The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1861-02-07
TERMS. -si.25 PER AMMuM,

been retarded by the abroga,ion of the
principle of protection from The revenue
laws Of the national government bank.
runtcv had crushed the energies Of many
Of our most enterprising citizens but fto
voice cf disioyality Or treason vas heard;
nor was an aim raised to offer violence to
the sacred fabric Of our national Uuion.
Conscious Of their rights and their power
cur people looked TO the ballot-box alone;
as the legal remedy for existing evils.
In the present unhappy condition of
:hc country, it vii be eur duty to unto
with the people of the States which re-:
main loyal TO the Union, in any just and
honorable measures Of eonciiiation aud
fraternal kindness. Let us invite them
to join US in the fulflmeut of ali our Oh;
legations under the Federal Constitution
and laws. Then we can cordially unite
With them in claiming like obedience
from these States Whi3h have ren6unced
their allegiance. IF the loyal States are
JUST and moderate, without any sacrifice
of right or sclf-respeet the threatened
danger may be averted.
Ours IS a National Govcrnmeat. Et
has Within the sphere of MS action al the
attributes Of sovereignty, ard among
these are the right and duty of self.press
cryation. 1t is based upon compact to-
which all the people Of the United States
are parties. 1t is the result of mutual
concessions, which were made for the
purpose Of securing reciprocal benefits
1t acts directly on the people and they
owe it u personal allegiance. No part Of
the people, no State nor combination OF
States, can voluntarily secede from the
union, nor absoye themselves from their
obligations to it. 70 permit a State to
withdraw at pleasure flom the Union,
without the consent Of the rest, is to con.
tess that our government is :; failure
Pennsylvania can DeTer acquiesee in such
q conspiracy, nor assent TO doctrine
which involves the destruction of the
If the Government is to
exist, all the requirements Of the Con-
stltutiOn must be obeyed; and it muss
have power adequate to the enforcement
of the supreme law Of the land in every
State. 1t is the first duty of the Ma
tona! authorities to stay the progress of
and enforce the laws, aud PcnrHs
sylyania with united people, will give
them IN honest, faithful aud active sup
port. The people mean to preserve the
integrity Of the National Un.on at every
hazard.
The Constitution which was originally
framed to promote the welfare of thirteen
States and four millions of people, in less
than three quarters of century has en-
bracod thirtY-th9ec States and thirty
millions Of Inhabitants. Our territory
has been extended over new climates in
Guiding people with new interests and
wants, aua the Government has protected
them alt. Every thing requisite to the
pcrpctuity Of the Union and its expand
ing power, would seem to have been
forcscen and provided for by the wisdom
and Sagacity Of the trainers Of the Con.
ytituuon.
1t is all we desire OF hope for and all
that our fellow countrymcn who complain
can reasonably demand. it provides that
amendments may be proposed by Com
4ress and whenever the necessity to-
amend shall occur, the people of Penn
Sylvania wil! give to the amendments
which Congress may propose the careful
and deliberate consideration Hhich their
Importance may demand. Change Is not
llways progress and people who have
lived SO long aud enjoyed SO much pros
perity, whJ have so many sacred memo.
ries Of the past, and such rich leeacies
TO transmit to the future, should delibcr-
ite long and seriously before they atteups
10 alter any Of the fundamental principles
IF the great charter Of our libel ties.
| assume the duties of this high oGice
It the most trying period of our nationa,
history. The pubiic mind is agitated by
cars, suspiciOns and jealousies Serious
OF the future pervadc the
,eople. y prceoncerted and organized
.fFoYt has been made to disturb the stab;li-
y Of the Government, dissolve The uDiow
# the States, and mar the symmetry and
,rd,y of the noblest political structure
yer devised and enacted by human wis,
ioln 1t shall be my earnest cndeayor
o Justify the confidence Which you have
eposcd in me, and to deserve Your ap--
,robalien. With a Consciousness of the
ectitudc Of MY Intentions, with no re-
entments to cherish, no epmities to-
yeMgc, no wish but the public good to-
-rathy, and with profound serse OF the
olenlniiy Of my position, | humbly in
okc the assistance of oar Heavenly Fa--
her, in whom alone is my dependencey
hat Ills strength may sustain and His
'isdom guide NE. With Ills divine aid
shall apply myself faithfully and fear
essIy to my responsible duties, and abide
he judgement of generous people.