The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1856-06-20
President Pierce's Speech.

President Pierce's Speech.
congratulate you, my f-llow-citizens, upon
The occasion which brings you here, and in
dulge the confident hope that the JOY with
which you hail the harmonious and unanimous
result ofthe deliberations at Cincinnati may be
strengthened and deepened BY the ralifying
voice OF our countrymen.
! 1t is pleasant to realize that, however other
parties may be divided and distracted, there is
nothing with US bnt union Of purpose, and will
be nothing but union in action. From this hour
| to that when the polls will be opened in No
vember all prelDdlces and personal animoSities
among those who should cultivate mutual re-
gard and afford mutual support viii be laid a.
side nay, even preferences, which may have
existed in our ranks are already no longer re-
inembsred. The preference Of the convention
is the preference in this crisis of every friend
who cares more for the country lhan for him
self. Devotion to the cause, and an earnest
support of the standard brarrrs who are to lead
Us through the great struggle, will constitute
the controlling sentiment OF the Democracy,
North and South, East and West. We are all,
am sure, quite sincere in our convictions that
not only the prosperity Of the republic, but the
prrprtnity Of this blessed Union, depends essen
tally upon the vindcalion and maintenance Of
the principles declared by the recent conven-
ton. But these primo pl-s can be vindicated
aud sustained only by concerted action, and
that can only be secured by organization
Hence, fidelity 10 this organization and It's usa-
ges becomes, like fidelity 10 principles, a cardi-
nal virtue. The latter can only te manifested
and made effectual through the former.
My friends will have duties to perform in the
canvass which my position alone will prevent
me from attempting TO fUlGi in person. Il is
never 10 be forgotten BY me that, IN 1892. old
eF and better Imany voices cried out .'uot bet
ter - soldiers than myself Mr.. Buchanan AID
General Cassl-men who had been faithful and
tried leaders through many years Of labor and
confict-were passed by to call me from the
retirement which had sought. aud to which
shall return without regret. MAY | not add,
gentemen, that. if life be spared, shall go back
10 the State Of my birth with consciousness Of
having adopted no single measure of public poll
icy during my administration which did not
believe TO be demanded bv the best interests of
my country, nor enc which does not, tonight.
command the appreciation Of my judgment and
Of whom have spoken, and OF the Younger Dur
nevertheless better soldier, Judge Dooglas,l
now standing by the great, venerard, and good
man, General Cass, who, for 50 many years,
has had, not merely my confidence and respect,
but my affection, will never cease 10 be CRATE
fully remembered by me. They were all in
the field, not merely to encourage and direct,
but actually to lead the columns. Their ener-
gies were not put forth because the standard
was in ny hands, but because lis bearer was,
in their estimation, for the time being, the i'm
Personation of those sound constitutional prn-
ciples which they believed could alone give
stability and permanence to this glorious fabric
OF our institutions.
1t is cheering 10 know that the action Of the
late convention places the statesmen and patrI-
OTIS, who are TO lead Us now, upon a platform
identical, in scope and spirit, with tha. which
] accepted with full conviction of my judy
ment aud with every sentiment Of my heart,
and that they to occupy it with The stand
ard lowered never an inch, so far as The strict
construction of the constitution and the vind-
cation of the constitutional rights Of every por
ton Of the Union are concerned.
Much and justly as we admire the patriotism,
attainments, and private virtues Of our stand
ard bearers, there will be nothing like man-wor-
ship in this contest Men become compara-
lively insignificant, 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 passions,
no infammatory calls for second revolution
like those which are occasionally reported as
coming from men who have received nothing at
the hands of their government but protection
and political blessings, no declaration al resiS-
tance TO the laws of the land, 10 Invocation 10
the shedding of blood by those who have had
none to shed when our counrympn have stood
face to face with foreign foes. Bot ths issue
viii summon You to calm, earnest struggle
for the constitution, and, consequently, for the
Union
You will bear yourselves like men determin-
ed TO cling to that sacred instrument as the on
ly security from general wreck, and the only
refuge from universal ruin. Men who feel and
act with you cling 10 it with patriotic wisdom
and steady fortitude, and they will defend it, if
need be, with heroic vaor against all assaults
from without or within.
That a signal triumph awaits YOU in such
cauSe entertain no doubt.
II, as fully believe, our fathers were not on
ly guided and sustained through the changing
scenes and struggles of the revolution, but
were inspired after its close TO devise and adopt
this constitution by Omnipotrnt Power, we mey
reposp upon humble but unwavering faith that
that Power will not permit the madness OF their
children to destroy it.
Accept, gentlemen, NY best wishes Tor vot
collectively and individually, and my thanks
for this gratifying call.
UThe municipal election in Washington
City held on last Monday. resulted in the riec
ton of Magrudgr, Democrat, over his Know
Nothing competitor. Another Democratic