Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1849-01-25
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
of Governor William F. Johnston
DELIVERED JANUARY I6, ]

FRIENDS AND Fellow CITIZENS The kind
ness and confidence of the people having cast upon
me the Executive functions of the government,
and the prescribed oath to support the Constitution
having been administered, should be false to the
sacred trust reposed in me, and unworthy the con.
fdence manifested, did not deeply feel the re-
sponsibility of my position, and firmly resolve to
merit your support
Profoundly sensible, however, OF my own
weakness, and fully conscious iha, whoul the
encouragement and assistance Of the people,
the Chief Magistrate is unable properly 10 DIS
charge The high duties of his station, and instead
of the substance OF popular power, becomes the
empty shadow Of Executive authority, would
earnestly invoke a, The hands of The citizens,
The efIicIen, aid of the same spir, which called
into existence the free institutions of our coun-
try, to assist me in supporting and defending
them.
Al the commencement, OF an administration,
il has been custom with the Executive, to IN
dica.e the principles which will govern his
councils, and the measures he may desire for
the benef, of the State The annual message
delivered at the opening of The presen, session
Of The Legislature, has superseded the ncces-
s,y of strict compliance with this usage, and
on lhis occasion il will suffice TO refer 10 few
general views Of the public policy ,ha, shall re-
ceye at my hands, the fues, anI s,eadiest
support and consideration.
~ At all times, and under all circumstances. the
greatest obligation Of the pnplic servant, is the
maintenance and defence OF our republican In-
slu,ions That these shall receive. in The ex.
ercise of the Executive power, sound inter
presation-that no impedimenl shall inlerpose
TO prevent the salutary influence of their prin
cples--that the popular mind, when under
stood, shall be obeyed, are Indices which no
public officer will disregard.
The founders of the republic, inspired with
profound wisdom, declared, that all men are
born equally free and independent iha, the
right of defending life and liberty, Of acquiring,
possessing and protecting property and repu
talion are indefensble; that all power is inher-
enl in the people, and all free governments are
founded on their authority that no preference
shall ever be given by law 10 any religious es-
tablishments or modes Of worship that no one
can be deprived of his life, liberty or property
unless by the judgment of his peers, or The law
of The land that no mans properly shall be
taken or applied to public use, without the con-
sent of his Representatives that education
should be promoted, and the blessing Of intel
Iectual culture placed within the reach of every
citizen. History and experience have demon
slrated the justice of these principles, and pri-
vate feeling, as well as public duty, demand
for them cordial support
II IS venerated MAXIM iha, the object oi
all just government, is the creates. good Of the
greaies, number. In reducing this theory to
| practice, il shall be constant endeavor TO pro-
cufe such legislation as shall promote religion
and morality, and encourage science and liter
Azure. Ii will also be deemed a duty 10 elevate
4 by proper means, the condition Of the laboring
classes OF society; TO advance The active in
duslry Of the citizen, and foster commerce, ag
ricul,ure, and manufactures. Measures for the
reduction Of the public debt, and the consequen
relief OF the ,ax.paying and burlhened people
shall al all times receive most cordial support
An indebted nation cannot command the full
measure of its independence, nor feel the en-
tire blessings of its institutions. Whaleve
may be its desire to promote active objects o.
general benevolence, lis resources refuse {
compliance with its will, and national justice
is thereby frequently delayed. With deer
conviction of the Importance of this subject
and seuled confidence that The people will
sustain any safe measures having in view the
payment of the debt of the State, it shall be
constant aim to place our finances in condi
lion to discharge every public obligation, I.
maintain unsullied The honor of The Common
wealth, and to preserve unspo,ted its motto, o
VIRTUE, LIBERTY. AND INDEPEN
DENCE."
The intentions of the people are pure, ant
are unimformly directed to advance the gene
raj prosperity. When, therefore, they believ,
a public funcnonary feels an anxious desire il
unison with their own, for the public welfare
they will willingly pardon errors Of judgment
and sustain him in his public course. 1t il
hoped The same generous and manly senlimen
the same appreciation of public conduc
which have been extended to others in simila
positions will shield the administration abou, I,
be commenced, from, at least, unmerited cen
sure.
An evil spirit is a, work amongst US, agains
whose malign influence all should be on thei
guard. Ii is that spirit which creates wron!
where none exists " hich in advance condemn
the public servant, and abors to destroy conf
dence in The houesly of his designs which, un
willing to judge OF works, draws from its gull
imaglnings The speclres OF corrupt heart, an
} holds Them up TO the public gaze as substanlia
truths. 1t is The same spirit which would al
! ray in hostile position the classes into whic
society divides !; that would place capital an