Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-01-24

sovereignty directed their political action
hs: they are surprised at the pertinacity with
which portion of the people elsewhere main
ain the opposite view. The traditions Of the
1ast, the recorded teachings of the Fathers of
the Republic, tRe security Of their freedom
and prosperity, and their hopes for the future,
are all in harmony with an unfaltering allegi-
ance to the National Union, the maintainence
of the Constitution and the enforcement of the
laws. They have faithfully adhered to the
compromises of our great National compact,
aud willingly recognized the peculiar institu-
tions and rights of property of the people of
other States. Every true Pennsylvania ad-
mitS that his first civil and political duty is to
the general government, and be frankly ac-
knowledgeS his obligation to protect the con-
stitutional rights of all who live under its au-
thority and enjoy its blessings.
| have already taken occasion to say public
y, and | now repeat, that If we have any laws
upon our statute books which infringe upon the
rights Of the people Of any Of the States, or
contravene any law Of the Federal Govern
ment or obstrnct its execution, they ought to
be repealed. We ought not to hesitate to eX.
hibit TO other States that may have enacted
laws interfering with the rights or obstructive of
the remedies which belong constitutonaHy to
all American citizens, an example OF magnani-
nifty and of implicit obedience to the paramount
law, and by prompt repeal of every statute
that may even by implication, be liable to rea-
sonable objection, do our part to remove every
just cause Of dissatisfaction with our legisa
ton.
Pennsylvania has never faltered in her re-
cogDition of ell the duties imposed upon her
by the national compact, and she will, by every
act consistent with her devotion to the inter
ests of her own people, promote fraternity and
peace, and liberal comfy between the States
Her conviction on the vital questions which
have agitated the public mind are we'll uuder-
stood at home, and should not be misuDder-
stood abroad. Her verdictS have been as uni
form as they have been decisive, in favor Of
the dignity, the prosperity and the progress Of
her free industry, and support to the princ-
piles of liberty on which the government is
founded, and menace or rebellion cannot re,
verse them. They have passed into history as
the deliberate judgment Of her people, ex-
pressed in peaceful, fraternal aud constitu
tional m amer and when they shall have
been administered in the government, as soon
they will be- the madness that now rules the
hour will subside, as the patriotic, faithful
and national aims bring ample protection aud
peaceful progress to oil sections OF the Re
public.
In the grave questions which now agitate
the country, no State has moro profound
concern than Pennsylvania. Occupying a
geographical position between the North and
the South, the East aud the West, with the
great avenues cf travel and trade passing
through her borders, carrying on an extensive
commerce with her neighborS, in the vast and
varied productions of her soil, her mines and
her manufacturing industry, and bound to
them by the ties of kindred end social inter
course, the question OF disunion involves mo
mentions consequences to her people. The sec
ond of the thirty-three States in population,
and the first in material resources, it is due
both to ourselves and to the other States,
that the position and sentiments of PennSylva-
MIA on the question should be distinctly under
stood
All the'eemeats Of wealth and greatness
have been spread over the State by kind
Providence with pvofuse liberaty. Our tenn
perate climate, productive soil, and inexhausti-
ble mineral wealth, have stimulated the indus
try of our people and improved the skill OF our
mechanics. To develop, enlarge and protect
the interests which grow out of our natural ad
vantages, have become cardinal principles Of
political economy in Pennsylvania, and the
opinion every where prevails among our people
that development, progress and wealth depend
on educated and requited labor; and that
labor, and the interests sustained by it, should
be adequately protected against foreign com
petition. The people of Pennsylvania have
always favored that policy which aims to
elevate aud foster the industry Of the coun-
try in the collection of revenue for the sup
port OF the General Government; and when
ever they have had the opportunity, in far
election, they have indicated that policy at
the balot-box When their trade was prostra-
ted and their industry paraIyzed by the legisIa-
tion of the General Government, which favor
ed adverse interest. IheY waited patiently for
the return OF another opportunity to declare
the public will 10 o constitutional manner. In
the late election of President Of the United
States the principle Of protection was one Of
the prominent issues With the proceedings
of Congress at its last session fresh in their
memories, large majority Of the people Of
Pennsylvania enrolled themselves in an organ
ization, which, in its declaration OF principles
promised, if successful, to be faithful to their
suffering interests and languishiug industry
Protection to labor was one Of the great priu-
eipies of its platform; it was inscribed on its
banners; it was advocated by its public journals
and throughout the canvass it was a leading
text of the orators of the successful party.
This is prOpitous moment to declare that
while the people of Pennsylvania were not in
different to other vital issues of the canvass,
they were demanding justice for themselves in
the recent election, and had no design to inter-
fere with or abridge the rights of the people
Of other States. The growth of our State had
haen retarded bv thp abroration of tho princi.