The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1856-06-26

ry principle Of self.government; declaring .
il TO be "the true intent and meaning OF this
act not to legislate slavery into any Terrific.
ry or State, nor to exclude il therefrom; but
to leave the people thereof perfectly free to
form and regulate their domestic institutions
in their own way, subject only to the Con-
stitution of the United States" This prin-
ciple will surely not be cotroverted by any
individual of any party processing devotion
to popular Government.
Besides, how vain and illusory would any
other principle prove in practice in regard
to the Territories This is apparent from
the fact admitted by all, and after Terrific.
ry shall have entered 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 il
this long agitation was at an end. During
its whole progress it has produced no prac-
tical good to any human being, whilst it has
been The source of great and dangerous evils.
| 1t has alienated and estranged one portion
| of the Union from the other, and has even
seriously threatened its very existence. To
my own personal knowledge, it has produc'
ed the impression among foreign nations
that our great and glorious conlederacy is in
constant danger Of dissolution. This does
US serious injury, because acknow!ed power
and stability always command respect among
nations, and among the best securities a.
gainst unjust aggression and in favor OF the
maintenance OF honorable peace.
May we not hope that it is the mission OF
the Democratic party, now the only survi-
wing conservative party Of the country, ere
long to throw overheard all sectional parties
and restore the peace, friendship and mutual
confidence which prevailed in the good old
time, among the different members of the
confcderpcy. Its character is strictly ma
tional, and it therefore asserts no principle
} for the guidance Of the Federal Government
which is not adopted and sustained by lis
members in each and every State. For
this reason it is everywhere the same de-
termined foe of all geographical parties so
f much and so justly dreaded by the Father OF
his Country. From Its yeryanature itmuSt
, continue to exist so long as there is a Con-
: stitution and a Union to preserve. a con
. viction of these truths has induced many o'
the purest, the ablest and most Independent
9 of our former opponents, who have differed
= from US in times gone by upon old and ex
o tinct party issues TO come into our ranks ant
devote themselves with us to the cause o.
: the Constitution and the Union. Under
t these circumstances, / most cheerluily
y pledge myself, should the nomination OF thu
If Convention be ratified by the people, tha
It all the power and influence, constitutional.
5. possessed by the Executive, shall be exert
IT cd, in firm but concliatory spirit, durin!
C, the single term shall remain in office, t
Y, restore the same harmony among the sste
N States which prevailed before this apple o
le discord, in the form Of slavery agitation, ha
at been cast into their midst Let the mem
at bers of the family abstain from informed
lr ding with the exclusive domestic concern
of each other, and cordially unite, on tn
IS basis of perfect equality among themseve
n in promoting the great national objects
lY common interest to all, aud the good wor
sc will be instantly accomplished.
ur In regard to our foreign policy to whlC
ur you have referred in your communication
ct it is quite impossible for any human for
H. knowledge to prescribe positive rules in Il
r. vance to regulate the conduct OF futu
IN, administration in all the exigencIes whl'
,ur mcv arise in our various and ever changiI
relations with foreign powers. The Fede
ere ell Government must of necessity cXerci
,es n sound discretion in dealing with intern
ly, tionai questions ss they may occur; but u
Of under the strict responsibility which
Executive must always feel to the peoF
OF the United States and the judgment
posterty. You will therefore excuse me
not entering in to particulars; whist he
t'y concur with you in the general sen
ment that our foreign affairs ought to
conducted with such wisdom and tirmn'
as to assure the prosperity Of the people
home, whilst the interests and honor of I
country are wisely bat niexibly maintair
abroad. Our foreign policy ought ever
be based upon the principle OF doing just
, to all nations, and requiring justice ir
them in return; and from this principle
} shall never depart.
ac- Should be placed in the Executive Ct
lea I shall use my best exertons to cu'tlv
off peace and friendship with all nations, bell
attic ing this to be our highest policy us we'll
Gin our most imperative duty; but, at the sa
the time, shall never forget that in case
S. necessity should arise, which | do not II
eful apprehend, our national rights and Rati
em. al honor must be preserved at all haza
me and at any sacrifice.
oEor Firmly convinced that special Prt
f no dence governs the affairs of nations, let
w. humbly implore bis continued blessing u
re. our country, and that he may avert from
cial- the punishment we justly deserve for be
nave discontepted and ungrateful whilst cn.
min ing privileges above oil nations, under
that Constitution and such Union as has |
nrty er been vouchsafed to any people. Yo
bill very respectfully,
the JAMES BUCHANAN
I'd 10 ----..as..-------
as to