The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1856-06-27

ciples, ancient free government itself, and in
accordance with them, has simply declared that the
people OF Territory like those of Staie shall de-
eide Tor themselves, whether slavery shall or shall
not exist within their limits.
The Nebraska Kansas Act does no more than give
the force OF law 10 this elementary principle OF self
governments declaring il to be fIhe ffue intent and
meaning Of this acf not 10 egisaie slavery INTO any
Territory or State, 10 exclude il therelrom but
foleaye the people thereof perfectly free 10 form and
regulate their domestic institutions IN their own
way, subject only 70 the Constitution OF the United
States" This principle will surely not be contro-
verted by any individual Of any party protesting de-
vofion 10 popular Government. Besides how vain
and iitu,ory would any other principle prove prac-
tice in regard the Territories This is apparent
from the fact admitted by ALL that after Territory
shall have entered the MON and becomes State.
Constitutional power would then exist which could
prevent It from either abolishug establishing la-
very, as the case may be- according lis sovereign
will and pleasure.
Most happy would il be for the country if this
long agitation Were at end During It's whole
progress il has produced no practical good TO any hu
man being, whilst it has been tbe source OF great
and dangerous evils. II has aenated and estranged
portion of the Union from the other and has
even seriously threatened its very existenre. To
my own personal knowledge it has produced the inn
preston among foreign nations thar great and
glorious contederacy Is in constant danger OF disso-
luton. This does Us serious injury because acknow-
always
among nations, and are among The best securities a
gainst unjust aggression and favor OF the mainte-
nance of honorable peace
May not hope that il is the mission OF the
Democratic party, the only surviving conserva-
tive party of the country ere long 10 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 con-
iederacy Its character is strictly national, and it
therefore asserts principle for the guidance of the
Federal Government which is not adopted and Sus-
tanned by rs members in each and every State. For
this il is everywhere the same determined foe
OF all geographical parties, much and so justly
dreaded BY the Father of his Country. From iIs
very nature must contnne to exist so long as there
is Constitution and Union TO preserve. A con-
vcton of these truths has induced many OF the pu-
rest, the ablest and most independent of former
opponents. who have differed from in times gone
by upon old and extinct party issues, TO come into
our ranks and devote themselves with 10 the cause
OF the Constitution and the Union. Under these
circumstances. | most cheerlully pledge myself,
should the nomination Of the Convention be ratified
by the people, that all the power and influence, con-
stntionally possessed by the Executive. shall be
eTted, IN firm but conciliatorv spirit, during the
single term shall remain in office, to restore the
same harmony among the sister States which pre-
vailed before This apple Of dscord, in the form Of
slavery agitation, had been cast INTO their midst
Let the members Of the family abstain from inter-
meddhng with the exclusive domestic concerns OF
each other. and cordially unite, the basis Of per-
ieet equality among themselves. in promoting the
great national objects Of interest TO ALL and
the good work will be Instantly accomplished.
10 regard 10 our foreign policy, to which yon have
referred in your communicaton,--i is quite impos-
Sible for any human ioreknowedge TO prescribe pos
ttve rules in advance, 10 regulate the conduct OF
iutme administration in all the exjgencies which
may arse IN various aud ever changing relations
with foreign powers. The Federal Government
must Of necessity exercise sound discretion in deal
ing with internatlona questions they may occur
hut this under the strict responsibility which the
Executive must always feel 10 the people Of the
United States and the Judgment OF po,terity. You
will therefore for not entering into par
ticulars whilst heartily concur with you in the
general sentiment that our foreign affairs ought 10
be conducted with such wisdom and frmneSs as to
assure the prosperity of the people at home. whilst
the interests and honor OF our country wisely but
infexibly maintained abroad Oar foreign policy
ought 10 be based upou the principle of doing
justice TO all nations, and requiring Justice from them
IN return and from this principle shall never de-
part.
Shoud ] be placed in the Executive Chair | shall
MY best eXertions cultivate peace and friend
ship with all nations, believing this Ia be high
est policy well most Imperative dutV: but
al the time, shall never forget that in case
the necessity should arise, which DO not ap-
prehend, our national rights and national honor
must be preserved at all hazards and at any sacri-
fee.
Firmly convinced that a special Providence gov
ems the affairs OF nations let as humby lmpore his
continued blessing upon country. and that he
may avert from Us the punishment re Justly deserve
for being dscontented and uagrateful whilst enjoy
ing privileges above all natous under such Con.ti
tuition and such Union as has never been vouch-
saed 10 any other people.
Yours, very respectfully.
JAMES BUCHANAN.