The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1821-03-15
WASHINGTON, March 8.
INAUGURAL SPEECH.

Yesterday, at IL O'clock, on taking the
oath to support the Constitution Of the United
States, the following Speech was delivered by
JAMES MONROE. President of the United
States:
FELLOW CITIZENS:
shall not attempt TO describe the grateful
emotions which the new and very distinguish
ed proof Of the confidence of my feIlow-citi-
zens, evinced by my reelection to this high
trust, has excited in my bosom. The appro-
baton which i announces of my Conduct in
The preceding term, affords me consolation
which | shall profoundly feel through life.
The general accord with which it has been
expressed, adds 10 the great and never ceasing
obligations which il imposes. To merit the
continuance OF This good opinion, and TO carry
1t with me into my retirement as The solacc
OF advancing years, will be the object Of my
most Jealous and unceasipg efforts.
Having no pretension 10 the high and COM
handing claims of my predecessors, whose
names are SO much more conspicuocsly idcnti-
he'd with our revolution, and who contributed
so pre-emlnently 10 promote lis success,
consider myself rather as the instrument than
The cause Of the union which has prevailed ID
the ate election In sp-monntiug, in favor Of
my humble pretensons, the difficulties which
SO often produce division in like occurrences.
Il is obvious that other powerful causes, indi-
eating The great strength and stability Of our
Union, have essentially contributed 10 draw
you together. That these powerful causes
exist, and that they are permanent, i nv fixed
opinion: that they may produce like accord
In all questions, touching, however remotely.
the liberty, prosperity, and happiness, Of our
country, wall always be The object ot ny most
iervent prayers 10 the Supreme Author Of all
Good.
Ia government which is founded by The
people, who possess exclusively the sovereign
ty, It seems proper that the person who may
be placed by their suffrages in this high trust,
should declare, on commencing lis dulles, the
principles On which tie intends 10 conduct the
administration. Ii the person, thus elected has
served the preceding term, an opportunity is
afforded him 70 review il principal occurren-
ces, and 10 give such further explanation res
pectng them sin his judgment,may be useful
To bis constituents. The events of one year
have influence on those Of another; and, il
like manner, OF preceding on succeeding
administration. The movements of a great
nation are connected in all their parts Ii
errors have been committed, they ought to BE-
corrected; II the policy is sound, 1t ought to
De supported. |! is by thorough knowledge
Of the whole subject ihat our ieliow-citizens
are enabled 10 judge correctly Of the past, and
to give proper direction to the future.
Just before The commencement OF lac last
term, the United States had concluded war
with very powerful nation. III conditions
equal and honorable TO both parties. The
events OF that war are too recent, and too
deeply impressed on the memory Of an. to
require Development from me. Our com
merce bad been, in great measure. driven
from the sea our Atlantic aud inland frontiers
were invaded IN almost every part; the waste
OF lite along our coast, and on some parts Of
our inland roR,iers, to the defence OF which
our gallant and patriotic citizens were called.
was imurnse; in addition 70 which, not less
than one hundred and twenty millions Of dol
lars were added al Us end to the public debt.
As soon as The war had terminated, the ma
lion, admonisLed BY llS events, resolved M
place itself m a situation. which should be
better calculated to prevent the recurrence OF.
IA like evil, and, in case it should recur, 10
mitigate is caamiiies With this view, after
reducing cur land force to the basis Of peace
|estabiishmentwh has been further modi6sd
since, provision was made for the consiruct ron
ot toT'rhcaiioDs at proper points, through TIE
whole extent Of our coast, and such an aug