Nashville daily patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1855-1857, 1856-12-09
MIR. Buchanan no longer a Plat
form. IOOsens his Tongue.

s' 1870 ' NNA"SNf a. We AS~AH
from the Lancaster Express, paid Mr.. Blu
chanan a visit at Wheatland There were
about two hundred of them. The young
sters were presented to the President elect
by Rev E. Y. Gerhart, President Of the
College, and one of them delivered an adj
dress congratulating him upon bis election.
Mr.. Buchanan replied we must say in a
neat and very appropriate manner. He
gave the boys some wholesome advice,
which, if taken advantage Of, viii prove of
good service to them. For instance he
said
There was not young among them, however
humble bis position, who might not aspire, with an
honorable ambition, to Gil the highest Office within
the gift OF the people, but in order to attain to po-
stioos OF honor and usefulness and distinction they
must remember that everything depends upon
themselves. They must carve out their future
from the opportunities Of the present. Kind par
ents and friends have afforded them rare oppor-
tunities Of acquiring that knowledge which cost.
tutes power. If they neglect abuse these op-
postuuities-if they idle away the golden hours al
lottsd for the improvement OF mind-if they are
TO the good interest and of the institutions
then, they might be assured, they would have
cause 10 repent Of their folly through long hours Of
sorrow IN after life for they could retrieve
the past. Mr.. Buchanan said he bad been a college
boy himself and none Of the best of boys, either,
being fond Of fun, like themselves. There were
many little eccentrlcites in the life of a college
student that might be pardoned or overlooked but
there was one habit which if formed at college or
in early youth, would cling to them through after
life and blight the farest prospects He referred to
the use Of Intoxicating liquors. and declared it
would be better for that youth who contracted an
appetite Tor strong drink that he were dead or had
never been born; for when he saw young man en-.
teriBG upon such career, q fondness of liquor bes
coming with him governing passion, he could see
nothing before him but a life of sorrow and a dis
honOred grave his old age. Many lads he was
aware, considered this practice a mark Of smart
ness, but he regarded it as offence that cannot
be pardoned, especially in student at college; and
he concluded this earnest appeal by expressing the
hope and belief that none Of the Young men Of
Franklin and Marshall addicted to this danger.
Gus practice. The speaker then alluded to the
course and habits ofsudy necessary to ensure sue.
cess in Students life. Many young men prided
themselves in running over a great many books
aud gaining superficial knowledge of many branch
es OF science. This was Of no practical use. He
would urge them 20 learn thoroughly all they IN
dertOok to learn-to acquire knowledge distinctly
and then they would be able to use it to some
practical advantage in after life They should ap-
ply themselves with diligence TO their allotted stu
dies by day, reflect at night upon what they had
thus acquired and appropriate it as their best cap
tai with which 10 engage in the struggles of life He
bad met with many men of prominence who had
looked st the indexes Of great many books, and
had general smsttering Of knowledge, but it was
all surface work, and of practical use. He hop.
ed his young friends here present would avoid fall
ing into this error.
This is advice which the pupils of Frank
lin and Marshal college, and of all other
colleges and schools would do well to lay
to heart. We hope they will endeavor to
profit by it. 1t is pity that one so eapa-
BILE Of giving good advice, and understand
ing so thoroughly what sort of training is
necessary to the attainment of knowledge,
should have no little boys of his own to
click into shape" and start out in the path
to usefulness and eminence
But Mr.. Buchanan did more than give
the boys counsel. Turning gracefully to
the subject Of his election, which had been
referred to, he concluded his remarks as
follows
He bad been elected TO the high and re-
sponsible Office OF President, and he thanked
them most sincerely for their congratulations;
but whether the event would prove to be a
matter of congratRlation time alone can de-
termine. Without saying which party was
right or which was wrong, the fears of the
father Of his country ma d at last been rea-
LIKED, and we now behold a sectional party
one portion Of our Union arrayed in political
hostility against the other. Tie object Of his
administration Mould be TO DESTROY ana section
at pdrty-ROrth or Southland hd yqaOnise all
sections Of the Union Under a national and con-
SerudttUe government, as 1t t0ds tifty ySdTs ago.
Unless this be done the time may come when
these sectional animosities which now unhap-
PLY exist may break up the fairest and most
perfect form of government the sun ever shone
upon. But he trusted that the same Power
which had watched over and preserved Us in
the past, will continue to smile upon us and
make us prosperous, united aud happy pec-
pie. In conclusion, he said, that If he could
IN any degree be the honored instrument Of
allayiDg this sectional excitement and restor-
ing the government to the principles and poll
cy OF the fathers, be would then feel that he
had not assumed the arduous duties of the Of
fee ia vain.
1t gives us pleasure to put these remarks
on record. They are evidence that not
withstanding Mr. Buchanan may have
sympathized with the secessionists and null
lifers of the South in IS50-that, notwith-
standing the disunion sentiments of many
of his warmest supporters in the recent
canvass-having been elected to preside
over the nation for four years, he feels the
Importance and responsibility of the great
trusts confded to him, and in his self-com-
munings has determined to exert his inau-
ence for the good of his country, and to
put down sectionalism. This is worthy of
any mans ambition. If, in the discharge
Of his official duties, he shall exhibit firm
adherence to this acknowledgements
alike the opportunities Of friends and the
denrnciations Of enemies-sa satisfying the
country that be is not the 'facile" instru-
ment be is believed to be by thousands of his
countrymen, he will merit and receive the
appreciation and support of men of all par
ties who truly desire the perpetuation Of
onr free Institutions But, il on the other
hand, be shall forget his determination, and
follow in the footsteps of Franklin Pierce, he
will deserve and receive the contempt and
execration which will follow bis immediate
predecessor ntoprivate life. We hope the
former, but apprehend the latter viii be his