The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-01-25

L,ne), remain Of the opinion that physical
bonds, such as highways, railroads, rivers,
and canals, are vastly more powerful Ia hold.
ing civil communities together than any
mere covenants, though written on parch-
mcnt or engraved upon iron. remain,
therefore, col slant 10 my purpose 10 secure,
II possible tho construction Of two Pacific
railways,-one Of which shall connect the
ports around the mouths Of the Mississippi,
and the other towns on the Missouri and the
Lakes, with the harbop on our Western
cost.
II, in the expression Of these views, ] have
not proposed what is desired or expected by
many Others, they will do me the justice 10
believe that lam as far from having suggested
what In many respects would have been in
harmony with cherished convictions Of my
own. learned early from Jefferson, that
in political afI.is we cannot ALWAYS do what
seems to us absolutely best. Those with
whom we must necessarily act, entertaining
different views, have the power and right Of
carrying them into practice. We must be
content to lead when We can, and to follow
when we cannot lead; and IL we cannot ut
any time do for our country all the good that
we would wish. We must bs satisfied with
doing for her ull the good that we can.
Having submitted my own opinions on
this great crisis, II remains only to say that
I shall chcerfully lend to the government my
best support in whatever prudent yet energetic
efforts il shall make to preserve the public
peace, and to maintain and preserve the
Union; advising, only, that 1t practice as far
rs possible the utmost moderation, forbear-
ance and conciliation.
And now, Mr.. President, what are the
auspices of the country? ] know that We
are in the midst of alarms, and somewhat ex-
poscd 10 accidents unavoidable In seasons of
tempcstuous passions. We already have
disorder; and violence has begun. ! know
not to what extent it may 60. Still my faith
in the Constitution and in the Union abides,
because my faith in the wisdom and virtue
of the American people remains unshaken,
Coolncss. calmness and resolution arc elements
OF their character.
They have been temporarily displaced:
but they are rcappcaring. Soon enoagh l
trust, for safety, It will DO seen that scdition
and violence arc only local and temporary,
and that loyalty and affection to the Union
are the natural sentiments Of the whole coun-
try. Whatever dangers there shall be, there
will be the dct rmination to meet them;
whatever sacrifices, public or private. shall
be ncedful for the Union they Will be made.
| feel sure that the hour has not come Tor this
great nation to fall.
This people, which has been studying to
become wiser and better as it has grown
older, is not perversc or wicked enough to
deserve so dreadful and severe q punishment
Us dissolution. This Union has not yet ac-
complishcd what good for mankind was
designed by Him who appoints
the seasons and prcscribs the duties OF States
and Empires. No, sir, IL 1t were cast down
by faction to-day. il would rise again and
rcappcar ina all its majestic proportions to-nor-
row.
Ii is the only Government that can stand
here. Woe! Woe! to the man that padly
lifts his hand against it. 1t shall continue
and endure; and men, in after times, shall
declare that this generation, which saved the
Union from such sudden and unlookc'i.for
dangers. surpassed in magnanimity even that
one which laid its foundations in the eternal
principles Of liberty, justice and humanity.
At the conclusion Of Mr.. Scward's address
the Senate adjourned.