The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-04-16
MADIsoN's INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

MADIsON'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Unwilling 10 depart from examples Of the most re-
vered authority, avail myself Of the occasion now
presented, to express the profound impression made
nae by the call of my country 10 the station to the
duties Of which / am about to pledge myself by the
most solemn Of sanctions. So distinguished a mark
Of confidence, proceeding from the deliberate and
tranquil suffrage of free and yrtuous nation, would
under any circumstance have commanded my graft
tude and devotion, as well as filled me with an awful
Of the trust to be assumed. Under the various
circumstances which give peculiar solemniy TO the
existing PERIOD feel that both the honor and the re-
sponsibiy allotted TO inexpressibly enhanced
The present situation OF the world is indeed with
out parallel and that Of our country full Of
difficulties The pressure Of these is the
serely felt because they have fallen upon us at mo-
ment when the national prosperity being at height
not before attained the resulting from the
change, has been rendered the more striking Under
he benign influence of our republican Institutions,
and the maintenance OF peace with all nations whilst
80 many OF them were engaged in bloody and aste-
ful wars, the fruits Of AUST policy were enjoyed in
unrivaled growth OF our faculties and resources
Proofs Of this were in the improvements Of agri-
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
In reducing the public debit and the valuable works
and establishments everywhere multiplying over the
face of our land.
II is precious reflection that the transition from
this prosperous condition Of our country TO the
which has for some time been distressing u.s. is not
chargeable on any unwarrantabe views, nor, as
trust on any involuntary errors, in the public coun-
CHS. INDUCING no passions which trespass the
rights repose OF other nations it has been the true
glory Of the United States 10 cultivate peace by OBJ
serving justice and 10 entitle themselves TO the
spect OF the nations at war; by fulfilling their neutral
obligations with the most scrupulous impartiay. Ii
there be candor in the world, the truth Of these
tons will not be questioned postety at least will do
justice to them.
This unexceptonabe course could not avail against
the injustice and violence Of the begerent powers la
their rago against oach other mpeed by more d.
rect motives principles of retaliation have been intro
dsced, equally contrary to universal and
kncwledged law How long their arbitrary edics will
be continued in spite of the demonstrations that
even pretext for them has been given by the United
States and Of the fair and liberal attempt 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 10 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 sink under the weight of this deep
conviction, it is because find some support in
seriousness Of the purposes and confidence in the
principles, which bring with me into this arduous
service.
To cherish peace and friendly intercourse with oil
nations having correspondent dispositions; to main
tain sincere neutrality towards begerent nations to
prefer III cases
accommodation Of differences 10 decision Of them by
an appeal to arms; to exclude foreign intrgues and
foreign partialties degrading to all countries and
SO baneful 10 free to foster spirit of indepen
dence too just to invade the rights of Others proud
10 surrender our own too liberal to indulge unworthy
pIejudces ourselves and too elevated not to look down
upon them in others TO hold the union OF the states
as the basis of their peace and happiness to support
the constitution, which is the cement of the union, as
well in its limitations in its authorities; TO respect
the rights and authorities the
the people, as equally incorporated with and essential
to the success Of the general system; 10 avoid the
slightest interference with the rights of conscience
the functions of religion, wisely exempted from CT
vii jurisdicon to preserve, in their full energy, the
other sautary provisions in behalf Of private and per-
sonal rights, and of the freedom Of the press to OBJ
serve economy in public expenditures; to berate the
public resources by honorable discharge of the pub
lie debts TO keep within the requisite limits stand
ing military force always remembering that armed
and trained militia is the frmest bulwaIk OF republics
that without standing armies their liberty can never be
in danger, nor with large safe; to promote, by
authorized means, improvements friendly to agricul
ure, TO manufactures, and to external well 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 meritoriousy applied
to the conversion Of aboriginal neighbors from the
degradation and wretchedness Of savage life to par
ticIpation of the improvements of which the human
mind and manners susceptible in civilized state
rs lar as sentiments and intentions such these
aid the fulniment OF my duty, they Will be resource
which cannot fail me. s.-.-a--,
is my good fortune moreover to have the path in
which am to tread lighened by examples of llusri-
services successfully rendered in the trying
difficulties, by those who have marched before me-
OF those of my immediate predecessor il might least
become me here to speak. may however, be pardon
ed for not suppressing the sympathy with which my
heart is full in the rich reward he enjoys in the bene
dicons of beloved country gratefully bestowed for
exalted talents, zealousy 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 supply my deficiencies is in the well tried
intelligence and virtue of my fellow citizens and in
the counsels 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 to that which we have
all been encouraged feel in the guardianship and
guidance Of that Almighty Being whose power regu-
lates the destiny of nations whose blessings have been
conspcuousy dispensed to this rising republic and
to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude
for the past, well fervent applications and
best hopes for the future.
TENNESSEE ANTIQUITIES.
THE OLD STONE FORT.
The celebrated Stone Fort in Bedford county, Ten
nessee which has long excited the attention of the
tourist and the admiration of the scientific as well as
the antiquarian, and which has for ages been maned