Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-03-09

prosperity to thist time SO it is the surest pedg
Of a continuance of the blessings we have enjoyed
andwlIch we are sacrcdly bound to transmit I'M
diminished to ourchdrcn., The field of calm and
freedscusson IN our country is open, and Will al
ways be 50. but II never has been and never can
be traversed for good in spirit OF seciionasm and
unchartablenoss The founders Of the Republic
dealt with things as they were presented to lhem,
in spirit of selCsacrfcing patriotism, and as time
has proved, with 4 comprehensive wisdom, which
it will always be safe ior Us to consult. Every
measure. tending 20 strengthen the raternai feel
ings ofail the members OF our Union, has had my
heartfelt appreciation. 10 every theory Of society
or government, whether the offspring of feverish
ambition or ofmorbd enthusiasm calculated to dis
solve the bonds OF law and affection which unite
us, shall interpcsc ready and stern resistance.
believe that involuntary servitude, as 1t exists in
different States of this cunederacy, is recognized
by the Constitution. ] believe that it stands like
any other admitted right, and that tho States
where it exists are entitled 10 efficient remedies TO
enforce the constitutional provisions. hold that
the laws Of 1850, commonly called the ''compro-
mise measures" are strictly constitutional, and to
be uuhesitatingly carried into effect. believe
that the constituted authorities Of this Republic
are bound to regard the rights of the South in this
respect, Us lncD NOuiu view any Otitl lcSdl anu
constitutional right and that the laws to enforce
them should be respected and obeyed. not with
reluctance encouraged by abstract opinions as 10
theI propriety in different state of society, but
cheerinIly, and according TO The decisions Of the
tribunal to which their exposition belongs. Such
nave been, and arc, my convictions, and upon them
shall act. fcrvenfly hope that the question is
at rest. and that no sectional, or ambitious, or IA
natcal excitement may again threaten the dura-
biity OF our institutions, or obscure the light Of
our prosperity.
But let not the foundation Of cur hope rest upon
mans wisdom. 1t will not be sufficient that sec
tional preiudices find no place in the public delib-
eratons. 1t will not be sufficient that the rash
counsels of human passion are rejected. 1t must
be felt that there is no national security but in
the nations humble, acknowledged dependence
upon God and his overriding providence.
We have been carried in safety through peril
o1s crisis Wise counsels. like those which gave
us the Constitution, prevailed to uphold It,. Let
the period be remembered as an admonitlon, and
not as an encouragement, in any section oil the
Union, to make experiments where experiments
are fraught with such fearful hazard. Let 1t be
impressed upon all hearts, that beautiful as our
fabric is. no earthly power or wisdom could ever
reunite its broken fragments. Standing as do
almost within view of the green slopes If Montl-
cello, and as it We're. within reach Of the tomb OF
Washington, with all the cherished memories Of
the past gathering around me, like so many elo-
quent voices of exhortation from Heaven, can
express no better hope for my country, than that
the kind Providence, which smiled upon our Fa-
theirs, may enable their children to preserve the
blessings they have inherited.
The intelligence Of the conclusion of the .Ad-
dress was announced by the artillery, when Pes
ident Pierce, having returned to the Senate. where
he remained a very few minutes. took up his way
to the Presidential Mmson.- escorted by the mil.
itary land accompanied by Ex-Pfesidenl Fillmore.
the Marshal and his aids, sc.
The President then received the congratulations
of the people in the circular room, as they passed
rapidly through its diameter, from the north to the
south front of the mansion.
Ex-President Fillmore left the President at
the White House, having taken the saite Of
rooms vacated by Mr.. Pierce at Wizards Hotel,
On arriving at the front-door Of the hotel Mr..
Fillmore was hailed by the hearty cheers of
numbers of his fellow-citzens standing around.