The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-03-10
Inaugural Address.

Elected by the American People to the high
est office known to our laws, | appear here to
take the oath present. ed by the constitution,
and in com ance with n time. honored custom,
10 address those who are now assembled
The confidence and respect shown by nv
countrymen in calling me TO be Chief Magistrate
ola Repahlic. holding n hig, rank amonu the
nations of the earth, have inspired me with feel
inps of the most D, ofonnd gratitude
But when reflect that the acceptance of the
Office, which their paItality has bestowed. i'm
poses the discharge of the mo St arLuous duties
and involves the weightest ohl,gati. ms, | am
conscious that the position to which have been
called to fill though sufficient TO satisfy the ol-
test ambition, is surrounded by fearful rcspon.
sihiiities
Iappiy. however, in the performance Of my
new duties / shall not be without able co-ore-
ru,,on The legislative and judicial branches
Of The Government present prominent examples
Of distinguished civil aitainments, and matnred
experience; and it shall be my endeavor
10 ca II to INV assistance in the Executive de-
partments individuals whose talents integrity,
and purtv Of character will furnish ample gu ar
antics for the faithful and honorable perform
ance of the Trusts 10 be committed to their
charge.
With such aids and an honest purpose to do
what ever is RIGHT | hope to execute diligently,
impartaly and Tor the hes, interests of the coun-
try, the manifold dnries devolved upon me. In
the discharge OF these duties my guide will he
the Constitution, which this day swca to pre-
serve protect and Defend
For the Interpretation of that instrument, ]
shall look 10 the Judicial tribunals established
by its authority and TO he practice of tho Gov
eminent under the earlier Presidents, who had
80 large a share in It's formation. TO the exam
pie of those illustrions patriots, | shall always
defer with reverence, and especially 10 his ex
annie who was, by SO many titles, ''the Father
Of his Country"
To command the Army and Navy of the Uni
ted States, with the advice and consent Of the
Senate; 10 make treaties and to appoint ambassa
doris and other officers; TO give to Congress in
formation ofthe state ofthe Union, and recon-
mend sucl, measures as he shall Judge to be ne.
cersary; and to axe care that the laws sI,h II be
faithfully exerut ed--these are the most impor-
tan, functions entrusted to the President by the
Constitution. and ii may be expected thai shall
briefly Indicate the principles which will control
me in their execution. .u.
Chosen by the body of tho people, under the
assurance that my administration would be CO.
voted TO the welfare OF the whole country, and
not TO the support of anv particular section. or
merely local interest, this day renew the dec
larations have heretofore made, and proclaim
nv fixed determination 10 maintain. to the ex-
tent of nv ability, the Government in its orp-
inal purity. and to aGort. as the basis ofmv uub
lie pclcy. those treat republican doctrines
which constitute the STRENGTH of our national ex-
istenre.
In reference to the Army and Navv. lotelv
EMPLOYED with SO much dist inc,ion on active
service, care shal be taken 10 insure the high
est condition of efficiency. And in furtberance
of that subject, the military and naval schools
sustained by the hberalitv of Congress. shall re.
ceiye the snecial attention of the Eyecntiva.
As American feemen we cannot but sympa.
thize IN II efforts 10 extend the blessings ofciyil
and political liberty but al the same time we