Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1853-03-12

it2 II is with me an earnest and vital be-
lief, that as the Union has been the source,
under Providence, of our prosperity TO this
time, so il is the surest pledge Of coniin-
uance OF the blessings we have enjoyed,
aud which we are sacredly bound 10 trans
mi, undiminished 10 our children.
The field OF calm and free discussion in
our country is open, and will always be so,
but it never has been and never can be tra-
versed for good in a spirit of sectionalsm
and uncharlableness. The founders of the
Republic dealt with things as they were
presented 10 them, in spirit Of self sacrif-
cling patriotism, and, as time has proved,
with comprehensive wisdom, which i will
always be safe for US TO consult. Every
measure, tending 10 strengthen the fra,erna
feelings of all the members Of our Union,
has had my heartfelt appreciation.
TO every theory of society or government
whether the offspring Of feverish ambition
or Of morbid enthusiasm, calculated 10 dis
solve the bonds of law and affection which
unite ue. | shall iulerpuse n ready and
stern resistance | believe that involuntary
servi,ude, as it exists in different States of
this conlederacy, is recognized by the Con-
stiiuion. ] believe that it stands like any
other admitted right, and that the Stale
where il exists are entitled TO efficient rem
edies 10 enforce the constitutional provis-
ions.
hold tha, the laws, Of 1850, commonly
called the 'icompromise measures" are
strictly constitutional, and be unhesitaingly
carried into effect. believe that the con-
stituied authorities Of this Republic are
I bonnd 10 regard the rights Of the South in
( this respect, as they would view any other
( legal and constitutional right and that the
/ laws 10 enforce them should be respected
and obeyed, not with reluctance enconia-
! grd by abstract opinions as 10 their proprie-
/ ty in different state of society, but cheer
/ fully, and according 10 The decisions Of the
. tribunal TO which their exposition belongs.
Such have been, and are, my convictions,
and upon them | shall act. fervenlly hope
that the question is AT rest, and that no sec
! liunal, or ambitious, or ianalical excitement
may again threaten the durability of our
Institutions, or obscure the light Of our pros
periy
But let not the foundation Of our hope
rest upon mans wisdom. II will not be suf-
Gcient that sectional prPjudices find no
place in the public deliberations. II will
not be sufficient tha, the rash connsels Of
human passions are rejected. 1t must be felt
! that there is 10 national security but III the
naIion;s humble, acknowledged, depend
ence upon God and his overuling provi-
drnce.
We have been carried in safety through a
! pcriOus crisis. Wise counsels, like those
I which gave us the constitution, prevailed 10
! uphold il. Let the period be remembered
as an admoniiion, and not as an encourage
( mcni, in ary section OF The Union, 10 make
experiments where experiments are fraught
with such fearful hazatd. Let ii he impres.
sed upon all hearts. that beautiful as our
fabric is, no earthly power o. wisdom could
I ever rc-Unie its broken fragments Stand
ing as do almost in view of The green
slopes Of Monticello, and, rs it were, with
/ in reach Of the tomb of Washington with
all the cherished memories of the past gath
ering around me, like so many eloquent
voices OF eXhortaIion from Heaven, can eX.
press no better hope for my country, than
| that the kind Providence, which smiled
upon our Fathers, may enable their children
to preserve the blessings they have inheri-
/ ted