The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1856-06-27
VOL. XIV, no. 43.

perience in political affairs, and from his long
services in The executive aud legislative depart
ments of the government, be possesses perfect
familiarity with every branch of the adminis-
traton. In the discharge Of his public duties,
his great talents have been universally recogni-
zed, and the purity of his character commands
the respect of his countrymen without distlne-
tion of party In other countries he is the
most distinguished living representative Of the
intellect and character Of the United States;
and none oil Us, am sure, have iorgotten the
signal ability with which, on a recent occasion,
he viadicated the Just claims of his country
against the most eminent diplomatists oil Europe.
Mr. Buchanan belongs TO a class Of states
men nearly all Of whom have passed from the
stage of action. He was long associated in the
public councils with Jackson, Clay, Calhoun,
Webster, Wright, Forsyth, and others, whose
names are cherished portion OF the treas
uTes OF the countrv-and he was not the least
star in that galaxy. HIS great compeers are
gone, yet be remains, in the vigorous posses
sion Of all his faculties, standing III the midst OF
the descendants Of those with whom he COM
mencrd his respected and honored hv
all classes Of bis countrymen. Lake ali public
men he has been the victim Of deiraction; but
he has outIiyed its intluence, nor can the ca-A
iamniss thrown opt in the party contests long
past be more successfully revived against him
than against the memories of his honoFed asso-
ciates.
OF myself, Gentlemen, II does not become me
to speak, especially here, in the midst OF peo-
Pile among whom was born and reared My
principles and course OF lie are known 10 you
all.
Gentlemen, The platform of principles adop-
Al. -.
OF the country, and exert the most important
influence upon public affairs. Without enter
ing into a discussion Of that platform, | may
remark that it rtasserts the old and well-recog-
nised creed of the democratic party, and then
applies the principles Of that party to the great
question Of the times.
Upon the two Issues which do now most
agtate the Union, the position Of the depocra-
cy cannot hereafter be misunderstood or mis-
represented.
They have defioea in explicit terms their con-
struction Of the guarantees Of civil and reli-
gious liberty which are contained in the consti-
tuition Of the United States.
Upon the distracting question of domestic
slavery their position is equally clear. The
whole power Of the democratic organization is
pledged to the following propositions:
That Congress shall not interfere upon this
subject IN the States, IN the Territories, or in
the District of Columbia.
That the people Of each Territory shall de-
tprmine the question for themselves, and be ad-
mitted into the Union upon a footing of per-
feet equality with the original States, without
discrimination on account of the allowance or
prohibition of slavery.
That the law Of Congress for the return OF
fugitives from labor, passed in pursuance of the
requirement of the constitution, shall be faith
fully executed.
Upon all these vital questions the convention
was unanimous, every delegate from every
State giving them his cordial approval.
Gentlemen, if these principles can be main
tanned, every obstacle will be removed to the
peace and prosperity of our country. More
than this YOU ought not TO ask-lesS than this
you will not consent 10 take. know you well
enough 10 be assured that there is not man
within the sound of my voice who does not
feel that this settlement is just, and that in no
other mode can the tights OF the respective
members of the coniederacy be preserved, and
the peace of the Union secured
To the maintenance Of these principles are
pledged the united efforts Of the strongest polit-
ical organization in the United States. You are
not called upon now to decide subordinate qnes-
tions of policy. You are brought face 20 face
with issues that rock your country TO It's centre,
and involve the principles upon which your in
Sttutions are founded Hence high personal
responsibility is imposed on every citizen,
which cannot BE- discharged by blindIy herding
beneath party banners, or altering fierce rally
ing-cries, or surrendering the judgment TO the
dominion of the prejudces and the passions
He who shall examine carefully and temper
ately the platform Of the national democracy,
compare il with the platforms Of other parties,
investigate the issaeS before the country, learn
the strength and purposes Of other organizations,
and then prefer the decisions Of his Judgment to
The temptations OF his passions, will have per-
formed hlS duty IN a manner answerable to the
high claims Of his country upon the patriotism
of her sons.
My only purpose in appearing before you,
upon the invitation Of your committee, was TO
render my sincere acknowledgements for the
kindness which prompted you 10 desire my
presence. II | have been betrayed into re-
marks more extended than the occasion seemed
10 demand, you must share the blame with me,
and place the error, in part at least, to the ac-
count OF your warm welcome and friendly at
tenton.
i In one sentiment / am can all con-
cur That the great ISSUES involved in this con-
test NAV be so decided as 10 preserve the con-
stitution, advance the general prosperity, and
give guarantee OF the equal and perpet-
ual union of the States.
Terrible FreShet an fenneSSee.-The Ten
nessee papers report destructive freshets in that
State. in Giles county, hogs, cattle and sheep
,.,..r., flrnu-rad hridosS CARRIED vni4cb