Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-06-21

ment This legislation founded upon the principles Is
ancient free government ITSELF and In accordance
With them have simply declared that the peopL Of
Territory. like those Of State shall decide for them
selves whether slavery shall shall cot exist within
their limits.
The Nebrasks-yansas Act does more than give the
force OF Law to this elementary principle Of scgovern
ment; declaring il to b. "the true intent and meaning Of
this act not to legate slavery into the Territory State
nor 10 exclude thereon but To leave the people there
vi perfectly free 10 form aud regulate their domestic in
situations Ia their way, subject only the Consttu
ton OF the United States" This principle will surely not
be controversial by any individual OF any party protesting
devotion To popular Government Besides, how vain and
iasory would any other principle prove in practice In
regard To the Teroricsi This is apparent from the fact
admitted by all, that after Territory shall have entered
the Union and become State, Constitutional power
would then exist which could prevent it om either abo
fishing or establishing slavery the may be, accord
ing To its sovereign will and pleasure.
Most happy would IL be for the country this long agi
taton end During its whole progress Il has
produced practical good human being. whilst IL
has been the OF great aud dangerous evils IL has
aienated and estranged one portion OF the Union from
the other and has seriously threatened is very
istence. To personal knowledge it has produced
the impression among foreign nations that great and
glorious conederacy is in constant danger Of dissolution.
This does serious injury, because acknowledged power
and stability always command respect among nations aud
are among the best securities against unl aggression
and In favor Of the maintenance OF honorable peace
May not hope that II il the mission Of the Demo-
cratic party the only surviving conservative patty
the country ere long to overthrow all sectional parties and
prevailed in the good old time, among the different
bers OF the confederacy. Its character is strictly national
and it therefore asserts principle for the gu-
dance OF the Federal Government which is adopt
ed aud sustained by its members in each and every State
For this il is where the determined foe
OF all geographical parties much aud so justly dreaded
by the Father OF his Country. From its nature il
must continue to exist long there is Constitution
and Union to preserve conviction OF these truths
has induced many of the purcst the abest and I'M
dependent OF our former opponents who have differed
~ mar
to come into ranks and devote themselves with
the cause Of the Constitution and the Union. Under
these circumstances cheerfully pledge myself
should the nomination OF the Convention be ratified by
the people that all the power and influence, constitution
ally possessed by the Executive shall be exertod in firm
but conciliatory spirit during the single shall
ter States which prevailed before this apple of dscord
the form OF slavery agitation had been into their
midst Let the members Of the family abstain rom in
terncding with tho exclusive domestic OF each
other and cordially unite the basis of perfect cqua
y among themselves in promoting the great national
ccts OF common interest ALL and the good work will be
instantly accomplished.
In regard to our foreign policy, which you have
ferrcd in communication-it quite impossible for
any human foreknowledge to prescribe positive rules adj
vance to regulate the conduct of future administration
in all the exgences which may arise in our various and
ever changing relations with foreign powers The FEEDER
al Government must of necessity exercise sound discre
ton in dealing with international questions they
but this under the strict responsibility which the
Executive must always feel to the people of the United
states ana the judgment OF postet1ty You will therefore
excuse me Tor not entering into particulars whilst hear
lily concur with you in the general sentiment that
foreign affairs ought to be conducted with such wisdom
and hFmness as TO assure the prosperity Of the people
home, whilst the interests and honor of country are
wisely but inexiby maintained abroad Our foreign poll
ought TO be based upon the principle doing JUS
tee to all nations and requiring justice from them in
turn; and from this principle shall never depart
Should be placed in the Executive Chair, shall use
my best exerons to cultivate peace and friendship with
all nations, believing this TO be highest policy well
1
never forget that in the necessity should arise which
do not now apprehend national rights and national
honor must be preserved at all hazards aud any
rfcc.
Firmly convinced that special Providence governs the
affairs of nations lie; humbly impore his continued
blessing upon country and that he may from
the punishment justly deserve for being disconnected
aud ungrateiu whilst enjoying privileges above all nations
under such Constitution and such Union has never
been vouchsaied to any other people.
Yours, very respectfully
JAMES BUCHANAN.