The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1845-03-13
From the N. Y. American Republican.
PRESIDENT POLKsS
IN UG U RAJ A D D R L s S.
March A. lS45.


MARCH 4, 1915.
FELLOW CITIZENS ~ ilhout solicit
alton on my part, | have been chosen b.
the free and voluntary suffrages of m,
countrymen 10 the most honorable ant
most responsible office on earth. | du
deeply impressed with gratitude for th
confidence reposeG in me. Honored will
this distinguished consideration al an ear
Iier period Of life than any of my predeces
sors, | cannot disguise the dffidence will
which | am about to enter on the dis
charge Of my official duties.
If the more aged and experienced mer
who have filled the Office of President o
the U. States, even in the Infancy of the
repu bic, distrusted their ability to dis
charge the duties of that exalted station
what ought no! TO be the approximations
of one so much younger, and less endow-
ed, now that our domain extends from O.
cean TO ocean, that our people have So
greatly increased in numbers, and at time
when so great diversity Of opinion pre-
walls 10 regard to the principles and poll,
cy which should characterize the admin
lstration Of our government? Well may
the bodies, fear, and the wisest iremble,
when mourning responsibilities on which
may depend our counlry's peace and pros,
perity, and, in some degree, the happiness
of the whole human family.
In assuming responsibilities so vast, |
fervenlIv invoke the aid Of that Almighty
Ruler of the universe, in whose hands are
the des!inies of nations and of men, to
guard this heaven-favored land against the
mischiefS which, without His guidance,
might arise from an unwiSe policy. With
firm reliance upon the wisdom OF On.
impotence 10 sustain and direct ne in the
path of duy which | am appointed 10 pur-
sue, | stand in the presence Of This assem-
bled multitude Of my countrymeD, to take
upon myself the solemn obligation, "to the
best of my ability, to preserve, protect and
defend the constitution of the U. States
A concise enumeration OF The principles
which will guide me in the administrative
policy of the government, is not only in
accordance with the examples of my pred
ecessors, but is eminenIy beG!tlng the oc-
caSion.
The constitution ITSELF plainly written
as it is, the safeguard Of our federalive
the offspring of concession and
compromise, binding together in bends OF
peace and union this great aud increasing
family Of free and independent States, will
be the chart by which shall be directed.
1t will be my FIRST care 10 administer the
government in the true spirit Of lha! in
'lrument, and 10 assume no power not ex,
pressly granted or clearly implied ia It's
erms. The government of the United
States is one of delegated and limited pow
srs; and it is by a strict adherence TO the
:learIy granted powers, and by abslaining
rom the exercise Of doubtful or unau,hor-
zed implied powers, that we have the on
y sure guaranty against the recurrence
If those unfortunate collisions between
he Federal and State authorities, which
occasionally so much disturb the harmony
If our system, and even threatened the |
Of our glorious Union.
"To the States respectively, or to the
people" have been reserved "lhe mowers
lol delegated to the United States by the
constitution, nor prohibited by it to the
States" Each State is a complete sove.
eighty within the sphere of its reserved
powers. The government OF the Union
'cting within the sphere of its delegated
authority, is also complete sovereignty.
While the general government, should abb
stain from the exercise of authority not
,learly delegated to it, the States should
'e equally careful that, in the maintenance
If their rights, they do not overstep the
limits OF powers reserved to them. One
If the most distinguished OF nv predeces.
'ors attached deserved importance TO the
support of the State governments in all
heir rights, and The most competent ad.
for our domestic concerns
he surest bu!wark against republican
endencles; and TO the representation of
he genera government in its whole con-
'IIulonal vlgor, as the sheet anchor of our
,eace at home and safety abroad"
To the government OF the United States
las been entrusted the exclusive manage.
nett Of our foreign affairs. Beyond that
yields few general enumerated powers
t does not force reform on the States. 1t
caves individuals over whom it casts its
rotecting influence, entirely free to i'm
rove their own condition by the legilm-
tie exercise Of all their mental and phys
;al powers. 1t is common protector of
ach and all the States; ofevery man who $
yes upon our soil, whether Of native or
reign birth OF every religious sect, in
leir worship of the Almighty according O
the dictates Of their own conscience; OIL :