The Evansville daily journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ia. [i.e. Ind.]) 1848-1862, 1853-03-09

nony and happiness of our people depend
upon the just discrimination between the Sc.
parate rights and responsibilities of the States
and your common rights, and herein, in my
opinion, are the considerations which should
erm the lrne basis of our future concord.
In regard to the questions which have
most seriously disturbed the public tranquil
~, if the government limits itselfto the exer-
else of the powers clearly granted by the
it can hardly happen that its
action upon any question should endanger
the institutions of the States, or interfere
with their right to manage matters of strict
ly domestic character according to the will
Of their own people.
In expressing my views, briefly, upon an
important subject, which has recently agi-
tated the nation to an almost fearful degree.I
am moved by no other impulse, than an earn
est desire for tn (, perpetuati IN Of that Union
which has made US what we are, showering
upon us blessings. and conferng power and
influence, which our fathers could hardly
have anticipated, even with their most SAN
guine hopes directed to far off furture. The
sentiments / now announce were not un-
known before the expression Of that voice
which called me here; my own position upon
this subject was clear and unequIvocal, i'm the
record or my words and my acts, and it is
only REQUIRED to at this time because my ST.
fence might be, perhaps, misconstructed.
With the Union my dearest earthly hopes
are enlisted. Without it what are we, indi-
vidually or collectively! What becomes of
the noblest field ever opened for the advance
ment of our race in religion. in government,
in the arts, and in all that dignifes and adorns
maknd. From that radiant constellation,
which both ilIuuinates our own way, and
points out to struggling nations their course
but let single star be lost, and if utter
darkness does not follow, the lustre of the
whole is diminished. Do my countrymen
need any assurance that such catas trophy
is not to overtake them while possess the
power to etay it! 1t is with me an earnest
and vital belief, that as the Union has been
the source, under Providence, Of our prospe.
rity up to this time, so it is pledge of the
continuance of the blessings we have enjoy.
ed and which we are sicredly bound to trans.
nit, undiminished, to our children.
The field Of calm and free discussion in
Onr country is open, and will Always be SO
but it never has been and never can be
traversed for good in a spirit Of sectionalisu
and uncuaritableness. The founders of the
Republic dealt with things as they were pre-
scented to them, in spirit of selt-sacrificine
patriotism, and as time has proved, with 9
comprehensive wisdom which it will be al
ways safe for US to consult. Every measure
tending to the fraternal feelings OF all the
members of cur Union, has had my heartfelt
appreciation; but to every theory Of govern
ment, whether the offspring of feverish am
bition, or of morbid enthusiasm, calculated tC
dissolve the tendency of love and affection
which unite Us, shall interpose ready ant
stern resistance.
Ibelieve that Involuntary servitude, as i
exists in the different States ofthe Confeder
acy, is recognized by the constitution, and
believe that it stands like any other admit
ted right, and that the States where it exists
are entitled to efficient remedies to enforct
the constitutional provisions. | hold that the
- r .sEa>------saas,l..-~l loi .h.- C.mP-e-
mise Measures, are strictly constitutional
and should be uuhesitatingy carried into eff
feet. believe that the constituted author.
tiles of this Republic are bound to regard the
rights of the South in this respect, as they
would view any other legal and constitutional
right, and that the laws to enforce them
should be respected and obeyed, not with a
reluctance, encouraged by abstract opinions
as to their property in different state oil
society, but cheerlully, and according to the
decisions of the tribunals to which their ex.
position belongs. Such have been and are
my convictions, and upon them | shall act
hat =
rest, and that no sectional or ambitions fana.
teal excitement may again threaten the du-
rability of our institutions, or obscure the
lig'.t of our prosperity.
But let not the foundation of our hopes
rest upon mans wisdom; it will not be suf-
fcient that no sectional prejudic.s, find a
place in the public deliberations it will not
be sufficient that the rash counsels of human
passions are rejected! 1t must be felt that
that there is no national security, but in the
nations humble acknowledgment Of God
and his overruling Providence. We have
been carried in safety through .peTlous cri-
sis!-Wise rounsels, like those which gave
US the constitution, prevailed to u,hold it,.
Let the period be remembered as an adj
monition, and not as an encouragement In
any section of the Union, to make expert
ments when experiments ar iraught with
such fearful hazard. Let be impressed
upon all hearts that, beautiful as our fabric
is, no earthly power or vision could ever re-
unite us, after being broksa to fragments.
Standing, as do, aln,st in view OF the
green slope of Monticello, and as it YffQ;
within reach of the pn.b of Washingtoas|
with all the cherished memories of the past
gathering round me, Ike SO many eloquent
voices of .expostulation from Heaven, can
express no better hope for my country, than,
that the kind Providence which smiled upon
our fathers, may enable their children to pre-
serve tie blessings they have inherited.
FRANKLIN PIERCE. Il