Weekly miners' express. (DuBuque, Iowa) 184?-1849, 1849-03-20
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT
TAYLOR.
yvAsHlNcroN, March 9th, 1849.

FELLow-C CITIZENS ELECTED bv the A.
mericnn people to the highest office known
10 our laws. appear here to take the
oath prescribed by the Constitution, and
in compliance with time honored Gus
tom, 10 address those who are now assem-
bled s..sss.. ts
NJ, The confidence and respect shown by
my countrymen, in calling me to be the
chief magistrate Of the Republic Of the
United S,atos, holding a high rank among
the nations Of the earth, have inspired me
with feelings OF the most profound graft
tude. When reflect that the Office which
their partiali,y bestowed imposes the dis
charge Of the most arduous duties, and
involves the weightiest. obligations. | am
conscious that the position TO which have
been called will, though sufficient to sat
isfy the highest ambition, be surrounded
by fearful responsibilities.
Happily, however, in the performance
Of my new duties, shall no, be withou,
the cooperation Of the legislative and ju
dicial branches Of the Government, who
present the common examples Of dis,in-
guished civil attachments and mature ex-
perience, and it shall be my endeavor to
call TO my assistance in the Executive de-
partmcnt, individuals whose talents, inte-
gritty and prudence Of character, will fur
nish ample guarantee Of the faithful and
honorable discharge Of the trust commit
ted to my charge. With such aids, and
an honest purpose to do what is right,
hope to exert diligently, impartially, and
for the best interests OF the country, the
manifold duties devolving on me.
My guide will be the Constitution, which
this day swear TO preserve and defend.
For the Interpretation Of that instrument
Ishall look to the decisions Of the judicial
tribunal, established by it's authority, and
to the practice Of the government under
the early Presidents, who had so large a
share 10 its formation. To the example
ofthose ilustrious patriots always refer
with reverence, and especially TO his ex-
ample--to him who was by SO many call
ed the 'Father Of his Country
TO command the Army and Navy of the u
nited States, with the advice and consent Of
the Senate, to make treaties and to make am
bassadors and other otficers--to give to Con-
gress other information OF the state Of the U.
mon, and recommend such measures as he
shall deem necessary, and to take care that
the laws shall be faithfully exccu,ed-,hese
are The most prominent functions intrustcd to
the President by the Constitution, and it ina y
be expected that I shall briefly allude to the
principles which shall control mo III their exc
cution. The principles which shall COVE
me, and That my administration shall be devo
ted 10 the wei fare Of the whole country-not
to the support Of any pa rticu|rr section r'
merely local in terests. this day renew the
declaration have heretofore made and pro
cla,med-my firm determination to maintain
to the extent of my ability, to sustain the gov
eminent in its original policy. and to adopt az
a basis Of my public policy those great repub
lican doctrines which constitute the strength
of our national existence.
In reference to the army and navy
mostly employed with so much dsinc
ton in active service, care shall be taket
to secure the highest condition Of eff
c,ency, and for The furtherence OF tina
object, The military and naval schools
sustained by the liberality Of Congress
shall receive the especial attention Of TIL
Executive. a..
As American freemen, we cannot bu
sympathize in all efforts to extend tn
blessing Of civil and political liberty, bu
at the same time we are warned by tn
experience Of history and the voice O
our own beloved WASHINGTON. to abstain
from all entangling alliances with for
eign nations. and in all disputes between
conflicting governments. 1t is no les:
than our duty to remain neutral while
our geographical posi,ion-the genius o
our institutions and our peopIe--are the
advancing spirits Of fiiaton, and also al
the doctrines Of religion direct US TO TIT
cultivation Of peaceful and friendly rela
tons with all other powers. 1t is to b
hoped that no International question ca
now arise, which the government, conf
dent in its own strength and resolved |,
protect our own first rights, may no
settle by mere negotiation, and it EN-
nently becomes government like GU
ligence Of lis ci.izens, and upheld by ,hei
affections, to exert every resort OF hon
orable diplomacy, before appealing t
arms, in conducting our foreign relations
shall conform to these views as be
lieve them essential to the best interes
and the true honor Of the country--lh
appointing power invested in the Presi
dent imposes deliberate and cnerous du
ties. d s..s s.a.....
So far as it is possible to be informed
shall make honesty an indispensable
prerequisite TO the bes,owal OF Office.
and the absence Of either Of these quail
ties shall be deemed sufficient cause 70
removal. st..a SIS 80 ..-a.
1t shall be my study to recommen
Constitutional measures 10 Congress a
may be necessary and proper, to secur
encouragement and protection to III
grea. interests Of Agriculture, Commerc
and Manufaclures--,o improve our Rlv
ers and Harbors--,o provide for tn
speedy extinguishment Of the public det
to enforce strict accountability on tn
part Of all officers Of the government
and the utmost economy in public expen
ditures. II is for the wisdom Of Congress
alone, in which all legislative powers ar
vested by the Constitution to regulat
these and other matters Of domestic pol