Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1854-08-24

the hands of spectators. Other movements
Thus free soil whig of this state, Eliot, of
New Bedford, and an abolition senator, Sum-
ner, moved to disturb the compromise meas
ures; but, though the movement was sustained
by wings and abolitionists, in was promptly vo-
ted down. Other factDus abolition movements
were counteracted and defeated by the good
sense of congress. Again we say, it it matter
for congratulation, as 10 our national finances
and our national union, that so much of what
was corruptng and dangerous has been left un
done. This argues we'll for the integrity and
perpetuity Of our government and for the vital
ity of Union principles.
In the next place, congress deserves well for
what it has done. We have not space, in this
article, to go Legislation in detail; but such
as has been carried bears about it the character
of being rigidly constitutional. The warehouse
bill The Canada reciprocity bill; the Mexican
war steamers, show that congress has promptly
carried out great measures matured by the ad-
ministration. The appropriation bill, it is be-
lieved, is free, in remarkable degree, from
lavish expenditures. Then there is the Kansas
Nebraska BILL providing for two new terrific
ries-soon TO become states, and 10 be ready
for admission TO the Union based on the strict
principles ofihe constitution. One characteris-
tic runs through the whole Of this legislation
that of being strictly in accordance with the
constitution. There is no higher, safer, or bet
ter test of Legislation, than to say of it, that it
was matured as in the constant presence Of
the obligations which each citizen owes to the
common country. This is the praise which
this congress deserves.
AlOther characteristic of the Legislation is
It's freedom from seciionalism. When il was
proposed to establish the non-intervention priu-
ciple as 10 slavery, which is alleged to be south
ern in its bearings, comprehensive patriotism
looked not to past congress as its guide, but
TO the ever living constitution, and accepted the
principle because Of its accordance with il; and
when great measure promising to benefit, in
peculiar degree, northern interests-the re-
ciprocal treaty-came before congress the same
comprehensive patriotism carried this TOO trium-
phantly. There is noble signifnance in such
results. TEey show how grandIy the federal
government can promote the good of all sections
Of The union. They are practical exemplif-
vitality on immense interests, sOnlh aud north,
how, under The constitution, there may be ac-
tion that will know no north, no south, no
east, no west, but sacred maintenance of the
mon brolherhood.'
While such view of domestic, foreign and
legislative affairs is no more than justice to the
administration, it is as just to ascribe the tone
of the whole to the principles announced 10 the
inaugural and the annual message. They are
emphatically DID, long tried, safe landmarks.-
They embrace-as 10 the base and working Of
our institutons-as much of what may be prop
ery termed state rights principles, or Jeffer-
issued from the executive chair; and hence they
are most thoroughly Union papers. We say
this because experience demonstrates that the
fraternal feelings that bind together the mem
bers of the Union can only be strengthened by
respecting the sovereignty of each of them
This is what they stipulated for when they
united to declare independence; when they
agreed TO form confederation and when they
therefore, an admission acts on these prnci-
pies throughout, it takes the surest method TO
promote the durability of our institutions. Is
the inquirer, who doubts as to this judgment Of
President Pierce's agency, desirous of making
a test Let him devote an hour in a compari-
son of the inaugural and first message of Presi-
dent Pierce with the inaugural and first mes
sage of President John Q. Adams Let bin
mark how the one descants on the glories of
splendid goverment-on making roads like
the Roman Appian way; and how the other
argues for an abandonment ofthe whole sysem
Mr.. Adams, in principle, was a latiludinarian
in his constitutional views, and put forth the
doctrines of this school: Gen. Pierce is strict
constructionist. and set forth, as his guides, the
doctrines Of the state rights school. 1t is the
present ascendancy Of these principles, in all
branches of the service, that makes The govern
ment unit as TO lis domestic policy.
This view, brief and inadequate as il is, of
the administration, would be incomplete if the
firm manner n which the President has exc
cuted the laws were left ont Of account Il
hold that the laws of 1850, commonly called
the compromise measures, are strictly constitu-
tonal, and 10 be unhesitanlly carried into ef-
fect' Let recent events say how firmly and
wisely the President has acted on this convc-
tion. Was the case presented to him, as in
the instance Of the Kansas Nebraska bill, of
carving out the truly constitutional non-inter-
vention principle Of The 1850 compromise as to
interference by congress with slavery! He
was ready To sign The bill, and thus 'unhesitant-
ly to carry into effect this great principle. e.
Was the case presented of traiiorous resis-
tance TO the fugitive slave lawl He was ready,
promptly and unhesilanty, TO say 10 the officers
Of the government, the law must be executed