Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, IA [i.e. Ind.]) 1839-1854, 1849-03-14

igently, imparially and for the bes,
interest Of the country. the manifold du-
ties devolving UPON me. In the discharge
of these duties. my guide will be the
Constitution which this day swear to
preserve. protect and defend. For the
Interpretation of that instrument. | shall
look to the decisions of the judicial tribu-
nails established by its authority, and 10
the practice Of the government under the
earlier Presidents. who had SD large a
share in its formation. To the examples
of those illusirous patriots, | shall always
defer with reverence. and especially to his
example. who vas by SO many entitled
the Father Of his Country. To COM
mand the army and navy of the United
Sta;es.--wiihhe advice and consent of the
Senate to mskS treaties and appoint am
bassadors and other oaicers-to give TO
Congress information of the state Of
the Union Ito recommend such measures
as he shall deem necessary-,o take care
that the laws 81 all be faithfully executed
these are the most important iunct ons
entrusted 10 the President by the cons,itu-
ton; and it may be expected that | shall
briefly indicate the principles which
will control me in their execution. Cho-
sen by the body of the people, under the
assurance tina my administration would
be devoted to the welfare of the whole
country, and aot to the support Of any
particular section, or merely local inter-
ests, this day renew the declarations,
! have heretofore made and proclaimed;
my fixed determin alton TO maintain, 10 the
extent of myabilny. the government in its
original purity. and TO adopt as the basis
Of my public policy. those grea, republic
can doctrines, which constitute the
strength Of our national existence. In ref
erence to the army and navy lately en-
ployed with so much distinction on active
service. care shall be taken to insure the
highest condition Of efficiency; and in fur
therance Of that object. the military and
naval schools, sustained blythe liberality
of Congress. shall receive the special at
tention of the Executive.
As American freemen we cannot but
sympathize in all efforts to extend the bles-
sings Of civil and political liberty; but at
the same time. we are warned by the adj
monitions Of history and the voice of our
own behaved Washington, to abstain from
entanging alliances with foreign nations
In all disputes between conflicting govern.
ments, it is our interest not less than our
duty to remain perfectly neutral; while our
geographical position-,he genius Of our
Institutions aud our pcoplelhe advancing
spirit of civilization, and above all, the
dictates Of religion, direct us To the Gull
tiva,ion Of peaceful and friendly relations
with all other powers.
1t is to be hoped that no interna-
tional question can now arise. which gov
eminent confident in its own strength and
resolved to protect its own just rights. may
not settle by wise negotiations; and il emf
nently becomes governmentlike our own,
founded upon the morality and intelIi-
gence Of its citizens and upheld by their
affections, to exhaust every resort Of
honorable diplomacy before appealing TO
arms In the conduct of our foreign re-
lations | shall conform to these views, as
believe them to be for the best interests
and true honor Of the country.
The appointing power. invested in the
President, imposes onorous and delicate
duties. So far as it is possible to be
informed, | shall make honesty. capacity
and fidelity indispensable prerequisites to
the bestowal Of office; and the absence Of
either Of these qualities shall! be deemed
sufficient cause for removal.
1t shall BE- my study to recommend
such constitutional measures to Congress,
as may be necessary and proper to secure
encouragement and protection TO the great
interests of agriculture. commerce. man
ufactures; to improve our rivers and har-
bors; TO provide for the speedy extinguish-
ment of the public debt 10 enforce
strict accountability on the part Of all off,
ccs Of the government and the utmost econ
l., =, r.
the wisdom of Congress itself. in which all
Legislative powers are vested. by the Con-
stitution to regulate these and other mat
ters Of policy. shall look with confidence
to the enlightened patriotism Of that body,
to adopt such measures Of Cancellation as
may harmonic conflicting interests. and
tend to perpeiu,te that union which should
! be the paramount: object of our hopes and
| affections. In any action calculated to
promote on object SO near the heart of
every one who truly loves his country.
will zealously unite with the coordinate
branches Of the government.
In conclusion. | congratulate my fellow
:. citizens upon the high state Of prosperity to
which the goodness of Divine Providence
has conducted our common country. lie,
US invoke continuance Of the same pro
tec,ing care which has led US from small
beginnings 10 the eminence we this
day occupy. and let us seek to deserve that
! continuance by prudence and moderation
in our councils. by we'll directed attempts
to assuage the bitterness which too otter
makes unavoidable differences ofopinion
by the PRONUNCIATION and practice of jus
and liberal principles. and by an enlarged
patriotism which shall acknowledge nc
limits but those Of our own wide spread
: republic.
: Its delivery occupied IS minutes. 1t was lis
tened TO throughout, with the most profound at
i. tention. AT its lose, the oath o. office was ad
mnis,ered by Chief Justice TASEy. while tn
cannon aud the shouts OF the multitude announ
ced the conclusion OF the ceremonies and tn
inauguration OF ZACHARY TAYLOR, a. Presden
Of the United States.
, Alter the oa,l, had been taken. the Preside n