Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-03-10

mankind. and the advantages of trade and inter.
national intercourse must al says present noble
field for the moral nfuen, e Of great people.
With these views firmly and honestly carried
out we have right to expect, and shall under all
circumstances require, prompt reciprocity. Inc
rights which belong to us as nation, are not
alone to be regarded. but those which pertain to
every citizen in his individual capacity, at home
and abroad, must be sacredly maintained. 80
long as he can discern every star 10 It's place
upon that ensign, without wealth TO purchase lot
him preferment, or title 10 secure tor hun place,
it will be his privilege, and must be his acknowl-
edged right to stand unabashed even IN The
presence OF princes, with proud consciousness
that he is himself one OF a nation OF sfverelgns,
and that he cannot, IN legitimate pursuit, wan
der 50 far from home, that the agent, whom ne
shall leave behind in the place which now &C.
cupy. will not see that no rude hand OF power or
tyrannical passion is laid upon hnl with Impu-
nifty. He must realize, that upon every seq, and
on eyery soil, where our enterprise may rIghtful-
~ seek the protection OF our flag, American Cit
izenship is on invlolable panalopy for the secu-
rity of American rights. And, in this connec-
ton, it can hardly be necessary to re affirm
principle which should now be regarded as fun
damental. The rights, security, and repose OF
the confederacy reject the idea OF interference
or colonization, on this side oil the ocean, by any
foreign power, beyond present jurisdiction, as
utterly lnadmisslbe.
The opportunities Of observation, furnished BY
my brief experience as a soldier, confirmed IN
my own mind the opinion entertained and acted
upon by others from the formation Of the gove'n--
ment, that the maintenance of large standing
armies in our country would be not only danger
Gus, but unnecessary. They also illustrated
the Importance, might well say the absolute
necessity, of the military science and practical
skill furnished, in such an eminent degree, by
the institution which has made youl army what
it is. under the dlcipine and instruction of off
GERS not more distinguished for their sold at
tainments, gallantry, and devotion to the public
service, than for unobtrusive bearing and high
moral tone.
The army, as organized, must be the nucleus,
around whlch,in every time OF need the strength
of our miitary power the sure bulwark OF your
Defence national militia, may be readily
formed into well disciplined and efficient or
ganization. And the skill and self-devotlon OF
the navy assure yon that you may take the per-
Torrance of the past as a pledge for the future,
and may confidently expect that the flag, which
has waved its untarnished folds over every sea.
will still float in undimlnished honor. But these,
like many other Subjects will be appropriately
brought, at future time, to the attention of the
coordinate branches of the government, to which
I shall always look with profound respect, and
with trusttu confidence that they will accord to
me the aid and support, which | shall so much
need and which their experience and Wisdom
will readily suggest.
In the administration of domestic affairs. you
expect to devoted integrity in the public
service and an observance of rigid economy in all
departments, so marked as never justly 10 be
questioned IF this reasonable expectation be
not realized, frankly confess that one of your
leading hopes Is doomed to disappointment, aud
that my efforts. in a very important particular
must result in humating failure OficerS
can be properly regarded only in the light a
aids for the accomplishment of these objects
and as occupancy can confer no prerogatve, MOI
importunate desire for preterment any claim
the public interest imperatively demands thai
they be considered with sole reference to tbs
duties to be performed. Good citizens may wei
claim the protection Of good laws and the ben,gl
influence of good government; but claim for
office is what the people of the republic should
never recognize.
No reasonable man Of any party will expect
the administration to be 50 regardless OF It's res
possibility, and OF the obvious elements OF sue
cess as to reiain parsons. known to be under the
influence of political hostility and partisan pre-
JUDGE in positions which will require, not only
severe labor, but cordial cooperation. Having
10 implied engagements to ratfy, no reward to
beslow no reseDtments to remember. and no
personal wishes to consult. in selections for
official station, shall fulfill this difficult and
delicate trust, admitting no motion as worthy
either of my character or position, which does
nn contemplate an efficient discharge of duty
and the best interests of my country
] acknowledge my obligations to the masse;
of my countrymen and to them alone. Higher
objects than personal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT gave d.
rection and energy to then exertons in the late
canvass, and they shall not be disappointed
They require at my hands diligence, integrity
and capacity, whenever there ale duties to be
performed. Without these qualities in their pub
lie servants, more stringent laws, for the preven
ton or punishment Of fraud, negligence ant
pecuaton, will be vain. With them, they vii
be unnecessary.
But these are not the only points to which yor
look for vigilant watchfulness. The danger o
a concentration of all power IN the general gov
eminent of confedracv 80 vast as ours, are toe
obvious 10 be disregarded, You have a right
therefore, to expect your agents, in every depart
ment, to regard strlckly the limits imposed upoI
them by the Constitution Of the United States
The great schemes of our constitutional libertl
rests upon "a proper distribution OF power be
tween the State and Federal authorities; ant
experience has shown thar the harmony and
happiness Of our people must depend upon
JUST discriminating between the separate right
and responsibilities OF the States, and your com
mon rights and obligations under the genera
government.
And here, in my opinion, are the considera
tons which should form the true basis of futur,
concord IN regard to the questions which hav'
most seriously disturbed public tranquility. ]
the Federal government vii! confne itself to thu
exercise OF powers clearly granted by the Con
stitulon, it can hardly happen that its actor
upon any question should endanger the lnstItu.
tons of the States, or interfere with their right
to manage matters strictly domestic, according
to the will of their own people.
In expressing briefly my views upon an i'm
portant subject, which has recently agltated the
nation to almost fearful degree, am moved BY
no other impulse than most ardent desire 10
the perpetuation of that Union, which has made
US what we are,-showering upon US blessings
and comforting power and influence which on
fathers could hardly have anticipated, even witt
their most sanguine hopes directed to a tar-of
future. The sentiments now announce were
not unknown before the expression of the voice
which Gale me here. My own position upor
this subjec, was clear and unequlvoc.l. upon
the record OF my words and my acts, and 1t i;
only required to at this time because silence
might, perhaps be misconstrued.
" it'll the Union, my best and dearest earthly
hopes are entwined. Without it, what ate we
individually or collectively? VIVA, becomes OF
the noblest field ever opened Tor the advance
ment Of our race, in religion, in government, in
the arts, and In all that dlgnfes and adorn.
mankind From that radent constellation
which both ilumnes our own way and points ou