The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1856-06-18
PRESIDENT PIERCEs SPEECH,
AT WASHINGTON

| congratulate you, my fellow citizens, up.
on the occasion which brings you here, aud
indulge the confident hope that the Joy with
which you hail the harmonious and unani-
nous result of the deliberations at Cincin-
natl, may be strengthened aud despeued by
the ratifying voice of our countrymsn. IT is
pleasant to realize that, however o!her par
ties may be divided and distracted, there is
nothing with US bu, union Of purpose, and
will be nothing but union in action. From
this hour to that when the polls will be OPEN
ed in November, all prejudces and personal
animosities among those who should cuti-
vate mutual regard and afford mutual sup
port, will be laid aside. Nay, even prefer
enoes which may have existed in our ranks,
are already no longer remembered. The
preference OF every friend in this crisis, who
cares more fot the country than for himself,
devotion 10 the cause, and an earnest support
OF the standard bearers who are 10 lead US
through the great struggle, will be the con-
trolling sentiment of The Democracy, North
and South, East and West. We are all,
am sure, quite sincere in our convictions,
;hst not only The prosperity Of the Republic,
but the perpetuIly of this blessed Union, de.
pend essentially upon the vindcalion and
maintenance Of the principles declared by
! the recent Convention.
But these principles can be vindicated and
sustained only by concerted action, and that
can only be secured by organization. Hence
fidelity to this organization and lis usages
becomes, like fidelity to principles, card-
nal virtue. The latter can only be manifest-
ed and made effectual through the former
My friends will have duties TO perform in
the canvass, which my position alone will
pEevent me from attempting 10 fulfil in per-
son. 1t is never 10 be forgotten by me, that
in 1852, older and better soliiers-(cries
from the multitude "not better, ,")--than my.
self;SMr. Buchanan and Mr.. Cass, men who
had been faithful and lrled leaders through
many years of labor and conflict, were pass.
ed by, to call me from the retirement which
had sought, and TO which shall return
without regret. May not add, gentlemen,
if life be spared, shall 60 back 10 the place
of my birth, with consciousness OF having
adopted no single measure of public policy
during my administration, which | did not
believe TO be demanded BY the best interests
of my country, nor one which does not to-
night command the appreciation of my judg-
ment and conscience. The conduct of those
older and better soldiers, of whom have
spoken, and Of The younger but better sol.
dier, Judge Douglas, who am glad 10 see
now standing by the great and good man
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 actually 10 lead the column. Their
energies were not put forth because the
standard was in my hands, but because its
bearer was, in their estimation, for the time
being the impersonalion of those sound con.
s,itulional principles which they believed
could alone give stability and permsnence
TO this glorious fabric of our institutions. 1t
is cheering 10 know that the action of the
late Convention places the statesmen and pa
lrio,s who are to lead us now, upon the iden.
tioal platform which l accepted, with full
conviction Of my Judgment and with every
sentiment Of my heart, and that they are 10
occupy il with the standard lowered never an
inch, so far as the strict construction OF the
constitution, and the vindicalion Of the con.
stitutional rights Of every portion Of the
Union are concerned.
Much and Justly as we admire The patri-
oiism, atiainments aud private virtues Of our
standard bearers, there will be nothing like
man worship in This contest. Men become
comparatively insignificant, except as in.
slruments, when great principles and the
vast Interests of a country like ours are in-
volved. There will be, on your part, no ap.
peal to unwor'hy passions, no inflammatory
calls for second Revolution, like those
which are occasionally reported as coming
from men who have received nothing al The
hands of their government but protection
and political blessings; no declaration of re.
sistance TO the laws of the land, no iuvoca-
| uOu " tho oH0uuuS Va otooo, ~ GiOeO WIN
have bad none TO shed when our country
men have stood face 10 face with foreign
foes. But The issue will summon you TO
claim, earnest struggle for the constitution,
and consequently for the Union. You will
bear yourselves like men determined 10 cling
to.that sound instrument as The only security
from general wreck and the only refuge from
universal ruin. Men who feel and acl with
you will cling 10 il with patriolic wisdom
and steady iortitude, and they will defend il,
if need be, wiIh heroic valor against all as
saults from without or from within. That
signal triumph awaits you in such cause
entertain no doubt II, as I fully believe,
our fathers were not only guarded and sus.
tanned through The changing scenes and
struggles of the Revolution, but were inspir-
ed after it's close TO devise and adop, this
constitution by omnipolent Power, we may
repose upon humble but unerring faith tina,
that Power will not permit the madness of
their children 10 destroy it. Except gentle.
men, my best wishes for you, collectively
and individually, and my thanks for thisgrat.