New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1849-03-06
Inaugural Address.

Elected by the American people to the highest
Office know to our laws, appear here TO take the
oath prescribed by the Constitution, and IN COM
pliance with time honored custom u address
those who are now assembled
The confidence asd respect shown by my
countrymen in cal ling me to be the Chlei Magis-
tate OF Republic holding high rank among
the nations of the earth, have inspired me with
feelings OF the most profound gratitude Out. wheh
I reflect that the acceptance OF the Office which
their partially has bestowed imposes the dIs
charge OF the most arduous duties, involves the
nnost weighty obligations, / am concious mat the
position which | have been called to MI, though
sufficient to satisfy the loitlest ambition, is sur
rounded by fearful responsibilities
Happily however, ia the performance ~ my
new duties shall, not be without able coopera
tion The Legislative and Judicial branches OF
the Government present prominent examples OF
distinguished civil attainments and matured eS-
perience, and it shall be my endeavor to call TO
nv assistance; in the Executive Departments, IN
diyiduals whose talents. integrity and purity OF
character will furnish ample guarantees Tor the
faithful and honorable performance OF the trusts
10 be committed TO their charge. Win such aids,
and an honest purpose 90 do whatever Is night, l
hope to execute diligently impartlay, and for the
best interests Of the country, the manifold duties
devolved upon me.
In the discharge OF these duties, my guide will
ia the Constitution which I this day swear TO
"preserve, protect and defend" For the inter
prctston Of that instrument, shall look 20 the de-
cisions of the Judicial tribunals established by us
authority, and to the practice OF the government
under the earlier Presidents, who had 50 large q
shsre in its formation. To the example OF those
illustrous Patriots shall always defer with reNer-
ence, aud especially to his example who W as by
30 many titles 81 the Father of his Country
To command the Army and Navy of the United
states-with the advice aud consent OF the Senate
to make Treaties and 10 appoint ambassadors and
other ofkcers-to give 10 Congress Information OF
the state of the Union and recommend such meas
urea as he shall adge 10 be necessary, aud to take
care that the laws shall be faithfully executed
these are the most important functions lntfuste d
TO the President by the Constitution aud II ma y
be expected that shall briefly Indicate the prln
ciples which will control me IN their execution.
Chosen ty the body Of the people, Under The
assurance that my Administration would be de.
voted to the welfare OF the whole country, and
not TO the support Of any particular section OF
merely local interest, | this day renew the decla'
ration l have heretofore made. and proclaim my
fixed determination TO maiptain to the extent OF
my ability the Government in IT'S original purity
and adopt the basis Of my public policy, those
great Republican doctrines which constitute the
strength of our Nat asl existence.
In reference to 10 Army and Navy, lately eul-
Moved with 50 much distinction GA active service,
care shall be taken To insure the highest condition
OF efficiency and ia tartherance OF that object the
srshty of Congress. shall receive the special at
tention O; the Executive
As American Freemen we cannot but symps
th,se in all efforts 10 extend the blessings d
Civil and Political Liberty. but at the same time
we are warned BY the admonitons OF History aue
the voice of our own beloved WssaingtoE
10 abstain from entsughng alliances with toreis'
Nations In all disputes between conflicting GOV
ernments il 10 our interest not less than our dur,
70 remain strictly neutral while our gecSrsphics
positon, the genius Of our Institutions and our PEG
Die the advancing spirit of Civilization and above
all the dictates OF Religion direct us 20 the cutiVs
ton OF peaceful and friendly relations with al
other powers IL is TO be hoped that no inserns
tional question can now arise which Government
coahdent in its own strength, and resolved TO pro
tect its own inst rights may not settle by wise ne
gotiation; aud IL emineaty becomes Government
like our owu. nunded on the morality and intel
hgence OF It's citizens, and upheld by their snec
tons, to exhaust every resort Of honorable dipio
macy before appealing 10 arms. la the conduct OF
our Forsiga relations, shall conform to these
views, as believe them essential 10 the best IN
teresss and the true hobor OF the country.
The appointing power vested Ia the President
imposes delicate aud onctoas duties. So far as II
is possible to be informe shall make honesty
capacity and fidelity indispensable prerequisites e
the disposal Of otfce and the absence Of either Of