The Sun.
London, England, 1853-03-17 00:00:00

our fair record, and trust I may safely give the assurance
that no act within the legitimate scope of my constitutional
control will be tolerated, on the part of any portion of our
citizens, which cannot challenge a ready justification be-
! fore the tribunal of the civilised world. An Administra-
-1 tion would be unworthy of confidence at home, or respect
'y s ary of the following, received by electric I abroad, should it cease to be influenced by the conviction
telegraph, appeared in The Sun of yesterday : I that no apparent advantage. can be purchased at a price so
Luce dear as that of national wrong or dishonour. It is not
By the United States' mail steamer Arctic, t
your privilege, as a nation, to speak of a distant past. The
commander, we have advices from New York
s° striking incidents of your history, replete with
f instruction,
the sth inst. She has brought ninety-eight pa and furnishing abundant grounds for
.hopeul confidence,
are comprised in a period comparatively brief. But if
sengers, but no specie.
The Arctic was telegraphed off Holyhead at 4.30 your past is limited, your future iwsabyoounf
adldevassn.aemltesnotb,laigand-
tions throng the unexplored path
runs ever
p.m. on Tuesday, after one of the finest.
will be limitless as duration. Hence a sound and compre-
made at this season of the year, and arrived in the
hensive policy should embrace not less the distant future
Mersey shortly after midnight. Signal guns were than the urgent present.
fired on board the Arctic in order to make
..
in
" The great objects of our pursuit, as a people, are best
her whereabouts to the tender in waiting, but n to be attained by peace, and are entirely consistent with
wind and dense fog her
consequence of a south-east
of
her
gunsthe rang y
t nillit and interests of the re-st of mankind.
With the neighbouring nations upon our continent we
should cultivate kindly and fraternal relations. We can
signals could not be seen nor thereport
heard by the parties on the look-out on board the
her dispatches desire • nothing in regard to them so much as to see them
tender ; the consequence was, that consolidate their strength and pursue the paths of pros-
perity and happiness. If in the course
were not brought ashore until nearly six o'clock
yesterday morning. should open new channels of trade and create additional
The Arctic passed the United States' steamer facilities for friendly intercourse, the benefits realised will
be equal
Baltic, from Liverpool for New York, at 6 a.m. on
the 6th inst., 180 miles from New York. toms of and mutual. Of the complicated European vs-
national polity we have heretofore been independ-
ent. From their wars, their tumults, and anxieties, we
The steam-ship Georgia had arrived at New York have been,ldi tapgiltL naalmosotawhich gave them existence,
a
on freight, and $300,000 In the hands of pas-
andrentirely exempt. While these
tin with the California mails, $2,124,652 in gold dust sa
within
ce confined
their legitimate jurisdiction, they cannot affect
sengers.
us, except as they appeal to our sympathies in the cause of
The excitement in Washington on the 4th was human freedom and universal advancement. But the vast
interests of commerce are common to all mankind, and the
excessive. So great was the anxiety to witness advantages of trade and international intlreflounnemoifisat
General Pierce's inaugurationa
as President that on always present noble field forthemoral influencers the previous night hundreds of persons, including greVeople.
ladies, slept in the Rotunda of the Ca
With these views firmly and honestly carried out, we
pitol, while have a right to expect, and shall under all circumstances
thousands walked the streets, determined to be suffi- require, prompt reciprocity. The rights which belong to
ciently early, or unable to obtain accommodation in us as a nation are not alone to be regarded, but those which
in his individual Capac't at home
the hotels. Congress adjourned at 12 o'clock. The Paneralt):devery
must citizen
besa sacredly maintained. Sol ?Ong as he
members of both houses were in a very unsettled
can discern every star in its place upon that ensign, without
state, and little or no business was transacted. The
wealth to purchase for him preferment or title to secure for
Rag on. the Senate House was run down, but imme- him place, it will be his privilege, and must be his acknow-
diately hoisted again on the assembling of the new lodged right,. tao stand un abashedevteliiiapbethise
himselfrese ono
took Shortly after one o'clock General Piercepprices,
of anationtof consciousnesssovereigns,on and that he cannot, in legitimate
took his seat in a carriage, and was escorted by a
pursuit, wander so far from home that the agent whom he
procession to the Senate House, which was reached shall leave behind in the place which I now occupy will
at one o'clock. The President elect stood erect in not see that no rude hand of power or tyrannical passion
the carriage, with President Fillmore by his side, is laid upon him with imlminiil vyshe.nre ourenterprise
emustrealle
e mthat,
av
surrounded by marshals, and bowed to constant upon every sea and
on e
rightfully seek the protectionvery soof our flag, American citizen-
The foreign Ministers followed in carriages. The cheers and waving handkerchiefs from the windows.
ship is an inviolable panoply for the security of American
rights. And in this connexion it can hardly be necessary
which should now be regarded as
proceedings were rather marred by a heavy fall of to re-affirm a principle
snow. On reaching the Senate House the President fundamental. The rights,.
security, and repose of
n.
tary's table, with the committee of arrangements this
and President elect took seats in front of the more-Confederacy reject the idea of interference or colonisation
tary's jurisdiction, as utterly inadmissible.on this side of the ocean by any foreign Power, beyond'
on their right and left. The Chief Justice and as-
" The opportunities of observation furnished by my brief
sociate Justices of the Supreme Court were seated
experience as a soldier confirmed in my own mind the
in front of the eastern lobb
y.The diplomatic corps opinion entertained and acted upon by others from the
were outside the bar, on the right of the principal formation of the Government, that the maintenance of
entrance, and the heads of departments and gover- large standing armies in our country would be not only
dangerous but.unneceqsary. They also illustrated the im-
nors on the left. At a quarter past one o'clock the
Marshal of the District, with the Judges of the necessity—of the
portance—l might well say the absolute •
science and practical skill furnished in such an
Supreme Court, followed by the President and Pre- military
sident elect, and the entire assembly eminent degree by the institution which has made your
assemblage in the Sc- army what it is, under the discipline and instruction of
nate, started in procession to the eastern front of officers not more distinguished for their solid attainments,
the Capital, where an immense staging was erected
gallantry, and devotion to the public service, than for
sufficiently large to accommodate all. At half-past
-
unobtrusive bearing and high moral tone. The army, as
one o clock, all being arranged, the oath of office was
organised, must be the nucleus around which, in every time
of need, the strength of your military power, the sure bul-
administered to General Pierce by the Chief Justice work of your defence—a national militia--may be readily as follows : formed into a well-disciplined and efficient organisation.
And the skill and self-devotion of the navy assure you that
" I do solemnly affirm that I will faithfully execute the
you may than the performance of the past as a pledge for
office of President of the United States, and will, to the the future and may confidently expect that the flag which
best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the con- has waved,
untarnished folds over every sea will still
stitution of the United States."
float in undiminished honour. But these, like many other
General Pierce in taking the oath, did not, as subjects, will be appropriately brought at a future time to
had been ordinarily the custom, say, " I solemnly
the attention of the co-ordinate branches of the Govern-
swear," but " I solemnly affirm ;" and instead of
went, to which I shall always look with profound respect
kissing the book in Southern fashion, he raised his
and with trustful confidence that they will accord to me
the aid and support which I shall so much need, and which
right hand and held it in that position until the their experience and wisdom will readily suggest.
pledge was read. " Immediately before the ad- "In the administration of domestic affairs you expect
dress," says a describer of the scene—
a devoted integrity in the public service, and an observance
of rigid economy in all departments, so marked as never
" When General Pierce took the oath, with head un- justly to be questioned. If this reasonable expectation be
covered, and raising one hand to heaven, while he laid the not realised, I frankly confess that one of your leading hopes
other on the holy book, the spectators also uncovered, even is doomed to disappointment, and that my efforts in a very
in the snow that was falling at that time, and many of important particular must result in a humiliating failure.
them lifted up their hands as if in an act of the most fer-
vent devotion. It was a solemn scene. The address, which the accomplishment of these objects, and as occupancy can
the President delivered unfalteringly from memory-, and confer no prerogative, nor importunate desire for prefer-
without a single note, was received with great enthusiasia went any claim, the public interest imperatively demands ,
by the vast multitude, particularly those portions of it that that they be considered with sole reference to the duties to
asserted the Monroe doctrine, the protection of American be performed. Good citizens may well claim the protec-
citizens abroad, the firm adherence of the President to the tion of good laws and the benign influence of good govern-
compromise measures, and his determination to carry out ment ; but a claim for office is what the people of a Repub-
the Fugitive Slave Law. Cries of ' good, good,' and other lie should never recognise. No reasonable man of any
warm expressions of admiration were elicited from the party will expect the Administration to be so regardless of
crowd. The sentiments, the tone of the address, the earnest its responsibility and of the obvious elements of success as
manner in which it was spoken, his beautiful action, his to retain persons, known to be under the influence of poli-
manly, erect appearance, his pale cast of countenance, in tical hostility and partisan prejudice, in positions which
which intellect and courage were the predominating fea- will require not only severe labour, but cordial co-opera-
tures, and his clear, loud voice, distinctly heard by the re- tion. Having no implied engagements to ratify, no re-
motest of his audience, all combined to make a deep im- wards to bestow, no resentments to remember, and no
pression in favour of General Pierce, and many asserted personal wishes to consult in selections for official station,
that this was the best inaugural address ever delivered from I shall fulfil this difficult and delicate trust, admitting no
that spot. He is -undoubtedly a very effective speaker. He motive as worthy either of my character or position which
remained with his hat off until the close of the proceedings. does not contemplate an efficient discharge of duty and the
The ladies were in ecstasies, and so anxious were some who best interests of my country. I acknowledge my obliga-
happened to be in the rear to see and hear him, that they tions to the masses of my countrymen, and to them alone.
climbed upon the pediments of the columns of the Capitol, Higher objects than personal
saggrdint gave direction
to their no small danger. Altogether it was a glorious and energy to their exertion in the late canvass, and they
spectacle of sublime majesty, casting into the shade the shall not be disappointed. They require at my hands
idle pomp and unmeaning pageantry of the coronation of diligence, integrity, and capacity, wherever there are
kings and emperors."
duties to be performed. Without these qualities in their
After the conclusion of the usual formalities public servants,
fzurs , stringent
eg laws 1 for
d the
cu
ipartzue prevention
To;
President Pierce stepped to the front of the plat- vpain. With them they webeemne necessary.
form, and, amid enthusiastic cheers, proceeded to ~ But these are not the only points to which you look
deliver the inaugural address : for vigilant watchfulness. The dangers of a concentration
of all power in the general government of a confederacy
" My countrymen,—lt is a relief to feel that no heart
like ours are too obvious to be disregarded. You have a
but my o can know the personal regret and bitter sorrow
over which I have been borne to a position so suitable for
right, therefore, to expect
your agents in every department
others rather than desirable for myself.
to regard strictly the limits imposed upon them by the con-
The circumstances under which I have been called, for stitution of the United States.
a limited period, to preside over the destinies of the Re- ' " The great scheme of our constitutional liberty rests
public, fill me with a profound sense of responsibility, but upon a proper distribution of power between the State and
with nothing like shrinking apprehension. I repair to the federal authorities, and experience has shown that the liar-
post assigned me—not to one sought—but in obedience to mony and happiness of our people must depend upon a just
the unsolicited expression of your will, answerable only for discrimination between the separate rights and responsibi-
a fearless, faithful, and diligent exercise of my best powers. lities of the States and your common rights and obliga-
" I ought to be, and am, truly grateful for the rare ma- tions under the General Government. And here, in my
nifestation of the nation's confidence; but this, so far from opinion, are the considerations which should form the true
lightening my obligations, only adds to their weight. basis of future concord in regard to the questions which
You have summoned me in my weakness; you must sus- have most seriously disturbed public tranquillity. If the
tain me by your strength. When looking for the fulfil- Federal Government will confine itself to the exercise of
meet of reasonable requirements, you will not be remind- powers clearly granted by the Constitution, it can hardly
fill of the great changes which have occurred, even within happen that its action upon any question should endanger
the last quarter of a century, and the consequent angmen- the institutions of the States, or interfere with their right
tation and complexity of duties imposed in the adminis- to manage matters strictly domestic according to the will
tration of both your home and foreign affairs. of their own people.
"" Whether the elements of inherent force in the Repub- "In expressing briefly my views upon an important sub-
c have kept pace with its unparalleled progression in ter- jest which has recently agitated ' the nation to almost a
ritory, population and wealth, has been the subject of ear- fearful degree, I am moved by no other impulse than a
nest thought and 'discussion on both sides of the ocean- most earnest desire for there prpetuation of that Union
less than 63 years ago the father of his count ry made 'the' which has made us what we ae—showering upon us bless-
then recent `accession of the important State of North ings and conferring a power and influence which our fathers
Carolina to the constitution of the United States one of could hardly have anticipated even with their most san-
the subjects of his special congratulation. At that mo- guine hopes directed to a far-off future. The sentiments I
ment, however, when the agitation consequent upon the now announce were not unknown before the expression of
revolutionary struggle had hardly subsided, when we were the voice which called me here. My own position upon
just emerging from the weakness and embarrassments of the subject was clear and unequivocal, upon the record of
the confederation, there was an evident consciousness of my words and my acts, and it is only recurred to at this
vigour equal to the great mission so wisely and bravely ful- time because silence might perhaps be misconstrued. With
filled by our fathers. It was not a presumptuous assur- the -Union my best and dearest earthly hopes are entwined.
ante, but a calm faith, springing from a clear view of the Without it what are we, individnally or collectivel ?
sources of power in a Government constituted like ours. It What becomes of the noblest field ever opened for the Id-
is no paradox to say that, although comparatively weak, vancement of our race in religion, in gove ent, in the
the new-born nation was intrinsically strong. Inconsider- arts, and in all that dignifies and adorns nkind? From
able in population and apparent resources, it was upheld by that radiant constellation, which both ill ines our own
a broad and intelligent comprehension of rights, and an way and points out ton,
struggling nations their course,
all-pervading purpose to maintain them, stronger than let but a single star be lost, and if there be not utter dark-
armaments. It came from the furnace of the revolution, ness, the lustre of the whole is dimmed. Do my con try men need any assurance that such a catastrophe is note
to
to the necessities of the times. The thoughts of
the men of that day were as practical as their sentiments overtake them while I possess the power to stay it? It is
were patriotic. They wasted no portion of their energies with me an earnest and vital belief, that as the Union has
upon idle and delusive speculations ; but, with a firm and been the source, under Providence, of our prosperity to
fearless step, advanced beyond the governmental landmarks this time, so it is the surest pledge of a continuance of the
which had hitherto circumscribed the limits of human free- blessings we have enjoyed, and which we are sacredly
dom, and planted their standard where it has stood, bound to transmit undiminished to our children. The
against dangers which have threatened from abroad, and field of calm and free discussion in our country is open, and
internal agitation, which has at times fearfully menaced will always be so ; but it never has been and never can be
at home. They approved themselves equal to the solution traversed forge od in a spirit of sectionalism and unchari-
of the great problem, to understand which their minds had as
they The founders of the Republic dealt with things
been illuminated by the dawning lights of the revolution. as they were presented to them, in a spirit of self-sacrificing
The object sought was not a thing dreamed of—it was a patriotism, and, as time has proved, with a comprehensive
thing realised. They had exhibited not only the power to I wisdom which it will always be safe for us to consult.
achieve, but what all history affirms to be so much more Every measure tending to strengthen the fraternal feelings
unusual, the capacity to maintain. The oppressed lof all the members of the Union has had my heartfelt ap-
throughout the world, from that day to the present, have probation. To every theory of societ or government,
turned their eyes hitherward, not to find those lights ex- whether the offspring of feverish ambitson or of morbid
tinguished, or to fear lest they should wane, but to be enthusiasm, calculated to dissolve the bonds of law and
constantly cheered by their steady and increasing radiance. affection which unite us, I shall oppose a ready and stern
"In this our country has, in my judgment, thus far ful- resistance. I believe that involuntary servitude, as it exists
filled its highest duty to suffering humanity. It has lin different States of this confederacy, is recognised by the
spoken, and will continue to speak, not only by its words
constitution. I believe that it stands like any other ad-
but by its acts, the language of sympathy, encouragement, mitted
right, and that the States wherein it exists are en-
and hope to those who earnestly listen to tones which titled to efficient remedies to enforce the constitutional
pronounce for the largest rational liberty. But, after provisions. I hold that the laws of 1850, commonly called
all, the most animating encouragement and potent appeal the compromise measures, are strictly constitutional, and
for freedom
triumphs. p,
will be its own history, its trials, and its to be unhesitatingly
.carried into effect. I believe that the
eenunently the power of our advocacy re- constitutional authorities of this Republic are bound to re-
poses in our e
be powerful ; asthey would
bit' no example, be it remembered, gard the rights of the South in this respect
can for lasting, good, whatever apparent ad- view any other legal and constitutional right, and that the
vantages may be gla„d,
principles of right and Which is not based upon eternal laws
to enforce them should be respected and obeyed, not
themselves, both upon Jthe tract opinions as to
ice. Our fathers decided for with a reluctanc.e encoged b abs • .
to strike. They weredifferentstateof •
their
hour to declare and the hour their propriety in a
..society, but cheer-
stances under which it becamer Own judges of the circum- fully, and according to the decisions of the tribunal to
' their lives, their fortunes, and thens to pledge to each other which their exposition belongs. Such have been and are
sacred honour,' for my convictions, and upon them I shall act. I fervently
the acquisition of the priceletd. Teir
us. The energy with which thaltn eerie tance transmittd to hope that the question is at rest, and that no sectional or
manifest
conflict was opened, ambitious or fanatical excitement may again threaten the
and, under the guidance of a
and beneficent Pro- durability of our institutions, or obscure the light of our
vidence, the uncomplaining endurance with which it was
prosecuted to its consummation, were , prosperity.
oni.y. snrPassed by " But let not the foundation of our hope rest upon man's
the wisdom and patriotic spirit of concession
all the counsels of the early father,, Which char- wisdom. It will not be sufficient that sectional prejudices
acterised
find no place in the public deliberations. It will not be
"One of the most impressive evidences of that wisdom sufficient that the rash counsels of human passion are re-
is to be found in the fact, that the
f solictuuacleworking of our jested. It must be felt that there is no national security
system has dispelled a degree 0
and
far-reaching Whieh. at te 1 but in the nation's humble acknowledged dependence upon
outset disturbed bold hearts
from extended territory,m intellects. 1 God and his overruling providence.
The apprehension of dangers
"We have been carried in safety through a perilous
(in menianlayerseecctl ai
tiplied States,
The stars upon
Hum_- eu%
accumulatedwealtdh., and augmentedp,l
crisis. Wise counsels, like those which gave us the stitution,pr to uphold it. Let the period be tion has has proved to be unfounded.
their original
con-
banner have become nearly threefold .
section nallo of t admen
he U tni inonn,atnodmnaotkeaseaxnpeerincmouraentsgewmbeenrte,
skirt the shoreso
ber, your densely populated possessions
.ast increase of people . experi
the two great oceans, and yet this vast
m stable with the I be op
are fraught with such fearful hazard. Let it
and territory has not only shown itself co p ssea upon all hearts that, beautiful as our fabric
e Federal Govern- I is, no earth]
harmonious action of the States and th
spheres, but has : broken fra, L power or wisdom could ever reunite its
merit in their respective constitutional
and in- I "Standing as afforded an additional guarantee of the strength
. do almost within viewof
1 slopes of Monticello, a 1 the green
tegrity of both.
the , tomb of Washington ini,a,s it were, within reach of the
" With an experience thus suggestive aid cheering,
the past gathering aroundwill controlled by me like
policy of my administration not be
• • not of exhortation from Heaven 'I
so many eloquent voices
Indeed, it is
timid forebodings of evil from expansion.
my country than that the kind
express no better hope
and our for
ind Providence which smiled
to be disguised that our attitude as a nation,
_ upon our fathers may enable their
position on the globe, render the acquisition of certain pos
blessings they have inherited. children,, to preserve the
sessions, not within our jurisdiction, eminently important
Great cheering and firing
for protection, if not, in the future, essential for the of cannon succeeded
address, which the President d l'
preservation of the rights of commerce and the peace the
e ivered as if
" H had
of the world. Should they be obtained it will extempore. eno papers or notes," says a
be through no grasping spirit, but with a view to correspondent,
obvious national '
interest and security, and in a manner
"But delivered the address beautifully and gracefully,
faith.
,
entirely consistent with the strictestobservationof nationalh to the end. It will be faith. We havenothing in history position • without a blemls ,
Polk, andothers, remembered
our or to in-
that Presidents Taylor,
vite aggressio •
cultivation n, we have everything to beckon us to the
from 'the manuscript. When he cam© to that part
tions. p of relations of peace and amity with all na- dresses
which related to the protection of American
a ``'"!'• -"l'Poses, therefore,
at once just and pacific, will be of his address he turned face to face with Mr. Fillmore
`altiv marked in the citizens abroad,
that my ad •
conduct of our foreign affairs.diplomatic
laid down the law with
outlast •
and the
ration shall leave no blot upon

itiMERICA.

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.

significai
j\intond
r
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