The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-03-09
but by its acts-a language of sympathy,

Uut ny us uCtS-d ld1SudHe oi sympathy,
encouragement, and hope 10 those who
earnestly listen 70 tones which pronounce
for the largest rational liberty.
But after all, the most animaiing en-
couragement, and potent appeals for free.
dom, will be its own history, its trials and
its triumphs-preeminenlly 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 on eternal
principles of right and justice. Our faith.
ers decided Tor 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 necessary
to pledge 10 each other their lives, their
fortunes and their sacred honors. For
the acquisition Of the priceless inherit
ance transmitted to us, the energy with
which that great conflict was opened. and
under the guidance of a manifest and ben.
Efficient Providence. the uncomplaning en-
durance with which it was prosecuted TO
its consummation. were only surpassed
by the wisdom and patriotic spirit Of con-
cession, which characterised all the coun.
ellis of the early fathers.
One of the most impressive evidences
Of that wisdom is 10 be found in the fact
that the actual working Of our system has
dispeled degree of soliciude which. atthe
outset. disturbed bold hearts and far-reach.
ing inellects; the apprehension Of dangers
from extended territory, multiplied States,
accumulated wealth, and augmented pop
ulation has proved 10 be uniounded. The
stars upon your banner haye become near.
ly threefold their original number; your
densely populated possessions skirt the
shores of the two great oceans, and yet
this vast increase of people and territory
has not only shown itself compatible with
the harmonious action Of the States, and
the Fedora, Government. in their respec.
tive constitutional spheres, but has afford
ed an additional guaranty 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 timid fore
bodings Of evil from expansion. Indeed, il
is not to be disguised that our attitude as
nation. and our position on the globe.
render the acquisition OF certain posses.
sions not within our jurisdiction, eminent
" important for our protection in the fu-
ture, and essential for the preservation OF
the rights of commerce and the peace OF
the world. Should they be obtained. it
will be through no grasping spirit. but with
view to obvious national interest and Sc.
curity. and in manner entirely consist.
ent with the strictest observance of nation
al faith.
We have nothing in our history or posi-.
ton to invite aggression; we have every
thing to the cultivation Of relations of peace
and amity with all nations. Purposes,
therefore, al once. just and pacific will be
Significantly marked in the conduct Of our
foreign affairs. | intend that my admin
istration shall leave no foul blot upon our
fair record, and trust, may safely give
assurance that no act within the legitimate
scope of my constitutional control, will he
tolerated on the part of any portion of our
citizens which cannot challenge a ready
justification before the tribunal Of the civ
ilized world. An administration would be
unworthy of confidence at home. or re.
spect abroad. should it cease to be inAu
enced by the conviction that no apparen,
advantage can be purchased at na,iona
wrong or dishonor 1t is not your privi
lege. as a nation. to speak Of a distant past
The striking incidents of your history
replete with instruction, and furnishing
abundant grounds for hopeful confidence
are comprised in period comparatively
short; but, if your past is limited. your iu
ture is boundless; its obligations ihrone
the unexplored pathway Of advancement
and will be as limitless as duration. Hence
sound and comprehensive policy SHOULD
embrace not less the distant future thar
the urgent present.
The great objects Of our pursuit, as ;
people. are best to be attained by peace
and are entirely consistent with the tran
guilty and interests of the rest of man
kind. With the neighboring nations or
our continent we should cultivate kindl,
and faternal relations. We can desr,
nothing in regard to them so much as tc
see them consolidate their strength, anc
pursue the path OF prosperity and happi
ness. If. in the course OF their growth w
should open new channels of trade, ant
create additional facilities for friendly in
tercourse, the benefits realized will b'
equal and mutual. or the complicated
European systems Of national policy, WI
have heretofore been Independent, from
their wars. their tumults, and anXieties
we have been happily, almost entirely
exempt while these are confined 10 ,h'
nations which gave them existence, ant
within their Legitimate jurisdiction, the.
cannot affect us except as they appeal It
our sympathy in the cause of human free
dom and universal advancement. But th'
Just interests Of commerce are common
to all mankind. and the advantages o