Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-03-09
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT
TAYLOR

mere I'D tdke Inc Odth PRESCRIBED Oy lneScOn-
stltntlon and, in compliance with time hon.
ored custom, TO address those who are now
assembled
The confidence and respect shown by my
Countrymen in calling me to be the Chef Ma
gIstrate OF Republic holding high rank a,
mong the nations of the earth, have lnspt'ea
me with feelings of the most profound grati-
tude but when reflect that the acceptance
of the Office which their Partially has bes'oW-
ed imposes the discharge of the most arduons
duties, and involves theweightlest ooligauons'
am conscious that the position winch nave
been called 10 fill though sufficient to satisfy
the loftlest ambition, is surrounded oy ieaflul
responsibilities. Happily, however, IN inc
performance of my new dutes' shaA not De
without able cooperation.
The Legislative and Judicial branches of
the government present prominent examples
OF distinguished civil attainments and matured
experience and it shall be my endeavor to
call 10 my assistance in the Executive Depart
ments individuals whose talents. integrity,
and purity of character will furnish ample
guarantees for the faithful and honorable per-
Torrance of the trusts to be committed to their
charge With such aids, and an honest pur-
pose to do whatever is right, hope TO execute
diligently, impartialy, and for the best inter-
ests of the country, the manifold duties devol-
we'd upon me. :
In the discharge of these duties, my guide
will be the Constitution which this day swear
to "preserve, protect, & Defend" For the inter-
probation ofthat instrument shall look TO the
decisions of the judicial Tribunafs established
by its authority, and to the practice Of the Co
vernment under the earlier Presidents. who
had so large share in its formation. To the
examples of those >illustrious Patriots | shall
always defer with reverence and especially to
his example who was by so many titles, ''lhe
Father of his Country"
To command the Army and Navy OF the L.
States; with the advice and consent OF the
Senate, to make Treaties and to appoint Am
| bassadors and other Officers; 10 give TO Con-
gress information of the state of the Union,
and recommend such measures as he shall
| Judge to be necessary; and to take care that
the laws shall be faithfully eXecuted-these
are the most important functions entrusted to
the President by the Constitution and 1t may
! be expected that | shall, briefly, indicate the
| principles which will control me in their exc
cutiOn.
Chosen by the body Of the People under
| the assurance that my administration would
| be devoted to the welfare of the whole coun-
| try, and not the support OF any particular sec
| ton or merely local interest, this day renew
| the declarations | have heretofore made, and
proclaim my fixed determination 10 maintain
to the extent of my ability, the government
in It's original purity, and to adopt as the ba'
sis of my public policy those great republican
doctrines which constitute the strength Of oul
national existence.
| In reference TO the Army and Navy, lately
employed with so much distinction on active
service, care shall be taken to ensure the high
est condition of efficiency and, IN fur,herance
Of that object, the military and naval schools
sustained by the liberaity Of Congress, shall
receive the special attention of the Executive
AS American freemen. we cannot bnt sym
pa,hize in all efforts to extend the blessings
of civil and political liberty but, at the same
time, we ale warned by the almontions Of
History and the voice Of our own helove1
Washington to abstain from entangling ALI
ances with foreign nations In all disputes
between conflicting Governments, it is ouI
interest not less than our duty TO remain strict
~ neutral while our geographical position
1.-THE genius of our institutions and our people
the advancing spirit Of civilization, and, above
! all, the dictates of religion. direct US to the
cultivation OF peaceful and friendly re'atio
with all other Powers.
1t is to be hoped that no International CUES
ton can now arise which government, con
fident in its own strength and resolved to pro
tect its own just rig is, may not settle by wist
negotiation and it eminently becomes gov
eminent like our own, founded on the moral
ty and intelligence of It's citizens, ana uphe!t
by their affections, to exhaust every resort o
honorable diplomacy before appealing 10 arms
In the conduct of our foreign relations shall
conform TO those views, as believe then
essential to the best interests and the true hon
or of the country
The appointing power vested in the Presi
dent imposes delicate and onerous duties. S.
far as it is possible 10 be informed, | shall
make honesty, capacity, and fidelity indiSpen
SADLY prerequisites to the bestowaI Of office
and the absence of either Of these qualtie
shall be deemed sufficient cause for removal
1t shall be my study 10 recommend sucl
constitutional measures to Congress as may b.
necessary and proper to secure encouragement
and protection to the great interests of Agri
culture. Commerce and Manufactures; to i'm
prove our rivers and harbors; to provide 70
the speedy extinguisbment of the public debt
to enforce a strict accountability on the part O
all officers of the Government, and the umos
economy in all public expenditures. But it !
for the wisdom of Congress- itself, in whc
: all legislative powers are vested by The Con
!, sttution, to regulate these and oher matter
of domestic policy. I shall look with conf
dence to the enlightened patriotism OF that bo
dy to adopt such measures of Cancellation a
may harmonic conflicting interests, and ten
to perpetuate that Union which should be tn
paramount object Of our hopes and affections
In any action calculated to promote an objec
so near the heart of every one who truly love
: his country, will zealousIy unite with tn
co ordinate branches of the government.
In conclusion, / congratulate you, my fel
low-ctizens, upon the high slate of prospect
~ to which the goodness of Divine Provi
hence has conducted our common county,
Let us invoke a continuance of the same Pro
tecting Care which has led us from small be
glnnings to the eminence we this day occupy
and let us seek to deserve that continuance b
} prudence and moderation in our councils; b
we'll directed attempts to assuage the bitter
ness which too often marks unavoidable dill
ferences of opinion; by the PRONUNCIATION an
practice of just and liberal principles; and b
/ an enlarged patriotism which shall ack nowl
e1ge no limits but those of our own wide
spread Republic.