given renewed yigor to our institutions,
and restored sense Of repose and secu-
rity to the public mind throughout the
confederacy- That this repose is to suf-
fer no shock during my official term, II
have power TO avert it, those who Pla ced
me here may be assured.
The wisdom of men, who knew what
independence cost, who had put all at
stake upon the issue Of the revolutionary
struggle,-disposed OF the subject to
which refer, in the only way consistent
with the union ofthese States, and with
the march of power and prosperity which
has made US what we are. Ii is sig
nificant fact, that from the adoption OF
the constitution until the officers and
soldiers of the revolution had passed to
their graves, or, through the infirmities
Of age and wounds, had ceased to partic-
ipate actively in public affairs, there was
not merely quiet acquiesence in, but
prompt vindication Of, the constitutional
rights Of the States. The reserved pow
ers were scrupulously respected.
No statesman put forth the narrow
views of casuists to justify interference
and agitation, but the spirit Of the CON-
pact was regarded as sacred in the eye
Of honor, and indispensable Tor the great
experiment of civil liberty, which, envi-
roned by inherent difficulties, was yet
borne forward in apparent weakness by
a power superior to all Obstacles
There is no condemnation, which the
voice Of freedom will not pronounce up
on US, should we prove iaithless to this
great trust. While men inhabiting diff
ferent parts Of this vast continent can no
more be expected to hold the same opin-
ions, or entertain the same sentiments,
than every variety OF climate or soil can
be expected 20 furnish the same agricul-
tural products, they can unite in CON-
mon object and sustain common princi-
pies essential to the maintenance OF that
object.
The gallant men of the south and the
north could st1nd together during the
struggle of the Revolution; they could
stand together in the more trying pref
cd which succeeded the clangor oil arms.
As their united valor was adequate to all
the trials Of the camp and dangers Of
the field, so their united wisdom proved
euqal to the greater task Of founding,
upoL deep and broad basis, institutions,
which il has been our privilege to enjoy,
and will ever be our most sacred duty to
sustain. 1t is but the feeble expression
OF a faith strong aud universal, to say
that their sons, whose blood mingled 50
often upon the same field, during the
war of 1917. and who have more recent
~ borne in triumph the flag OF the coun-
try upon foreign soil. will never per-
init alienation OF feeling to weaken the
power of their united efforts. nor intern
al dissention, to paralyze the great arm
of freedom, upIiited Tor the vindication
Of self-government.
Ihaye thus briefly presented such sug-
uestions as seem to me especially wor-
thy of your consideration. In providing
for the present, you can hardly fail to
Avail. Yourselves Of the light, which the
experience OF the past casts upon the
future.
The growth Of our population has now
brought MS. In the destined career Of our
national history, to a point at which IL
well behooves Us TO expand our vision
oyer the vast prospective.
The successive decimal returns 81
the censns since tho adoption OF the
consultation have revealed law Of
steady progressive development, which
may be stated, In general terms, as du-
piication every quarter century. Car
ried forwad. from the point already
reached, for only short period OF time
as applicable to the existence OF ma
ton, this law Of progress. II unchecked,
will bring Us 70 almost incredible re-
suits.
A large allowance for a diminished
proportional effect Of emigration would
not very materially reduce tbs ostim ate,
while The increased average duration OF
human life, known 10 have already re-
suited from the scienuhc and hygienic
,uarovaments of the past fifty wears,