The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1849-03-14
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s.hs li,asss !. g. of I'rssit E lent q
Ysaerday, atsi2 oicIoek essnsral 2zac-s
hafy Taylor sgas formally itiducted into
.ths office 81 T resident Of these United 3
Etatess ;:l
The cereynony, which took place inI
front Of the Capitol was attended by thou-3
sar,ds of The assembled citizens who had
there congseHated 10 witness one of the
most august and imposing spectacle thatf
could be presented to o free people the 4
Investment Of the poyser in. ar, lindiyid dual
foexercise and dninister the laws which
ihsy; have themselves enncted.
81 rho following Is the Address made by
The President previous to taking the oath
'of Office: 5s,. N 81 #
6 EIestsd by the American people % the
Mghes. office known to our laws, APP
pear hare 10 take the oath prescribed by
She Constitution, and in compliance with a
time honored custom, to address those who
are now assembled. The confidence and
respect shewn by my countrymen in cal-t
ling me to be the Chief Magistrate ofthe
Republic, holding a high rank among the
nations Of the earth, has inspired me- with
feelings ofthe most profound gratitude;
but when31 reflect that the acceptance of
5tke office which their partially has be-
slowed imposes tho discharge Of the most
.arduous duties and involves the weight
lest obligations, | am conscious that the po-
sition which have been called on TO fill,
though sufficient 10 satisfy the loftiest am-s
bition, is surrounded BY fearful RESPONSE
bilities. Happily, however, in the per-
6rmnnoe of my new duties ] shall not be,
without able operation. The Legisla-
tive and judicial branches ofthe Govern
snent present prominent examples fdis-i
tinguished civil attainments and national
experiences and il shall be my endeayoriI
to call to my assistance in the Executive
department, individuals whose talents, in-i
tegrity and purity of character will fur.
nish ample guarantees for the faithful and
honorable performance of the trusts to be.
committed to their charge. With such
aids and an honest purpose to do whatev-I
er Isl right, hope to- execute diligently,,
impartially, and for the best interest ofthe.
country, the manif6ld' 'dh,iesdevolved up
on me in the discharge Of these duties;
My guide will be the Constitution, which
+ swear this day 10 preserve, protect and
defend. For the Interpretation of that
Constitution, / shall look to the decision Of
the Judicial tribunals established by its
authority, and 10 the practice of the Gov
ernnent under the earliest Presidents,
who had so large share in its formation.
To the example of these illusrious patri-
oils ] shall always. refer with, Difference,
and especially TO his example who was by
SO many titles the Farther of his Country.
To command the army and navy of the
United. States.-with the advice and con-
sent Of the Senate, to make treaties and
10 appoint ambassadors and other officers
.---to give to Congress information of the
State Of the Union, andrecommend sucl,
measures as he shall judge TO be necessa.
ry-and to take care thnt the laws shall
BE faithfully executed. These are the
most important functions intrusted to the
President by the Constitution, and it may
be expected that shall briefly indicate
the principles which will control me in
their execution. Chosen by the body Of
the people, under the assurance that my
administration would be devoted to the well
fare of theswhole country, and not 10 the
support Of any particular section, or mere
ly local interest, this day renew the de-
olaration have heretofore made and pro-
claimed, my fixed determination to main.
tain to the extent of my ability, the gov
ernment in its original purity, and to adopt
as the basis Of my public policy, those
great republican doctrines which consti.
tute the strength Of our nations existence.
IN reference 10 the Army and Navy late
ly employed with so much distinction in
active service, care shall be taken 10 en-.
sure the highest efficiency, and in further
ance of that object, the military and na-
val school, sustained by the liberality Of
Congress, shall receive the special atten-
tion ofthe Executive. AS an American
freeman, sympalhise in all efforts TO ex-
tend the blessing Of civil and political lib.
erty, but ut the same time, warned BY the
admonitions Of history, and the voice Of
our own beloved WASHINGTON, shall alb.
stain from enlangling alliances with For.
eign Nations in all disputes between con.
flicting Governments. tits our interest,
not less than duty, 10 remain strictly neu-
trail, while our Geographical position, tho
genius of our institutions and our people,
the advancing spirit Of civilization, and
above all the dictotes of religion, direct
us to the cultivation ofpeaceful and friend
" relations with all other powers. 1t is 10
be hoped that no international question
oan now arise which government, con-
fldent in its own strength and resolved to
protect its own just rights. may not settle
by wise negotiations; and it becomes a
government like our own, founded on the
morality and the intelligence Of its citi-
zens, and upheld by their affections, TO ex-