The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1825-03-11

first traces of the path of duty IN the
III charge at my public trust, turn to the
al niai~ifaiim ne my immedinie predrces
sor, rs the second. II has passed away in
period of profound p.ae. how much 10
Tie sat'siae,mn of oui country. and Ia the
honor of our eountry's name, IS knonnio
,uu all. The great features of i,s policy.
~ general concurrence with the viii af the
Legislature, have been--to cherish peace,
while prsrar y !or defensive war IT, ,irla
exact insile. IL other na,ons, and MAINTAIN
the rights of our own la cherish the prin
cples of FREEDOM and II equal rights, wh-r
ever they were proclaimed 10 discharge,
with all possible promptituie, the oaiiona
debt; TO reduce, within the nairowcsi limits
of efficiency, the militar, forc- To improve
the organization aud discipll,cr of the arny
--to provide and sustain d seh0ul of militia
ry science 10 extend equal protection IN
all the great interests uf the nation to
promote the civilization of The Indian tribes
- aud, to proceed in thu great system OF
internal improvements, within the limits of
the constitutional power of ihr Unlon.---
Under the pledge Of THESE promises. made
10y that eminent citlgen, nj the time of his
frst induction In this office, IN his calser Of
eight years, the internal taxes have been
repealed; sixty millions Of the public debt
have heon discharged; provision has been
made for the comfort aud relief Of the aged
aud INDECENT Of the surviving warriors Of
the Revolution the regular armed force
has been reduced, and its conitltulion re-
Nsed aud perfected the accountability far
the expenditure fpoblc moneys has been
made more effective the floridas have
been peaeeahly acquired, aud oo, boundary
has been extended 81 the Pacific Ocean !,
tue independence ul the southern nations
~ this hemisphare has been recognized aud
recommended by example aud by counsel,
to tn. poteuta,es of Europe progress has
bpen made IN the defence of the country,
by Qualifications and the increase OF thr
navy towal DIS The eifeclnal suppression OF
The African traffic in slaves IN a'lurlng the
aboriginal hunters of our land To the cult
sdtion oflhe sol and of the mind IN ~
ploring the interior regions Of the Unlon
and in preparing, by scientific researches
and surveys, Tor the further application Of
our national resources TO the internal i'm
provelnent Of our country.
AZ 'hs nIici ohuhhnso " kiie VIoHHhs "ho
performance Of my immediate predecessor,
the line Of duty for his successor, is clearly
drlineaied. To pursue, 10 their consnm
nation, those purposes of Improvement 10
our common condition, instituted or re-
commended by him, will enIlacc the
Whole sphere Of my obligations. To the
topic Of internal Improvement, emphal,cal
y urged by him nj his inauguration rscur
with peculiar satisfaction. II Is that from
which am convinced that the Unborn nil
lions Of our post.rity who are, ~ nirue
ages. 10 people this continent, will d.ri,.
| their most feryent gratitude 10 the founders
Of the Union that, in which the brnefcent
action OF II. government will be most deep
" felt and acknowledged Til. magn'f
ccnce aud splendor of their public works
are among the imperishable slor,cs Of the
ancient Republics. The roads and nque
ducts af Rome have been the admiration
of all after ages, aud have survived. thou
sands Of years, after all her ronqh.sts have
been swallowed up IN despotIsm, or be
come the spoil of Barbarinns. Some III
"crsiiy of opinion has prevailed with re
gard Ia tl. powers Of Congress Tor iegsla
ton upon objects Of this nature. The most
respectful Difference Is due 10 doubts, mi
glpailng IN pure patriotism, and sustained
by yenerated authority. But nearly 20
years haze passed sine. the construction III
the first National Road was commenced
The auih,rity for its construction was ,hun
unquestioued. I'd how many thousands of
our cotinirym-li has it proved a benefit z
To what single individual has II ever prov
ed an injury Repeated liberal and can
did di,cussisns in the Legislature, have
conclliated the sentiments, and approsIna
ted thu opinions Of enlightened minds, up
on the question Of Constitutional power.-l
cannot but hope that, by the same process
of freddy, patient, aud persetering del,
brraion. all Constitutional objections will
ultimately lie removed. The cxteut aud
limitation of the powers of the general so
yernment, In relation 10 histranscendalItly
important interest, will be settled and NC
knowledged, 10 the common Satisfaction OF
all and every speculative scruple will be
so we'd by a practical public blessing.
Fellow citizens, you ARE acquainted with
the peculiar circumstances Of the recent eicc
ton, which have resulted In snordng me the
opportunity OF nddfcssirg you, al this time
ION nave hcHFh the exposition OF the primer
pies which Will direct me In the fu'Ilment OF
the high and solemn trns, imposed upon me N
this station Less possessed of your conn
dence, nadrsnce, than any ofmy prede uessors
Am deeply concious of the prospect TINT
shall stand, more Hnd oftener, in need 81 your
indulgence. Intentions, upright and pure,
heart devoted TO the welfare OF our country,
md the unceasing application Of all the incul'
ties allotted to me, to her service, ARE all the
pledges that emf give, for tie faithful per.
fdrmance Of the nrddons duties am TO Under
take. 70 the guidance OF the Legislative
councils; TO the assistance Of the Executive
and subordinate Departments; 10 the friendly
co-opefatioh Of the respective State Govern
menis to the candid hnd liberal support
the People, so far rs ii may, be deserved by
honest industry and zeal, shall look for
whatever success may attend my public ser