The Yazoo City weekly Whig. (Yazoo City, Miss.) 18??-1855, 1853-03-25

Iings and comforting power and influence
which our fathers could hardly have anticipa-
ted, even with their most sunguine hopes direc-
ted to far off future. The sentiments | now
announce were not unknown before the ex-
preston of the voice which called me here
My own position npon this subject was clear
and unequivocal upon the record Of my words
and my acts. and it is only REQUIRED to at this
time because silence might perhaps be miscon-
strued. With the Union, my best and dearest
earthly hopes are entwined. Without it, what
are we, individually or collectively.
What becomes of the noblest field ever OPEN
ed for the advancement of our race, in relig-
ion, in government, in the arts. and in all that
dignilies and adorns mankind! From that
radiant constellation, which both illumines our
own way and points out to struggling nations
their course, let but single star be lost,
and, If there be not utter darkness, the lustre
of the whole is dimmed.
Do my countrymcn need my assurance that
such catastrophe is not to overtake them while
| possess TIE power to stay it !! 1t is with me
an earnest and vital belief, that as the Union
has been the source under Providence of our
prosperity to this time, SO it is the surest pledge
of continuance of he blessings we have en-
joyed, and which we are sacrcdly bound to
transmit undiminished to our children.
The field of calm and free discussion in our
country is open, and will always be SO, but it
never has been and never can be traversed for
good in spirit of sectionallsm and unchardta-
bleness.
The founders Of the Republic dealt with
things as they were presented to them in
spirit of self-sacrifcng patriotism, and, Us time
has proved, with comprehensive wisdom
which it will always be safe to consult. Every
measure tending to strengthen the fraternal
feelings of all the members of our Union has
had my heartfelt appreciation. To every theory
of society or government, whether the offspring
of feverish ambition or of morbid enthusiasm,
calculated to dissolve the bonds of law and af-
lection which unite us, snail interpose ready
and stern resistance. | believe that involuntary
servitude, as it exists in different States Ct this
Confederacy, is recognized by the Constitution
believe that it stands like any other admitted
right, and that the States where it exists are
entitled to efficient remedies to enforce the
constitutional provisions. hold that the laws
of 1850, commonly called the "Compromise
Measures" are strictly CONSTITUTIONAL and 10
be unhesitatingly carried into effect. believed
that the constituted authorities of this Repub-
lie 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
10 enforce them should be respected and obey ed
not with reluctance encouraged by abstract
opinions as other propriety in different state
of society, but cheerfully, and according to the
decisions of the tribunal to which their exposi-
ton belongs
Such have been. and are my convictions, ard
upon them l shall act. l fervently hope that
the question is at rest, and that no section or
ambitious fanatical excitement may again threat
ell the durability of our institutions, or obscure
the light of our prosperity. But let not lie
foundation of our hope rest upon mans wisdom;
it will not be sufficient that sectional prejudces
find no place in the public deliberations. 1t
will not be sufficient that the rash counsels Of
human passion are rejected-it must be felt
that there is no national security but ip the ne
tons humble acknowledged dependence upon
God, and his over-ruling Providence. We have
been carried in safety through a perilous cri.
sis. Wise counsels, like those which gave Us
the Constitution. prevailed to uphold it. Let
the period be remembered as an admontion,
and not as encouragement in any section ofthe
Union to make experiments where expert
ments are fraught with such fearful hazard.
Let it be impressed upon all hearts, that, beau
tiful as our fabric is, no earthly power or
wisdom could ever re-unite its broken frag-
ments.
Standing, as DO, almost within view.ef the
green slopes of Monticello, and, as it were,
within reach of the tomb Of Washington, with
all the cherished memories ofthe past gathering
around me, like so many eloquent voices ofex-
hortation from heaven, can express no better
hope for my country than that the kind ProVi-
dence which smiled u pom our fathers may en-.
able their, children to preserve the blessings
they have inherited,
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
= mn NJ w7 ma gmI . - m mn M MI IN -