Boon's Lick times. [volume] (Fayette, Mo.) 1840-1848, 1841-04-24
OFFICIAL.
TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED
STATES

the several departments, OF Tue ueepIy TegIetteu
death OF WILLIAM Henry HARRisoN, late Pres.
dent Of the United States. Upon him you had
conferred your suhrages for the first Office in your
gift, and had selected him as your chosen instru
ment 10 correct and reform all such errors and
abuses as had manifested themselves from time to
time in the practical operation Of the Govern
ment. While standing at the threshold Of this
great work, he has, by the dispensation Of all
wise Providence been removed from amongst US,
and by the provisions of the Constitution, the
efforts TO be directed 10 the accomplishing OF this
vitality important task have devolved upon my.
self This same occurrence has subjected the
wisdom and sufIicency of our institutions to a
new test
For the first time in our history, the person
elected to the Vice Presidency Of the United
States, by the happening Of a contingency prov-
ded for in the Constitution, has had devolved upon
him the President office. The spirit Of faction,
which is directly opposed to the spirit OF lofty
patriotism, may find in this occasion Tor assaults
upon my administration And in succeeding
under circumstances too sudden and unex pected,
and to responsibilities so greatly augmented, toI
the administration Of public affairs, shall place
in the intelligence and patriotism Of the People
my only sure reliance. My earnest prayer shall
be constantly addressed to the all wise and all
powerful Being who made me, and by whose
dispensaon | am called 10 the high office OF
President of this Confederacy, understandngy
to carry out tine principles of that Constitution
which l have sworn 'to protect, preserve, and
defend"
The usual opportunity which is afforded to a
Chief Magistrate upon his induction to Office Of
presenting to his countrymen an exposition of
the policy which would guide his administration,
=. Il. r
under the peculiar circumstances which have
brought nee to the discharge OF the high duties Of
President of the United States, been afforded to
me, brief exposition of the principles which
will govern me in the general course of my ad.
minis:ration Of public affairs, would seem to be
due as we'll to myself as to you. In regard to
foreign nations, the groundwork Of my policy
will be Justice on our part to all, submitting 10
injustice from none.
While shall seduously cultivate the relations
OF peace and amity with one and all, it will be
my most imperative duty to see that the honor Of
the country shall sustain no blemish. With
view to this, the condition of our military de,
fences will become matter OF anxious solicit
ude: The Army which has in other days COW
cred itself with renown, and the Navy, not ap.
propriately termed the sight arm Of the public
defence, which has spread light Of glory over
the American standard in all the waters Of the
earth, should be rendered replete with efficiency.
In view of the fact, we'll vouched by theory, that
the tendency of all human institutions is to con-
centrate power in the hands oe single man. and
that their ultimate downfall has proceeded from
this cause. deem it of the most essential impor-
lance that complete separation should take place
between the sword and purse. No matter where
or how the public moneys shall be deposited,
long as the President eXerts the power of appoint.
ing and removing, at his pleasure; the agents Sc
ected for their custody, the Commander in-chief
of the Army and Navy is III fact the Treasurer
permanent and radical change should therefore
be decreed. The patronage incident to the Presi-
dental Office, already great, is constantly increas
icg. Such increase is destined to keep pace with
the growth of our population, until wit bout fig
ure of speech, an army OF Office holders may be
spread over the land. The unrcsraincG power ex-
er,ed by a selfshy ambitious man, in order either
to perpetuate his authority or to band it to
some fuvorite his successor, may lead to the
employment of all the means within his control TO
accomplish his object. The right to remove from
Office while subjected to no Just restraint is nev-
itaby destined to produce spirit of cruuching
serviIity with the official corps; which in order
to uphold the hand which feeds them, would lead
to direct and active inter ference in elections both
State and Federal, thereby subectiug the course
of State Legislation to the dictaton of the CHIEF
Executive Officer, and making tho will of that Off
Ger absolute and supreme.
| will at proper time invoke the action of Con-
gress upon this subject, and shall readily acquiesce
| in the adoption Of all proper measures which are
calculated TO arrest these evils, 50 full of danger
10 their tendency. | will remove no incumbent
from Office who has faithfully and honestly acquit-
ted himself of the duties Of his Office, except in
such cases where such officer has been guilty of
active parizanship, Or by secret meanS--the less
manly, and therefore the more OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
given his official influence to the purpo"es of party,
thereby bringing the patronage of the Government
| in conflict with the freedom of elections.
| Numerous removals may become necessary un
der this rule These will be made by me through
no acerhity of feeling. | have had no cause to
cherish Or indulge unkind feelings towards any,
but my conduct will be regulated by profound
sense of what is due to this country and its institu
tions nor shalt neglect to apply the same unbend-
! ing rule to those of my own appointment. Free
dom of opinion will be tolerated, the full enjoyment
of the right Of suffrage will be maintained, the
birthright Of every American citizen, but say
phatcally to the official corps, "thus far and no
farther" have dwet the longer upon this sub
jact, because removals from Office likely often to
arise, and would have my countrymen to under
stand the principle Of the Executive action.
In the public expenditures t he most rigid econo
my should be resorted to, and, as of its results
a public debt in time of peace be sedulously avoid
ed. A wise and patriotic constituency will never
sbject to The imposition of necessary burdens for
useful ends; and true wisdom dictates the resort
such means, in order to supply deficiencies in the
revenue, rather than to those doubtful expedients,
which ultimating in public debit ser We to embar-
the resources Of the country, and to lessen its
ability to meet any great emergency which may
arise All snecures should be abolished. The
appropriations should be direct and explicit, so as
Ia .tol n