Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-03-05
INAUGURAL ADDRESS,

niied States, on the 4.h of March, 1929.
Fellow. CITIZENS: About to undertake The
ar,iuou. duties that have been appointed to
perform, by the choice of free people, avail
myself OF this customary and solemn occasion,
TO express the gratitude which their confidence
inspires, and 10 acknowledge the accountability
which my situation enjoins. While the mag
ni,ude Of their interests conrinees me that no
thanks can be adequate to the honor they have
conferred, j, admonishes me that the best re-
,arn can make, is the jealous dedication oil
my humble abilities TO their service and their
good.
As the instrument OF the Federal Cons,itu-
ton, it will devolve upon me, for stated pc"
Rod. to execute the laws Of the United States;
10 sups rintend their foreign aud their confede-
rate relations; to manage iheir revenue; TO COM
mand their forces; aud, by communications 10
the Legislature, TO watch over and to promote
their interests generally. And the principles
of action by which shall endeavor to accom-
plish this circle Of duties, it is now proper for
me briefly tn explain.
In administering the laws Of Congress, shall
keep steadily in view The limitations as well rs
the exten, of the Executive power, trusting
thereby to discharge the functions OF my office,
without transcending It's authority. With TO-
reign nations it will be my study to preserve
peace, and to cultivate friendship on fair and
honorable terms; aud, in the adjustment OF any
difference that NAV exist or arise, 10 exhibit
the forbearance becoming powerful nation,
rather than the sensibili,y belonging to gal
liant people
In such measures as I may be called on 10
pursue, in regard 10 the rights Of the separate
States, hope TO be animated by proper re-
spect for those sovereign members OF our
Union; taking care not TO confound The powers
they have reserved to themselves, with those
they have granted to the confederacy.
The management of the public revenue
tina, searching operation in all governments
is among the most delicate and important
trusts in ours; ard II WILL OF course, demand
no inconsiderable share Of my officia! soli'i'ude
Under every aspect in which it can be consid-
cred, il would appear that advantage must re-
suit from the observance vi strict and faiths
full economy. This shall aim at the more
anxiou sly, both because i, will facilitate the
exiting uishmeni of the national debt-the un-
necessary duration Of which is Incompatible
with real indepe ndence- ahd because it viii
coun,era,, that tendency 10 public and private
profligacy, which a profuse expenditure Of
money by the government, is but 100 apt to
enpender. Powerful auxiliarics To the attain
men, Of this desirable end, are to be found in
the regulations provided by the wisdom OF
Congress, for the specific appropriation of
public money, and the prompt accountable.
~ Of public officer.
With regard To a proper selection Of The
subjects of imposs, with view 10 revenue, it
would seem 10 me that The spirit oil equity, eau
ton, and compromise, in which the Constitu>
,ion was formed, requires that the great inIe>
rests OF agriculture, commerce, and manuiac-
lures, should be equally favored; and that, per-
haps, the only exception 10 this rale, should
consist in the peculiar encouragement Of any
products Of either or them that may be found
essential to our national independence.
Internal improvement, and the diffusion OF
knowledge, SO FAR as they can be promoted by
the constitutional acts Of The Federal Govern
men,, are Of high importance.
Considering standing armies as dangerous 10
free royernmen ts, i'm time Of peace, / shall not
seek to enlarge our present establishment, nor
disregard ,ha: salu,ary lesson Of political ex-
perience which teaches ,ha, the military should
be neld subordinate to the civil power. The
gradual increase Of our navy, whose flag has
displayed, in distant chimes, our skill in navi-
cation, and our fame in arms; the preservation
Of our forts, arseraIs, and dockyards; and the
introduction of progressive Improvements in
the discipline and science Of both branches Of
our military service, are SO plainly prescribed
l., ..,a.,re that should be excused for o.