The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-04-12

y,sht 10 the use Of our own faculties 10 the acquisi-
tions az our industry 20 honor and confidence from
our -cisens resulting not from birth, but from
our actions and their sense o. them enlightened BY
benign religion professed indeed and pracsed In vs
ous forms vet all Of them nculcatng honesty TRUTH
temperance gratitude, and the love Of man. acknow-
lodging and adoring overriding Providence which,
by all IL dspensatons proves that il delights in the
happiness of here and his greater happiness here
after with all these blessings, what il
ry 10 make US Lappy and prosperous peopiel Still
one thing more, fellow -ctxens--a wise and frugal
government, which shall restrain men from injurng
one another shall leave them otherwise free to regulate
their own pursuits Of industry and improvement, and
shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread il
has earned. This IL the Of good government,
and this necessary TO close the circle Of feces
About to enter, fellow citizens, the exercise Of
duties which comprehend every thing dear and valua.
BILE 10 you, is proper that you should understand
what deem the essential principles Of our govern
ment, and consequently those which ought to shape
It's administration. will compress them within the
narrowes compass they will bear, stating the general
principle but not all lis limitations. Equal and exact
Justice to all men of whatever state persuasion
hQious or political; peace, commerce, and honest
friendship with all nations, enangling alliances with
none the support OF the state governments in all their
rights as the most competent administrations tor our
domestic concerns and the surest bulwarks against
anti-republican tendencies the preservation of the
general government in It's whole constitutional vgor
as the sheet anchor Of peace at home, and safety
abroad; Jealous Of the right of election BY the
people mild and safe corrective Of abuses which are
iopped by the sword of revolution, where peaceable
remedies are unprovided absolute acquiescence in the
decisions Of the majority the vital principle of repub-
hes from which is appeal but to force, the vital
principle and immediate parent OF despotism well
iscpiined militia our best reliance in peace and for
the first moments OF war; till regulars may relieve them
the supremacy Of the civil the military authority
economy in the public expense, that labor may DC
lightly burthened; the honest payment 81 our depls
and sacred preservation OF the public faith cncour-
agement Of agriculture and of commerce as its hand
maid the diffusion of information, and arrangement
Of all abuses the bar of the public reason freedom
Of religion freedom Of the press and freedom OF per-
son, under the protection Of the habeas corpus ana
trial by jures mpartially selected. These principles
form the bright constellation which has gone before us
and guided our steps through age OF revolution and
reformation The wisdom Of our sages, and blood OF
our heroes have been devoted to their attainment
they should be the creed Of political faith thetext
of civic instruction the touchstone by which to try
the services Of those we trust and should we wander
from them in moments Of alarm let Us hasten
to reace steps, and TO regain the road which alone
leads to peace, liberty, and safety.
repair then fellow citizens, TO the post you nave
assigned me. With experience enough in subordi-
nate offices have the difficulties of this, the
greatest of ALL have learnt TO expect that VIII rare
y fall to the lot of imperfect man to retire from TINS
station with the reputation and the favor which bring
him into it. Without pretensons to- that high conf
dencc you reposed in first and Ievolutiona
ry character whose preemnent services had entitled
him the first place in his countrys love, and destined
for him the fares page in the volume OF faithful MS
tory ask so much confidence only as may give firm
ness and effect to the legal administration OF your af
fairs. shall often 60 wrong through defect ofjudg-
ment. When right shall often be thought wrong by
those whose position will not command view OF the
whole ground. | ask your indulgence for my own
errors, which will never be Intentionally and your sup
port against the Of others, who may condemn
what they would not If seen in all its parts The ap
probation implied by your sufirageis great consoa.
ton 10 me for the past; and my future solicude will
be, 10 retain the good opinion Of those who have Der
slowed it in advance, concate that Of others by
doing them all the good my power and TO be nstru-
mental to the happiness and freedom Of all
Relying then on the patronage OF your good will,
advance with obedience to the work, ready TO retire
from il whenever you become sensible how much bet
that infinite Power which rules the destnies of the
universe lead our councils to what is best and give
them favorable issue for your peace and prosperity