Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1837-03-09
MIR. VAN BUREN'S INAUGURAL
ADDRESS.
FELLOW CITIZENS:


The practice of all my predecessors
imposes on me an obligation cheerfully
fulfil, TO accompany the first and solemn
act of my public trust with an avowal of
the principles that will guide me in per-
forming it, and an expression of my
Settings on assuming charge SO respon-
sible and vast. Iu initiating their exam
ple, tread is the footsteps OF illustrious
men, whose suPeriors, it is our happi-
aess to believe, are net found on the
executive calendar OF any country. A
snong them, we recognise the earliest
and tirmest pillars of the republic; those
by whom our national independence was
first declared; him who. above all others,
contributed to establish it on the field of
battle and those whose expanded intel>
aect and patriotism constructed, improv-
ed, and perfected the iRestimable institu.
items under which we live. If such
men. in the position now occupy, felt
themselves overwhelmed BY sense Of
gratitude for this, the highest of all
marks OF their country's confidence, and
by consciousness Of their inability ade-
qnateiy to discharge the duties of an
office SO difficult and exalted, how much
more must these considerations affect
one. who can rely on 40 such clai ms for
favor or forbearance. 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 greatful rever
ence 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 my
path OF duty. did not look for the gem
erous aid Of those who will be associated
with me in the various and coordinate
branches of the Government; did l not
repose, with unwavering reliance, on
the patriotism, the intelligence, and the
Kindness, of people who never yet
deserted public servant honestly labor
ing in their cause and, above all, did
not permit myself humbly to hope for
the sustaining support of an ever-watch.
full and benefcient Providence.
To the confidence and consolation de-
rived from these sources, it would be
ungrateful not to add those which spring
from our present fortunate condition.
Though not altogether exempt from en-
barrassments that disturb our tranquility
al home and threaten it abroad, vet, in
all the attributes of great, happy and
hsurishing people, we stand without
parallel in the world. Abroad, we en-
joy the respect, and, with scarcely an
exception. the friendship of every ma.
ton i; at home, while our Government
quietly, but efficiently, performs the sole
legitimate end of political institutions, in
doing the greatest good to the greatest
number. we presen. an aggregate of hui
man prosperity surely not elsewhere to
be found
How imperious, then, is the obliga-
ton imposed upon every citizen, in his
own sphere Of action, whether limited
or extended, to exert himself in perpet-.
uating condition of things so singularly
happy. All the lessons Of history and
experience must be lost upon.us, if we
are eontentto' trust alone TO the peculiar
advantages we happen to possess. Po-
sition and climate, and the bounteous