Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1845-03-08

countrymcn to the most honorable and responsible Office
earth deeply impressed with gratitude for the con-
fdence eposed in Honored with this distinguished
sderation earlier period Of life than any Of my prede
cessors disguise the didence with which am about
to enter on the discharge Of my official duties
II the aged and experienced who have filed the
Office Of President Of the United States, in the infancy
of the Republic dsrusted their ability discharge the duties
Of that exalted station what ought to be the apprehensons
Of much younger and less endowed that do
main extends from ocean, that people have
greatly increased in numbers and at time when great dr.
very of opinion prevails in regard to the principles and poll
cy which should characterize the administration of Go
Well may the boldest fear, and the wises
bic, when mourning responsibilities which may depend
counys peace and prosperity and in degree the hopes
and happiness of the whole human family.
In assuming responsibilities vast, fervcnty invoke the
aid Of that Almighty Ruler of the universe in whose hands
the dcstnes Of nations and Of men, guard this heaven
favored land against the mschefs which, without his guild
ance, might arise from unwse public policy With firm
reliance upon the wisdom of Opotence to sustain and d.
in the path of duty which appointed to pursue
stand in the presence Of this assembled multitude Of my
counrymcn take upon myself the solemn obligation, to
the best Of my ability preserve, protect and defend the
Constitution of the United States"
concise enumeration of the principles which will guide
in the administrative policy of the Government, not only
in accordance with the examples set by all my predeces
sors but is cminently BETTING the occasion.
The Constitution itself, plainly written is the safe
guard of deratve compact the offspring OF concession
and compromise binding together in the bonds of peace and
union this great and increasing family of free and ndepend
States will be the chart by which shall be directed
II will be my first administer the Government in the
spirit Of that instrument and assume powers not
expressly granted clearly implied in its terms The Go
of the United States Of delegated and limited
powers and it by strict adherence the clearly granted
powers and by absanng from the exercise of doubtful
authorized implied powers that have the only guar
anty against the Of those unfortunate collisions be-
tween the Federal and State authorities which have occasion
ally much disturbed the harmony Of system, and
threatened the perpetuty Of our glorious Union.
$50 the States respectively, the People, have been
reserved the powers delegated the United States by the
Constitution, prohibited by the Sates Each State is
complete sovereignty within the sphere its reserved powers
The Government Of the Unon acting within the sphere Of it
delegated authority, is also complete sovereignty While
the General Government should abstain from the exercise
authority clearly delegated the States should be equal
careful that in the maintenance of their rights they do
ove,sep the limits Of powers reserved to them One of the
most distinguished of my predecessors attached deserved i'm
portance the support Of the State Governments in all he
rights the competent administration for domestic
concerns and the surest bulwark against anepubcan
dencies and the preservation of the General Government
in its whole constitutional vigor the sheetanchor of
peace at home and safety abroad"
To the Government of the United States has been entrusted
the exclusive of foreign affairs beyond that,
wcds few general enumerated powers II does force
reform the States. 1t leaves individuals, whom 1t
its protecting influence, entirely free to improve their
condition by the legitimate exercise of all their mental
and physical powers. II protector of each and
xhatha
of native foreign birth of every religious Sect in the
ship Of the Almighty according the dictates Of their own
conscience of every shade of opinion and the most free in
qury every art trade, and occupation, consistent with the
laws of the And rejoice in the general happiness
prosperity and advancement Of country which have been
the offspring Of freedom, and not of power
This most admirable and wises system of well regulated
efgovernment among devised by human minds
has tested by its successful operation for than half
century and preserved from the uspaons of the Fede
raj Government the hand and the exercise by the States
Of powers reserved TO them the other WILL fervcnty
hope believe endure for ages TO and dispense the
blessings Of civil and religious liberty distant generations
To effect objects dear every patriot shall devote myself
with anxious soctudc 1t will be my desire guard agains
that most fruitful source danger the harmonious action
our system which consists in substituting the discretion
and caprice of the Executive of maocs in the egslav,
withheld from the Fedcral Government by the Constitution
BY the theory Of Government maorities rule but this
right is not arbitrary unlimited 1t is a right Il
be exercised subordaon the Constitution and in con-
ormity it, One great ject of the Constitution
strain majoies from depressing minorites, cncoachng
upon their just rights. Minorties have right appeal to
the Constitution shield against such oppression.
That the blessings of liberty which Constitution
may be enjoyed alike by mnores and majoe the Execu-
tive has been wisely invested with qualified upon the
of the Legislature II is negative power and
vatve its character. II for the time hasy nconsd-
crate, unconstitutional legislation invites reconsideration
and transfers questions at issue between the Legislative and
Executive departments the tribunal Of the People. Like all
other powers, il is subject to he abused When udcousy
and properly exercised the Constitution itself may be saved
from nracton and the rights Of all preserved and protected
The ncsmable value Of Federal Union is felt and
knowledged by ALL BY this system Of united and concdcra
ted States people permitted, collectively and ndyd-
ally seek their happiness in their way, and the
consequences have been most suspicious Since the Union
formed the number Of the States has increased from
twenty two of these have taken their position
as members of the Coneeacy within the last week Our
population has increased from three twenty millions New
communities and States seeking protection under sg
and nutdes from the Old World iockng to our shores
to participate in its blessings Beneath its benign sway peace
and prosperity prevail Freed from the burdens and miseries
Of war; our trade and intercourse have extended throughout
the world Mind longer asked in dcvising means to ac
complsh resist schemes Of ambition usurpatiou o, con-
interess develon,o