The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1849-01-19
GOVERNOR JoHNsTON's INAUGURAL
ADDRESS,


GOVERNOR JoHNsTON's INAUGURAL
ADDRESS.
| Friends and Etiio,r- Cai,ens:
| The kindness and confidence of the people having
4 east upon me the Executive functions OF the Gov
eminent and the prescribed oath TO support the Con-
stitution having been administered; should be false
to the sacred trust reposed in me, and unworthy the
confidence manifested, did not deeply ieel the re-
sponsiblliy OF my position, and firmly resolve 70
merit your support.
Profoundly sensible however, of my own weak
Iness, and fully conscious that without the encour
ageinent and assistance of the people, the Chief Mag
islrate is unable properly TO discharge The high du-
ties OF his station, and instead OF the substance pop
ular power becomes the empty shadow OF Executive,
authority; ! would earnestly invoke at the hands of
the citizens the efficient aid Of the same spirit, which
called into existence the free institutions OF our
country, 10 assist me In supporting and defending
them. -Hs
Il At the commencement of an Administration, II
has beena custom with the Executive TO Indicate
the principles which will govern his coiinses, and
the measures he may desire for the benefit OF the
State. The Annual Message delivered at the open
ing OF the present session OF the Legislature mas SUI
perceded the necessity of a strict compliance with
This usage and on this occasion it will suffice to
fer to few general views Of the public policy that
shall receive at my hands the fullest and steadiest
support and consideration Al all times and under
all circumstances the highest obligation OF the pub
lie servant, is the maintenance and defence Of our
republican institutions. That these shall receive in
the exercise. Of the Executive power sound inter
prevent the saluary influence of their principles,
that the popular mind, when understood shall be
obeyed induces which public officer will dis
regard
The founders OF the Republic, inspired with pro-
found wisdom, declared that all men born equal
y free and independent; that the right OF defending
life and liberty, Of acquiring possessing and protee-
4 ting property and reputation, are indeicasibe; that
all power is inherent in the people, and all free gov
crniients ARE founded on their authority that no
preference shall ever be given by law 70 any religious
establishments modes Of Worship that no one can
be deprived Of his life liberty property, unless by
the Judgment of his peers, or The law Of the land
that no mans property shall be taken or applied to
pubic use without the consent of his Representatives.
that education should be promoted and the blessings
intellectual culture placed within the reach Of ey-
cry citizen History and experience have demon
strated the justice OF these principles, and private
feeling well us public duty demand for them cor
, dial support
Iii a venera,ed maxim that the object Of all just
government is the greatest good of the greatest num-
Der. In reducing this theory to practice, shall be
constant endeayor TO procure such legislation US
shall promote religion and morality, and encourage
science and literature. twill also be deemed du-
~ 10 elevate by proper means the condition Of the
aboring classes OF society to advance the active In
dusty Of the citizens; and foster commerce. agricul-
ture aud manufactures. Measures for the reduction
Of the public debt and the consequent relief Of the
tax paying and burthened people, shall at all times
receive most cordial support.
An indebted nation cannot command the full mel-
Of its independence feel the entire blessings
OF It's Whatever may De lis desire 10
promote active objects Of general benevolence, It's
resources refuse compliance with Its will, and ma
tonal Justice Is thereby frequently delayed. With
deep conviction Of the importance Of this subject,
and settled confidence that you will sustain any
safe measures, having in view the payment of the
debt of the Stale il shall be constant aim, place
our finances in condition TO discharge every public
, obligation; to maintain unsuled the honor Of the
Commonwealth; and TO preserve unspotted its motto
Of " Virtue, Liberty and Independence"
The intentions Of the people are pure, and are uni
formly directed to advance the general prosperity
When, therefore, they believe public functionary
feels an anxious desire in unison with their own,
for the public welfare, they will willingly pardon err
rors Of judgment, and sustain him In his public
course. II is hoped the same generous and manly
sentiment-the same construction Of motiyes---the
same appreciation of public conduct which have been
extended TO others In similar positions will shield the
administration about 10 be commenced FROM at least
unmerited censre.
An evil spirit is at work amongst ns, against
whose malien influence all should be on their guard
1t is that spirit which creates wrong where none
exists; which in advance condemns the public SER
want and labors to destroy confidence in the honesty
Of his designsi which, unwilling toJudge of works
draws from its guilty imaginngs the speetres Of a
as substantial truths. II Ia the same spirit which
would array in hostile position the classes into which
society divides; that would place capital and labor,
| II Is the spirit which animates the bosoms of the
fatalnes Of every age. In Europe there are noble
men and peasants; political and social distinctions
scrpti0n. In this country all are equal under the
law; and no politician no party In our country would
desire change In this fundamental principle of our
Constitution. Factitious distinctions can have no
residence where they are not sustained by law; and
such the sudden transitions of wealth among the
citizens that the rich man of yesterday is the poor
man ofto-dny and the poor of day the rich Of to-
morrow. Where property is moi secured BY legal
enactment TO particular classes, and wealth is I'M
guarded by inimemorial privileges, an enlightened
selfinlerest will teach the rich to hold in
ha irlf nf tha pnn far tt,nu he
changed in themselves or their offspring.
The rich and the poor are equally dependent on
each other for the comforts and luxres Of civilized
life Separate them and the interests Of both perish
The capital Of the rich Is yalueess without the as.
sistance OF the capital Of labor.
The most dangerous because the most insidious
enemies OF the Republic, are those who prowl among
the honest unsuspecting citizens, whispering insin.
nations against men whose every interest Is con-
neccd with the welfare of the country Such men
should be rebuked dangerous to the well being of
society, as sacrificing at the shrine Of party truth
honor and Patriotism; and as tearing asunder the
confidence which holds us together as one people.
In the discharge Of my official duties, shall ever
bear in mind the oath of fidelity to the Constitutions;
and shall endeavor, with my utmost ability to per
form the sacred trust committed to my charge.
! That shall err in Judgment when most anxious to
do right must be anticipated, for human intelligence
is incapable ofreaching unerrng truth; and the hope
that generous forgiveness your part will accom-
pany honest intentions will sustain me; and II at the
end Of my term of service il shnl be my fortune to
eavethe people Of my native State happier and more
prosperous than found them, shall ask no prouder
inscription over my grave.
/ With firm reliance that the God of Nations will
preserve our happy country as the home of his peo
pie, and will lend his support to anxious endeavor
TO promote their interests and perpeuate their civil
and religious institutions enter on the discharge
/ Of the duties Of the Executive Department Of the
| S1a,c WIN. i. JOHNSON
Harrisburg, Jan l6, lsi9
-. Coi.,fn u I'm C,uIifornia