Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1837-03-17
FRIDAY, MAPCgE n, 1887.

Judgment which ultimately governs our
people as one vast body will always be at
hand to resist and control every effort, for
eign or domestic which aims, or would
lead, to overthrow our institutions.
What can be more gratifying than such
a retrospect as this We look back on oh.
staclcs avoided, and dangers overcome; on
expectations more than realized, and pros
perl'y perfectly secured. TO the hopes Of
the hostile, the fears Of the tmid, and tho
doubts Of the anxious, actual experience
has given the conclusive reply. We have
seen time gradually d.sp7l every unfavora
bic forcboding, and our constitution sur.
mount every adverse circumstance, dreaded
at the outset as beyond control. Present
exeter will, OF all times, ma Gnify pres
eht Dangers; but true philosophy must
teach us hat none more threa'nng han
the past can remain to be overcome; and
we ought, for we have Just reason, to en-.
terrain an abiding confidence in the s,abll.
~ Of our institutions, and an entire convic.
ton that, If administered in The true form,
choractcr, and spirit in which they were
established they are abundantly adequate
to preserve to Us and our children the rich
blessings already derived from them to
make our beloved land for thousand gen
eratons, that chosen spot where happiness
springs from perfect equality of political
rights.
For myself. therefore, I desire to de-
clare, that the principle hat will govern
me in the high duty to which my country
calls me, is, strict adherence to the letter
and spirit Of the constitution. as it was de-.
signed by those who framed it. Looking
back 10 1t as a sacred instrument carefully
and not easily framed remembering thai,
was throughout wo,k Of concession ana
compromise viewing it as limited to ma
tlona objects regretllng it as leaving to
the people and the States all power not ex
preserve, protect, and defend it, by anx-
lousy referring to its provisions for drec-
ton in every action. To matters of do.
nestle concernment which it has entrusted
to the Federal Government, and 70 such as
relate to our intercourse with foreign ma
tons, | shall zealously devote myself; be.
yond those limits shall never pass.
To enter on this occasion, into further
or more minute exposition of my views on
the various questions of domestic police,
would be as ob,rusivc as il is probably IN
expected, Before the suff'rages OF my
Countrymen wrrn oonf'rrcd upon me, !
submitted to them with grea. precision,
my opinions on all the most prominent OF
these subjects, Those opinions shall en-.
deavor TO carry out with my utmost ability.
Onr cource of foreign policy has been so
uniform and ineligible, as to constitute a
rule Of executive conduct which leaves lit
tie to my discretion, unless, indeed, were
willing to run counter to the lights of expe
rience, and the known opinions of my con-
stituents. We sedulousy cultivate the
friendship of all nations, as the condition
mos, compatible with our welfare, and the
principles of our government. We decline
alliances, as adverse to our peace. We
desire commercial relation on equal terms,
being ever willing to give fair equivalent
for advantages received.
We endeavor to conduct our intercourse
with opcnncss and sincerity; promptly
avowing our objects, and seeking to estab
Ilsh that mutual trankness which is as
beneficial in the dealings of nations as oil
men. We have no disposition, and we
disclaim all right to medde in disputes,
whether internal or foreign, that may mo
lest other countries; regarding them in
their actual state, as social communities
and preserving a strict neutrality in all
their controversies. Well knowing the
tried valor Of our people, and our exhaust
less resources. we neither anticipate nor
fear my designed aggression; and, in the
consciousness Of our own just conduct
we feel a security that we shall never be
ca led upon to exert our determination
never to admit no Invaslons Of our rights
without punishment or redress.
In approaching, them, in the presence o
my assembled countrymcn, to make the
solemn promise that yet remains, and lC
pledge myself that | will faithfully execute
The office am about to fill, bring will
me settled purpose to maintain the insi
tutons Of my country, which, trust, vii
atone for the errors | omit
In receiving from the people the sacrct
trust twice confded to my illustrious pre-
decessor, and which he has discharged 81
faithfully and so well, know that | can
not expect to perform the arduous tasl
with equal ability and success. But unite
as have been in his counsels, a daily wit
ness of his exclusive and unsurpassed devo
ton to his conntrys welfare, agreeing wit
him in sent menlS which his counlryme
have warmly supported, and permitted {,
partake largely Of his confidence, | ma
hope that somewhat OF the same cheering
appreciation will be found to attend upo
my path.
For him, | bu, express, with my owr
the wishes of all tina, he may yet long lv
TO enjoy the brilliant evening of his we
spent life; and, for myself, conscious of bu
one desire, faithfully to serve my country
| throw fear, on its justice and lis kindness
Beyond that, only look to the graciou
protection Of the Divine Being, who's
strengthening support humb'y solicit, an
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