Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1849-03-09
Inaugural Address of President
TayECr.

prescribed in the Constitution, and in com
pliance with the time-honored custom, TO
address those here assembled. The conll'
dence and respect shown by my country
men in calling me to the Chief Magisracy
of the Republic of the United States, hold
ing high rank among the nations of the
earth, has inspired me with feelings of the
most profound gratitude; but when reflect
that this Office, which the partality of the
people has bestowed upon me, imposes the
most arduous duties and involves the high
est obligation, am conscious that The posts
ton TO which have been called will, though
sufficient to satisfy the highest ambition, be
surrounded by fearful responsibilities. Hap
PLY, however, in the performance Of my
new duties, shall not be without The co.
operation Of the Legislative and Judicial
branches of the Government, who present
the common examples Of distinguished civ
II attainments and matured experience, and
1t shall be my endeavOr 10 cab TO my assist
ance, in the Executive department, individ.
uas whose talents and integrity and pru-
dence and character will furnish ample guar.
antee for the foilhlul and honorable dis.
charge OF the trust committed TO their charge.
With such aids, and honest purposes To do
what is right, hope to execute diligently
and imparllally, and for the best interests of
the country, the manifold duties devolvng
upon me. My guide will be the Constilu-
ton which | have this day sworn to pres
serve and defend. For the interpretation of
that instrument, shall look to the judicial
tribunals established by its authority, and to
the practice OF the Government under the
early Presidents, who had so large share
Ill It's formation. TO the example of these
lIIustrlous patriots always refer with rev.
erence, and especially to him who was the
father OF his Country.
To command the army of the United
States; with the advice of the Senate to
make treaties to appoint ambassadors and
other officers; 10 give to Congress Informal
lion OF the state Of the Union, and recon-
mend such measures and TO take care that
the laws shall he executed-these are the
most important functions entrusted to the
President by the Constitution. And II NAV
. be expected that shall briefly aIIude TO the
principles which shall control me in their
execution. My Administration shall be de.
voted 10 the welfare Of the country, not to
the support of any particular section, or any
local interest. this day renew the decIa-
ration have heretofore made, and declare
my firm determination 10 maintain 10 the ex-
tent OF my ability the Government in its
original purity, and To- adopt as the basis OF
my public policy, the great republican docs
trlnes which constitute The strength of on:
national existence.
In reference to the Army and Navy en-
ployed with so much distinction in active
service, care shall be taken TO secure the high
est condition of efficiency and for the fur
thcrance of that object, the military and IA
val schools sustained by the lberality OF
Congress, shall receive he especial attention
Of the Executive.
As American lreemcn, we cannot but
sympathlse in all efforts to extend the bless
ings Of civil and political liberty but, at tire
same time, we are warned by the expert
ence of history, and the voice of our own
beloved Washington, TO abstain from all en-
tangling alliances with foreign nations. In
all disputes between conflicting govern
ments, it is no less our interest than our du.
~ TO remain perfectly neutral. While our
geographical position, the genius Of our in
sIlutlons, OF our people in the advancing
spirit Of utilization, and also ef all the doc.
trlnes of religion, direct to the cultivation of
peaceful and friendly relations with ALI 9th
er powers, it is to be hoped that no inter-
national questions can now arise, which the
government, confident i'll It's own strength
and resolution to protect our rights, may not
settle by mere negotiations and it eminent
Iy belongs TO a Government like our own,
founded on the morality and Intelligence Of
It's citizens, and upheld by their affections,
TO exhaus! every resort Of honorable dipIo-
macy before appealing to arms. In con-
Quoting our foreign relations. shall con-
form to these views, rs believe them es-
senRal TO the best interests and the true hon
or of our country.
The appointing power imposes delicate
and onerOus duties. So far as it is posi-.
bic TO be informed, | shall make honesty an
indispensable requisite 10 the bestowal Of
office, and the absence of either that or ca
pabillty, shall be deemed sufficient cause
for removal.
1t shall bc my study to recommend such
constitutional measures To Congress, as may
be necessary 10 secure encouragement to the
great Interests of Agriculture, Commerce.
and Manufactures to improve our Rivers
and Harbors; 10 provide for the speedy ex-
iingrishment of the public debt; to enforce
a strict accountability on the part of all Off
GERS of the Government, and the utmost
economy in all public expenditures. Iii
for the wisdom of Congress alone, in which
all legislative powers are vested by the Con-
sutuuon, TO regulate these and other matters
OF domestic policy. FshalLlook with conf.
dence to tie patriotism of that body to adopt
such measures of Cancellation as NAV har.
monlze conflicting interests, and tend to
perpetuate the Union. Such should be the
paramount object OF our hopes and aspira.
tons. Ii any action on my part NAV be
calculated TO promote an object so near the
heart OF every one who truly loves his coun
try, L will zeaously and cordially unite with
both branches of the Government.
In conclusion, congratulate nv fellow
citizens on the high state to which the
goodness OF Divine Providence has conduct
ed our common country. Let MS seek a
continuance Of the same protecting care
which has led us from a small beginning to
the emlnence which we now occupy; and
let us deserve that continuance bv prudence