Lower Sandusky freeman. (Lower Sandusky [i.e. Fremont, Ohio]) 1849-1849, 1849-03-10
Inaugural ADDRESS.

oabn preScrlDeo Dy the constitution, and In compn
ance with ime-honored CUSTOM to address thos'
who are now assembled.
= The confidence and respect shown by my coun
trgnan in calling me to be the chief magistrate o
the republic of the United States, holding higf
rank among the nations of the earth, have inspired
me with feelings of the most profound gratitude
But when | reflect that the acceptance of Office
which their partially has bestowed imposes the
discharge of most arduous duties, and involves the
weightiest obligations, am conscious that the po
sition which have been called to FILL though suf
cient to satisfy the lotest ambition, is surrounded
by fearful responsibilities.
Happily, however, in the performance of my
new duties shall not be without the able cooper
alton Of the legislative and judicial branches of the
government who present prominent examples OF
distinguished civil attainments and matured expe-
rience and it shall be my. endeavor to call to my
assistance in the executive department. individuals
whose talents integrity and purity of character will
furnish ample guaranty for the faithful and honor
able performance of the trusts to be committed to
their charge. With such aids and an honest pur-
pose to do whatsoever is right, hope to execute
diligently impartialy and for the best interests of
the country the manifold duties devolving upon me.
In the discharge of these duties, my guide will be
the Constitution which this day to preserve,
protect and defend
To the Interpretation of that instrument, shall
look to the decisions of the judicial tribunals estab
lished by its authority, and to the practice of the
government, under the earlier Presidents who had
so large share in its formation. To the example
of those illustrious patriots | shall always refer
with reverence, and especially to his example, who
was by so many titled the Father of his country
To command the army and navy of the United
States; with the advice and consent of the Senate
to make treaties and appoint ambassadors and
other officers Ito give to Congress other information
e Al. e al, oh,
measures as he shall deem necessary; and to take
care that the laws shall be faithfully executed
these are the most important functions ntrusted to
the President by the Constitution; and it may be
expected that shall briefly aude to the principles
which shall control me in their execution.
Chosen by the body of the people, under the
assurance that my administration would be devoted
to the welfare of the whole country and not to the
support of any particular section or merely local
interests, this day renew the declarations I have
hitherto made, and proclaim my fixed determine
ton, to the extent of my abilities, to sustain the
government in its original purity; and to adopt as
the basis of my public policy, those great republ
doctrines which constitute the strength of our
national existence
In reference to the army and navy lately en-
ployed with so much distinction in active service
care shall be taken TO the highest condition
of efficiency; and in furtherence of this object the
military and naval schools sustained by the lber
atty of Congress shall receive the especial atten
ton of tire executive.
As American freeman, we cannot but sympathise
in all efforts to extend the blessings of civil and
political liberty; but at the same time we are warn
ed by the admonitions of history and the voice of
our beloved Washington, to abstain from all en-
tanghng alliances with foreign nations In all dis
putes between conflicting governments it is our
interest no less than duty to remain perfectly
neutral while geographical position the genius
of Institutions, and our people, and the advan-
cling spirit of civilization, and also all the doctrines
of religion direct to the cultivation of peaceful
and friendly relations with all other powers. 1t is
to be hoped that no international question now
arise, which the government, confident in its own
strength and resolved to protect its own first rights
may not settle by mere negotiation, and it eminent
ly becomes government-hke our own-founded
on the morality and intelligence of its citizens, and
upheld by their affections to exhaust any resort of
honorable diplomacy before appealing to arms
In the conduct of foreign relations shall con-
form TO them as I belieYe them essential to the
best interests and the true honor of the country.
The appointing power invested in the President i'm
poses delicate and onerous duties So far as it is
possible to be informed, / shall make honesty and
indispensable prerequisites to the be-
stoWal of Offices and the absence of either of these
qualities shall be deemed sufficient cause for re-
moval.
Il shall be my study to recommend such consti-
tutional measures to Congress, as may be necessa-
ry and proper to secure encouragement and protec-
ton to the great interests of agriculture and man.
ufactures; to improve our rivers and harborss to
provide for the speedy extinguishment of the ma
tional debt; to enforce strict accountability the
part of all officers of the government and the ut
most economy in all public expenses.
It is for the wisdom of Congress alone, in which
all legislative powers vested by the Constitu-
tion to regulate these and other matters of domes
tic policy I shall look with confidence to the en-
Iightened patriotism of that body to adopt such
of conciliation, as may harmonize con-
cting interests and tend to perpetuate that union,
which should be the paramont object of our hopes
and aspirations.
If any action on my part calculated to promote
an object so near the heart of every who truly
love his country, will zealously unite with coor-
dinate branches of the government
In conclusion, congratulate my fellow citizens
IN the high state of prosperity to which the good
ness of Divine Providence has conducted our COM
mon country Let us endeavor to deserve con-
tinuanee of the same protecting care which has
led us from small beginnings to the eminence which
we this day occupy; and let us merit that continu
ance by prudence and moderation in our councils;