Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-03-12
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF
PRESIDENT TAYLOR.

1hESlDENI y LOR.
1--WE published, in the Postscript to our last, the
Inaugural Address Of Gen. Taylor, copied from
the Telegraphic report found in the Richmond
Times, of Tuesday morning. Though substan-
TALLY, that report was, necessarily, not literally,
correct. We, therefore, insert the Address again
as it appeared in the National IntelIigencerJ
Elected by the American People to the highest
Office known to our laws, | appear here TO take
the oath prescribed by the Constitution, and in
compliance with time-honord custom, to adj
dress those who are now assembled.
The confidence and respect shown BY my
countrymen, in calling me to be the Chief Magis-
trate of aRepubc holding high rank among the
NATIONS of the earth, have inspired me with feel
ings of the most profound gratitude but when
reflect that the acceptance of the office, which
their partlality has bestowed, imposes the dis
charge of the most arduous duties, and involves
the weighlest obligations | am conscious that
the position which have been called to fill
though sufficient to satisfy the Hottest ambition
is surrounded by fearful responsibilities. Hap
pilv however, in the performance of nv new
duties, | shall not be without able cooperaton-
The legislative and judicial branches of the gov
eminent present prominent examples Of dis
perence, and it shall be my endeavor to call to
my assistance, in the Executive Departments in .
dividuals whose talents, integrity and purity of
character will furnish ample guarantees for the
faithful and honorable performance Of the trusts
to be committed to their charge.
With such aids, and honest purpose to do whatever
is right, hope 10 execute diligently mparalIy and fr
the best Interests of the country, the manifold duties de
voved upon In the discharge of these duties my
4 L., L.
preserve, protect and defend. For the Interpretation of
that instrument shall look the decisiocs Of the Judi
cal tribunals established by lis authority, and the prac-
tice of the Government under the earlier Presidents who
had large share in its formation. To the example Of
those llustrous patriots shall always defer with rever
ence. and especially to his example, who was by 50 ma
ny titles, the Father of his Country.
To command the army and navy of the United States
with the advice and consent Of the Senate 10 make
treaties and to appoint Ambassadors and other officers
to give 10 Congress information Of the of the Union
and recommend such measures he shall Judge to be
TO take that the laws shall BE faith
fully execued-these the most important functions
entrusted the President by the Constitution and it
may be expected that shall briefly indicate the princi
pies which will control me IN their execution Chosen
by the body Of the people, under the that my
Administrative would be devoted TO the welfare of the
whole country and not 70 the support Of any particular
section merely local interest this day renew The do
claraon have heretofore made, and proclaim my fixed
determination 10 maintain. to the extent Of my abili-
ty, the Government in its original purity, and adopt
the basis Of my public policy, those great Republican
doctrines which constitute the strength Of national
existence.
In reference to the army and navy. lately employed
with much distinction active service, care shall be
taken 10 insure the highest condition Of efficiency and
IN urherance of that object, the Hilary and naval
schools sustained by the beray of Congress- shall re
ceve the special attention Of the Executive.
As America ireemen, we cannot but sympathise in
all efforts extend the blessings Of civil and political
liberty, but at the same time warned BY the ad
monons Of history and the voice Of beloved
Washington. 10 abstain from eniangling alliances with
foreign nations mall disputes between conflicting
Governments, it is interest, not less than duty,
remain strictly neutral, while geographical posi-
ton, the genius Of institutions and people, the
advancing spirit Of civilization, and above al the die
tates of religion, direct the cultivation of peaceful
and friendly relations with all other Powers. 1T is to be
hoped that International question arise.
which Government confident in its strength. and
resolved to protect its just rights, may settle by
wise negotiation and it emneny becomes Govern
ment like own, founded on the morality and inteli~
gence of its citizens and upheld by their affections 10 ex
haust every resort ohonorabe diplomacy before appealing
arms In the conduct of foreign relations shall
conform to these views believe them essential to the
best interests and the true honor Of the country.
The appointing power vested in the President impo-
delicate and duties SO far is possible
be informed shall make honesty capacity and fdeli
ty indispensable prerequisites TO the bestowal of office,
and the absence Of either of these qualities shall be deem
ed sufficient cause for removal.
1t shall be my study to recommend such constitutional
to Congress may be necessary and proper
encouragement and protection to the great inter-
ess of Agriculture, Commerce and Manuiactu:es-to
improve rivers and harbors-to provide for the spec
dy exngushmen Of the public debt-to enforce strict
accountability the part. of all officers of the Govern
men, and the utmost economy in all public exppndi-
iures but is for the wisdom of Congress itself, in
which all legislative powers vested By the Consttu
ton, to regulate these and other Of domestic pol
icy. ] shall look with confidence the enlightened pat
rotsm of that body adopt such Of CANCELLATION
may harmonze conflicting interests and tend to perpe
that Union which should be the paramount object
Of hopes and affections In any action calculated 10