The Minnesota pioneer. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn. Territory) 1849-1855, 1853-03-17

IN. u.tcI
of observation furnished by brief experience as
soldier confirmed in my own mind, the opinion
entertained and acted upon by others from 'be
formation Of the government, that The iDainleh-
ance Of large standing armies in our country,
would be not only dangerous but unneees sary.
They also illustrated the Importance and absolute
necessity Of military and civii practical SKIN iur-
nished i'll such an eminent degree 10y the institu-
tions which have made our army what II Is nnder
the discipline and instruction OF officers not more
distinguished for their solid attanments, military
and devotion 10 the public service, than Tor un-
obrusive bearing and high moral tone.
The army as organized must be a nucleus ar
onnd which, in every time of need, the strength
of your military power, the sure bulWaIk OF
your defense, national MALTA, may be readily
formed into we'll diciplined and efficient organ
izaion; and the skill and sef-devotiOn OF the ma
w assure you that you may take the performance
OF the past pledge for the future, aud may con-
hdenily expect that the flag which has waved
It's unlarni,hed folds the sea, will still float
in undiminished honor; but those, like many
other subjects, will be appropriately brought ur
at a future time, TO the attention Of She ord-
nate branches Of the government, to which
shall always look with profound respect, and
with trustiul confidence, that they will accord 10
me the aid and support which so much neel,
and which their experience aud wisdom will
readily suggest. In the administration of STAIRS,
you will expect devoted integrity in the pub.
lie service, and in observance OF the rigid econ
omy in all departments, so marked, as never
justly to be que stoner.
Ii t rs reasonable expectation be not realized,
fra lkly confess that my leading hopes are
doc N d to disappointment, and that my efforts IN
very important particular must result in hum-
iating iure. II officers properly be regar-
ded only in the light OF aids for the accomplish
ment OF those objects, and as occupancy can con-
f,rr plrn ais,- "a
sire for p'ciermen, claim, the public interests
imperatlvcly demand that they be considered with
reference to the duties to be performed. Good
citizens may well claim the protection of good
laws and the benign influence of good govern
ment; but claim for office is what the people of
Republic should he, er recognize. No reason
able man OF any party will expect his admirlistra-
ton to be so regardless, o. IFS Tesponssb ility and
the obvious elements OF success a. t. retain per-
sOi.s known TO be under the influence of poiit-
cal hostility ami party prejudice. in positions
which will require Lot only severe labor; but cor
d al CO. operation.
Having no implied engagements TO sappiy-ao
rewards TO bestow-nO resentInents TO remember,
and no personal wishes 10 consult in selections
for oti;cai stations, shalt fulfill this d fcuI and
delicate trust, admitting no motives as worthy
eIheT oil ny character tr position, which does
not contemplate all efficient discharge OF duties
and the best interests o! my country.
acknowledge my obligations to the masses OF
my cOuntrymen, and them alone. Far higher
obligation than personal aggrandisement gave d.
rechOn and energy 10 their exertioHs in the late
canvass. and they shall not be disappointed
They require at my hands diligence, integrity aud
capacity, whenever there are duties TO be per-
formed. Without these qualities in their public
servants, more stringent laws To- the prevention
Or punishment OF fraud the neglect and pecuiaton
Will be vain. With them, They would be unne-
! n.,- h,,tf
You look for vigilance and watchtulness. Tne
dangers of a concentration of all powers in the
general government of conederac, so vast as
ours are too obvious 10 be disregarded You
have right therefore 10 expect your agents IN
every department to regard strictly the limits i'm
posed upon them by the Constitution Of the UD:-
led States. The great scheme OF our constitu-
tonas liberty rests upon a proper di,tribut on of
power between the state anu federal autho,iiies
and experience has shown that the harmony aud
haPpin,ss OF our people must depend upon the
great dlSconnectiOn between the separate rights
and responsibilities OF the States and Your com
mon rights.
loar obligation, under the general government
and here. III my opinion are the considerations
which should form the true ba is OF future con-
cord IN regard to the questions that have most Sc
rously disturbed public tranquility. If the fed
al government will confne itself 10 the exercise
OF powers clearly granted in the constitution, it
can hardly happen that its action upon any ques-
ton should endanger the institutions of the States
or interfere with their rights to manage matters
strictly domestic according to the wall OF their
own people.
In expressing freely nv views upon an imnort-
ant subject, which has recently agitated The ma
ton TO almost fearful degree, | am moved By no
other impulse than the most earnest desire for the
perpetuIty OF that union, which has made us
what we are, showering upon us blessings, and
comforting power and influence which our iAth-
ers could have hardly ticipated, even with tie
most sanguine hopes, directed TO far OF future
HE sentiments | now announce, were not un-
known before the expression Of the voice which
called Inc here. My own position upon the sub
lect was clear and unequivocal upon The record
OF my words and acts and it is only referred 70
at tins time, because silence might perhaps be
misconstrued. With the Union. my best and
dearest earthly hopes are cntwined Without it,
what are they, individually or collectively p
what becomes Of the nobIesl field ever opened for
the advancement of our race, in relation, 10 the
government, III the arts, and in all that dignifes
and adoTn mankind, from that evident constela-
ton, which both illumines our own way. and
points out 10 struggling nations their source
Let but single star be lost, and if there be no,
darkness, the Iustre OF the whole is dim. Do INV
countrymen need any assurance that such q ca
tastrophe is not to overtake them while have
the power to stay it? 1t is, with me. all earnest
and vital belief. that as the Union has been the
source, under Providence, of the surest pledge OF
continuance OF the blessings we have enjoyed,
and OF which we are sacreoly bound TO transmit
undiminshed to our children. The field OF calm
and Tree discussion, IN our country, is open, and
will always be so; but it never has been, and
neve, can be trasersed for good IN spirit OF Sec
tlonalism and Observation-Disclosures.
The founders oil the Republic dealt with things
as they We're presented 10 them, IN spirit OF sell
sacrificing patriotism, and as time has proved,
with comprehensive wisdom, which it will al
ways be safe to consult. Every me Asure tending
to strengthen the fraternai feelings OF all the
members OF the union, has had my humble ap.
p obation To every theory in society or gov
eminent, whether the offspring of ieversh am-
biton or morbid enthusiasm, calculated TO dis
solve The bond C love and Affection, shall in
terEose steady and stern resistance.
believe that universal ser, itude. as it exists
IN the leIent States Of tins coniederacv is re-
Co9n'Zct. IN the constitution: and il stands ike
aHy other admin strative rights, and the States
where IT exss, are entitled TO efficient remedies