Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-03-14
PRESIDENT TAYLOR'S
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
wAsmNcroN, MONDAY, March S, Is49.

-
WASHINGTON, MONDAY, March 5, 1S49.
Elected by the American People TO the high
est Office known TO our laws, appear here take
| the Oath prescribed by tho Constitution {; and in
compliance with aiine-honored custom, to address
those who are now assembled
The confidence and respect shown by my coun-
trymea in calling me to be Chief Magistrate Of a
Republic holding high rank among the nations of
the earth, have inspired me with feelings Of the
most profound gratitude; but when reflect that
the acceptance of the office which their partiality
has bestowed imposes the discharge of the most ar
duous duties, and involves the weghest obliga-
tons, am conscious that the position which have
been called TO fill, though sufficient to satisfy the
oest ambition. is surrounded by fearful response
bilities Happily, however, in the performance Of
my new duties | shall not be without able co-ope-
ration. The Legislative and Judicial branches Of
the Government present prominent examples OF dis
tnguished civil atainments and matured expert
ence and 1t shall be my endeavOr to call to my as
sstancs in the Executive Departments individuals
whose talents, integrity, and purity OF character
VIII furnish ample guarantees for the faithful and
honorable performance of The trusts to be committed
to their charge. With such aids, and an honest
purpose 10 do whatever is right, hope to execute
diligently, impatially and FOR the best interests of
the country, the marifod duties devolved upon me.
In The discharge of these duties, my guide will
be the Constitution which this day swear to 'spre-
serve, protect, and defend" For the interpreta-
ton Of that instrument shall look to the decisions
OF the judicial Tribunals established by its author
ty, and TO the practice of the Government under
the earlier Presidents, who had so large a share in
lis formation. To the example Of these ilustrious
Patriots shall always defer with reverence and
especially to his example who was, by so many III
ties, "the Father of his Country"
To command the Army ard Navy of the United
States with the advice and consent of the Senate
to make Treaties and 10 appoint Ambassadors and
other Officers; TO give TO Congress information of
the state of the Union, and recommend such nea-
sures as he shall Judge to be necessary; and to take
care that the laws shall be faithfully executed
these are the most important functions entrusted To
the President by the Constitution; and it may be
expected that shall, briefly, indicate the principles
which will control me in their execution.
Chosen by the body of the People under the as
surance that the Government, so far as could in
nuence lis administration, would be devoted to the
welfare of the whole country, and not 10 the sup
port OF any particular section merely local inter
eSts this day renew the declarations have here
tofore made, and proclaim my fixed determination
to maintain, to the extent of my ability, the Gov
ernment in lis orig inal purity, and 10 adopt the
basis of my public policy those great republican
doctrines which constitute the strength of our ma
tional existence.
In reference to the Army and Navy, lately en-
ployed with SO much distinction on active service
care shall be taken to ensure the highest condition
of efficacy and in furtherance of that object the
military and naval schools, sustained by the liberal
Ity Of Congress, shall receive the special attention
of the Executive.
AS American ireemen, we cannot but sympathiZe
In all efforts to extend the blessings of civil and po-
lltlcal liberty but, at the same time, we warn
ed by the admonitions ofsiory and the voice of ouy
own beloved Washington TO abstain from entang-
ling alliances with foreign nations In all disputes
between conflicting Governments, it is our in
terest not less than our duty to remain strictly
ia, l.,.,,
our institutions and our people, the advancing spirit
OF civilization, and above ALL the dictates of reli
glon, direct to the cultivation Of peaceful and
friendly relations with all other Powers. Ii is tc
be hoped that no international question can now a
rise which Government, confident in its own
strength and resolved to protect lis just rights
may not settle by wise negotiation and it eminent
ly becomes a Government like our own, founded or
the morality and intelligence of lis citizens and
held by their affections, to exhaust every resort
honorable diplomacy before appealing to arms
In the conduct of our foreign relations shall con
form to these views, as believe them essential tc
the best interest and the true homer of The country
\ The appointing power vested in the President
imposes delicate and onerous duties So far it is
possible TO be informed, shall make honesty, capa-
city, and fidelity Indispensable prerequisites to the
besowa of office and the absence of either of these
qualities shall be deemed sufficient cause for reno
Y val.
: IL shall be my study to recommend such cOnstitu-
tlonal measures To Congress may be necessary
proper to secure encouragement and protection Il
S the great interests of Agriculture, Commerce. ano
: Manufactures to improve our rivers and harhors
to provide for the speedy eXtingushment ofe pub
i lie debt TO enforce strict accountability the
l., part OF all officers of the Government, and the Ut
It most economy in all public expenditures. But il is
: for the wisdom Of Congress itself, in which all leg
e lSative powers vested by the Constitution,
S regulate these and other matters of domestic policy
! shall look with confidence TO the enlightened patr
otlsrn of that body To adopt such of
h clation may harmonic conflicting interests and
I. tend to perpeuate that Union which should be the
paramount object of our hopes and affections. In
| any action calculated 10 promote an object near
the heart ofevery who truly loves his country,
! will Zcaously unite with the co ordinate branches
" ofthe Government.
, In conclusion, congratulate you my fellow citi.
" zens, upon the high state o. prosperity which the
Z goodness of Divine Providence has conducted oui
i common country Let us invoke continuance o.
the same Protecting Care which has led us from
10 small beginnings to The emineDce this day occu,
81 ply. and let seek to deserve that continuance by
d prudence and moderation in councils by well
q directed attempts assuage the bitterness which
u often marks unavoidable differences Of opinion; by
J. the promugaton and practice Of just and liberal
e principles and by enlarged patriotism which
/ shall acknowledge limits but those os our OWE
: vide spread Republic.
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: That which we call Death is but / life in otir.