Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1856-06-28

declaring it to be ''the true intent and
meaning of this act not to legislatc sla-
very into any Territory or State, nor to
exclude it therefrom; but to leave
the people thereof perfectly free to
form and regulate their domestic institu-
tons in their own way, subject only to
the constitution of the United States. p
This principle will surely not be contro-
vcrted by any individual of any party
protesting devotion to popular govern
ment. Besides, how vain and. illusory
would any other principle prove in prac-
ticc in regard to the Territories. This
is apparent from the fact admitted by all
that after Territory shall have entered
into the Union and become a State no
constitutional power would then exist
which could prevent it from either abol-
shing or establishing slavery, as the case
may be, according to its sovereign will
and pleasure.
Most happy would it be for the country
# this long agitation'wcre ut an end
During its whole progress it has produ-
ccd no practical good to any human
being, whilst it has been the source of
great and dangerous evils. 1t has alien
ated and estranged one portion of th
Union from the other, and has even SO
riously threatened its very existence
To my own personal knowledge, it has
produced the impression among foreign
nations that our great and glorious con-
tcderacy is in constant danger of disso-
luton. This does us serious injury.
because acknowledged power and stabili-
ty always command respect among ma
tons, and are among the best securities
against unjust aggression and in favor of
the maintenance of honorable peace.
May We not hopc that it is the mission
of the Democratic party now the only
surviving conservative party of the coun-
try, ere long to overthrow all sectional
parties and restore the peace, friendship
and mutual con6d, nee which prevailed
in the good old time, among the different
members of the confederacy It's char
actcr is strictly national, and it therefore
asserts no principle for the guidance of
the Federal Government which is not
adopted and sustained by It's members in
each and every State. For this reason
it is everywhere the same determined foo
Of all geographical parties, so much and
so justly dreaded by the Father of his
Country. From its very nature it must
continue to exist so long as there is
Constitution and Union to preserve
A conviction of these truths has induced
many Of the purest, the ablest and most
independent Of our former opponents,
who have differed from us in times gono
by upon old and extinct party issues, to
come into our ranks and devote them
selves with us to the cause of the Con-
stitution and the Union. Under these
circumstances. L most 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 BIO
exerted, in firm but conciliatory spirit,
during the single term | shall remain in
Office, to restore the same harmony among
the sister States which prevailed before
this apple Of discord, in the form Of
slavery agitation, had been cast into
their midst. Let the members of tho
family abstain from intermeddling with
the exclusive domestic concerns of each
other, and cordially unite, on the basis
Of perfect equality among themselves, in
promoting the great national objects Of
common interest to all, and the good
work will be instantly accomplished.
In regard TO our foreign policy, to
which you have referred in your commu-
nication--it is quito impossible for any
human foreknowlcdgc TO prescribe posi-
tive rules in advance to regulate the con-
duct Of future administration in all tho
exigencics which may arise in our va
rious and ever changing relations with
foreign powers. The Federal Govern
mcnt must Of necessity exercise a sound
discretion in dealing with international
questions as they may occur; but this
under the strict responsibility which tho
Executive must always feel to the people
Of the United States and the Judgment
of posterity. You will therefore excuse
me for not entering into particulars;
whilst | heartily concur with you in tho
general sentiment that our foreign affairs
ought TO be conducted with such wisdom
and frmness as TO assure the prosperity
Of the people at home, whilst the inter-
ests and honor Of our country arc wisely
but inlcxibly maintained abroad. Our
foreign policy ought ever 10 be based
upon the principle Of doing justice to all
nations, and requiring justice from them
IN return; and from this principle / shall
never depart.
Should be placed in the Executive
Chair, | shall use my best oxertions to
cultivate peace and friendship with all
nations, believing this TO be our highest
policy as well as our most Imperative
duty; but, at the same time, shall
never forget that in case the necessity
should arise, which do not now appre-
bend, our national rights and national
honor must be preserved Mt all hazards
and at any sacrifice.
Firmly convinced that special Proyi-
dencc governs the affairs of nations, lot
us humbly iInplorc His continued blcs-
sing upon our country, and that lie may
aycrt from ms the punishment we justly
deserve for being discontentcd and un-
grateful whilst enjoying privileges above
al nations, under such Constitution
md such Union as has mover been
youchsafed 10 any people.
Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES BUCHANAN.