Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-12-05


the surprise of every person, and to no one more
than Col. Polk, it does seem to me his Inaugural
Address should commence thus
! FslloU- Ciiizens:-U unexpectedly called upon to
preside over the destinies of this great and grow
Ing republic, by the unexpected nomination of the
Baltimore Convention, deem il but an act of
justice TO tender my profound and grateful ac-
acknowledgements to "the party" who have placed
me In my singular postion;--and while saw to
them feel my utter inability and incompetence
TO take charge OF the great and weghty affairs
which have been committed 10 my trust, | will
endeavor, as far as in me lieth, to conform ssmy
administration" TO their views and wishes and,
before promising farther, will inform YOU, that
since my elevation Ohanks to the name of De-
mocracy,) | have been constant visi,ant at the
Hermitage; have imbibtd lessons of wisdom.
drank deep OF the spirit of patriotism from the
sage, patriot and statesman that dweils in solitary
grandeur amid the ruins OF that ancient mansion.
lie has shaped for me course, which, / cannot
but think, must make this "great nation prosper
GUS and happy" Under the guidance of "such
Chief - 1t Will he my 'glo!y" to move onward
In that career of usefulness to which it has been
my good fortune TO be destined; and TO raise and
elevate our government to that rank which it must
ere long attain. 1t remains, now, for me to give
/ The outlines OF "my adminis.ration'-they are
drawn so as to embrace all the conflicting inte-
rests OF the country, and if it fail to render that
satisfaction / could wish, the fault must be att-
buted TO my head and not my heart
! l. The chief point TO which shall call your
attention will be the subject OF the currency, as
IL is one OF paramount importance; and here, you
may remember, 1t was said by my great proto-
type, that he could 'furnish the plan of a bank
which would be perfectly constitutional;' - that
plan never was submitted 10 the nation, ard /
snail have the advantage of its details. IL you
prefer such an one will not interpose the veto ;
Il, however, you agree to dispense with it's sgen-
cy. VIII most cheerfully and cordially concur
=. \ our attention will be called to the ds:ribu-
ZION OF the proceeds of the public lands, for, as
my great namesake the elder HickoIy said, after
having discharged the obligations under which
they rested, 'they should 10 be source of
revenue" and should be distributed among the
States, as the rghtful proprietors but here,
take occasion 10 remark, that, as new subject
has sprung up for the consideration of s'the par
ty," q mean agrarianism,) will suggest that
the public lands be first divided among these per-
sons who own none, in an equitable ratio, and,
when they shall have been exhausted, if tissais-
faction still exist, resort be had to the ands of
the wealthy proprietor, who has more aces than
he can till; and after such division, then 10 those
OF inferior grades, so that all may be eSuaized
here, however, must be understood TO mean the
lands of 'the party" (except the pulley for
they are common property. In my massage at
the opening of Congress shall be NOR explicit.
s. The Sub-treasuIy will next claim your al
ten,ion. On this subject / shall be brie; having
promoted its passage when member of Con-
gress, cannot now oppose it; so that if you
wish that bill revived, it may be recommended
If, however, you, in your wisdom shall otherwise
determine. it shall not be pressed to the fourth
time of asking.
a. If you wish State disfranchsel, or false
member returned, suggestion to me of such in
tent will be sufficient.
.. If you wish Standing Army, that shall be
recommended and I uouId n ,yere adj cor
by lis aid we could secure forever the right to
rule; and power we must have, ''peaceably if we
can; forcibly, if we must.''
6. If you wish Free Trade, my brethren of the
South, 1t shall be granted and you. my North
brethren, if you will have the Tariff a. il is
! | shall be unwilling to disturb its operation.
| 7. On the subject of Naturalization, as I am
much indebted to the interest of strangers for nv
elevation, ! would suggest that the laws relating
thereto be carefully amended, so as TO make the
residence of that valuable class Of citizens as
brief possible, lest foreign relations be dis
turbed.
8. AS Texas does not wish any connection with
the United States, would respectfully recon-
mend that we let Texas stay where it is, having
answered the purpose for which it was intended
in this election; and because, should like to
observe ''strict neutrality; friendship with all
nations, en;aDgng alliances with none''
.. There Is now coBfncd in prison in one Of
the States Of this coniederacy, for high treason,
gentleman Of distinguished abilities, both in the
science OF government and Of war; he is ''mar-
tyr in the cause Of liberty shall use my ut
most endeavors to procure his enlargement, and
"set the noble patriot free." Such disnteresed
services need governmental aid.
The great and multiiarious interests connected
with our country may require some new mode Of
legislation, by which all may be made to harmo-
nize as parts of one grand whole. TO this end
1t shall be my purpose, as it is my desire, to draw
around me the 1cisdOn, rirfue and talent of the
nation, by whose advice l shall be assisted and
here, must observe, cannot dispense with the
aid of that great phijanthropist and friend 10
truth, the modern Howard, AMOS KENDALL, for to
him ] am much indebted, and ] would not be
thought ungrGt9dL