Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1849-03-12
PRESIDENT TAYLoRs
EyAgJsssJsglAHA Address.
WAsutNGroN, March 5. 1918

This day, at II O'Clock, M, Gen. Il. Taylor,
delivered to the Senate and House Of Represen-
tatves, and thousands of citizens the following
Inaugural Address:
Elected by the American People to the high
est Office known to the laws | appear here to
take The oath pre- s.ribeti by the constitutions ard
in compliance with a time honored oussoia, TO
address those who are now assembled.
The confidence and respect shown ~ my
countrymen in calling me to be The Chief Masis-
trate of a Republic. holding high rank among
the natios of the EARTH have inspired me with
feelings of the most profound gratitude; but when
| reflect that The acceptance OF the Office, which
Their plriiality has bestowed, imposes the dis
charge of the most areiuous duties, and involves
the weiohtits st obligations, am conscious that
the position 10 which have been called 70 fill,
though sufficient TO crafty The otie 81 amblior,
is surrounded by fearful responsibilities
Happily, however, in the performance Of my
new duties, shall rot be without able co-ope-
ration The legislative ard judicial bIanch' O.
the Government, present prominent examples Of
distinguished civil a:taiimeA's, and n2atured OK
peiienoe; and it shall be my endeavor to call TO
my assistance il the Executive departments; i'll
divi,luals whose talents integrity; and purity Of
character viii furnish ample guarantees for the
faithful and honorable performance of the truss
to be committed to their charge.
With sncla aids, and an honest purpose to do
whateveris right, hope 10 execute diligently
inpartially and for the best Interests OF the
trv, the manifold duties levoved upon ne. In
the discharge OF these duties my guide viil be
the Constitution, which this day swear to pre-
serve, protect and defend
For the Interpretation OF that instrument, |
shall look to the decisions Of the Judicial tIill-
nails established by It's authority, ard to the prac-
tice OF the Governments under the earlier Piesi
dents who had 50 barge a share In It's formation.
To the example Of hose illustrious patriots |
shall always deer with reverence, and especial
" to his example who was, by 50 many titles,
ethe Father Of his Country
70 command the Army and Navy of the Unit
ell States, with the advice and consent Of the
Senate to make treaties and to appoint anlbassa-
doris and other officers: to Give to Congress in
formation of the state of the Union, and recon-
mend such measures as he shall Judge to he ne
cessary; and to take care that the laws shall be
faithfully exocuted-these arc the most imp0r-
tant functions entrusted 10 the President by The
Constitution; and it may be expected that shall
briefly indicate the principles which viii control
me in their execution
Chosen by the boly ofthe people, under The
assurance that my administration would be dc
voted to the welfare of the whole country, and
not to the support OF any particular section, or
merely local interest. | this day renew the de-
clarations have heretofore made, and proclaim
nv fixed determination to maintain. to the ex-
tent of my ability, the Government in lis original
purity, and to adopt, those Gre al republican doc
trines which constitute the strength of our ma
tional existence.
In referenceto the Army and Navy, lately en-
p!oyed with so much distinction, on active ser
vice, care shall be taken to insure the highest
condition of efficacy and i'll furhe1ance of hat
object, the military and naval schools, sustained
by the liberality OF Congress- shall receive the
special attention Of the Executive.
As American freenen, we cannot but symra-
thize in all efforts to extend the bessngs OF civil
and political liberty--but at the same time we
are warned by the atl.noIitious OF history, and
the voice of our beloved Washington, TO abstain
from entangling alliances with foreign nations.
In all disputes between conflicting governments,
it is our interest not less than duty, TO re-
main strictly neutral--whila our geographical
position the genius of our constitution and or
people, the advancing spirit OF civilization, and
above all the dictates of religion, direct us to
the cultivation Of peaceful and friendly relations
with all other powers.
1t is to be hoped that no international question
can now arise, which government confident in
It's own strength, and resolved 10 protect lis OWN
Just rights, may not settle by wise negotiation
and it emincnt1y becomes nation like our own,
founded on the morality and intelligence of It's
citizens, and upheld by their affections, to ex-
haust every honorable diplomacy before appeal
ing to arms.
In the conduct of our foreign relations, shall
conform to these views, as believe them essen
tial to the besls interests and true honor Of the
= country.
The appointing power vested iii the President,
imposes delicate and onero1s duties. So far as
it is possible to be informed, shall make homes
ty, capacity and fidelity Indispensable prerequi-
sites to the bcstowal of office and the ahsence
of either Of these qualities shall be deemed suli-
cient cause for removal.
1t shall benny study to recommend such con-
stitutional measures to Congress as may be ne
.cessary and proper to secure encouragement and
protection to the great interests of agriculture,
commerce and manulacturcs-to improve cur
rivers and harbors-to provide for the speedy
extinouishnent of the public debt--to enforce a
strict accountability on the palt of all officers of
the government, and the utmost economy in all
public expenditures. But it is for the wisdom OF
Congress itself. in which all legislative powers
are vested by the Constitution to regulate these
and other matters of domestic policy. | shall
look with confidence to the enlightened patriot
ism of that body to adopt such measures of con-
citation as may harnlonize conflicting interests
and tend to perpatuate that union W llich should
be the paramount object of our hopes and ahcc-
tons. In any action calculated to promote an OBJ
ect so near the heart of every who truly loves
his country, | will jealousy unite with the CO.
ordinate branches of the government
In conclusion congratulate you, my fellow
citizens upon the high state of prosperity to
which the goodness of Divine Providence has
conducted our common country. Let us invoke
a continuance of the same protecting care which
has led us from small beginnings TO the emf
hence we this day occupy. And let us seek to
deservethat continuance by prudence and mode
ration in our councils, by well directed attempts
to assuage the bitterness which too often marks
unavoidable differences of opinion, by the pro-
mitigation and practice of just and liberal rrin
shall acknowledge 70 limits but those of cur
1wide spread Republic.