Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1853-03-10

and unequivocaI, upon the record Of
my words and acts, and II Is only re-
Cured TO at this time because silence
might perhaps be miscons,rued. With
the Union my best and dearest hooes
are entwined, without II, what ara Ne
Individually or collectively What be.
comes Of the noblest field ever cpsnsd
for the advancement Of our race in re-.
ligion, in government, in the arts and
in all that digni6es and adorns mankind.
From that radiant constellation which
both illumines our own way, and points
out to struggling nations their course;
but let a single star be lost and if there
be no; utter darkness, the lustre Of the
whole is dimmed.
Do my countrymen need any assu-
rance that such a catastrophe is not to
overtake themf While I possess the
power to stay Il, !, Is with me the ear
nest and vital belief that as the Union
mas been the source under Providence,
OF our prosperity to this time, so it is q
pledge OF continuance of the blessings
we have enjoyed, and which we are sa-
credly bound to transmit undiminished
TO our children. The field Of calm and
free discussion in our country is ooen.
and will always be so, but il never has
been and never can be traversed for
good in a spirit Of sectionalism and un.
charitableness. The founders Of the
Republic dealt with things as they were
presented to them in spirit of self sac
ri6cing patriotism, and, as time has
proved, with a comprehensive wisdom
which it will always be safe for as 10
consult. Every measure tending to
strengthen the fraternal feeling OF all
the members Of our Union, has had my
heartfelt appreciation. To every theory
of society, OF government, whether the
offspring OF feverish ambition or Of NOR
bid enthusiasm, calculated to dissolve
the bonds of law and affection which
unite US, shall interpose a ready and
stern resistance. sal 1r Ers
| believe that involuntary serviiude,
as il exists in different States OF this
confederacy, is recognized by the Com
stitution. / believe that it stands like
any other admitted right, and that the
States where it exists, are entitled TO eff
icient remedies to enforce the Consiitu-
tional provisions. hold that the laws
of 1850, commonly called compromise
measures, are strictly constitutional,
and to be unhesitatingly carried into ef-
feet. | believe that the constituted au-
thorities of this Republic are bound to
regard the rights of the South in this re-
spect, as they would view any other le>
gal and constitutional right, and that the
laws TO enforce them should be respect
ed and obeYed; not with reluctance
encouraged by abstract of opinions as
to their propriety in different state Of
society, but cheerfully. and according
TO the decision Of the tribunal to which
their exposition belongs. Such have
been, and are my convictions, and up
on them shall act. lferyently hope
that the question is at rest, and that no
sectional, or ambitious, or fanatical ex-
citement may again threaten the dura-
bility Of our institutions, or obscure TIE
light of our prosperity. But let not the
foundation Of our hopes rest upon mans
wisdom.
II will not be sufficient that sectional
prejudices find no place in the public
Il will not be sufficient
that the rash councils OF human passion
are rejected; il must be felt that there is
no national security but il the nations
humble acknowledgment of God and
His overruling Providence. We have
been carried in safety through perllous
crisis; wise councils like those which
gave US the Constitution prevailed TO
uphold it; let the period be remembered
as an admonition and not as an encour-
agement in any section Of the Union TO
make experiments where experiments
are fraught with such fearful hazard
Let 1t be impressed upon all hearts that,
beautifu' as our fabric is, no earthly
power or wisdom could ever erre-unite its
broken fragments. Standing as do al
most in view Of the green slopes Of
and, as it were, within reach
of The tomb Of Washington, with all the
memories of the past gather
ng around me like so many eloquent
1oices OF exhortation from heaven,
'an express no better hope for my coun-
ry than that the kind Providence which
imiled upon our fathers may enable
heir children to preserve the blessings
hey have inherited. 7rl r-rI'
FRANKLIN PIERCE.