Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1837-03-16
WHOLE NO. 353.

mcstic, which aims, or would lead, to over.
i throw our ins ltutlons.
/ What can be more gratifying than such u
4 retrospect as tins! We look back ON obsla.
cles avoided, and dangers overcome; on cx-
pectations more than realized, and prosperity
\ perfectly secured. To the hopes of the hos
| tilc the fears OF the tlmId, and the doubts OF
7 the anxious, actual experience has given the
conclusive reply. We haye seen time grad
nally dispeI every unfavorable torcbodlng ana
our constitution surmonnt every adverse cir
jcumstance, drea dcd al the outset as beyond
control. Present excitement will at all times.
magnify present dangers; but true philosophy
must teach us that none more threatening
than the past can remain Ia be overcome; and
we ought, for we have just reason, to enter
tain an abiding confidence in the stability or
our institutions, and an entire conviction that,
if administered la the true lnrI3, character,
and spirit in which they were established,
they are abundantly adequate to preserve to-
us aud our chidren the rich blessings already
derived from them; to make our beloved land.
for thousand generations, that chosen spot
where happiness springs from perfect equal
| lty of political rights.
For myself therefore, desire to declare
that the principles that will govern me IN the
! high duty 10 which my country calls me, ~
strict adherence TO the lctter and spirit Of the
Constitution as il was designed by those who
| framed it. Looking back to it as a sacrc6
instrument carefully and not easily irameds
remembering that it was throughout work
of concc ssion and compromise; viewing IT az
limited to national objects: regarding it aa
leaving to the people and the Statcs all pow
er not explicitly parted with; shall endeavor
]
to preserve, protect, and defend 1t, by anX-
luusly referring to its provision for directions
in every action. To matters OF domestic
concernmcnt which it has ntrusted to the
Federal Government, and TO such as relate
to our intercourse with foreign nations, !
shall zcaously devote myself; beyond those
limits ! shall never pass.
TO enter, on this OCCASION, into further
or more minute exposition OF my views or
the various questions of domestic policy
would be as ob,rusive as 1t is probably uneX-
pectcd. Before the sntfrages of my country
men were conferred upon me, submittcE
them, with great precision, my opinions ois
all the most prominent OF these subjects
l'rhose opinions | shall endcayor to carry out
with my utmost ability.
Il Our course of foreign policy has been so
uniform and Ineligible as to constitute rule
of executive conduct, as leaves little to my
i discretion, unless, indeed, were willing to
run counter to the lights Of experience and
/ the known opinions Of my constituents. We
sedulously cultivate the friendship of all ma
TONS as the condition most. compatible with
our welfare and the principles OF our govern
ment. We decline alliances, as adverse to-
our peace. We desire commercial relations
on equal terms being ever willing 10 give "a
fair equivalent for advantages received. We
4 ,,,t, Will
penness and sincerity; promptly avowing our
objects, and seeking to establish that mutuas
irankness which is as beneficial in the deal
inrs Of nations ns of men. We have no dis
position, and discam all right, to mcddle in
\ disputes, whether internal or foreign, that
may moest other countries; regarding thcun.
lin their actual state, us social communities,
and preserving strict neutrality in all their
| controversies. Well knowing the tried valor
/ of our people, and our eXhausiess resources,
! we neither anticipate nor fear any designed
! Iaggression; and in the consciousness OF our
! own just conduct, we feel a security that we
| shall never be called upon TO exert our deter
mnation, never to permit al invasion OF our
,Irights, without punishment or redress.
\ In approaching, then, in the presence o.
! my assembled couDtrymen. to make the sol
I clnn prom ise that vet rpmainS. and to pledge
myself that will faithfully execute the Of
flee am about to 6l. bring with me set
! tied purpose to maintain the institutions Of
my country, which, trust, will atone for the
errors ] commit.
i In receiving from the people the sacred
trust twice coufidcd to my illustrlous prcdc-
cessor. and which he has discharged so faith
|, fully and so well, know that cannot expect
4, to perform the arduous task with equal abii~
I ty and success. But, united as ] have been
! in his counsels, daily witness of his exclu
! sive and unsurpassed devotion to his coun~
Itry's welfare agreeing wid him IN sentiments
which his countrymen have warmly support
i ed, and permitted to partake largely OF bis
j confidence. mny hope that somewhat OF the
same cheering appreciation viii be found To-
attend my path. For him, balt express Wills
Fl nv own the wishes of all--tiat he may yet
long live to enjoy the brilliant evening of his
wcl-spent life; and, for myself conscious OF
but one desire, faithfully to serve my conn-
try. throw myself without fear, on its JUS
tco and its kindness. Beyond that, only
look to the gracious protection of the Divine
Being, whose strengthening support hum =
bly, solicit, and whom ieryently pray to look
down upon us all May it be among the dis
pcnsalions of his providence TO bless our be =
loved country with honors and with length OF
days; may her ways be the ways Of pheasant
ness, and all her paths be peace.
i MARTIN VAN BUREN.
> Washington, March 4th, 1887.
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