The Jeffersonian Democrat. [volume] (Chardon, Ohio) 1854-1865, 1861-02-08
VOLUME XII. NO. 6.
+ Concluded.l

leQislat0 on hiI suuJeOts WuoW'ei''" "S d,
common Territories Of the United States;
and while certainly shall never, directly !
or indirectly, give my vote TO establish or
sanction slavery in such Territories, or /,
anywhere else in the world, yet the ques- !
tion what constitutional laws shall at any !
time be passed ia regard 10 the Territories,
is, like every other question, 10 be deter
mined on practical grounds. voted for
enabling acts in the cases Of Oregon, Min |
nesota and Kansas, without being able to
secure in them such provisions as wonld
have preferred, and yet | voted wisely.
So now. | am we'll satisfied, that, under
existing circumstances, a happy and sa.-
6sfactory solution Of the difficulties in the
remaining Territories would be obtained
by similar laws, providing for their organ
ization were otherwise practicable. Ii,
therefore, Kansas we're admitted as
State, under the Wyandotte Constitution,
as think she ought TO be, and, il the or
ganic laws OF all the other Territories
could be repealed, could vote TO author.
ize the organization and admission OF two
new States which should include them,
reseiviDg the right to effect sub divisions
Of them whenever necessary, into several
convenient States; but do not find that
such reservations could be constitutionally
made. Without them, the ulterior en-
barrassments which would result from the
hasty incorporation OF States OF such vast
extent and various interests and character,
would outweigh all the immediate ad-
vantsges Of such a measure.
But il the measure were practicable, l
should prefer different course, namely !;
when the excentrc movements Of seces-
sion and disunon shall have ended, in
whatever form that end may come, and
The angry excitements OF the hour shall
have subsidec, and calmness once more
shall have resumed its accustomed sway
over the public mind, then and not until
then--one, two or three years hence-l
should cheerfully advise convention of
the people, TO be assembled in pursuance
OF the Constitution, to consider and decide
whether anv and what amendments Of the
organic national law ought to be made
A Republican now-as l have heretofore
been member Of other parties existing
In my day-I nevertheless hold and
cherish, as have always done, the prin-
ciple that this Government exists in It's
present form only by the consent OF the
governed, and that it is as necessary as II
Is wise, to resort 10 the people for re.
visions Of the organic law when the
troubles and dangers OF the State certainly
transcend the powers delegated BY it tc
the public authorities. Nor ought the
suggestion 10 excite surprise. Govern
ment in any form is machine; this II
the most complex one that the mind o
man has ever invented, or the hand o
man has ever framed. Perfect as it is,
ought to be expected that it will, ut leas
as often as once in century, require som
modification to adapt it to the changes @
society and alterations Of Empires.
Fourlhly, hold myself ready now, as nwn;
heretofore, to vote for any properly guarded Law
which shall be deemed necessary TO prevent mi
tual invasions OF States by citizens OF oth'
States, and punish those who shall uid and alb
them.
o Filthy, Notwithstanding the arguments o. Il
gallant Senator from Oregon, Gen. Lnne,J n
main Of the opinion that physical bonds, such
highways, railroads, rivers and canals, are vast
more powerful! for holding civil communities Il
gether, than any more covenants, though write
on parchment engraved upon iron. remni
therefore, constant TO my purpose 10 secure,
possible, the construction Of two Pacific railway
one OF which sha II connect the ports around Il
mouths of the Mississippi, and the other, I,
towns on the Missouri and the Lakes, with Il
harbors on our Western coast.
II, in the expression of these views, have n
proposed what is desired or expected by maj
otheis they will do me the justice to believe th
am as far from having suggested what IN MAJ
respects would have been so in harmony wi
cherished convictions OF my own. | learn
early from Jefferson, that in political oila
we cannot always do what seems to
absolutely best. Those with whom we m,
IL. ss.s. uln
have the power and the right of caIryi
them into practice. We must be content to le
when we can, and 10 follow when we cam
lead and i we cnnno, at any IRE 90 Tor {
be satisfied with doing for her oil tho good that
can.
Having submitted my own opinions upon I
great crisis, 1t remains only to say that l sl
checrfully lend to the Government my best 81
port in whatever prudent yet energetic eftor y
shall make TO preserve the public peace and
maintain and preserve the Union; advising, on
that 1t practice as far us possible the utmost M
erution, forbearance and Cancellation.
Aud, now, Mr. President. what are
auspices of tho country? know that
are in the midst Of alarms. and somewh
exposed to accidents unavoidable in seaso
of tempestuous passions. We all have
order, and violence has begun; l know |
to what extent IL may go. Still my faith
the Constitution aud in tho Union abid
because my faith in tho wisdom and virl
of the American people romans unshak
Goodness, calmness and resolution arc Q
mouts OF their character. Thoy havo be
temporarily displaccd; but they are rot
poaring. Soon enough. trust for safe
il will DO soon that sedtion and violence
only local and temporary, and that loya
and affection to tho Union arc tho uatu
sontimonts Of tho whole country. VIII
ovor dangers thero shall be, there will b
determination to meet them; whatever 8
riRces, private or public, that shall DO nc
full for tho Union, thov will be made
foel suro that tho hour has not como for
great nation to fall. This people which
been studying to become visor and be
rs Il has grown Older, is not wicked or
vorse enough to deserve so dreadful and
vere punishment Hs dissolution.
Union has not yut accomplished that g
for mankind which was mauifcstly desig
BY Him who appoints the Seasons. and
scri5es the duties of states and empire
No, sir; II It were cast down by faction
day, IL would rise again and ro-appear il
its majestic proportions tomorrow.