The Ashland union. [volume] (Ashland, Ashland County, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1856-06-18

sustained only by concerted action, and
that can only be secured by organization
| Hence, fidelity to this organization and
its usages becomes, like fidelity to prin
ciples, cardinal virtue. The latter
can only be manifested and made effect.
ual through the former.
NY friends VIII have duties TO per-
form in the canvas which my position
alone will prevent me from attempting
to fulfil in person. It is never to be
| forgotten by me that, in 1852, older and
better Emany voices cried out. "not bet
ter ] soldiers than myself (Mr. Buchan.
an and General Cassl--men who had
been faithful and tried leaders through
many years of labor and confict-were
passed, by to callsme from the retirement
which 1 had sought, and to which shall
return without regret May I not add,
gentlemen, that, if life be spared, 1 shall
go back to the State of my birth with a
conscience of having adopted no single
measure of public policy during my ad-
ministration which I did not believe to
be demanded by the best interests Of my
country, nor on2 which does not, to-
night, command the appreciation of my
judgement and my concience.
The conduct of those older and better
soldiers of whom have spoken, and of
the younger but neverthelers better SOL
dier, Judge Douglass now standing by
General Cass, who, for SO many years
has had, not merely my confidence and
respect, but my affection, will never
cease to be gratefully remembered by
me. They were all in the field, not
merely to encourage and direct, but act
ually to lead the columns. Their ener-
gies were not put forth because the stan
dard was in my hands, but because its
bearer was, in their estimation, for the
time being, the impersonation of those
sound constitutional principles which
they believed could alone give stability
and permanence TO this glorious fabric
of our institutions.
It IS cheering to know that the action
of the late Conyention places the states
men and patriots who are to lead us now
on a platform identical, in scope and
spirit, with that which I accepted with
full conviction of my Judgment and with
every sentiment of my heart, and that
they are to occupy it with the standard
lowered never an inch, so far as the strict
construction of the Constitution and the
yindication of the constitutional rights
of every portion of the Union are con
UeTEgd:
Much and justly as we admire the
patriotism, attainments and private vir-
tues of our standard bearers, there will
be nothing like man worship in this con-
test. Men become comparatively insig
nifcant, except as instruments, when
great principles and the vast interests
of country like ours are involved.
There will be, on your part, no appeal
to unworthy passion, no infamatory
calls for second revolution like those
which are occasionally reported as COM
ing from men who have received nothing
at the hands of their Government but
protection and political blessing, no in
vocation to the shedding of blood by
those who have had none to shed when
our countrymen have stood face to face
with the foreign foes. But the issue
will summon you to a calm, earnest
struggle for the Constitution, and, con-
sequently, for the Union.
You will bear yourselves like men
determined to cling to that sacred in
strument as the only security from gen
eral wreck, and the only refuge from
universal ruin. Men who feel and act
with you will cling to it with patriotic
wisdom and steady fortitude, and they
will defend it, if need be, with heroic
valor against all assaults from without OF
from within.
That signal triumph awaits you in
such cause L entertain no doubt.
If, as fully believe, our fathers were
not only guided and sustained through
the changing scenes and struggles of the
revolution, but were inspired after its
close to devise and adopt this Constitu-
tion by Omnipotent Power, we may re-
pose upon humble but unwavering faith
that that Power will not permit the mad
ness of their children to destroy it.
Accept, gentlemen, my best wishes
for you collectively and individually,
and my thanks for this gratifying call.