Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-03-13
P0Lk'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
MARCH A, 1916.

on my part, have been chosen by the
free and voluntary suffrages of my coun-
trymen 10 the most honorable and most
responsible office on earth, | am deeply
impressed with gratitude for he confidence
reposed in me. Honored with this dis
tingulshed consideration at an earlier Pc
Rod Of life than any OF my predecessors,
cannot disguise the difidence with which
am about TO enter on the discharge of
my official duties.
If the more aged and experienced men
who have filled the office Of President of
the United States, even in the infancy of
the republic, distrusted their ability to dis
charge the duties of that exalted station,
what ought not to be the apprehensons
of one so much younger and less endow-
ed, now that our domain extends from
ocean 10 ocean, that our people have SO
greatly increased in numbers, and at a
time when so great diversity of opinion
prevails 10 regard to the principles and
policy which should characterize the adj
ministration of our government Well
may the boldest fear, and the wisest trem.
bic, when mourning responsibilities on
which may depend our couutry's peace
and prosperity. and, IN some degree, the
hopes and happiness Of the whole human
family.
In assuming responsibilities so vast,
fervently invoke the aid of that Almigh-
ty Ruler oil the universe, in whose hands
are the destnies OF nations and men, to
guard this heaven. favored land against the
mischiefs which, without His guidance,
might arise from an unwise public policy.
With firm reliance upon the wisdom of
Omnipotence to sustain and direct me in
the path of duty which am appointed to
pursue, | stand in the presence of this
assembled multitude Of my coun,rymen,
to take upon myself the solemn obliga-
ton, ",o the best Of my ability, to pre-.
serve, protect and defend the constitution
of the United States"
A concise enumeration OF the princi-
pies which will guide me in the admins
tratIve policy Of the government, is not
only in accordance with the examples set
me by all my predecessors, but is emi-
nently betting the occasion.
The constitution itself, plainly written
as it is, the safeguard of our federative
compact, the offspring of concession and
compromise, binding together in the bonds
of peace and union this grea; and increas.
ing family olfree and independent States,
will be the chart by which shall be di.
rected.
1t will be my first care to administer
the government n the true spirit of that
instrument, and to assume no powers not
expressly granted or clearly implied in
its terms. The government of the u.
States is not one of delegated and limited
powers; and it is by strict adherence
TO the clearly granted powers, and by alb
staining from the exercise of doubtful or
unauthorized implied powers, that we
have the only sure guaranty against tho
recurrence OF those unfortunate collisions
between the Federal and State authorities,
which have occasionally so much disturb.
ed the harmony Of our system, and even
threatened the perpetuity of our glorious
Union.
"To the States respectively, or to the
people" have been reserved "the powers
not delegated to the United States by the
constitution, nor prohibited by il to the
States" Each State is complete sove.
reignty within tie sphere of its reserved
powers. The government of the Union,
acting within the sphere of its delegated
authority, is also complete sovereignty.
While the General Government should
abstain from the exercise of authority
not clearly delegated to it, the States
should DO equally careful that, in the
maintenance of their rights, they do not
oyerstep the limits of powers reserved to
them. One of the most distinguished OF
my predecessors attached deserved impor-
lance to 'the support OF the State Govern
ments in all their rights, as the most COM
pe,ent administration for our domestic
concerns, and the surest 5uiwark against
anu-republican tendencies )" and to the
preservation of the General Government
IN its whole constitutional vigor, as the
sheet-anchor of our peace at home, and
safety abroad"
To the government of the United States
has been intrusted the exclusive manage
ment Of our foreign affairs. Beyond that,
it yields few general enumerated pow
ers. 1t does not force reform on the
States. 1t leaves individuals, over whom
Il casts its protecting influence, entirely
free to improve their own condition by
the legitimate exercise of all their mental
ard physical powers. 1t is common
protector Of each and all the States OF
every man who lives upon our SOIL wheth.
or of native or foreign birth Of every
religious sect, in their worship OF the al.
mighty according to the dictates Of their
own conscience; Of every shade OF opin.
ion, and the most free inquiry ofevery
art, trade aud occupation, consistent with
the laws OF the States. And we rejoice
IN The general happiness, prosperity, and
advancement Of our country, which have
been the offspring o. freedom, ami not OF
power.
This most admirable and wisest system
OF well regulated seli-government among
men, ever devised by human minds, has
been tested by is successful operation for
more than half century; and, il preserv.
II e.. H. I