The Belmont chronicle, and farmers, mechanics and manufacturers advocate. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1848-1855, 1853-03-11

VIC thuuguto VI tnC Nny 'N'N
as practical as their sentiments were patriot
ic;Ihey wasted no portion of their energies
UPON idle and delusive speculations, but with
n firm and fearless step advanced beyond the
governmental landmarks which had hitherto
dircumscribed the limits of human freedom,
and planted their standard where it has stood
against dapgers which have threatened from
ABROAD, Il internal agitation which has at times
fcrrluIly menaced at home. They proved
Themselves equal to the solution of the great
Problem to understand which their minds had
been Illuminated by the dawnng lights of the
reflution.
yhe object sought was not thing dream.
edNf, it was thing realized. They had ex-
hibited not only the power to achieve, but
what all history aflirms, to be SO much more
unusual, capacity to maintain it. The op-
pressed throughout the world, from that day
to the present, have turned their eyes hither-
wacd not to find those lights extinguished or
to fear lest they should wane, but TO be
ccnstattly cheered by their steady aud in
cr~asing radiance. In this our country has,
" my judgment, thus far fulfilled its highest
du'y TO suffering humanity-t has spoken,
and will continue to speak, not only by its
words, but by its acts, the language of SYM
pathy, encouragement, and hope to those who
earnestly listen to tones which pronounce for
the largest rational liberty. But, after all,
the most animating encouragement and po-
tent appeals for freedom will be its own his
tory, its trials and its triumphs.
Pre-eminently the power of our influence
reposes in our example, and nothing can be
powerful for lasting good whatever apparent
advantages may be gained which is not based
upon eternal principles of right and Justice.
Our fathers decided for themselves both upon
the hour to declare and the hour to strike.
They were their own judges of the circum-
stances under which it became them to pledge
to each other their lives, their fortunes and
their sacred honor, for the acquisition of the
priceless inheritance transmitted to us. The
energy with which that great conflict was o.
pencd, and under the guidance Of a manifest
and benifcent providence, the uncomplaining
endurance with which it was prosecuted to
its consummation, were only surpassed by
the wisdom and patriotic spirit of concession
which characterized all the councils of the
early fathers.
One of the must impressive evidences OF
that wisdom, is to be found in the fact that
the actual working Of our system has dispell.
ed degree of solicitude which at the outset
disturbed bold hearts and fur reaching intel.
lects. The apprehension of dangers from ex.
tended territory, multiplied States, accumula.
ted wealth and augmented population, has pro.
we'd to be unfounded. The stars upon youl
bunner have become nearly threetold theil
original number; your dcnsey populated pos.
sessions skirt the shores of the two great o.
ccans, and yet this vast increase of people
and territory has not only shown itself com
patlblc with the harmonious action of the
States and the Federal Government in their
respective constitutional spheres, but has of
fered an additional guarantee Of the strength
and integrity Of both.
With an experience thus suggestive and
cheering, the policy of my administration will
not be controlled by any timd forebodings of
evil from expansion. Indeed 1t is not to be
disguised that our attitude as a nation, aud
our position on the globe, render the acquisi-
ton of certain possession not within our
jurisdiction eminently important for our pro.
lection, if not in the future essential for
the preservation of the rights of commerce
aud the peace of the world. Should they be
obtained, it will be through no graspng spirit,
but with view to obvious national interest
and security, and in manner entirely con.
sistent with the srictest observance of na-
tional faith. We have nothing in our history
or position to invite aggression, but we have
everything to beckon us to the cultivation OF
relations o. peace and amity with all nations.
Purposes, therefore, at once just and pacific
will be significantly marked in tho conduct
of our foreign affairs.
! intend that my administration shall leave
no blot upon our fair record, and trust may
safely give the assurance that no act within
the legitimate scope of my constitutional con-
troll, will be tolerated on the part oiany OF our
citizens, which cannot challenge u ready JUS
tilication before tho tribunal Of the civilized
world. An administration would be unworthy
OF confidence at home or respect abroad
should il case to be influenced by the con-
viction that no apparent advantage can be
purchased at price so dear us that OF national
wrong or dishonor. 1t is not your privilege
as nation to speak of distant past. The
striking incidents of your history replete with
instruction and furnishing abunda mt grounds
for hopeful confidence are comprized in a
period comparatively brief. But il your past
is limited your future is boundless. Its obli-
cations throng the unexpored pathway of ad-
vancement, and will DO limitless as duration,
Hence sound and comprehensive policy
should embrace not less the distant future than
the urgent present. The great objects of
our pursuit as a people are best to be attained
by peace, and are entirely consistent with
the tranquility and interests OF the rest of
mankind. . ..
With the neighboring nations upon our
continent, we should cultivate kindly IL frater-
nal relations. We can desire nothing in re-
gard to them SO much as to see them COR
sodate their strength and pursue the patti of
prosperity and happiness. IL in the cour 20 OF
their growth we should open new channels of
trade, and create additional facilities for
friendly intercourse the benefits rea lied will
be equal and mutual. OF the complicated
European systems of national yolitv, we have