The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-12-06
A CHARACTERISTIC SPEECH FROM THE PREsI-
DENT ELECT.

DENT ELECT
We have already briefly alluded to the visit recently
paid to the President elect by the students Of the Franklin
and Marshall College OF Lancaster Pennsylvania The
following las reported in the Lancaster Expressly Is the
reply of Mr. Buchanan the eongatulaory address de-
livered on the occasion by Mr. William A Duncan in be-
half Of the students
Mr. Buchanan said in reply that he felt greatly ndebt-
ed TO his young friends for their visit He had the assn
rance that at least their congratulations sincere as
they sprung from the warm hearts OF YOUTH which haa not
yet had time 10 become corrupted and hardened in the
ways of the world The bosom of youth the abode OF
sincerity and TRUTH and 1t was indeed pleasure and an
honor receive the oupourngs OF their hearts lie
said he had always felt great soctude for the interests OF
Franklin and Marshall College; it noble institution,
and he was proud to be the president OF its board OF di
rectors He extremely grafed to learn that 1t had
prospects only of large number of students, but
Of great usefulness II was gratifying to see so large
number Of worthy young already enrolled on It's ss
of students. He referred TO their responsibility
ing them that when the present generation had passed
away and been gathered to their fathers on then the
Young men of to-day, would rest the responsibility OF
forming and administering the future government oil the
country and of preserving intact our glorious Union ana
constitution. There was not he said, young man among
them however humble his position, who might not aspire
with an honorable ambition to fill the highest otce with
in the gift OF the people but in order TO attain to posi-
tons Of honor and usefulness and distinction they must
remember that thing depends upon themselves They
must carve their future from the opportunities OF the
Kind parents and friends have afforded them rare
Opportunities OF acquiring tnat WHICH oohu
power II they neglect or abuse these opportunities
they idle away the golden hours allotted for the improve
men mind if they not obedient to their professors
all that relates to the good interest and success OF the in
stitution then they might be assured they would have
repent Of their folly through long hours OF sor
in after life for they could never retrieve the past
Mr. Buchanan said he had been college boy himself and
none of the best of boys, either being fond OF fun like
themselves. There many little eccentricies in the
life of college student that might be pardoned or over
looked but there was habit which, il formed al
college or in early youth would cling to them through
after life and blight the fairest prospects. He refer
red to the of Intoxicating liquors. and declared it
would be better for that youth who contracted an APP
petite for strong drink that he were dead or had never
been born for when he young man entering upon
such career fondness OF liquor becoming WIN nun
governing passion, he could see nothing before him
but life Of SORROW and dishonored grave in his old
age Many lads he aware considered this practice
mark of smarness but he regarded 1t as offence that
cannot be pardoned especially student at college and
he concluded this earnest appeal by expressing the hope
and belief that of the young of Franklin and
Marshall were addicted this dangerous practice. The
speaker then alluded to the course and habits of study
cessary success in students le Many young
prded themselves in running great many books
and gaining superficial knowledge of many branches OF
science This was of practical use. He would urge
them learn thoroughly all they undertook to earno
acquire knowledge disinctyand then they would be able
TO use to some practical advantage in after life They
should apply themselves with diligence to their allotted
studies by day reflect at night upon what they had thus
qured and appropriate it as their best capital with which
to engage in the struggles Of life He had met with many
men prominence who had looked at the indexes of
great many books and had general smatering of knowl-
edge but il all surface work and Of practical
He hoped his young friends here present would avoid fall
ing into this error Mr. Buchanan remarked that his cleo
ton had alluded to- and he might be expected say
something that point He had been elected to the high
and responsible Office of President and he thanked them
most sincerely for their congratulations but whether the
event would prove be matter Of congraulaton time
alone can determine Without saying which party was
right or which wrong the fears OF the Father of his
Country" had at last been realized and behold
sectional partyone portion Of Union arrayed In po
tca hostility against the other The object Of his ad-
mnistraon would be to destroy any sectional party North
or South and harmonige ell sections Of the Union under
national and conservative govnment as was fifty years
ago Unless this be DONE the time may come when these
,iona anmostes which unhappiy exist may break up
the ares and perfect form government the ever
shone upon But he trusted that the power which
had watched and preserved in the past will con-
tinue to smile upon us .nd make PROSPEROUS united
and happy people In conclusion he said that he could
in any degree be the honored instrument Of aaying this
sectional excitement and restoring the government to the
principles and policy of the fathers he would then feel
that he had assumed the arduous duties Of the Office in
/ vain.
At the conclusion Of Mr. Buchanans remarks Of which
have given but rapid outline his guests retired each
one receiving cordial shake Of the hand After they had
reformed in the order for procession three cheers
posed and given for the president Of the board Of Franklin
and Marshall College and the President elect Of the United
States