Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1849-03-09
PRESIDENT TAYLOR'S
INAUG URAL ADDRESS


INAUGU RAL ADDRESs.
wAsnIxdroS, March 5, 1s4s.
This day at ~ O'Clock, GENERAL ZACHARY
TAYLOR, President elect Of the United States,
delivered to the Senate and Members of the
House Of Representatives, and thousands Of as
sembled citizens in front Of the Capitol the fol.
lowing
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
Elected by the American people to the highest
Office known to our laws, appear here to take
the oath prescribed by the Constitution and, in
compliance with a time honored custom, 10 ad-
dress those now assembled.
! The confidence and respect shown BY my
coun,rymen in calling me to be the Chief Mag
istraie Of Republic holding high rank among
the nations Of the earth have inspired me with
feelings Of the most profound gratitude; but,
when reflect that the acceptance Of the Office
which their Partially has bestowed imposes thd
discharge Of the most arduous duties, and in
wolves the weighiiest obligations, am conscious
that the position which have been called to fll
though sufficient to satisfy the loftest ambition
is surrounded by fearful responsibilities. Hap
PLY, however, in the performance Of my new
duties, shall not be without able cooperation.
| The Legislative and Judicial branches Of the
Government present prominent examples Of dis
tnguished civil attainments and matured expo
Renee and il shall lie my endeavor to cali TO
my assistance in the Executive Departments in
dividuas whose talents, integrity, and purity Of
character will furnish 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 whatever Is
right, hope to execute diligently, impartialy,
and for the best interests Of the country, the
manifold duties imposed upon me.
In the discharge Of these duties, my guide
will be the Constitution which this day swear
10 preserve, protect and defend" For the in
ierpreiaiion Of that instrument shall look to
the decisions Of the Judicial tribunals established
by its authority, and 10 the practice of the Gov
eminent under the earlier Presidents, who had
so large share in its formation. To the exam
pie Of these illustrious Patriots I'shal always re-
fer with reverence; and especially to his exam
pie Who was by 30 many titles, ''the Father Of
his Country"
To command the Army and Navy of the
United States; with the advice and consent Of
the Senate, to appoint ambassadors and other
officers; to give TO Congress information of the
state Of the Union, and recommend such meas
ures as be shall judge to be necessary and to
take care that the laws shall be faithfully execu-
ted-these are the most important functions en-
trusted to the President by the Constitution; and
it may be expected that shall, briefly, indicate
the principles which will control me in their ex-
ecution.
Chosen by the body of the people under the
assurance that my administration would be de-
voted to the welfare of the whole country, and
not 10 the support Of any particular section or
merely local interests, this day renew the de-
clarations have heretofore made, and proclaim
my fixed determination to maintain, to the ex-
tent of my ability, the Government in its ongi-
nal purity, and to adopt as the basis of my pub,
lie policy those great republican doctrines which
constitute the strength Of our national existence.
In reference to the Army and Navy, lately
employed with so much distinction in active SER
vice, care shall be taken to insure the highest
condition Of efficiency and, in ftirtherance Of
that object, the military and naval schools sus-
tanned by the Gberality OF Congress shall receive
the special attention Of the Executive.
As American freemen, we cannot but sympa-
thize in all efforts to extend the blessings Of civil
and political liberty but, at the same time, we
are warned by the admonitions Of History, and
the voice Of our own beloved Washington, TO
abstain from entangling alliances with foreign
nations. In all disputes between conflicting
Governments, it IS our interest not less than our
duty 10 remain strictly neutral; while our geo
graphical position, the genius of our institutions
aud our people, the advancing spirit of civiliza-
ton, and, above all, the dictates Of religion di
rect us to the cultivation Of peaceful and friend
y relations with all o'ner powers. IL Is 10 DC
hoped mat no international question can no"
arse whicn government, connden. IN lIs own
Strength ana resolved 70 protect rs own Jus,
gn.s, may lo' ss'.le py M,se neg1 M anu
eln,nsh.,y pseolney i,ne our own,
";s," on s'ie np.a anu ,n'eis.nee " ls
~, ~"s er n.y. a.Seos, " "a
appealing to arms. In the conduct of our For
9'sn nelauous snai conlorin 70 .nese vlews, Us
os.lese mem essential 70 .ne oes' ih'eres's ana
'ns M ,rue nouo. u 'ne couh'ry
Inc appointing power vesleI N inc Isesluen1
J. uencSee anu ohe,ous uuses, 90 'ur as
Is possible 70 Ie nlorlnsu snai' MAKE nones,
eapaeny anu nueh'y lnelspensso,s pre,requls"es
70 .ne oes.owai .. once, ana 'ne absence o.
el,ner o. these quahues VIII DC deemed suinc'en'