Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1853-03-10

iHOHl anu happiness OF our people ucpeHu
upon the just discrimination between the
separate rights; and herein, in my opinion,
are the considerations which should form
the true basis of our future concord in re-
gard to the questions which have most Sc
riously disturbed the tranquility Of the Gov
ernment. In the exercise of the powers
clearly granted by the Constitutions, ii can
hardly happen that its action upon any ques-
ton should endanger the institutions of the
States, or interfere with their right TO
manage matters of a strictly domestic char
acter, according 10 the will of their own
people.
In expires sing my views briefly upon an
important subject which has recently agita-
ted the nation TO an almost fearful degree, |
am moved by no other impulse than an ear
nest desire for the perpctuation 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 sanguinc hopes directed to a far
off future.
The sentiments now announce were not
unknown before the expression Of that voice
called me here-my own position upon this
subject was clear and unequivocal, in the
record Of my words and my acts, and it is
only treasured at this time, because my ST.
lence might perhaps be misunderstood
With the Union my dearest hopes are en-
listed--wthout it, what are we Individually
or collectively? What becomes of the no.
blest field ever opened for the advancement
of our race in religion, in government, in
c,J ., Ill tb,t 1;rp;Go. o,J oJo,ne
mankind, from that radiant constellation
which both ilumines our own way, and
points out to struggling nations their course;
but let single star be lost, and if utter
darkness does not follow, the lustre of the
whole is diminished. Do my countrymen
need any assurance that such catastrophe
is not to overtale them while possess the
power to stay il? II is with me and car
nest and vital belief, that as the Union has
, been the source under Providence, Of our
prosperity up to this time, so it is as
| pledge Of the blessings we have enjoyed,
and which we are bound to transmit, undi-
, minished, to our children. The field Of
, calm and free discussion in our country is
, open, and will always be so, but it never has,
, and never can, be traversed for good in a
: spirit of sectionaism and uncharitableness.
l The founders of the Republic dealt with
things as they were presented 10 them in a
spirit of self-sacrificing patriotism, and
r as time has proved, with comprehensive
wisdom which it will be safe for us to con-
suit. Every measure tending to the pater-
nal feelings of all the members of our Union,
+ has had my heartfelt appreciation; but 10
every theory Of government whether the
- offspring Of feverish ambition or of morbid
n enthusiasm, calculated TO dissolve the bonds
: of love and affection which unite us, shall
interpose ready and stern resistance.
: believe that involuntary servitude, as it ex-
= lists in the different States Of this Union. is
= recognized by the Constitution. and I be-
: lieve that it stands like any other admitted
: right, and that the States where it exists are
: entitled to efficient remedies lie enforce the
: Constitutional provisions. hold that the
: laws of 1850, commonly called the Compro-
= mise measures, are strictly constitutional.
!, and should be unhestatingly carried out
+ | believe that the constituted authorities Of
$ this republic are bound to regard the rights
e of the South in this respect. as they would
= view any other feature, and constitutional
a right, and that the laws 10 enforce them
/. should be respected and obeyed; not with a
: reluctance, encouraged by abstract opinions
e as TO their propriety in different state Of
society, but cheerluly and according 10 the
g decision Of the tribunal to which their ex-
S position belongs.
d Such have been and are my convictions
+ upon them shall act, and iervently hope
e that the question is at rest, and that no sec.
e tional or ambitious tanatical excitement MAY
| again threaten the durability Of our institu
d tions, or obscure the light Of our prosperity
id But let not the foundation of our hopes res
ID upon mans evidencc-it will not be suffi
IL cient that our sectional preudices find
place in the public deliberations-it will no
f. be sufficient that the rash counsels of human
Ie passion are rejected. 1t must be felt tina
so there is no rational security but in the ma
1, TONS acknowledgment of God and his over
1t ruling Providence. We have been carrie,
v safely through perious crisis-wise coun
t, sells like those who gave us the constitution
r prevailed TO uphold it. Let the period b.
remembered as an admonition, and not as al
rs encouragement in any section of the Union
$, to make experiments, when experiments ar
e, fraught with such fearful hazard. Let il b.
~ impressed upon all hearts, that, beautiful a
E. our fabric is, no earthly power or wisdom
i'll could ever reunite us after being broken in
e. to fragments.
Standing, as do almost in the view G
e. the green slope of Monticello, and as it wer
n in reach of the tomb Of Washington, with a
l. the cherished memorials of the past gather
s. ing around me like so many eloquent voice
is of expostu!ation from heaven, can expires
De no better hope for my country, than that tn
nd kind Providence which smiled upon OIL
OF fathers may enable their children TO preserv
- the blessings they have inherited.