Marshall County Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1855-1859, 1857-01-22
Senators, Representatives,
and Fcllow Citizens.

and FcllOw Citizens
The oath of Office just taken, requires of
me performance of the duties assigned to
the Chief Magistrate of the State, in the
Constitution and the laws.
am well persuaded that l cannot re-
turn my gratitude to confding people for
tie high honor conferred upon me, in a
more efficient manner, than by dcvo.ing
what ability may possess to the execution
of their laws, and The protection of their
constitutional rights.
Ny predecessor in his annual message,
has exhibited the condition of the State,
showing that We are steadily advancing in
wealth and prosperity; indeed it is evident
that if the next twelve years shall be as
fruitful III developing the resources of the
State, rs the last twelve years have been
Indiana will have as large an amount Of
wealth to each inhabi:ant as any ofthe Uni
ted States
That this desirable result may be attain
ed, ii is essential that wisdom should guide
your counsels in reforming old and making
ncwlaws; there has been no act passed with
in the last few years, save one, which has
been SO discussed before the voter, of the
State, that their Representatives could
clearly infer. what was the will Of major
iiy Of the citizens, and that was the act APP
proved Feb 16, 1855, entitled "an act to
prohibit the manufacture and sale of spirit
uous and intoxicating liquors, except III ca
ses therein named, and TO repeal all former
acts inconsistent Herewith, and for the
suppression of intemperance. After a
full consideration, a large majority of the
voters have declared that this act has been
productive Of more evil than good; and l
irus. lis former advocates will be willing to
unite with others for is repeal
There has been during the last few years
in earnest effort made, not only in Indiana
but in other S ates, 20 create jealousy and
strife between those who had hitherto been
friends and equals. Until 1854, during
most of the time since the adoption of the
Constitution of the United States, the poll
cy has been TO encourage immigration from
all civilized counties. by the establish
ment Of liberel laws for naturalization
Many of tie States, including Indiana, in
support of this wise policy, conferred, at
an early day, the right Of suffrage upon
those who were willing to abjure their allie
glance TO all foreign governments and
swear fidelity to ours.
Allured by these promises Of protection
and liberty, the tide of immigration swelled
rapidly, mul'l.udes were Fastening from the
overtaxed arr unpaid labor of Europe make
their homes in n country which offered
such a prospect Of improvement in their
condition. Two years ago, designing men,
well knowing the pride of the American
born in his native land and the prejudice
many entertained for the prevailing religion
ola large majority of adopted citizens, en-
deayorcd to deprive them Of their rights
guaranteed by the Constitution and laws o
the United States, and the Constitution o
the State of Indiana. by making new, lille
gal and anti American tests for Office. Fol
the first time since the establishment 0
our present form Of government, the cffor
has been made to tear down the STANDARD
of liberation erected by our fathers an,
plant in its stead the one which represent
, the narrow bigotry and superstition of Eu
rope; =" transplant upon American sol
those prosecutions and religious wars whicl
so long retarded the advancement Of civil
zation. They proclaimed that ability, in
tegrity aud 6dejity to the Constitution, wer
,,no longer qualifications for Office, which