The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-04-17
MADIsoN's INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

MADIsoN's INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
MARcH A. 1909.
Unwilling TO depart from examples Of the most re-
vered authority avail myself Of the occasion now
presented TO express the profound impression made
me- by the call Of my country 10 the station the
duties of which am about TO pledge myself by the
of confidence proceeding from the deliberate and
tranquil suffrage of free and virtuous nation would
under any circumstances, have commanded my graft
tude and devotion, well az filed me with an awful
sense of the trust be assumed Under the various
circumstances which give peculiar solemnity to the
existing period, feel that both the honor and the
sponsibty allotted TO inexpressibly enhanced
The present situation of the world is indeed with
out parallel and that Of our own country full of
difficulties The pressure of these too is the more Sc
yerely felt because they have fallen upon us at mo-
ment when the national prosperity being at height
not before attained the contrast resulting from The
change, has been rendered the more striking. Under
the benign influence of our republican institutions,
and the maintenance Of peace with all nations whilst
many of them were engaged in bloody and waste
full wars the fruits of lust policy enjoyed in an
unrivalled growth of our faculties and resources
Proofs of this seen in the improvements of agf-
culture in the successful enterprises of commerce in
the progress of manufactures and useful arts in the
increase Of the public revenue, and the made of it
in reducing the public debit and in the valuable works
and establishments everywhere multiplying the
face of our land.
It is precious reflection that the transition from
this prosperous condition of country, to the
which has for time been distressing US is not
chaIgeabe any unwarrantable views, nor, as
trust any involuntary errois IN the public coun-
cls Induging no passions which trespass the
rights repose of other nations, has been the true
glory of the United States TO cultivate peace by OBJ
serving justice; and to entitle themselves to the re-
spect OF the nations war; by fulfilling their neutral
obligations with the most scrupulous mpartiaty. If
there be candor in the world the truth of these asser
tons will not be questioned posterty, at least, will do
justice to them.
This unexceptionable course could avail against
the injustice and violence of the begerent powers. In
their rage against each other, impeed by more d.
motives principles Of retaliation have been intro
duced, equally contrary TO universal reason and &C
knowledged law. How long their arbitrary edics will
be continued in spite Of the demonstrations that not
pretext for them has been given by the United
States and of the fair and liberal attempt to induce
revocation of them cannot be anticipated Assuring
myself that, under every vicssitude, the determined
spirit and united councils Of the nation will be safe
guards to its honor and its essential interests repair
to the post assigned with other encouragement
than what springs from my own inadequacy to its high
duties. If do not sink under the weight of this deep
conviction, is because find some support In con-
seriousness Of the purposes, and confidence in the
principles, which bring with me into this arduous
service
To cherish peace and friendly intercourse with all
nations having correspondent dispositions; to main
tain sincere neutrality towards beligerent nations to
prefer in all amicable discussion and reasonable
accommodation of differences 10 Adhesion OF them by
appeal to arms to exclude foreign intrigues and
foreign paralties degrading to all countries and
SO banefl to free ones to foster spirit Of indepen-
dence too just invade the rights of Others proud
to surrender own too liberal to indulge unworthy
peudces ourselves, and too elevated not to look down
upon them in others hold the union OF the states
the basis of their peace and happiness to support
the constitution, which is the cement of the union,
well in it's limitations in its authorities to respect
the rights and authorities reserved to the states and
the people, equally Incorporated with and essential
to the success OF, the general system; to avoid the
slightest interference with the rights Of conscience
the functions of religion, wisely exempted from CT
vii Jurisdiction to preserve in their full energy, the
other salutary provisions in behalf of private and per-
sonal rights and of the freedom Of the press; to OBJ
economy in public expenditures to liberate the
public by honorable discharge of the pub
lie debts to keep within the requisite limits stand
ing military force, always remembering that an armed
and trained militia is the frmest bulwark of republics;
that without standing armies their liberty can never be
in danger, with large ones safe; to promote, by
authorized means, improvements friendly to agricul-
ture to manufactures and to external as well as inter-
nal commerce to favor in like manner, the advance
ment of science and the diffusion of information
the best aliment Of true liberty to carry the bene
violent plans which have been merorously applied
the conversion Of aboriginal neghbors from the
degradation and wretchedness Of savage life to par
ticipation Of the improvements of which the human
mind and manners are susceptible in civilized state
as far as sentiments and intentions such these
aid the fuflment Of my duty, they will be resource
which cannot fail me.
II is my good fortune moreover to have thepath in
which am to tread ghtened by examples of ilusri-
services successfully rendered in the trying
difficulties, by those who have marched before me-
Of those Of my immediate predecessor it might least
become me here to speak. may however, be pardon
ed for not suppressing the sympathy with which my
heart FULL in the rich reward he enjoys in the bene
dictons of beloved country gratefully bestowed for
exalted talents, zeaously devoted, through long ca
reer to the advancement Of its highest interest and
happiness.
But the source to which ] look for the aids which
alone can supply my deficiencies is in the we'll tried
intelligence and virtue of my fellow-ctzens, and in
the counses of those representing them in the other
departments associated in the Of the national in
terests In these my confidence will under every
difficulty be best placed, next to that which have
all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and
guidance Of that Almighty Being whose power regu-
ates the destiny Of nations whose blessings have been
conspcuousy dispensed to this rising republic and
to whom bound address our devout gratitude
for the past well fervent supplications and
best hopes for the future.
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