The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1853-03-15

No reasonable man of any party will ex-
pect this administration to bc SO regardless
Of its responsibility, and the obvious elements
of its success, as to retain persons known to
DO under the influence of political hostility
and partizan prejudice, in positions which
will require not Only severe labor, but cordi-
al cooperation. Having no implied engoge-
mcnts TO supply, no rewards to bestow, no
rcseuimcnts to remember, and no personal
wishes to consult. in selections for official
stations, ! shall fulfill this delicate and diff
cult trust, admitting no motive as worthy
either of my character or position which
does not contemplate an efficient discharge
of duty, and the best interests Of my country.
l acknowledge my obligations to the masses
of my countrymen, and to them alone
Higher obligations than personal aggrandise-
ment gave direction and energy To their exer-
tions in the late canvass, and they shall not
be disappointed. They require at my hands
diligence, integrity and capacity. whenever
thero arc duties to be performed. Without
theso qualities ia their public servants, more
stringent laws for the prevention of punish
ment of fraud, neglect and pecula,ion, will
bo vain; with them, they would bo unneces-
sarv. Hnh
But these arc not tho only points to which
YOU look for vigilance and watchfulness.-
Tho dangers of concentration Of oil power
in the government of a cenfederacy so vast
as ours. arc too bovious 10 be regarde L.
You have right therefore TO expect your a
gents in every department To regard strictly
the limits imposed upon them by tho const-
tuition oe the United States. The great
scheme Of our constitutional liberty rests up
on proper distribution Of power between
tho state and federal authorities, and expert
ence has shown that the harmony and hap
piness of our people depend upon discon-
ncction between the separate rights and re-
sponsiblities of the States, and your common
rights and obligations under the general
government; and here is my opinion, are
tho considerations which should form tho
true basis Of future concord in regard to the
questions which have most seriously disturb
cd public tranquility. Ifthe federal govern
mcnt will confno itself TO the exercise of
power clearly granted by the constitutions
it can hardly happen that its action upon
any question snould endungcr tho institutions
of the States orintcrfere with their rights to
manage matters strictly domestic, accordin g
TO the will Of their own people.
In expressing briefly my views upon an
important subject which has recently agita-
ted the nation to almost fearful degree, /
am moved by no other impulse than tho
most earnest desire for the perpetuation of
the Union which has made us what wo are.
showcring upon us blessings, and comforting
power and influence which our fathers
could hardly have anticipated, even with
their most sanguine hopes directed to far
off future. The sentiments now announce
were not unknown before the expression of
the voice which called me here. My own
position upon this subject was clear and un-
equivocal. upon the records of my words and
acts, and it IS only REQUIRED to at this time
becaus silence might perhaps be misconstrn
ed. With the Union, my best and dearest
earthly hopes are engaged Without it..
what are they, Individually or collectively?
What becomes of tho noblest field ever open :
ed for theadvancement of our race in relation
10 tho government, to tho arts, and TO all
that dignifes and a6orns mankindi From
that eminent constellation which both illumes
our own way. ond points out to the strug-
Cling nations their course, let bnt single star
be lost, and if there be not utter darkness,
the lustre of the whole is dhmmed. Do my
countrymen need any assurance that such
catastrophe is not to ovcrtake them while
have the power TO stay il? 1t is with me an
earnest and vital belief, that as the Union has
been tho source, under Providence, of our
prosperity 10 this time, so it is tho surost
pledge of continuance of the blessings we
have enjoyed. and which wo arc sacredly
bound to transmit undiminished to our chill
drcn. Tho field of calm and free discussion
in our country is open, and will always be
so.
But it ncver has been and never can bo
travcrsed for good in spirit of sectionalism
and nncharitablencss. The founders Of tho
Republic dealt with things ns they were pre-
sented TO them. in spirit of self-sacrifcing
patriotism and as tmc has proved. with a
comprehensive wisdom, which it will be al
weys be safe for us 10 consult. Every mea-
sure tending to stregthcn the fraternal feel
ings Of all tho mempers Of our Union has
had nv heartfelt opprobation.
To every theory OF society or government,
whether the ofspaipg of feverish ambition,
or of morbid enthusiasm, calculated to dis
solve the bonds of law and affection, shall
interpose steady and storm resistance. I
believe that involuntary servi,ude rs il OK
lists in different states Of this confederacv. is
recognized by the constitution. I believe
that it stands like any other administrative
entitled to efficient remedies TO enforce the
tho constitutional provisions. l hold tho
laws of 1850, commonly called the comprom-
ise measures, as strictly constitutional, and
they must be carried into effect.
believe that tho constitutional authori-
ties of this Republic nre bound to regard the
rights of the south in this respect as they
would view any other legal or constitutional
right: and that tho laws to enforce them
should be respected and obcycd. not with a
rcluctance encouraged by abstract opinions
MS to their propriety in different state of
society, but cheerfully, and according to the
decisions of tho tribunals to which their cx-
positions belongs. Such have been and arc
my convictions, and upon them shall act
Ifcrvently hope th9t tho question is at rest,
and that no sectional. or ambitious, or, fanat-
ical excitement may again threaten tho du-
rability of our institutions. or obscure tho
lamp. of our prosperity. Bot let not the
foundations Of our hopes rest upon mans
wisdcm. II will be sufficient that sectional
prcjudiccs find no place in tho public delib-
eratiohs; that tho rash counscls Of human