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"suborned" to the cause of oppression. This is a small matter, to be judged by man's judgment. But it is a serious indication of the disloyal spirit that is abroad, when the object of their assault who resort to these tactics, is not our arguments, but the integrity and majesty of the Supreme Law of the land, which we have desired to vindicate. Thus believing, 1 am glad that the pulpit has spoken so clearly, and as with one consent. And in this view, I readily submit my own remarks on this great question to be disposed of by your Committee in the manner expressed by their resolution. I have the honour to be,

Very respectfully,

Your fellow citizen and
Obedient servant,

JOHN M. KREBS.

To Messrs. GEORGE WOOD, HIRAM KETCHUM, &c., &c, Com

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PROCLAMATION,

By HAMILTON FISH, Governor of the State of New York. THE mercies of an all-kind Providence call for an acknowledgment of gratitude and dependence from the creatures of his bounties.

The year which is about to close has been marked by innumerable blessings to us as a nation. An abundant harvest and profitable labour have brought rich rewards to honest industry. Peace and tranquillity are established at home, and no discord disturbs our relations abroad. Health, prosperity, and abundance have been freely vouchsafed to us. Civil and religious liberty prevail throughout the length and breadth of the land. And to all is secured the free exercise of the worship of their Creator according to their own faith. And on this occasion we should not forget that, while an inscrutable Providence has seen fit to remove during the past year, the Chief Magistrate of our Union, that same Providence has preserved us under the trial a free and united people, has saved us from anarchy and civil commotion, and has continued to us the mild operation of a government of our own adoption, and rulers of our own choice.

I do therefore designate and recommend Thursday, the twelfth day of December next, to be observed by the good people of this State as a day of public thanksgiving to Almighty God.

In witness whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name, and and affixed the Privy Seal of the State, at the City of [L. S.] Albany, this 31st day of October, one thousand eight hundred and fifty.

By the Governor :

HAMILTON FISH.

ROBT. H. MORRIS, Private Secretary.

DISCOURSE.

For what nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is, in all things that we call upon him for? And what nation is there so great that hath statutes and judgments so righteous, as all this law, which I set before you this day? DEUTERONOMY iv. 7, 8.

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WITH what propriety are we summoned this day to the contemplation of the blessings of our lot, and to give thanks to God our benefactor. These blessings have often been reviewed, and are well summed up in the proclamation of the Governor of this State, appointing the observance of this day.

The year which has elapsed since we were last convened for a similar purpose, has been distinguished not only by the continuance to us of our ordinary mercies, and by an increase of our public prosperity, but by peculiar tokens of the favour of Heaven. It was at an anxious juncture in the affairs of the nation, that its chief magistrate was removed by death. And for months preceding and following that startling event, there was a

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season of remarkable excitement on political questions of the greatest magnitude, which having its stormiest manifestation in the national legislature, sent its agitating influences throughout the republic, and awakened the fears of many a patriot heart, lest we might soon be torn by disunion and ravaged by civil war. war. But But "the foundations" were not "destroyed." Our public institutions, under which we and our fathers have lived in peace, survived the shock; and counsels of wisdom and amity have prevailed, so that, we meet this day, with stronger affection than ever toward the union of these States, and with firmer hopes of the permanency and salutary operation of those great provisions of the Constitution which, under God, has made this nation so great.

To what are we indebted for the concord, which, (notwithstanding some appearances to the contrary, where the ripples upon the surface of the waters of strife-comparatively few and far betweenhave not yet had time to be smoothed down,) to what are we indebted for the concord, which has been developed so enthusiastically throughout our land? What is it that has secured that loyalty and affection displayed by our people, and led them, if not to approve, at least, to acquiesce in the measures of government and yield their support to those fundamental principles which are at the basis of the union, and to cherish that union more fondly? We are one people,—one family,-in mutual kinsmanship,—bound together by many ties of blood and affection, and reserved for one destiny.

But, superior even to this strong bond, we are united by the controlling power of a national conscience that acknowledges the divine authority of the public law, and a conviction of the substantial equity and beneficence of the government to which we owe allegiance. And this feeling may well appropriate for its own expression the language which so well befitted Israel of old :"What nation is there so great that hath statutes and judgments so righteous, as all this law, which I set before you this day?" Of the justness of this eulogium, as it was pronounced by the Jewish lawgiver, there can be no question. Nor less beno applicable is the sentiment to us, since our laws and institutions appeal for their authority to the precepts of revelation, and have sought for their form and force in those great principles which have been divinely disclosed to man for his guidance in the practice of that righteousness which exalteth a nation.

I have referred to the fact that amid our harmony and prosperity there is nevertheless some appearance of discord and agitation. But even this fact is not inconsistent with the truth that our people desire to conform their laws to the law of God. There is a difference of opinion-honest and conscientious I will not doubt-held by a portion of our people, in regard to some of the recent measures of government, and especially in regard to one of those measures, which they deem to be in conflict with the will of God. Nay, in some quarters this apprehension has taken the form of

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