Democratic banner., 1849-03-12
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF
GEN. ZACHARY TAYLOR.

FetoD CitizenS:--EIected by the America
people to the highest office known TO our law:
/ appear here to take. the oath prescribed by til
Constitution, and in complian,e with the time
r honored custom, to address those who are nov
assembled. The confidence and respect show
by my countrymen, in calling me to be Chic
Magistrate of the Republic OF the United States
holding a high rank among the nations of tn
earth, have inspired me with feelings of tn
most profound gratitude. But when 1 relec
that the Office which their Partially has bestow
ed, imposes the discharge Of the most arduou,
duties, and involves the weightiest obligations,
am conscious that the position which I havt
been called to fill, though sufficient to satisfy the
~loftiest ambition. is surrounded by fearful re-
sponsibilities. Happily, however, in the per.
formance of my new duties, l shall not be with
out the cooperation of the legislative and judi.
cial branches Of the Government, who present
prominent examples Of distinguished civil at
tainments and matured experience; and it shall
be my endeavor to call to my assistance in the
Executive Departn emf, individuals whose tai
snts and integrity of character will furnish am
ple guarantees for the faithful and honorable dis
charge Of tae trusts TO be committed to their
charge. With such aids, ard an honest purpose
TO do what is right, l hope to execute diligently,
impartially, and for the best interests ofthe coun-
Try, the manifold duties devOlving upon me. In
the discharge of those duties, my guide will be
the Constitution which l this day swear to pre-
serve, protect, and defend.
For the Interpretation of that instrument, I
shall look 10 the decisions of the judicial tribu-
mails established by its authority, and to the proc
tice Of the government under the earlier Presi-
dents who had so large a share in its formation.
TIE example of these illustrious patriots l shall
always honor and reverence, and especially his
example who was by SO many styled the Father
Of his Country. 5.b =.
T cOmmand the army and navy Of the United
States, with the advice and consent of the Sen
ate-to make treaties and appoint ambassadors
and other officers, to give Congress other infor-
nation Of the State of the Union, " recommend
such measures as he may dssp necessary, and
TO take care that the laws sHa kbe faithfully exc
cuted--tAese are the most important positions
entrusted to the President by the Constitution,
and it may be expected that l shall briefly allude
to the principles which shall control me in their
Chosen by the body of the people,
under the assurance that my administration would
be devoted to the welfare of the whole country.
md not to the support of any particular section
'r merely local interest, I this day renew the
/ have hitherto made, and proclaim
ny fixed determination TO maintain, to the extent
" my ability, the government in its original pu-
;ty, and to adupt as the basis Of my public poll.
y, those great republican doctrines which con-
the strength Of our national existence. {
With reference to the army and navy,
ately employed with so much distinction
md active service, care shall be taken to !
ecure the highest condition of efficiency, 6
nd in furtherance of that object, the mill {
ary and naval schools, sustained by the
Of Congress, shall receive the !
attention Of the Executive. As
american freemen, we cannot but sympa- {
hise in all efforts to extend the blessings of
ivil aud political liberty, but at the same c
me, we are warned by the admonitions of .
istory, and the voice of our own beloved !
Washington, to abstain from all ~entangling +
with foreign nations. In all dis O
between conflicting governments, it T
our interest no less than our duty, to-
smain perfectly NEUTRAL. while our geo.
rsphicaI position, the geniu, Of our insti.
and our people, the advancing spir-
Of civilization, and above all, the doc a
'ines Of religion direct US to the cultivia. !
on 81, peaceful and friendly relations with I
u othsrPowerE Its to be hoped that no :
International question can now arise which :.
government confident Of its own strength, .