Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1837-03-28
CHARACTER OF THE INAUGURAL
by ONE OF THE PRESIDENTS
FRIENDS

We would call very particular attention
10 the article which follows, copied from the
PLAIN Dealer. This Journal is edited by
Mr.. Leggett, formerly a co-editor with
Mr.. Bryant Of the Evening Post, and s
years most violent partizan Of Gen Jacd-
son, and advocate on all occasions oil the
measures OF his administration. Mr.. Leg
Gett went all lengths for Mr.. Van Buren,,
before his election. Whether or moi he has
changed his mind can be gathered from the
annexed criticism OH the Inagural Address
OF the new President. In consequence Of
its length we omit comments; but advise
all our readers TO peruse il with the atten-
ton it so richly deserves Atids.
Mr.. Van Buren has delivered an lnaugu-
rsl address, which, probably, most OF our
readers have a ready Eerused, but which, as
a carlton Of the history Of the times, we
EseTt in our paper. II is longer than the
nnug 3ral Address Of his immediate prede-
cessor, but does not contain q tlhe part of
its pilh. 1t processes 10 be an avowal of
the principles by which ire new Presiden,
intends 10 be guided 10 his administration
81 the government; but with the single ex-
oeption Of TIE principle Of opposition TO the
abolition of slavery in the District Of CO.
lumbio, which it expresses with most un-
called Tor and unbecoming haste and posit-
iveness, he might, with as much propriety,
have sung Yankee Doodle or Hail Coluni-
ti0, and called it an avowal Of his prin-
ciples." With the exception Of that indie
corous announcements predelermination
10 exercise his veto against any measure Of
abolition which Congress may possibly
think proper 10 adopt during the next tour
tho aHirpcc cDntai ~ & YrpciiiOn N
political principles whatever. II concludes
with.a statement in general terms, that Mr.,
Van Buren, intends TO adhere strictly to the
letter & spirit Of the Constitution but as
this is a duty imposed upon him, in the
most explicit manner, by the terms Of his
oath OF Office, il cannot be considered OF
any weight as separate avowa Of the
principles by which he will be guided
guiding principles-save only the principle
o! extreme opposition, under all possible
circumstances, TO the abolition OF slavery
is httle better than a nonenttty. Mr.. Van
Buren, commences his administration as a
man of a single principle.
One Of The administr0 ton journals of this
city, the Ereaing Post, excuses the vogue
ness OF Mr.. Van Buren's address, on the
ground tina; an inaugural speech does not
present an occasion tor the proposal & dis
cussion Of particular measures, which, it
thinks, are more properly reserved Tor an
annual message 10 Congress- We should
acquiesce in the Justice Of this remark, If
Mr.. Van Buren, had not himself put this
address before his countrymen os can avow-
al OF his principles :" but having done so, we
are compelled to try il by the standard he
has furnished. The Evening Posi- further
says, that for aught it can see, Mr.. Van
Buren, "has laid down the general rules by
which he intends to be guided with as much
particularly and distinciness ms any Of his
predecessors" We are afraid the Euening
Post, at the time Of making this remark,
had neither the inaugural speech Of Jefler-
son nor that OF Jackson within the sphere
Of its vision.
But il Is not so much for what II has omit
led 10 say, as for what it says, that we feel
dissatisfaction with this inaugural address.
We dislike exceedingly both The tone and
spirit OF its remarks on the subject ofslave-
~. On that one topick there is, indeed, no
want, but Supernatural particular
ily and dislincness." Mr.. Van Buren, is
the first President orthe United States who,
in assuming tina. office has held up his We
to power, in ttrorene, 10 the world and an
nounced fixed predetermination to cxcer-
else it on a particular subject, no matter
what changes moy lake place in public o.
pnlon, or what events may occur to modi-
iy the question on which his imperial will
is thus dlctatnralIy announced.
Nothing but The clearest warrent Of con-
stitulional obligation could excuse this pre-
cipitate expression ola determination ia
exercise power lodged in the executive
moi for the purpose OF holding il up 10 intimi-
date coordinate branch Of the govern
meni, and restrain it from the lreesl oXer-
else OF It's functions; but for the better pur.
pose Of being discreelly used, in the last G.
vent, ailer the subject had undergone in
7estigaion and discussion that might be
deemed necessary as preparatory to legisla-
tive action. dninhaenced by any Fremont.