The Cedar County advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Iowa) 1853-1856, 1853-12-17
importance OF such work, neither these

importance OF such work, neither these
nor all considerations united, can have an
appreciate value when weighed against
the obligations strictly to adhere to the
constitution and faithfully to execute the
powers it confers. Within the limit and
to the exten, OF the interests of the gov.
eminent involved, it would seem both ex-
pedient and proper if an econmical and
practicable route sail lie found to aid by
all the constitutional means in the prose-
culion of road which will unite by
speedy ,ranci, the population OF the Pa
cifc and Atlantic states. To guard a.
gainst nisconstruction it should be re-
membered that although power to con-
siruct or aid in the construction oil road
within the limit of state exists, 1t IS
nevertheless held TO be doubted power
and of more than doubtful propriety save
within the limits of territory for the
general government TO undertake to ad-
minister the affairs OF a railroad, canal
or other similar constructions and there
fore its connection with a work OF this
character should be incidental rather than
primary.
Approaching the magnitude OF the SUBJ
iect and solicitious that the Atlantic and
Pacific shores of the republic may be
bound together by inseperable ties Of
common interest as Well as of common
fealty and attachment to the Union, l
shall be disposed. as far as my own &C
ton is concerned, to follow the light of
the Constitution as expounded and Illus
trated by those whose opinions and ex-
positions constitute the standard OF my
political faith.
In regard to the powers of the federal
government, il is not necessary to add,
that TO grandeur Of enterprise, and no
present urgent inducement promising
popular favor, will lead me to disregard
these lights, or to depart from that posi-
ton which experience has proved to be
safe, and which is now radient with the
glow Of prosperity and legitimate con-
stltutional progress. We can afford TO
wait, but we cannot afford to overlook
the ark OF our own security. 1t is no
part of my purpose to give prominence 10
any subject which may be regarded as
set at rest by the deliberate judgement
Of the people; but while the presen, is
bright with promise, and the future is full
Of demand and inducemen, for the exer-
else of active intelligence, the pas, can
never be without usefulness for admoni-
ton and instruction, if all its designs
serve not as beacons, they will evidently
fail to fulfil the object OF wise design.
When the grave shall close over all who
are now endeavoring to meet the obi
cations OF duty, the year 1853 will be
REQUIRED TO as period filled with anxious
approximations. A successful war has lust
terminated-reaee brough, with it a vast
augmentation of territory. Disturbing
questions arose, bearing upon the domes-
tic Institutions Of one portion of the con-
lederacy, and involving the constitutional
right of the States, but Notwithstanding
differences of opinion and sentiment which
then existed In relation to details and
specific provisions, the acquiescence of
distinguished citizens, whose devotion to
the Union can never be doubted, has CIV
en- new vigol to our institutions, and
sense OF repose and security to the pub
he mind Throughout, the confederacy.
That this repose is to suffer no shock
during my official term, if have power
TO avoid 1t, those who placed me here
may be assured. The wisdom of men
who knew what independence cost, VINO
had put all at stake upon the issue OF the
revolutionary struggle, disposed Of the
subject 10 which refer, in the only way
consistent with the union Of these States,
and with the march of the power and
prosperity which has made us what We
are.
1t is significant fact, that from the
adoption Of the Constitution, until the of
hcers aud soldiers of the Revolution had
passed 10 their graves, or through the In
firmatles Of old age and wounds had
ceased TO participate actively in public
affairs, there was not merely quiet ac-
quiescence in, but a proinp indication OF
the constitutional rights of the States.-
The reserved powers were scrupulously
respected--no statesmen put forth the
narrow views Of easulstry 10 Justify IN
reference and agitation, but the spirit
OF the compact was regarded as sacred
IN the eye OF honor, and indispensable TO
the great experiment of civil liberty.
which, envlroned by inherent difficulties,
was yet borne forward in apparent weak
ness, by power superior 10 all obsta-
cles There IS no condemnation which
the voice of freedom will not pronounce
upon Us should we prove faithless to this
trust While men inhabiting different
parts Of this vast country can 10 more be
expected 10 hold the same opinions or
entertain the same sentiments than every
variety 81 climate, or soil can be expect.
ed 10 furnish the same agricultural pro-
duce, they can unite III common OBJ
Ject, and sustain common principles es-
seatlai to the naintainanee OF that object.
Inc gallant men OF the South and the
North 4pu1I rta-I