Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-03-04

In this brief outline Of the promise
and performance Of my immediate pre-
decessor, the line Of duty, for his sue.
cessor, is clearly dileneated. To pur>
sue to their consummation, those pur.
poses of improvement in our common
condition, instituted or recommended
by him, will embrace the whole sphere
OF my obligations. To the topic of in
ternal improvement, emphaticaIly urg-
ed by him at his Inauguration, l recur
with peculiar satisfaction. 1t is that
, from which am convinced that the
! unborn millions Of our posterity, who
are in future ages to people this CONT
nent, will derive their most f.ryent
gratitude to the founders of the Union:
that in which the beneicent action of
its government will be most deeply felt
and acknowledged. The magnif-
cence and splendour of their public
works, are among the imperishable
glories Of the ancient republics. The
roads and aqueducts of Rome, have
been the admiration of all after ages,
and have survived thousands of years,
after all her conquests have been swal-
lowed up in despotism, or become the
spoil Of barbarians. Some diversity
OF opinion has prevailed with regard
to the powers Of Congress for legisla.
ton upon objects Of this nature. The
most respectful Difference is due to
doubts, originating in pure patriotism,
and sustained by venerated authority.
But nearly twenty years have passed
since the construction of the first ma
tional road was commenced. The au.
thority for its construction, was then
unquestioned. To how many thou.
sands Of our countrymen has it proved
abene6t ! To what single individual
has it ever proved an injury? Repeat
ed liberal and candid discussions in
the legislature, have conciIiated the
sentiments and appropriated the OPT
mons OF enlightened rinds, upon the
question of constitutional power. I
cannot but hope that, by the same pro-
cess Of friendly, patient, and persever-
ing deliberation, all constitutional OBJ
Jections will ultimately be removed.
The extent and limitation ofthe powers
OF the General Government, in rela-
ton to this transceudently important
interest, will be settled and acknow-
lodged, to the common satisfaction of
all and every speculative scruple will
be solved by practical public bless
ing.
Fellow-citizens, you are acquainted
with the peculiar circumstances of the
recent election, which have resulted in
affording me the opportunity of ad-
dressing you at this time. You have
heard the exposition of the principles
which will direct me in the fulflment
Of the high and solemn trust imposed
upon me in this station. Less possess
ed of your confidence, in advance, than
any Of my predecessors, l am deeply
conscious Of the prospect that shall
stand, more and oftener, in need Of
your indulgence. Intentions, upright
and pure; heart devoted to the well
fare Of our country, and the unceasing
application of all the faculties allotted
to me, to her service, are all the pledg-
es that can give for the faithful per-
Torrance of the arduous duties, am to
undertake. To the guidance Of the
Legislative Councils; to the assistance
of the Executive and subordinate de-
partments to the friendly co-opera-
ton of the respective state-govern-
ments; to the candid and liberal sup.
port of the people, SO far as it may be
deserved by honest industry and zeal
/ shall look for whatever success may
attend my public service; and knowing
that, except the Lord keep the city, the
watchhen waketh but in vain, with
fervent supplications for his favor, to
his overruling Providence / commit
with humble but fearless confidence
my own fate, and the future destinies o.
my country.