Year: 1861

c law when the troubles and dangers of the State Ger
tany transcend the powers delegated by it to the pub


lie authorities Nor ought the suggestion to excite
prise Government in any fern is a machine: this is
the most complex that the mind of man has ever in
vented or the hand of has framed Perfect as
ls ought to be expected that WILL at least often
as once IN century, require modification to adapt
to the changes of society and alterations of empire


Fourthly. hold myself ready now, as always here
toore to vote for any properly guarded laws which
shall be deemed necessary to prevent mutual nvasions
Of States by citizens Of other States and punish those
who shall aid and abet them.


Filthy. Notwithstanding the arguments of the gal
ant senator from Oregon, General Lane) remain of
the opinion that physical bonds, such highways,
railroads, rivers and canals are vastly more powerful
for holding civil communities together than anv mere
covenants though written parchment or engraved
upon lron remain therefore, constant to my purpose
to secure, if possible the construction of two Pacific
railways one of which shall connect the ports around
the mouth of the Mississippi and the other the towns on
the Missouri and the lakes, with the harbors our
estern coast


If on the expression Cf these views have not pro-
posed what desired expected by many Others they
will do the justice to belve that am 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 affairs 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 wher
we can and to follow when we cannot lead and if va
cannot at any time do for country all the good that
we would wish, We must be satisfied with doing for he
all the good that we can.


Having submitted my own opinions on this great
crisis, it remains only to say that shall cheerfuy lend
to the government my best support in whatever prudent
yet energetic efforts it shall make to preserve the Union;
advising only that it practice far possible the ut
most moderation, forbearance and Cancellation.


And, now, Mr.. President, what are the auspices of
the country know that in the midst of alarms,
and somewhat exposed accidents unavoidable in sea-
sons of tempestuous passions. We already have dsor-
der and violence has begun. know not to what eX-
tent it may CO. Still my faith in the constitution and
III the Union abdes because my faith in the wisdom and
virtue OF the American people remains mistaken Cool
ness camness and revolution, clements of their char
acer. They have been temporarily displaced but they
are reappearng.


Soon enough, trust for safety it will be seen that
sedtOn and violence only local and temporary and
that loyalty and affection to the Union are the natural
sentiments of the whole country. Whatever dangers
there shall be- there will be the determination to meet
them whatever Sacrifices private public, shall be
needul for the Union they will be made. l feel sure
that the hour has not for this great nation to fall
This people, which has been studying to become wiser
and better as it has grown odcr is not perverse or
wicked enough to deserve so dreadful and severe
punishment as dissolution.


This Union has not yet accomplished what good or
mankind was marifestly designed by Him who appoints
the seasons and prescrbes the duties of States and en-
plres. No. sir if it cast down by factions to-day


it would rise again and reappear in all It's majestic pro-
portions tomorrow. It is the only government that
can stand here. Woe Woe! to the man that madly


lifts his hand against it. 1t shall continue ard endure
and men, in after times shall declare that this genera
ton, which saved the Union from such sudden and un-
looked for dangers surpassed in magnanimy even that
which laid its foundations in the eternal PRINCIPLES of
liberty, justice and humanity