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 comprehensive wisdom which
it will always be safe for us to consult. Every measure 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
shall 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 to enforce the constitutional
provisions. I hold that the laws of 1850, commonly called the
"compromise 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 respect as they would view any other legal and
constitutional right, and that the laws to enforce them should be
respected 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 tribunal 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
prosperity.

But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man's wisdom. It will
not be sufficient that sectional prejudices find no place in the public