Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1845-03-12
AID DRESS
DELIVERED MARCH 4. 1915.

am deepIy impressed with gratitude for the con-
fdence reposed in me. IIonored with this dis
lingushed consideration at an earlier period ct
life than any Of my predecessors, cannot dis
ouise the difidence with which l 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 DIS
trusted their ability to discharge the duties OF
that exalted station, what ought not 10 be the ap-
prehensons Of one SO much younger and less EN-
dowed now that domain extends from ocean
10 ocean, that our people have SO greatly Increas
ed in numbers, and at a time when SO great di-
yerstv Of opinion prevails in regard to the prIn-
ciples and policy which should characterize the
administration OF our government Well may
the bodest fear and The wisest trembe, when
mourning responsibilities on which may depend
our country's peace and prosperity, and, i'll some
degree, the hopes and happiness OF the whole
human family.
In assuming responsibilities 80 vast | fcrvent.
ly invoke the aid OF the Almighty Ruler of the
universe, in whose hand, the destines Of
nations and Of men, TO guard this hcayen-iavoged
land, against the mi4chiefs winch, without His
guidance, might arise from unwisc public poll
icy. With firm reliance upon the wisdom OF
Omniptence 10 sustain and direct me III the oath
Of duty which am appointed 10 pursue, stand
in the presence of this assembled multitude OF
my countrymcn to take upon myself the solemn
protect, and defend the Constitution OF the Unit-
ed States.
concise enumeration of the principles which
will guide me in the administrative policy Of the
government. is not only in accoraancc with the
examples sci me by all NY predecessors, but is
emiuenty beiung the occasion.
The constitution itself plainly written as it Is,
the safeguard Of our flderative compact, the off
spring Of concession and compromise, binding
together i'll the bonds Of peace and union this
great and Increasing family OF free aad indepen-
dent States Will be the chart by Which | shall be
directed.
twill be my first care to administer the gov
ernmen, in the true spfii Of that instrument. and
10 assume no powers not expressly granted, OF
clearly implied III It's terms. The government OF
The United States is one of delegated and limited
powers, and it is by a strict adherence 10 the
clearly granted powers and by abstaInlng from
the exercise Of doubtful or unauthorized implied
powers, that have the only guaranty
against the recurrence of those unfortunate co.'s
lsions between the Federal and State authorities,
which have occasionally so much disturbed the
harmony Of our system, and even threatened the
perpetuity of our glorious Union.
40 the States respectively, or to the people"
have been reserved 'the powers not delegated TO
the United States by the constitutions, nor pro-
h.bIted by the States Each State is a complete
sovereignty within the sphere Of is reserved
powers. he government of the Union, acting
within the sphere of IT'S delegated authority, Is
also complete sovereignty. While the general
government should abstain from the exercise OF
authority not clearly delegated 10 it, The States
should be equally careful that, in the maintenance
of their rights they do not overstep the limits Of
powers reserved 10 them. One OF the most dis
tinguished of my predecessors attached deserved
importance to ..lhe supper, of the State govern
mens in all their rights, the most competent
admins tration for our domestic concerns, and the
k,,I,.
and TO the preservation of the general govern
ment In its whole constitutional vigor the sheet
anchor OF our peace a: home. and safety abroad.'
To the government Of the United States has
been inirusted the exclusive management of our
foreign AFFAIRS Beyond that, i, yields few
general enumerated powers. 1t does no! force
reform on the States. 1t leaves individuals, over
whom IT casts It's protecting influence entirely
free to improve their own condition by the icgi,-
mate exercise of all their mental and physical
powers. Ii is common protector OF each and
all the States; of every man who lives upon the
soil, whether OF native or foreign btth; OF every
religious sect, in their worship of the Almighty
according To the dictates of their own conscience;
of every shade of opinion, and the most free
inquiry; of every art, trade. and occupation,
consistent with tie laws of the States And we
rejoice IN the general happiness. prosperity, and
advancement of our country, which have been
the offspring of freedom, and not of power.
This most admirable and wisest system of
weil-Ieguated sell government among men, ever
devised by human minds. has been tested by lis
successful operation for more than half century
and if preserved from the usurpa,ons of the
federal government the one hand, and the
exercise by the States of powers no, reserved TO
them on The other. will, | fervenv hope and
believe, endure for ages TO come, and dispense
The blessings of civil and religious liberty dis
liant generations. TO effect objects dear 10
every patriot. shall devote myself with anxious
sollclude. II will be my desire to guard against
that most fruitful source Of danger to the hatmo-
NOUS action OF our system which consists in
substituting the mere discretion and caprice of
ne executive, or of maJorities III the legislative
department OF the government. for powers which
nave been withheld from the federal government
4 fI d. 1