The Sun.
London, England, 1845-03-27 00:00:00

Oltentaki, ItlA'.

LONDON, THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1845.

IMPORTANT
FROM AMERICA-,

THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE.
LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON,
ONE O'CLOCK.
The packet ship George Washington, Captain
Bennet, has just arrived at our port from New York,
whence she sailed on the 6th inst. The papers which
she brings are five days later than those received last
night by the Indiana, and the most prominent item
in the news which they contain is the new President's
Message—a lengthy, and, as the American journals
state, a " tastefully written and patriotic document."
Mr. Polk expresses himself decidedly in favour of the
annexation of Texas, and the occupation of the Ore-
gon territory ; but it is thought that he will not, in
pursuing these objects, use any violent or imprudent
measures. He is in favour of a tariff framed gene-
rally with regard merely to revenue, though he thinks
that incidental protection may be afforded to all
interests.
The Message is decidedly unfavourable to a Na-
tional Bank. The Bill for the annexation of Texas
as it passed the Senate on the 27th ult., was recog-
nised by the House of Representatives, and received
the President's signature on the following day. An
express started immediately for the Mexican Govern-
ment, and it was expected that Signor Altamonte,
would offer a protest, and take his departure. A
war with Mexico was quite expected.
The Senate passed a Bill on the 3d instant, allow-
ing a drawback on goods re-exported to the Canadas
from the United States. This measure had given,
much satisfacti9n.
On the Ist instant, the Senate confirmed the vote
of the House, for the admission into the Union of
lowa and Florida, as States, each to return two
Members. Slavery is not to be allowed in lowa,
but Florida remains in that respect as heretofore.
The report that the United States Government
had laid before Congress, in secret session, papers
found on the person of Santa Anna, showing that he
had been negotiating with Great Britain for the
cession of California, was fully believed.
The reported intended resignation of Sir Charles
Metcalfe is flatly contradicted by the Montreal
Gazette.

(From the New York Herald of March 5.)
THE IN AUGURAL ADDRESS.
Yesterday, at noon, James K. Polk, the newly elected
• President of the United States, was inaugurated, and
took the oath of office in the presence of congregated
thousands. All the party leaders—all the officers of
State—all the representatives of the people—multitudes
of the fairest women in the land—and crowds upon
crowds of the citizens of the United States, were there,
and the whole scene presented one of the most imposing
displays of Republican pomp, splendour, enthusiasm, and
triumph, ever witnessed in the capital.
The day opened with the noise of cannon, the ringing
of bells, the display of the American flag from the
Capitol, the Navy Yard, the public edifices, hotels, and
many of the private dwellings of the citizens of Wash-
. ington. About eight o'clock, early as was the hour, the
entire avenue from the President's house to the Capitol,
was thronged with men, women, and children, from all
sections of the country.
It was rumoured in the morning that General Jackson
had arrived, and such a bursting forth of shouts from
point to point, as this report caught and spread among
the multitude, the ears of mortal man hare seldom
heard. It is scarcely necessary, however, to say, that
" Old Hickory" was present only in spirit.
Our correspondence from the capital is of the greatest
possible interest and importance. The intelligence re-
lative to the formation of the new Cabinet will produce
great excitement in this region. Washington is in a
state of unprecedented ferment. Discontent—doubt—
astonishment—indignation —hope—fear—rejoicing—all
the varied and strong passions of the political arena
appear to be let loose in Washington, and no one knows
what the next hour may bring forth.
THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
"Fellow Citizens :—Without solicitation on my part,
I have been chosen by the free and voluntary suffrages
of my countrymen to the most honourable and most re-
sponsible office on earth. I am deeply impressed with
gratitude for the confidence reposed in me. Honoured
with this distinguished consideration at an earlier period
of life than any of my predecessors, I cannot disguise
the diffidence with which I am about to enter on the dis-
charge of my official duties.
If the more aged and experienced men who have
filled the office of President of the United States, even in
the infancy of the Republic, distrusted their ability to
discharge the duties of that exalted station, what ought
not to be the apprehensions of one so much youager and
less endowed, now that our domain extends from ocean
to ocean, that our people have so greatly increased in
numbers, and at a time when so great a diversity of
opinion prevails in regard to the principles and policy
which should characterise the administration of our Go-
vernment? Well may the boldest fear and the wisest
tremble, when incurring reponsibilities on which may
depend our country's peace and prosperity, and, in some
degree, the hopes and happiness of the whole human
family.
"In assuming responsibilities so vast, I fervently in-
voke the aid of that Almighty Ruler of the Universe, in
whose hands are the destinies of nations and of men, to
guard this heaven-favored land against the mischiefs
which, without His guidance, might arise from an unwire
public policy. With a firm reliance upon the wisdom of
Omnipotence to sustain and direct me in the path of
duty which I am appointed to pursue, I stand in the pre-
sence of this assembled multitude of my countrymen, to
take upon myself the solemn obligation, 'to the best of
my ability, to preserve, protect, and defend the constitu-
tion of the United States.'
" A concise enumeration of the principles which will
guide me in the administrative policy of the Govern-
ment, is not only in accordance with the examples set