Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1849-03-10
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.


Elected by the American people 10 the
highest office known to our laws, Iappear
here to take the oath prescribed by the Con-
stitulion, and in compliance with time-hon-
ored custom, 10 address those now assembled.
The confidence and respect shown by my
counirymeD in calling me to the Chief Magis-
tracy of the Republic Of the U. s., holding
high rank among The nations Of the earth; have
inspired me with feelings of the most pro
found gratitude. But, when reflect that
the office which this partiality has bestowed,
imposes the discharge OF The most arduous du-
ties, & involves the weightiest obligations, ! am
conscious that the position which have been
called TO Gil, though sufficient to satisfy the
loiliesl ambition, is surrounded by painful re-
spoBsibiliIies. Happily however, in the per-
Torrance ofmy new duties, J shall not be
without the cooperation Of the legislative and
judicial branches Of the government which
present prominent examples OF distinguished
civil atiainments, and malured experience
and il shall be my endeavor 10 call to aid ID
the executive department, individuals whose
talents, integrity, and purity of character fur
nish ample security for The faithful and honor
able discharge ofthe trusts to be committed
to tteir charge. With such ! hope to exc
cute diligently, and impartially, and for the
best interest Of the county-the mani-
fold duties devolying upon me. In
the discharge of these duties my guide
will be the Constitution which this
day swore oppressive, protect and delend.---
For the Interpretation Of that instrument, |
shall look tothe decisions ofthe judicial tribu.
nails established BY authority and to the prac-
tice Of the Government. to the earlier Presi-
dents who had large share in its formation,
to The example Of these iIlusrious patriots. |
shall always look with reverence, and espe-
ciaIly TO his example who was by SO many,
styled Tie "Father ofhis Country" TO
command the army and navy Of the United
States with the advice and consent Of
the Senate; to make treaties, and appoint em-
bassadors. and other othcers;.to give to Con-
gress information ofthe State Of the onion;
and 10 recommend suchmeasures as he may
deem necessary, and 10 take care that the
laws shall be faithfully executed; these are Tie
most important duties entrusted TO the presi-
dent, by the Constitution; and it may be ex-
pected that | shall briefly alIude TO the princi-
pies which shall control me 10 their exceu.
ton.
Chosen by The body Of the People, under
the assurances that my administration will be
devoted to the welfare of the whole country
and not TO the support ofany particular Sec
ton, or merely local interest, this day re-
new the declaration have hitherto made and
proclaim my fixed determination to'mantsir
to the extent of my ability, the Govern
ment in its original purity and TO adopt a:
the basis Of my public polcy-lhose grea
Republican doctrines, which constitute til,
strength Of our national existence.
In reference to the Army and Navy latel,
employed with SO mach distinction in active
service, care shall be taken to secure th
highest condition of ellicience; and in further
ance Of that object, the Military and Nava
schools sustained by the lberality Of Con
gress, shall receive the especial attention O
the Executive.
As American ireemen, we cannot but sym
pathise in all efforts to extend tue blessings G
civil and political liberty; but, at the sam
time, we are warned by the admonlions Q
) history, and the voice of our beloved Wash
ington, TO abstain from all enlangIlng alliance
with foreign nations. In disputes betwee
: conflicting Governments, it is our interest p
less than our duty, to remain perfectly ncu
trial, while ourgeographical positions; the &c
MUS of our political Institutions and our pee
pie; The advancing spirit OF civilization; an
cbove ALL the doctrines Of religion; direct Il
to the cultivation ofpeacelul and friendly re
lauon with all other powers. Ii is TO b
hoped 'ha, no international question can 500
arise which Government confident Of il
, own strength, and resolved to protect its ow
just rights, may not settle, by wise negoiia
. lions-and it eminently becomes a Govern
t ment like our own, founded in the moralit
and intelligence Of its citizens, and uphel
: by their affections, to exhaust every resort
. . honorable diplomacy, before appealing {
+ arms. Ia the conduct Of our foreign affair
d ! shall conform to these principles, as believ
S them essential TO the best interests, and tru
: honor ofthe country. The appointing pov
er vested in the President, imposes deIica
! and onerous duties. So far as it is possib
) TO be informed, shall make honesty, capa,
/ ity and fidelity, indispensable requisites
i the besowing of offices--and the absence
g either ofttese qualities, shall be deemed su
Scient cause for removal
. II shall be my duty TO recommend sue
i Constitutional measures 10 Congress as ma
9 be necessary and proper TO secure Tie Ell
! coungement and protection Of the great il
: terests agriculture, commerce, and mani
lecturers; 10 improve our rivers and harbor
/ to provide for the speedy extinguishment