ogatory in that. As
matters now stand the States themselves, in their sovereign character,
are not unfrequently petitioners at the bar of the Federal Legislature
for such allowances out of the National Treasury as it may comport with
their pleasure or sense of duty to bestow upon them. It can not require
argument to prove which of the two courses is most compatible with the
efficiency or respectability of the State governments.

But all these are matters for discussion and dispassionate
consideration. That the desired adjustment would be attended with
difficulty affords no reason why it should not be attempted. The
effective operation of such motives would have prevented the adoption of
the Constitution under which we have so long lived and under the benign
influence of which our beloved country has so signally prospered. The
framers of that sacred instrument had greater difficulties to overcome,
and they did overcome them. The patriotism of the people, directed by a
deep conviction of the importance of the Union, produced mutual
concession and reciprocal forbearance. Strict right was merged in a
spirit of compromise, and the result has consecrated their disinterested
devotion to the general weal. Unless the American people have
degenerated, the same result can be again effected whenever experience
points out the necessity of a resort to the same means to uphold the
fabric which their fathers have reared. It is beyond the power of man to
make a system of government like ours or any other operate with precise
equality upon States situated like those which compose this Confederacy;
nor is inequality always injustice. Every State can not expect to shape
the measures of the General Government to suit its own particular
interests. The causes which prevent it are seated in the nature of
things, and can not be entirely counteracted by human means. Mutual
forbearance becomes, therefore, a duty obligatory upon all, and we may,
I am confident, count upon a cheerful compliance with this high
injunction on the part of our constituents. It is not to be supposed
that they will object to make such comparatively inconsiderable
sacrifices for the preservation of rights and privileges which other
less favored portions of the world have in vain waded through seas of
blood to acquire.

Our course is a safe one if it be but faithfully adhered to.
Acquiescence in the constitutionally expressed will of the majority, and
the exercise of that