The North-Carolina standard., 1849-03-14
President TaylOr's Inaugural Address.

President Taylor's inaugural Address
Elected by the American people to the highes
Office known to our laws, appear here to take I'M
oath prescribed by the constiantion and, in compli
ance with time-honoFed custom, to address tnoS'
who are now assembled. -
The confidence and respect shown by my country
men in calling me to be the Chief Magistrate OF
Republic, holding high rank among the nations o
the earth, inspired me with feelings OF the mos
profound gratitude but when reflect that the ac'
ceptance of the Office which their partiality has be-
slowed imposes the discharge of the most arduous
dutes and involves the weghtiest obligations, am
conscious that the position which have been caieo
to fill though sufficient satisfy the loftlest amol
ton, is surrounded by fearful responsibilities.
Happily however, in the performance OF my ne" me-
duties shall not be without able cooperation: ne
legislative and judicial branches of the Government
present prominent examples of distinguished clvn
attainments and matured experience and It snaH DC
smy endeavor to cali to my assistance In the hAecu
tive departments, individuals whose talents, integrity
and nrty of character will furnish ample guarantees
for the faithful and honorable performance OF tne
trusts to be committed to their charge.
With such aids and an honest purpose TO 90 whHr I
ever ia rioht hope to execute diligently lmParuay
and for the best interest of the country the
duties deyolyed upon me. In the discharge OF these
duties nv guide will be the Constitution, Wnlcn 4
this day swear to preserve, protect ana deienu' ~
For the interpretation of that instrument shall
look to the decisions of the Judicial tribunal establish
ed by Its authority and the practice OF the GoEern
ment under the earlier Presidents, who had SO iarge
a share in IT'S formation. To the example OF those
illustrious patriots shall always defer with IeVer
ence. and especially to his example who was, by so
many titles, ts the Father of his Country: -
To command the Army and Navy OF the uni1eo
States with the advice and consent OF tie Senate 10
make treaties and to appoint amoassaools ahu
officers to give Congress information OF the state
of the Union and recommend such measures as ne
shall Judge be necessary and to take care tndt w
laws shall be faithfully execued-these are the mos'
,,ko1f TO- fhop Pros
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 assu-
rance that my administration would De devoleu ~ tne
welfare of the whole country, and not to the support
of any particular section, merely local nteres
this day renew the declarations l have heretofore
made and proclaim my fixed determination TO main
tain to the extent of my ability, the ooVefnmen' IN
its original purity and to adopt, as the basis OF my
public policy, those great republican doctrines Whcn
constitute the strength of our national existence
In reference to the Army and Navy, lately employ
ed with much distinction, on active service, care
sha he taken to insure the highest condition OF el-
ciency and in furherance of that object the military
and naval schools, sustained by the beralty OF Con
gress shall receive the special attention OF the
ecntiVe. -.
As American freemen, we cannot but symPathize
in all the efforts to extend the blessings OF civil and
political liberty but at the same time we are warned
by the admonitons of history and the voice OF our
own beloved Washington. to abstain from entan2ing
alliances with foreign nations In all disputes be-
tween conflicting governments, it is interest not
less than our duty to remain Strictly neutral while
our geographical position, the genius of our instu-
ons and our people, the advancing spirit OF eIvlIza-
ton, and above all the dictates OF religion direct us
to the cultivation of peaceful and friendly relations
with all other powers.
1t is to be hoped that international question can
now arise, which government, confident IN Its own
strength and resolved to protect its own just rights
fInfIn 0T16l
becomes government like own, founded on the
morality and intelligence of its citizens, and upheld
by their affections, TO exhaust every resort OF honor
able diplomacy before appealing to arms |
In the conduct of our foreign relations, snail
conform to these views as believe them essential
the best interests and the true honor OF country
The appointing power vested in the President inn
poses delicate and onerous dutes So far as 1t IS pos
sible to be informed shall make honesty. capacity
and fidelity indispensable Prerequisites to the bestowal
of Offices and the absence of either of these qualities
shall be deemed sufficient cause for removal.
1t shall be my study to recommend such constltu-
onal measures to Congress as may be necessary and
proper TO secure encouragement and protection to the
great interests of agriculture, commerce and manu-
aenres; to improve rivers and arbors; to provide
or the speedy extngulshment OF the public debts to
snforce strict accountability the part of all Off
GERS of the Government, and the utmost economy in
all public expenditures.
But it is for the wisdom of Congress itself, in
which all legislative powers are vested by the Con
|
nestle policy. shall look with confidence to the
enlightened patriotism of that body to adopt such
measures of conciliation may harmonize conflict
ng interests and tend to perpetuate that Union which
should be the paramount object of hopes and af
ections. In any action calculated to promote an q
bject the heart of every who truly loves
lis country will zealously unite with the co-ordi
late branches of the Government.
In conclusion, congratulate you, my fellow-citi-
.ens upon the high state of prosperity to which the
goodness of Divine Providence has conducted our !
common country. Let US invoke a continuance of
he protecting which has led from small
Deginnings to the eminence this day occupy and
ct seek to deserve that continuance by prudence
md moderation in councils-by well directed b
ttempts to assuage the bitterness which too often c
marks unavoidable differences of opinion-by the d
.romulgaon and practice of just and liberal princi
lles-and by an enlarged patriotism, which shall v
cknowledge no limits but those of our own wide t.
pread republic. v
THE NEW CABINET. The following cast of the t,
ew cabinet comes to us from unquestionable au- IL
hority: Il
Mr.. Clayton Of Delaware, Secretary of State Mr..
tefedth of Pennsylvania Secretary Of the Treasury
Ar. Crawford of Georgia, Secretary of War; Mr.. u
'reston of Virginia, Secretary of the Navy; Mr.. A
wing of Ohio Secretary of the Home Department; A
fr. Collamer of Vermont, Postmaster General Mr..
leyerdy Johnson of Maryland, Attorney General. f
". At L. n II