The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-02-22
FEBRUARY 22d, 1881.

SOOu w usuunStou. ~ W. -.
beloved country. and that Union for which
our Washington fought, and which was e.
tablishcd by the wisdom Of his eounseis, is
menaeed by parieidal hands, how freshly
doe. the memories Of his patriotic deeds, his
sacrifices in his country's cause, and his pro-
pbetic warnings, steal over US, kindlins anew
the fir $ Of patriotism, and melting further
devotion to the Union and the Constitution.
Ever memorable be the blessed day OF his
birth. Never be forgotten his yalOrous deeds.
While the fields Of Trenton, the wales OF
Brandywine, and the fields of Germanton
shall endure. they will be living memorials OF
his undaunted courage and military SKILL
Independence Hall still exists to attest the
wisdom Of his counsels, and the archives OF
the nation with the corroborating voice OF
history are full Of testimonials to that lofty
integrity, tina. all-pcrvading patriotism and
Astounding wisdom which made him, IN the
language Of the eloquent Lee, "FIRsr IN
War, TrRsrrS Pace, AND FIRST IN Tx HEARTS
or HIS FKtLow-couNrEYNES."
S,ddened AS we are by the events which
are transporting around, and which peril the
existence Of our Union, we have re-perused
his last grea, Legacy to the people he loved
NO well. with still increasing wonder at
his prophetic utterancss and warnings. Our
devotion TO our country and the principles OF
our government, is strengthened as we gath
err up the jewels OF that priceless Legycy,
his Farewell address" Our attachment to
the Constitution is increased as we recall these
precious bequests, and our adherence OF the
deeds Of the bold bad men who are seeking
to pull down the edifce which his hands
raised, is increased as we read his priceless
words -
"The unity Of government, which cOnsti-
tutes YOU one people, is also dear to you. 1t
Is Justly 81, for it Is main pillar in the edi-
lice of your real Independence the support
Of your tranquility ut home your peace
abroad of your safety; Of your prosperity;
of that very liberty which You 50 highly
prize. -
IL is Of infinite moment that you should
properly estimate the immense value Of yoGr
National Union to your collective and indi-
vidual happiness that YOU should cherish n
cordial, habitual, and immoveable attach
ment TO il. accustoming yourselves TO think
and speak Of il rs the palladium Of your po-
litical safety and prosperity; watching for
its preservation with jealous anxiety, discount
tenancins whatever may suggest even sus-
picion that IL can, in any event be abandon
ed, and Indignantly frowning upon the first
dawning OF every attempt TO ALLEVIATE any
portion of our country from the rest, or to
ensecblc the sacred ties which now link to-
gether its various parts.
To the efficacy and permanency OF your
union, a Government for the whole is indis-
pensable. No alliances. however strict, be-
tween the parts, can DO an adequate substi-
tute; they must, inevitably, experience the
ininctions and interruptions which all alli-
ances in all times have experienced. Scnsi-
bic Of this momentous truth, YOU have inn
proved upon your first essay, by the adoption
of constitution OF Government, better cal
culated than your former, Tor an intimate
union, and for the eifcacious management OF
your common concerns. Respect for its au-
thority, compliance with its laws, acquies-
ccnce in its measures. are duties enloined by
the fundamental maxims Of true liberty
Tho basis of our political systems is the right
Of the People to mako and alter their consti-
buttons Of Government but, the cons,itu-
ton whi,h at any time exists. till changed
by an expliclt--an authentic act OF the whole
People, is sacredly obligatory upon all. The
very idea of the power and the right Of the
People 10 establish Government, prosupposes
the duty Of every individual to obey tho e.
tablished Government.
All distractions 10 the execution OF the
laws, all combinations and associations, UNI
der whatever plausible character, with the
real design TO direct, control, counteract, or
awe the regular elaboration and action OF
the constituted authorities. are destructive of
this fundamental principle, and OF iatol ten.
dency.
IT, the opinion of the People, the dis
tribution or modification Of the constitution
nj powers b. in any particular wrong. let IL he
corrected by an amendment, in the way which
the Consultation designates. But let there
beno change by usurpation for though this,
in one instance, may be the instrument of
good, IL is the customary weapon by which
free governments are destroyed. The prece-
dent must, always, greatly oyerbalance. in
permanent evil, any partial or transient BEN
eft which the use can, at any time. yield.
Ofall the dispositions and habits which
lead to political prosperity, religion and NOR
atty are Indispensable supports. In vain
NO Id that man claim the tribute Of patri-
A. IL a.
great pillars Of human happiness, these firm
cot props Of the duties Of men and citizens.
Comment on these words OF instructive
wisdom would only impair their force
They are uttennces Of departed patriotism
against the traitorous deeds Of the men who
are engaged in the unholy work Of discover
ing the Union. They came from one whose
integrity was uncorrupsable, whose patriot
ism was unvarying. whose clear and pcne-
trating mind precluded mistake, whose sound
Judgment entitled him to speak advisedly.
and whose public services. in the field and
In the cabinet, had won for him the love of
loysl people and the admiration Of the
world. Thanks DO to the Giver Of all Good
for the gin Of Washington. The influence
Of his words Of wisdom still endure-, and
emulatins his patriotism, his love for the
Union and the Constitution. the people will
still preserve. inviolate, the Union which he
loved, and secure forever the principles OF
freedom which forms the basis Of our Gov
eminent.
To coRaEsroxpxSrs.-S's communication re
lstive to matters connected with the York Co.
Ar Society has be<n aeeidentaliv Loaf or mis-