The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-03-16
IN ADVANCE.
n UNI B Err G

| planted their standard where it has stood
against the dangers which have threaten
Ell from abroad, and internal agitations
which have at times fearfully menaced at
home. They proved themselves equal to
the solution of the great problem, to un-
derstand which their minds had been iliu-
minated by the dawning lightof the revo-
luton.
The object sought was not thing
dreamed Oft was thing realized
They had exhibited not only the power to
achieve, but what all history affirms to be
so much more unusual, the capacity to
maintain it.
The oppressed throughout the world
from that day to the present have turned
their eyes hltherward, not to find those
lights extinguished or to fear that they
should wane, but to be constantly cheered
by their steady and increasing radience.--
In this our country has, in my Judgment,
thus far fulfilled its highest duty to suffer-
ing humanity.
1t has spoken, and will continue to
speak, not only by its words, but by its
acts, the language of sympathy, enccur-
agement and hope to those who earnestly
listen to tones which pronounce for the lar
gest national liberty. But, after all, the
most animating encouragement and potent
appeal for freedom will be its own history
its trials, and its trumphs.
Pre-eminently, the power of our advoca-
cy reposes in our example but no exam
pie, be it remembered, can be powerful for
lasting good, whatever apparent advanta-
ges may be gained which is not based up
on the eternal principles Of right and jus
ticc.
Our fathers decided for themselves, both
upon the hour to declare and the hour to
strike. They were their own judges of the
circumstances under which it became
them to pledge to each other their lives,
their fortunes, and their sacred honors, for
the acquisition of the priceless inheritance
transmitted to us. The energy with which
that great conflict was opened, and under
the guidance of a manifest and benifcent
Providence, the accomplishing endurance
mdhoh, were "0dryr yrsffpstsegaadi t. its f9QRespP Qqes
dom and patriotic spirit of concession
Which characterized all the counsels of
the early fathers. One of the most inn
pressive evidences of that wisdom is to be
found In the act, that the actual working
OF our system has dispclled degree of So
llctude which at the outset disturbed bold
hearts and far-reaching intellects. The
apprehension and dangers from extended
territory, multiplied States, accumulated
wealth, and augmented population, has
proved to be untounded. The stars upon
your banner have become nearly three
fold their original number, your densely
populated possessions skirt the shores Of
the two great oceans, and yet this great
increase ofpeope and territory has not on
ly shown itself compatible with the har-
monious action of the States and Federal
Government in their respective constitu-
tlonal spheres, but has afforded an add-
tIonal guarantee of the strength and in
tegrity of both.
With an experience thus suggestive and
cheering, the policy of my administration
will not be controlled by any timid fore
bodIngs OF evil from expansion. Indeed
1t is not to be disguised that our attitude
as nation, and our position on the globe
ions, not within our jurisdiction epa;nentlv
important for our projection. ;f nor IN ths
future, essential for the nrese,vat;on ofthe
rights of commerce and the neaca of m tbe
world. Should they be obtained, il will
view to Obvious NATIONAL interest ana sa-
curity, and in a manner ent;relv co,,s;s,en.
with the strictest observance of ns.;onai
faith. We have no,L;no, ;n e,,s h;s.osn na.
position 70 invite aograss;on - wo y hasay
erytbinc 70 hackoE ,,s - .,,,.;aa,;e, J .S ",
relations Of neace and s,.;,, ,s;,h n ~, y
tons Pnrposes tbsrafors =, go, anaa - ;,a,
and pacific will be s;gn;fc.n,Iv mo,gad
in the conduct ,of onr fnre;an aea;rs
,ntcnd ,bat ~. .hnI -
NO hlot nnon o,r f,;r raeasS " 81 - ,.,,s, :
NAV safeIS tha as.,sona, , IIa ,ha, '."'S
within tbe leo,,;n,s,o scons IS ,,' ~ "oss,;s ~ "
N '"t9'",.Se otoPc"hhg SehStieu~