The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-12-14

constitutional means, IN the construction |
of road, which will unite, by speedy |
transit, the populations Of the Pacific and
Atlantic States. To guard against mis-
conception, it should be remarked that,
although the power to construct. or aid in
the construction OF, road within the linn
its Of territory is not embarrassed by
that question of jurisdiction which would
arise within the limits of State. it is new
ertheless held to be of doubtful power. and
more than doubtful propriety, even within
the limits OF territory. for the general
government to undertake to administer the
affairs of railroad. canal, or other
similar construction, and therefore that lis
connection with work of this character
should be incidental rather than primary.
| will only add, at present, that. fully ap-
lpreciating the magnitude Of the subject,
and solicitous that the Atlantic and Pacific
shores Of the republic may be bound to-
ge,her by inseparable ties OF common IN
terest, as we'll as Of common fealty and
attachment TO the Union, | shall be dis
posed so far as my own action is concern
ed, to follow the lights of the constitution.
as expounded and illustrated by those.
whose opinions and expositions constitute
the standard Of my political faith in re-
gard to the powers of the federal govern
ment. 1t is, trust, not necessary to say
that no grandeur of enterprise, and no
present urgent inducement promising pop
; ular 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 pros
-. peri,y and legitimate constitutional pro-
? gress. We can afford to wait, but we
cannot afford to overlook the ark Of our
security.
Itis no part of my purpose to give prom
inence to any subject, which may proper
. ly be regarded as set at rest by the DELHI
: crate judgment of the people. But while
D the present is bright with promise. and the
n future full Of demand and inducement for
s the exercise of active intelligence. the past
a can never be without useful lessons of ad-
h monition and instruction. II its dangers
+ serve not as beacons. they will evidently
n fail to fulfill the object of wise design.
e When the grave shall have closed over
e all. who are now endeavoring to meet the
|. obligations of duty, the year 1850 will be
II REQUIRED TO as period filled with anxious
apprehension. A successful war had just
= terminated. Peace brought with it vast
J. augmentation of territory. Disturbing
ST questions arose, bearing upon the domes-
e tic institutions of one portion Of the con,
federacy, and involving the constitutional
y rights of the States. But, Notwithstanding
e. differences of opinion and sentiment
J. which then existed in relation TO details
ii and specific provisions, the acquiescenee
lie of distinguished citizens, whose devotion
III to the Union can never be doubled. has
lr given renewed vigor to our institutions
a. and restored sense of repose and secu
'e rity to thelpublic mind throughout the con
re iederacy. That this repose is TO suffer nc
n siock during my official term, il ] have
ie power to avert it, those who placed mt
OF here may be assured. The wisdom O
men. who knew what independence cost
n who had put all at stake upon the issue o
m the revolutionary struggle. disposed OF tn,
"a subject to which refer, in the only way
IS consistent with the union of these States
nj and with the march OF power and prosper
I'd ity which has made US what we are. 1t il
he significant fact. that from the adoption
in of the constitution until the officers ant
IL soldiers Of the revolution had passed I,
1t. their graves, or, through the infirmities o
ed age and wounds. had ceased to paricipa,
actively in public affairs, there was no
I'd merely quiet acqaiescence in, but
in prompt vindication of. the constitutions a
e. rights of the States. The reserved pow
id +ers were scrupulously respected. N
n statesman pat forth the narrow views Q
n casuists to justify interference and agiia
nd ton, but the spirit of the compact was re
ly garded as sacred in the eye of honor, ant
is indispensable for the great experiment Q
il civil liberty, which, enviroaed by inheren
Ict difficulties, was yet borne forward in ap
sf parent weakness by power superior t
or all obstacles. There is no condemnation
be which the voice of freedom will not pro
e- nounce upon US, should we prove faithles
a. to this great trust While men inhabitin
ty different parts of this vast continent ca
k. no more be expected to hold the sam
nd opinions, or entertain the same sentiments
lv than every variety Of climate or soil cal
nv be expected TO furnish the same agrcultu
ur raj products, they can unite in a common
ng object and sustain common principles es
at. sental TO the maintenance Of that object
is The gallant men of the south and th
to north could stand together during the strug
ss gle of the Revolutions; they could stan,
ms together in the more trying period whic
succeeded the clangor of arms As thei
e. united valor was adequate to all the trial
lie of the camp and dangers of the field, s
I'M their united wisdom proved equal to til
n. greater task OF founding. upon deep an
IN. broad basis, institutions, which it has beel
ad our privilege TO enjoy, and will ever b
re our most sacred duty TO sustain. 1t is bu
b. the feeble expression Of faith strong an
ms universal, TO say that their sons. who's
be blood mingled SO often upon the same field
pe during the war Of 1919, and who hay
ed more recently borne in triumph the flag {
ill the country upon foreign soil, will neve
d. permit alienation of feeling to weaken tn
he power. of their united efforts, nor interns
ne dissensions to paralyze the great arm {
n freedom. uplifted for the vindication {
in selfgovernment.
of have thus briefly presented such sue
n. gesions as seem 10 me especially worthy Z
nd your consideration. In providing for tn