Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-03-17
$500 PER ANNUM, in ADVANCE.

ton of that Union which has made us
what we are, showering upon us bless
ings. and conterring a power and inhencc
which our Fathers could hardly have an.
ticipa,ed. even with their sanguine hopes
directed 10 far.of future. ysgse ~
The sentiments L now announce were
not unknown before the expression Of
that voice called me here--ny own posi-
tion upon this subject was clear and un.
equivocsl, in the record Of my words and
my acts, and il is only reassured az this
time, because my silence might perhaps
be misunderstood. With the Union my
dearest hopes are enlisled--without il,
what are we individually OF collectively!
What becomes Of the noblest field ever
opened for the advancement of our race
in religion. in government, in ar,s, and in
all that dignifes and adorns mankind.
from that radiant constellation which
both illumines our own way, and points
out to struggling nations their course; out
let single star be lost, and il utter dark
ness does not follow, the lustre of the
whole il diminished. Do my country
men need any assurance that such ca
tastrophe is not to overtake them while
| possess the power TO stayit! IL 10 with
me an earnes, and vital belief, ,ha, as the
Union has been the source, under Proyi.
dence. Of our prosperity up TO this time,
SO it is pledge of the blessings we have
enjoyed, and which we are bound to
transmit, undininished. 10 our children.
the field Of calm and free discussion in
our country is open, and will always be
so. but il never has. and never can, be
traversed for good in spirit of section.
ali sm and uncharitablenes.
The founders Of the Republic deal,
with things ~ they were presented 10
them in spirit Of self. sacrafcing patri.
osism, and, as time has proved, with a
comprehensive wisdom which il will
be safe for Us 10 consult. Every meas
ure tending to the patcrnal feelings of all
the members Of the Uuion, has had my
heartfelt appreciation; but to every theory
of government. whether the offspring of
feverish ambition or of morbid en,husi-
asm, calculated TO dissolve the bonds of
love and affection which unites US, shall
interpose a ready and stern resistance. -
| believe that involuntary servi,ude. as il
exisis in the different States Of this Tn
ion, is :ecognized by the Constitution.
and believe that it stands like any other
admitted right. and that the States where
II exists are entitled to efficient remedies
to enforce the Constitutional provisions.
| hold that the laws Of 1850, commonly
called the Compromise measures, are
strictly constitutional. and should be un-
hesitatingly carried ont. | believe that
the constituted authorities of this repub-
lie are bound to regard the rights of the
South in this respect, as they would
view any other feature, and constitutional
right, and that ihe laws to enforce them
should be respected ard obeyed; not with
a reluctance. encourage, by abstract opin-
ions as to their propriety in different
state of society. but cheerfully and &C.
cording to the descision Of the tribunal
to which their exposition belongs.
Such have been and are my convic-
:ions; upon them shall act. and | ferv-
emily hope that the question is at rest.
and that no sectional or ambitious fanat-
ical excitement NAV again threaten the
durability Of our institutions, or obscure
the light Of our prosperity. But let not
the foundation of our hopes rest upon
mans evidence-it will no: be sufficient
that our sectional prejudices find place
in the public deliberations-i, will not be
sufficient that the rash councils Of human
passion are rejected. Itmust be felt that
:here is no rational security but in the
nations acknowledgment OF God and his
overruling Providence. We have been
carried safely through perilous crisis-
wise counsels like those who gave US the
constitution. prevailed to uphold il. Let
the period be remembered as an admoni-
ton, and not as an encouragement in any
section Of the Union. to make expert
ments, when experiments are fraught
with such fearful hazard. LIE. il be i'm
pressed upon our hearts. that. beautiful
as our fabric is, no earthly power or wis.,
dum could never reuniie il after being
broken into fragments.
Standing, as | do. almost in view Of
the green slope Of the Monticello. and
as il we're in reach Of the tomb Of Wash
ing.on. with all the cherished memorials
of the past gathering around me like so
many eloquent voices of expostulation
from heaven, | can express no bstter hope
for my country, than that the kind Prov
idence which smiled upon our fathers
may enable their children 10 preserve the
blessings they Eave inherited.