The Democratic pioneer. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1845-1853, 1849-03-09
inaugural Address:

here, 10 take the oath prescribed by ih'
Constitution, and 10 compliance with {
time honored custotn,t TO address those wht
are now assembled.
The confidence and respect shown BY
my countrymen, in calling me TO be the
chief magistrate Of the republic Of the
United States. holding high rank among
the nations Of the earth, have Inspired me
with feelings Of the most profound graft
tpde.
Hu when | reflect that the acceptance
OF oficce which their partially has DO
slowed, imposes the discharge OF most ar
duons duties, and involves the weigh'Ies'
obligations, ! atm conscious that the posS-
tion which have been called to Fl though
snGi ceni to satisfy the loftest ambition
10 surrounded by fearful responsibilities.
Happily, however. in the performance &c
OF my new duties shall not be without
ihe able cosoperation of the legislative
and judicial branches Of the government
who present prominent examples Of dis
tinguished civil attalnments, and matured
experiences; aud il shall be my endeavor
TO call 10 my assistance in the executive
deparl lment, individuals whose talents,
integrity and purity Of character, will
furnish ample guaranty for the faithful
and honorable performance Of the trusts
70 be committed to their charge. With
such aids, and an honest purpose to do
whatsoever is right, ] hope to execute
diligently, impartially, and for the best
interests Of the country, the manifold du
tiesdevolviDg upon me. In the discharge
ofthese uuties, my guide will be the Con.
s,itu,ion which this day swear TO pres
serve, protect and defend.
To the interpretation OF that instru.
ment, shall look to the decisions of the
,hori,y, and to the prac,ice ofthe govern.
ment, under The earlier preiidents who
hSd so large a share in its formation. To
the example of those illnstious patriots |
shall always refer with reverence; aud es~
pccially TO his example, who was by 80
many ,,ded the Father of his country.
TO command the atmy and navy of The
United States; with the advice and cons
sent of the senate to make treaties and
appoint ambassadors and other Ulcers o
give to Congress other information of the
state Of the Union and recommend such
measures as he shall deem necessary;
and TO take care th at the laws shall be
faithfully execnte ed--ihese are tie most
important functions intrusted to the press
ident by the constitution; and il may be
expected that shall briefly allude to the
principles which shall control me 10 their
Il cuiio,.
Chosen by the body fthe people, under
the assurance that my administraiion
would be devoted to the welfare of the
whole country, and not to the support of
any particular section or merely local in
terest, l this day renew the declaratio ms
] have hitherto made, and proclaim my
fixed determination, to tie extent Of my
abilities, TO sustain the government in ITS
original purity; and to adopt, as the basis
of my public policy, those great repubII-
can doctrines which constitute the
strength Of our national existence.
in reference to the army and navy
lately employed withso much distinction
in active service, care shall be taken TO
secure the highest condition Of eficiency;
and in fur'hersnce Of this object. the
military and naval schools sustained by
the liberaiity of Congress shall receive
lhe especial attention of the executive.
As American freemen, we cannot bnt
sympathise in all efforts to extend the
blessings Of civil and political liberty;
the admonitions Of history, and the voice
Of our beloved Washington, to abstain
from all entangiing alliances with foreign
nations. In all disputes between confllc-
ting governments, it is our insterest, no
less than our duty to remain perfectly
neutral, while our geographical position.
the genius Of our Institutions, and our
people, and the advancing spirit Of civil.
izations, and also all the doctrines Of re =.
.igion. direct US to the cultivation al
peaceful and friendly relations with all
other powers. II is to be hoped that no
International question can now arise.
which the governmeat, coufident 10 ITS
own strength. and resolved 10 protec. its
own first rights may not se'ile by mere
uegotiation, and il eminently becomes a
government, like our own, founded on
the morality aud intelligence of its ciii-
gems, and upheld by thier affections, 10
exbaust any resort Of honorable diplomas
cy before appealing to arms. In the con.
duct OF our foreign relations ] shai cons
form TO them as ! helieve them essential
10 tho hest interests and the true honur