Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1837-03-10


y;ct;on lint. If administered in the true form.
character. and spirit 10 which they were es
|tablished they are abundantly adequate 70
preserve to Us and our children the r'cn
blessings already derived from them; TO
make our beloved land, for thousand gen
crations, that chosen spot where happiness
springs from perfect equality Of political
rights.
For myself therefore, desire to declare,
THAT the principle that will govern me 10 the
H high duty to which my country calls me, IS.
a strict adherence to the letter and spirit OF
the constitution, as il was designed by those
who framed i. Looking back to il as a sa-
cred instrument, carefully and not easily
Trained remembering that il was through
out work Of concession and compromise;
viewing II MS limited TO national objects re-
parding il as leaving to the people and the
States all power not explicitly parted with !;
shall endeavor 10 preserve, protect, and de-
fend il, by nnxiously referring to its provis-
ions for direction in every action. To mat
ters Of domestic concernment which il has
entrusted TO the Federal Government. and
10 such as relate to our intercourse with for
eian nations. shall zealously devote my
self; beyond 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 policy,
would be as oblrusive as il is probably unex-
pected Before the suffrages OF my country
men were conferred upon me. | submitted
TO them. with great precision. my opinions
on all the most prominent Of these subjects
Those opinions shall endeavor TO carry out
with my utmost ability.
Our course oil foreign policy has been so
uniform and Ineligible as TO constitute Iule
of executive conduct. as leaves little TO my
discretion. unless indeed. were willing 10
run counter to the lights Of experience and
the known opinions ofmy constituents. We
sedulously cultivate the friendship ofall ma
tons. as the condition most compatible with
our welfare.& 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
| endeayor TO conduct our intercourse with
openness and sincerity; promptly avowing
our objects. and seeking TO establish that mu-
tual frankness which is as beneficial in the
dealings OF nations as of men. We have no
disposition, and disclaim all right. to NEEDLE
in disputes whether internal or foreign that
may modest other countries; regarding them
in their actual state. as social communities
and preserving strict neutrality in all their
controversies Well knowing the tried val.
or Of our people. and our exhaustless resour.
ces. we neither anticipate nor fear any de-
signed aggression; and, in the conscious
ness OF our own just conduct. we feel secu
rity that we shall never be called upon to
exert our determination. never to permit an
invasion of our rights, without punishment
or redress.
II In approaching. then. in the presence o.
my assembled countrymen. to make the sol
emn promise that yet remains. and TO pledge
4 myself that will faithfully execute the Office
am about to Gil, bring with me settled
purpose to maintain the institutions Of my
country, which. trust, will atone for the err
rors commit
4 In receiving from the people the sacred
trust twice con6ded TO my illustrious prede'
crssor, and which he has discharged so faith
fully and so well. know that cannot ex
pect 10 perform the arduous task with equal
ability and success. But united as have
been in his counsels. daily witness to his
exclusive aud unsurpassed devotion TO hi.
country's welfare. az reeing with him in sen
,imen,s which his countrymen have warmly
supported. and permitted TO partake largely
Of his confidence. may hope that somewhat
Of the cheering appreciation will be found to
attend upon my path. For him. but ex'
press. with my own, the wishes OF all--thal
he may yet long live to enjoy the brilliant
evening OF his well-spent life; and for my.
self, conscious of bu. one desire. faithfully 10
serve my country. throw myself wiihou,
fear, on its business and its Kindness. Be.
yond that | only look 10 the gracious protec.
lion Of the Divine Being. whose strengthen.
/ ing support l humbly solicit. and whom
lteryently pray to look down upon us all
May it be among the dispensa,ions OF his
providence TO bless our beloved country with
honors, aud with length Of days; may her
ways be ways Of pleasan,ness. and all her
paths be peace.
MARTIN VAN BUREN,.
Washington, March 4.h. 1887