The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-03-09

Dehlhd IN tne place how occupy, VIII not
see that no rude hand OF power or iyran.
nical passion is laid upon him with impu.
nifty. lie must realize that upon every sea
and on every SOIL he may rightfnlly seek
the protection of our flag. American cit.
izenship is an inviolable panoply for the
security OF American rights. And, in this
connection, it can hardly be necessary to
re.a(lirm the principles which should now
be regarded MS fundamental. The rights,
security, and repose Of this confedera.
cy regard the idea of interference or
colonization on this side of the ocean
by any foreign power beyond present ju.
risdction, as utterly inadmissible. The
opportunities Of observation furnished by
my brief experience as soldier, confirm.
ed in my own mind. the opinion entertain.
ed and acted upon by others, from the lor-
nation of the government, that The main
tenance of large standing armies IN our
country would be not only dangerous but
unnecessary.
They also illustrate the Importance, |
might well say, the absolute necessity Of
the military science and practical skill fur.
nished in such an eminent degree by the
institution which has made your army what
tits. under the discipline and instruction Of
officers not more distinguished for their
solid attainments. gallantry, and devotion
to the public service than for noble bear.
ing and high moral tone.
The army as organized must he the nu.
cleus around which. in every time Of need,
the strength Of your military power-,hc
sure bulwark Of your defence. A nation.
al military, shall be Of so much need, and
which their experience and wisdom shall
readily suggest.
In the administration ofdomestic affairs
you will expect devoted integrity in the
public service, and an observance of rig.
id economy in all departments. so marked
as never justly to be questioned. II this
reasonable expectation be not realized, |
frankly confess, that one of your leading
hopes is doomed to disappointment, and
that my efforts, in very important parlic-
ular. mus, result in humiliating failure.
Officers can be properly rewarded only
in the light of aid for the accomplishment
Of these objects. and as occupancy can
confer no pro.creaive nor importunae de.
sire Tor preierment, the public interest i'm.
peritively demand that they be considered
with sole reference 10 the duties to be per-
formed. Good citizens may well claim
the protection good laws. and the benign
influence OF good governmenl.but the claim
for Office is what he'people OF II Republic
should never recognize.
No reasonable man, of any party, will
expect the administration to be so regard
less Of its responsibility and Of the obvious
elements OF success as TO retain persons
known to be under the influence OF polti.
cal hostility and partzan preiudces, in
positions which will require not only severe
labor, but cordial cooperation.
Having no implied engagements to rat.
ify, no rewards 10 beslow. no resentments
to remember. no personal wishes to con-
sultin selecting my official station, shall
fulfil this difficult and delicate trust, adj.
hitting no motive as worthy either of my
character or position which does not con.
template an efficien, discharge of duties.
and the best interests of my country.
acknowledge my obligations TO the
masses of my countrymen and to them a.
lone. Higher objects than personal ag.
grandizement gave direction and energy
to their exeltions in the late canvass and
they shall no, be disappointed.
They require. at my hands, diligence
and capacity wherever duties are 10 be
performed. Without these qualities, pub.
lie laws, or more stringent measures for
the prevention or punishment Of fraud
negligence and pecula,ion, will be vain
with them. !
They will be unnecessary, but those are
no, the only points to which you look for
vigiant watchiuness. The dangers of a
concentration of all power in the general
government ofa conIederacy so vast as
ours, are too obvious TO be disregarded.- -
You have right. therefore. to expect your
agents. in every department, 10 regard
strictly the limits imposed upon them by
the Constitution the United States.
The great scheme Of our constitutions
liberty rests upon the proper distribution
Of power between the States and federal
authorities. and experience has shown thai
the harmony and happiness OF our people
must depend upon n just discrimination
between the separate rights and RESPONSE.
biities of the States. and your common
rights and obligations under the genera
government; ard herein. in my opinion
are the considerations which should form
the true basis OF future concern, in regard
10 the questions which have most serious,
disturbed the public tranquility.
If the general government will confne
iseI to the exercise Of powers clearly gran
ed by the Constitution. it will hardly hap
pen that its action upon question should
endanger the institutions of the States. ol
interfere with their rights 10 manage the
matters strictly domestic, according to the
will of their own people.