Maumee express. [volume] (Maumee City, Ohio) 1837-1838, 1837-03-25
MAR1aN VAN BURrN'S
iNAUGuRAnApDnEss. INA UG Ess.
FELLOW -CrTIzENs:

AELLoW-OITIZENS: Wv.
+. l'e practice Of all my predecessor,
imposes on me an obligation l cheerful,
'nihi' to accompany the first ap., IN
act OF my public trust u,i,,.7.h avowa' ~
the princinistV.natw will guide me in per-
foEi:ing il, and an expression Of my feel.
ings on assuming charge SO responsible
and vast. In initiating their example, l
tread in the footsteps Of illustrious men,
whose superiors, il is our happiness 10 be-
lieve, are not found on The executive cal
endar Of any country. Among them. we
recognise the earliest and firmest pillars Of
the republic; those BY whom our national
independence was first declared; him who
above all others, contributed 10 establish
it on the field Of battle; and those whose
expanded intellect and patriotism con.
siructed, improved, and perfected the in.
estimable institutions under which we live.
II such men, in the position I now occupy.
felt themselves overwhelmed by sense of
gratitude for this, the highest of all marks
of their country's confidence, and by a
consciousness of their inability adequately
to discharge the duties of an office so diff
cult and exalted, how much more must
these considerations affect one, who can
rely on no such claims for favor or for
bearance. Unlike all who have preceded
me. the revolution that gave us existence
as one people, was achieved at the period
of my birth and, whilst contemplate
with grateful reverence that memorable
event, ] feel that belong to a later age,
and that ] may not expect my countrymen
to weigh my actions with the same kind
and partial hand.
So sensibly, fellow citizens. do these
circumstances press themselves upon me,
that should not dare to enter upon nv
path Of dbty, did i not look for the yen.
erous aid of those who will be associated
with me in The various and co.ordinat.
branches of the Government; did l not
repose, with unwavering reliance, on the
patriotism, the intelligence, and the kind
ness, of people who never yet deserted
q public servant honestly laboring in their
cause /; and, above all, did not permit nv.
self humbly to hope for the sustaining
support of an ever watchful and bene 6ceni
Providence.
To the confidence and consolation fIeri.
we'd from these sources, il would be un-
grateful not TO add those which spring
from our present fortunate condition.
Though not altogether exempt from en-
barrassment that disturb our tranquility at
home and threaten it abroad, vet. in all
iheastributes Of great, happy, and -four.
ishing people, WI stand without parallel
in the world. Abroad, we enjoy the re-.
spect. and, with scarcely an exception. the
friendship Of every nation; at home, while
our Government quietly, but efficiently,
performs the sole legitimate end Of politi.
cal institutions. in doing the greatest good
to the greatest number, we present sn ag-
sregaie OF human prosperity surely noi
elsewhere to be found.
How iInperious, then. is the obligation
Imposed upon every citizen, in his own
sphere Of action. whether limited or ex.
tended, to exert himself in perpetuating u
condition Of things 50 singnlnrly happy
All the lessons 81 history aud experience,
mnst be losi upon us, IL we are c,,9lent Il,
trust alone 10 The peculiar advantages we
happen to possess. Position and climate,
and the bouhteous resources thai nature
Sas scattered with so liberal q bani+-cvcn
|ile difuscJ intelligence and elevated char
lcter sf our people, will avail us nrfiiing,
FIVE fpil sacredly 70 uphold hose political
pstiiutions ihat were wisely md delibcr-