Meigs County telegraph. [volume] (Pomeroy [Ohio]) 1848-1859, 1853-03-08

i We have been happily, almost entirely
lexempl, while these are confirmed 10 the
nations which gave them existence, and
within their legitimate jurisdiction; they can.
not affect except as they appeal 10 our SYM
palhy in the case Of human freedom and
universal advancement. Blu, The past inter.
es,s oi commerce are common 10 oil man.
kind, and the advantages OF trade and inter-
national intercourse mus, always present a
noble field iiom the moral influence Of a
great people.
With these views. f:nly and honestly
carried out, we have right 10 expect, and
shall under oil circumstances, require prompt
reciprocity. The rights which belong 10 US,
as nation, are no. alone 10 be regarded, bul
these which pertain to every citizen, in his
individual capacity, al home and abroad,
mus, be sacredly maintained so long as he
can discern every star in its place upon
that ensign, without wealth, purchased for
him, prelermeni and title, 10 secure for him
place, !, will be his privilege and must be
his acknowledged right 10 stand, unabashed,
even in the presence Of Princes, with proud
consciousness iha, he is one, himself, Of
nation Of sovereigns, and that he canno, in
legitimate pursuits, wander SO far from home
that the agen. whom he shall leave behind
in the place now occupy, will not see thai
no rude hand. Of power or ,yrannical passion
is laid upon him with impunisy. He must
realize that upon every sea and on every
soil where our enterprise may rghi(ulIy seek
the protection Of osr flag.
American citizenship is an iAvio.sble panopiy
for the security of American rights. And IN this
connection, it can hardly be necessary to re-afim
fundamental, a right, security, and repose of
this confederacy. regret the idea of interference
or colonization on this side of the ocean by any
ioreign power beyond present urisdicti IN, as ut
terly inadmisSible. The opportunities of obser-
vat!on furnished by my brief experience as
soldier, confirmed in my own mind, the opinion
entertained and acted upon by others from the
formation of the government, that the nainten
ance OF large standing armies in our country
would be not only dangerous but unnecessary.
They also illustrate the Importance, / might
we'll say, the absolute necessity of the military
science and practical skill furnished in such an
eminent degree by the institution which has
made your amy what it is under the discipline
and instruction of officers not more distinguished
10
to the public service than for noble bearing and
high moral tone.
The army as organized must be the nucleus
around which in every time of need the strength
OF your military power-be sure bulwark of your
defence. A national military, shall be of so much
need, and which their experience and wisdom
shallreadily suggest.
In the administration of domestic affairs you
Will expect devoted integrity in the public ser
vices, and an observance of rigid economy In all
departments, so marked as never Justly to bs
questioned. If this reasonable expectation be not
realized, frankly confess, that one of your lead
ing hopes is doomed to Disappointment, and that
my efforts, in a very important particular, must
result in humiliatng failure.
Oftcers can be properly rewarded. only in the
ilgnt OF aid for the accomplishments of these OBJ
Jectg, and as occupancy can confer no creative
nor lmportunate desire for preferment, the public
interest imperatvey demands that they be con-
Sldered with sole reference to the duties to be per-
formed. Good citizens may we'll claim the pro-
lection of good laws, and the benign influence of
good government, but the claim for Office is what
the people of Republic should never recognize
NO reasonable man of anv party will expect
the administration to be so regardless OF its Ie-
sponsibility and of the obvious elements of sue
cess asto retain persons known TO be under the
influence OF political hostility and partizan pref
udices, in positions which will require not only
severe labor, but cordial co-operation.
having no implied engagements to satisfy, no
rewards to bestow, nc resentments to remember,
no personal wishes to consult in relations, my
Official station l shall fulfll-this difficult and
oencate trust, admitting no motive as worthy
ether OF my character or position which does not
contemplate an efficient discharge of my duties,
the best interests of my country.
acknowledge my obligations to the masses of
my countrymen and to them alone. Higher OBJ
jectAthan personal aggrandzement gave direction
and energy to their exertions in the late canvass
and they shall not be disappointed.
They require, at my hands, diligence and ca
pacity wherever there are duties TO be performed.
Without these qualities, their public service,
leaves no stringent measures for the prevention
OF punishment of fraud, negligence and pecula-
ton, will be vain with them
They will be unnecessary, but those are not
the only points to which you look for vigilant
watchfIlnesS. The danger of a concentration of
all power in the general government of aconfed-
eracy so vast as ours are too obvious to be diSre
garded. You have right therefore, to expect
your agents, in every department. to regard
strictly the limits imposed upon them by the Con-
stitution of the United States.
The great scheme of our constitutional liberty
rests upon the proper distribution OF power be-
tween the States and federal authorities, and ex.
perience has shown that the harmony and happi-
ness of our people must depend upon Just dis
elimination between the seperate rights and re-
sponsbli!ies Of the States, aud your common
rights and obligations under the general govern
ment; herein, in my opinion are the conSidera-
tionu which should form the true basis of future
concern, in regard to the questions which have
most seriously disturbed public tranquility.
lf the general government will coEhne
itself 10 the exercise Of powers clearly
granted by the constitution, it can hardly
happen that lis action upon a question
should endanger the institutions of The
states, or interfere with their rights TO man.
age The matters strictly domestic according
to the will Of their own people.
In expressing briefly my views upon an
important subject which has recently ngita.
ted the nation to almost fearful degree,
am moved by no other impulse than most
earnes. desire for The perpetuation Of that
Union which has made US what we are;
showering upon US blessings, and comforting
a power and influence which our fathers
could hardly have anticipated even with
their most sanguine hopes directed TO far
off future.
These sentiments | now announce were
not unknown before the expression Of The
voice which called mo hers.
My own position upon this subject was
clear and unequivocal upon the record OF
my words and my acts, and il is only re.
Cured 10 al this lime because silence might