《【演讲稿】富兰克林·皮尔斯就职演说(5).docx》由会员分享，可在线阅读，更多相关《【演讲稿】富兰克林·皮尔斯就职演说(5).docx（5页珍藏版）》请在三一文库上搜索。
1、第 1 页 富兰克林皮尔斯就职演说(5)1 特征码 GNKPKUfwPLfFYmLKoyyb In expressing briefly my views upon an important subject rich has recently agitated the nation to almost a fearful degree, I am moved by no other impulse than a most earnest desire for the perpetuation of that union which has made us what we are, shower
2、ing upon us blessings and conferring a power and influence which our fathers could hardly have anticipated, even with their most sanguine hopes directed to a far-off future. The sentiments I now announce were not unknown before the expression of the voice which called me here. My own position upon t
3、his subject was clear and unequivocal, upon the record of my words and my acts, and it is only recurred to at this time because silence might perhaps be misconstrued. With the union my best and dearest earthly hopes are entwined. Without it what are we individually or collectively? What bees of the
4、noblest field ever opened for the advancement of our race in religion, in government, in the arts, and in 第 2 页 all that dignifies and adorns mankind? From that radiant constellation which both illumines our own way and points out to struggling nations their course, let but a single star be lost, an
5、d, if these be not utter darkness, the luster of the whole is dimmed. Do my countrymen need any assurance that such a catastrophe is not to overtake them while I possess the power to stay it? It is with me an earnest and vital belief that as the union has been the source, under Providence, of our pr
6、osperity to this time, so it is the surest pledge of a continuance of the blessings we have enjoyed, and which we are sacredly bound to transmit undiminished to our children. The field of calm and free discussion in our country is open, and will always be so, but never has been and never can be trav
7、ersed for good in a spirit of sectionalism and uncharitableness. The founders of the Republic dealt with things as they were presented to them, in a spirit of self-sacrificing patriotism, and, as time has proved, with a prehensive wisdom which it 第 3 页 will always be safe for us to consult. Every me
8、asure tending to strengthen the fraternal feelings of all the members of our union has had my heartfelt approbation. To every theory of society or government, whether the offspring of feverish ambition or of morbid enthusiasm, calculated to dissolve the bonds of law and affection which unite us, I s
9、hall interpose a ready and stern resistance. I believe that involuntary servitude, as it exists in different States of this Confederacy, is recognized by the Constitution. I believe that it stands like any other admitted right, and that the States where it exists are entitled to efficient remedies t
10、o enforce the constitutional provisions. I hold that the laws of 1850, monly called the “promise measures,“ are strictly constitutional and to be unhesitatingly carried into effect. I believe that the constituted authorities of this Republic are bound to regard the rights of the South in this respec
11、t as they would view any other legal and constitutional right, and that the laws to enforce them should be respected 第 4 页 and obeyed, not with a reluctance encouraged by abstract opinions as to their propriety in a different state of society, but cheerfully and according to the decisions of the tri
12、bunal to which their exposition belongs. Such have been, and are, my convictions, and upon them I shall act. I fervently hope that the question is at rest, and that no sectional or ambitious or fanatical excitement may again threaten the durability of our institutions or obscure the light of our pro
13、sperity. But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon mans wisdom. It will not be sufficient that sectional prejudices find no place in the public deliberations. It will not be sufficient that the rash counsels of human passion are rejected. It must be felt that there is no national security but
14、 in the nations humble, acknowledged dependence upon God and His overruling providence. We have been carried in safety through a perilous cr 第 5 页 isis. Wise counsels, like those which gave us the Constitution, prevailed to uphold it. Let the period be remembered as an admonition, and not as an enco
15、uragement, in any section of the Union, to make experiments where experiments are fraught with such fearful hazard. Let it be impressed upon all hearts that, beautiful as our fabric is, no earthly power or wisdom could ever reunite its broken fragments. Standing, as I do, almost within view of the g
16、reen slopes of Monticello, and, as it were, within reach of the tomb of Washington, with all the cherished memories of the past gathering around me like so many eloquent voices of exhortation from heaven, I can express no better hope for my country than that the kind Providence which smiled upon our fathers may enable their children to preserve the blessings they have inherited.