Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1849-03-07
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

here to take the oath prescribed by theCon-
stitution, and in compliance with a time
honored custom, to address those who are
now assembled
The confidence and respect shown by
my countrymen, in calling me to be Chief
Magistrate of the Republic of the United
States, holding high rank among the ma.
tlons OF the earth. have inspired me with
feelings OF the most profound gratitude.
But when recollect that the acceptance
OF the office which their parliality has be.
slowed, imposes the discharge of the most
arduous duties and involves the weightest
obligations, am conscious that the posi-
ton which | have been called to fill, tho
sufficient to satisfy the loftiest ambition, is
surrounded by fearful responsibilities.
Happily, however, in the performance
Of my new duties, shall not be without
the cooperation of the Legislative and Ju-
dcial branches of the government, who
present prominent examples of distinguish
cd civil attainments and matured expert
ence, and it shall be my endeavor to call
to my assistance in the Executive Depart
ment, individuals whose talents, integrity
and purity of character, will furnish ample
guarantees for the faithful and honorable
discharge of the trusts to be committed to
their charge.
With such aids, and an honest purpose
to do what is right, hope to execute dill
gently, impartially, and for the best inter-
ests of the country the manifold duties de-
volving upon me. In the discharge ofthese
dut les, my guide will be the Constitution,
which this day swear to preserve, pro-
tect and defend.
For the Interpretation of that instrument,
shall look to the decision Of the Judicial
tribunal established by its authority, and
to the practice Of the government under
the earlier Presidents who had so large a
share in its formation. To the example
ofthose illustrious patriots I shall always
refer with reverence, and especially to his
example, who was by SO many titled the
Father Of his country.
To command the Army and Navy of
the United States, with the advice and con-
sent of the Senate to make treaties and ap-
point ambassadors and other officers; to
give Congress information of the state of the
Union; and recommend such measures as
he shall judge necessary; and to take care
that the laws shall be faithfully executed
these are the most important func-
tions entrusted to the President by the
Constitution, and it may be expected that
shall briefly allude to the principles which
shall control them in their execution.
Chosen by the body of the people under
the assurance that my administration would
be devoted to the welfare of the whole
country, and not to the support Of any par.
ticular section or merely local INTEREST," this
day renew the declarations | have hither-
to made, and proclaim my fixed determi-
nation 10 maintain to the extent of my a.
bility, the government in its original puri'
tv, and to adopta as the basis of my public
policy these great Republican doctrines
which constitute the strength of our na-
tional existence.
In reference to the Army and Navy lately EN-
ployed with so much distinction in active service
care shall be taken to secure the highest condi-
ton of efficiency. And for the furtherance of
that object the Military and Naval schools sus-
tanned by the liberality of Congress, shall re-
ceve the especial attention of the Executive.
AS American freemen, we cannot but sympa-
thse in all efforts to extend the blessings of civil
and political liberty. But at the same time
we are warned by the admonitions of history,
and the voice of our own beloved Washington
to abstain from all entangling alliances with
foreign nations In all disputes between con-
flicting governments, it is our interest, no less
then our duty, to remain perfectly neutral
While our geographical position, the genius OF
our institutions, and our people, the advancing
spirit Of civilization, and above all, the dictates
of religion, direct us to cultivation of peaceful
and friendly relations with all other powers.
1t is to be hoped that no international questions
can now arise, which the government, confident
in its own strength and resolved to protect its
own just rights, may not settle by wise negecia-
| ton. And it evidently becomes a government
like our own, founded on the morality and in
tellgence of its citizens, and upheld by their af
fections, to exhaust every resort of honorable di
plomacy before appealing to arms. In the con-
duct of our foreign relations I shall conform to
those views which 1 deem essential to the best
interests and true honor of the country.
The power vested in the President imposes
delicate and onorous duties. So far as it is pos
sble to be informed shall make honesty and
capacity indispensable requisite s to the bestow
al of office; and the absence of either of these
qualities shall be deemed sufficient cause for re-
moval.
IL Snall De MY Stuuy " feCoIuuleiiu SuCu Gull.
stitutional measures to Congress as may be ne
cessary and proper to secure encouragement and
protection to the great interests of Agriculture,
commerce, ,sand Manufactures; to improve our
rivers and harbors; to provide for the speedy ex-
tinguishment of public debt; to enforce a strict
accountability on the part of all officers of the
government and the utmost economy in all pub
lie expenditures
But it is for the wisdom of Congress, a.
lone, in which all Legislative powers are ves-
ted by the Constitution, to regulate these
and other matters of domestic policy. l
shall look with confidence to the enlightened
patriotism of that body to adopt such mea-
sures of reconciliation as may harmonize
conflicting interests and tend to perpetuate
this Union which should be paramount OBJ
ject of our hopes and aspirations
If any action on my part is calculated to
promote an object SO near the heart of every
one who truly loves his country, will zeal
ously unite with the coordinate branches
of the government.
In conclusion, l congratulate my fellow
citizens on the high state of prosperity to
which the goodness of Divine Providence
has conducted our common country. Let
US invoke a continuance of the same protect
ing care which has led us from small Begin
nings to the eminence we this day occupy,
and let us seek to deserve that continuance
I I