Weekly Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1853-1861, 1856-11-20
State Sentinel,
Mr.. Buchanan's Political Sentiments.


10th Of June last, in acceptance of tho NOM
nation made BY the National Democratic
Convention at Cincinnati, viii DO read with
now interest -
In accepting the nomination, Ineed scar -
" say that accept in the same spirit, tie
resolutions constituting the platform OF prin-
ciples erected by the Convention. To this
platform intend to confine myself through
outths canvass, believing that have no right
as the candidate of the Democratic party, by
answering intenogatories, 70 present new and
different issues before the people. f
It will not be expected that in this answer,
should specially refer to the subject Of each
Of the resolutions; and / shall therefore con.
fine myself TO the two topics now most prom
inently before the people.
And in the first place, cordially concur
in the sentiments expressed by the Conven-
ton on the subject Of civil and religious lib
erty. No party founded on religious or po-
litical intolerance towards one class of Amer
lean citizens, whether born in our own or in
foreign land, can long continue to exist in
this country. We are all equal before God
and the Constitution; and the dark spirit Of
despotsm and bigotry which would create
odious distinctions among our fellow citizens,
will be speedily rebuked by free and en-
lightened public opinion.
The agitation on the question Of domestic
slavery has too long distracted and divided
the people Of this Union and alenated their
affections from each other. This agitation has
assumed many forms since its commence
ment but il now seems 10 be directed chiefly
to the Territories, and judging from its pres
emit character l think Wa may safely antici-
pate that it's rapidly approaching a "6nality."
The recent legislation of Congress respecting
domestic slavery, derived, as il has been, from
the original and pure fountain Of legitimate
political power, the will of the majority, pro-
misses ere long, to allay the dangerous excite
ment. This legislation is founded upon prin-
ciples as ancient free government itself,
and in accordance with them, has simply de-
clared that the people Of a Territory, ike
those of State, shall decide for themselves,
whether slavery shall or shall not exist with
in their limits.
The Nebraska Kansas Act does no more
than give the force OF law to this elemental
ny principle Of selfgovenment; declaring it
to be ''the true intent and meaning of this
act not to legislste slavery into any Territory
or State, nor to exclude it therefrom; but to
leave the people thereof perfectly free to
form and regulate their domestic institutions
in their own way, subject only TO the Consti
tuition Of the United States" This principle
will surely not be controverted by any indi-
vidual Of any party protesting devotion TO
popular governments Besides, how vain and
illusory would any other principle prove in
practice in regard to the Territories This is
apparent from the. fact admitted by all, that
after Territory shall have entered the Un-
ion and become a State, no Constitutional
power would then exist which could prevent
it from either abolishing or establishing sla-
very, as the case may be, according to its
sovereign will and pleasure.
Most happy would be for the country il
this long agitation were at an end. During its
whole progress it has produced no practical
good to any human being, whilstit has been
the source Of great and dangerous evils. 1t has
alienated and estranged one portion of the
Union from the other, and has even seriously
threatened its very existence. To my own
personal knowledge, it has produced the i'm
preston among foreign nations that our great
and glorious confederacy is in constant danger
of dissolution. This does us serious injury,
because acknowledged power and stability
always command respect among nations, and
are among the best securities against unjust
aggression and in favor of the maintenance
OF honorable peace.
May we not hope that it is the mission Of
the Democratic party. now the only surviving
conservative party of the country, ere long to
overthrow all sectional parties and restore
the peace, friendship and mutual confidence
which prevailed in the good old time, among
the different members of the confederacy.
It's character is strictly national, and it there
fore asserts no principle for the guidance Of
the Federal Government which is not adopt
ed and sustained by its members in each and
every State. For this reason it Is everywhere
ne same determined foe of all geographical
pa-ties, so much and so Justly dreaded by
the Father of his Country. From its very
nature it must continue to exist SO long as
there is Constitution and a Union to pre-
serve. A conviction of these truths has in
duced many of the purest the ablest and
most independent of our former opponents,
who have differed from US in times gone by
upor old and extinct party issues, TO come
into our ranks and devote themselves with
US, to the cause of the Constitution and the
Union. Under these circumstances, most
cheerfully pledge myself, should the nomi-
nation of the Convention be ratified by the
people, that all the power and influence,
constitutionally possessed by the Executive,
shall be exerted, in firm but conciliatory
spirit, during the single term L shall remain
in office, to restore the same harmony among
the sister States which prevailed before this
apple of discord, in the form of slavery agi-
tation, had been cast into their midst Let
the members of the family abstain from in
termeddling with the exclusive domestic
concerns Of each other, and cordially unite,
on the basis of perfect equality among them
selves, in promoting the great national objects
of common interest to all, and the good work
will be instantly accomplished.
In regard to our foreign policy, to which
you have referred in yon communication, it
is quite impossible for any human foreknowl-
edge 20 prescribe positive rules in advance,
to regulate the conduct of a future admins
tration in all the exigencies which NAV arise
in our various and ever changing relations
with foreign powers. The Federal Govern
ment must of necessity exercise a sound dis
cretion in dealing with international questions
as they may occur; but this under the strict
responsibility which the Executive must al.
ways feel to the people Of the United States
and the judgment of posterity. You will,
therefore excuse me for not entering into
particulars, whilst L heartily concur with
you in the general sentiment, that our for
eign affairs ought to be conducted with such
wisdom and frmness as to assure the prosper
of the people at home, whilst the interests
and honor Of our country are wisely but in
hexibly maintained abroad. Our foreign pol
icy ought ever to be based upon the princi-
pie Of doing justice to all nations, and re-
curing justice from them in return; and from
this principle | shall never depart.
Should be placed in the Executive Chair,
/ shall use my best exertions to cultivate
peace and friendship with all nations, believ-
ing this to be our highest policy as well as
our most imperative duty; but at the same
time, shall never forget that in case the ne
cessity should arise, which do not now an