The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1857-01-23

expedition wisely ordered and its conduct committed
to the right man.
am, truly yours, WILLARD FILLMORE
Commander THOMAS j. PAGE.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF GOVERNOR WILLARD,
OF INDIANA.
Senator's, Representatives, and Fslloso-citizens:
The oath of Office just taken requires of perform
of the duties assigned to the chief magistrate OF the
State in the constitution and the laws.
well persuaded that cannot return my gratitude
to conding people for the high honor they have confer
red upon me- in efficient than by devoting
what ability may possess to the execution of their laws
and the protection of their constitutional rights.
My predecessor in his annual message has exhibited the
condition of the State showing that steadily ad
vancing in wealth and prosperity indeed it is evident
that if the next twelve years shall be as fruitful in develop
ing the Of the State the last twelve have been
Indiana will have large amount of wealth to each
inhabitant as any of the United States.
That this desirable result may be attained is essential
that wisdom should guide your counses in reforming old
and making laws There has been act passed
within the last few years. one which has been dis
cussed before the voters of the State that their representa-
tives could clearly infer what the will of majority Of
the citizens and that the February 1855
entitled An act to prohibit the manufacture and sale
sprtuous and intoxicating liquors. except in therein
named and repeal all former acts Inconsistent there
WITH and for the suppression OF ntemperance" After
full consideration large majority of the voters have de-
cared that this act has been productive of evil than
of good and trust its former advocates will be willing
to unite with others for its repeal.
There has been during the last few years. earnest e
fort made only in Indiana but in other States to
ate 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 policy has been to encourage immigration from
all civilized countries by the establishment of liberal laws
for naturalization Many Of the States including Indiana
support of this wise policy conferred at early day.
the right of suffrage upon those who willing alb
ure their allegiance to all foreign governments and
fidelity to ours
Aured by these promises of protection and liberty the
tide of immigration swelled rapidly multitudes were
fastening from the overtaxed and unpaid labor of Europe
to make their homes in country which offered such
prospect of improvement in their condition Two years
ago. designing men, well knowing the pride of the Amer
can born in his native land, and the prejudice many
entertained for the prevailing religion of large majority
of adopted citizens endeavoed to deprive them of their
rights guaranteed by the constitution and laws of the
United States and the constitution of the State of In
DIANA by making new, illegal and anAmericsn tests for
Office For the first time since the establishment of our
present form of government the effort has been made
tear down the standard of federation erected by fathers
and plant in its stead the which represents the
bigory and superstition Of Europe to transplant upon
American soil those prosecutions and religious which
long retarded the advancement of civilization They
proclaimed that ability integrity and fidelity the
stituton longer qualifications for Office which
should ente their possessor to the confidence and sup
port of his ellowcitizens but the contrary SO long
he worshpped God in form contrary to their wishes
born upon other than American SOIL he must take
Part in the administration q the government They
demanded such change in the laws asshould deny to
them the benefits of naturalization until after residence of
twenty-one years.
Why shall we not adopt American citizen the
voluntary exile from his native land within the time now
prescribed by law2 BY doing confer upon him
right of suffrage right to purchase, hold or ALLEVIATE
property. We simply throw around him the protecting
of the United States and advise all other nations that
he is sacred of liberty though born under the
constitution
When and upon what conditions persons either foreign
native born shall acquire and dispose Of property
exercise the right Of suffrage any State depends upon no
act of Congress, but upon the laws Of the State.
These designing men, whose love for office 80 exceeded
their desire for the peace and prosperity Of their country
knew that their hopes Of success depended upon appealing
the preudces and passions of men, where no opportu
nifty offered to counterfeit their efforts by the soothing
influence Of Accordingly they established
political organizations studousy excluding therefrom all
who would not sustain their unchrisan and iiberaI doc
tnes Rejecting men were persuaded that in short time
thinking and patriotic citizens would abandon these asso
Citations and they have not been disappointed.
But unfortunately there has sprung hereom an alarm
ing evil which requires the strong of the law to sup
pressI the organized violence which has been ex
hbited at the polls election days. Many confidently
hoped that this evil would be limited to the cities and that
when the storm of passion had subsidized It would pass
away be suppressed by the local authorities but un
the history Of the late elections shows that it
has spread beyond the Incorporated cities and has been
quite violent in the country districts Unless this
growing evil is checked without delay it will not be
long confined to contests between the native and adopt
ed citizens but all who differ concerning the men to
be chosen for Office will be arrayed the one side or
the other seeking not by reason and argument to adj
vance their favore candidate, but by violence with
arms, to strike down his opponents. Then will the bal
ot-box to be the respected arber deciding the
differences between men the officers chosen will not
the support Of the community in making or
executing the laws The battle will end when the cleo
lion is made it will go until rebellion and civil war
shall take the place of obedience and peace And why
should this be2 We determine by written constitution
who is legally entitled to VOTE We have the powerto pun
Ssh those who do II without authority Let us likewise
with severe and heavy penalties chastse those who de
prve deter the legal from the exercise of one of his
most sacred rights To secure this great privilege of de-
crmnng their officers by the voice Of majority mankind
have struggled for ages and now when il is secured shall