The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-03-05

moved 81 no oahsS imnnlss ahan 3 moat ear
nest desire for the perpctuation Of thar Union,
which has made 10 what Ne are,-shower
ing upon us blessings, and conierring power
and Influence, which our fathers could hardly
have anticipated, even with their most San
guine hopes directed to far.of future. The
sentiments | now announce wefe not unknown
before the expression Of the voice which called
me here. Ny own position, upon this subject
was clear and unequivocal, upon the record of
my words and my acts, and il il only REQUIRED
to at this time because silence might perhaps,
mseonstrued. With the Union, my besiland be
dearest earthly hopes are entwin d. Without
il, what are we, individually or collectively.
What becomes of the noblest held ever opened
for the advancement of our race, IN reIlglon,
10 government, in the arts, and IN all mat org
ni6es and adorns mankind From that ra-
diant constellation, which both illumines our
own way and points on, to struggling nations
their course, let but a single star be lost, and,
if there be not utter darkness, the lustre oil the
whole is dimmed. Do my counrymen need
any assurance that such catastrophe IS not to
overtake them, while possess the power TO
stay in II is with me an earnest and vital be-
lief, that as.the Union has been the source, un-
der Providence, of our prosperity TO this time,
so it is the surest pledge OF continuance OF
the blessings we have enjoyed, and which we
to our children. The field of calm and tree
discussion in our country is open, and will al
ways be so, but il never has been and never
can be traversed for good 10 spirit OF section
alism and unchrritabeness.
The founders of the Republic dealt with things
as they presented to them, In spirit OF self
sacrificing patriotism and time has proved, with
a comprehensive wisdom, which it will always be
safe for US to consult Every measure, tendins 10
strengthen the fraternal feelings OF all the members
of our Union. has had my heartfelt appreciation
To every theory of society or government, wheth.
er the offsprs of feverish ambition of morbid
enthusiasm, calculated to dissolve the bonds OF law
and affection which unite US, | shall interpose
ready and stern resistance. believe that inVoiun'
tary servitude IL EXISTS in different States OF this
confederacy, is recognized by the Constitution.
believe that it stands like any other admitted right
and that the States where it exists are entitled to
efficient remedies to enforce the constitutional pro.
visions. | hold that the laws OF 1850, commonly
called the "compr, mlse measures, are strictly con
s.itutiopal and to be unhesatingly carried into Ell
feet. believe that the constituted authorities OF
this Republic are bound to regard the rights OF the
South in this respecr, as they would view any other
legal and constitutional right, and that the laws to
enforce them should be respected and obeyed, not
with reluctance encouraged by abstract opiniens
as to their propriety in different state OF society,"
but chesrfuly, and according to the decisions OF
the tribunal to which their exposition belongs
Such have been, and are, my convictions. and upon
them shall act ferventy hope that the question
is at rest and that no sectional or ambitious, ia
na!ical excite ment may again threaten the durabi
ity of institutions, obscure the light OF our
prosperity.
but let not the foundation of our hope rest upon
mans wisdom Il will not be sufficient that Sec
tonsl prejudces find no place in the public delibe
raons. 1t will be sufficient that the rash coun-
sells of human passion are rejected 1t must be felt
that there is national security but in the nation s
humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and
his overrulipg providence.
We have been carried in safety through peril.
GUS crisis. Wise coursels like those which gave
the Constitution, prevailed to uphold it. Let the
period be remembered as an sdmoniton, and not
as encouragement, in any section of the Union,
to make experiments where experiments are
fraught with such fearful hazard. Let it be i'm
pressed upon all hearts, that beautiful fabric
is no earthly power wisdom could ever re unite
its broken fragments. Standing as do almost With
in view of the green slopes of Monticello, and, as
it were, within reach of the tomb of Washington,
with all the cherished memories of the past gath
ering around me, like so many eloquent voices OK
exhorsation from Heaven, can express no better
hope for my country than that the kind Providence,
which smiled upon cur Fathers, may enable their
children to preserve the blessings they have in