Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1849-01-27
INAUGURAL ADDRESS

OF GOV. WIN r. JOHNSTON,
Delivered in the HOUSE of Representatives,
Jansiary 10th.
Friends and Fellow Citizens The kind.
ness and confdenee Of the people having cast
upon me the Executive functions Of the gov
ern6isnt and the prescribed oath 10 support
the Cons,i,u,isn having been administered, l
should b false 70 the sacred trust reposed in
me, and unworthy the oon6dsncs manifested
did I not deeply feel tho responsibility Of my
position, and firmly resolve to merit yout sup.
port:
Profoundly sensible, however, Of my own
weakness, and fully conscious that without
the encouragement and assistance Of the peo-
pie, the Chief Magistrate is unable properly
TO discharge the high duties Of his station, and
instead Of the substance, popular power be-
comes the empty shadow Of Executive au-
,hority, would earnestly invoke at the hands
Of the citizens, the eflicien, aid of the same
spirit which called into existence the free
institutions of our country, 10 assist me i'll sup
porting and defending them
At the commencement of an admnistra-
tion, it has been custom with the Execu-
tive 10 indicate the principles which will
govern his councils, and the measure he may
desire for the benefit Of the State. Tho an
nual message delivered at the opening OF the
present session Of the Legislature has super
seded the necessity Of a sric, compliance
with this usage. and on this occasion it will
suffice to refer to few general views Of the
public policy that shall receive at my hands
the fullest and steadiest support and consid-
Grafton.
At all times and under all circumstances,
:he highest obligation of the public servant
is the maintenance and defence of our Re-
public institutions That these shall receive,
in the exercise Of the Executive power, a
sound Interpretation no impediment
shall interpose TO prevent the salutary influ-
ence Of their principles-that the popular
mind, when understood, shall be obeyed, are
iniices which no public officer will disregard.
The founders Of the Republic, inspired
with profound wisdom, declared, that all men
are born equally free and independent +; thai
tho right of defending life and liberty, Of &C.
quiring, possessing and protecting property
and reputation, are indefeasible; that all
power is inherent in the people, and all free
governments are founded on their authority
that no preference shall ever be given by
law to and religious establishments, ormodes
of worship; that no one on can be deprived
Of his life, liberty or property, unless by the
Judgment Of his peers, or the law of the land
that no mans property shall be taken or ap-
Piled to public use, without the consent of his
representatives. that education should be
promoted, and the blessings Of intellectual
culture placed within the reach of every ci,i.
zen. History and expedience have demon.
strated the justice of these principles, and
private feelings, as well as public duty, dc.
mand fofticm a cordial support,
An indebted nation cannot command the
full measure Of its independence, nor feel the
blessings of its institutions Whatever may
be its desire TO promote active objects Of gen.
eral bevolence, its resources refuses COM
pliance with ils will, and national Justice is
thereby frequently delayed. Witha deep con-
viction 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 State, it shall be constant
aim 10 place our finances in condition to
discharge every public obligation, TO main
ns.,l al, -f Il
wealth, and to preserve unspotted it's motto
Of "ViRrUE, LIBERTY AND INDEPENDENCE"
The intentions of the people are pure, and
sre uniformity directed to advance the gener.
al prosperity. When, therefore, they believe
public functionary feels an anxious desire,
in unison with their own, for the public wei
fare, they will willingly pardon errors of judg.
meat, and sustain him in HE public course
It is hoped the same generous and manly
sentiment, the same construction of motives,
the same appreciation Of public conduc,
which have been extended to others in SINH.
lar positions, will shield the administration
abou, TO be commenced, from at least unme.
fitted censure. -. ...
An evil spirit isat work amongst US, against
whose malign influence all should be on theil
guard. 1t is that spirit which creates wrong
where ncre exists--which in advance con.
demns the public servant, and labors to de.
stroy confidence in the honesty of his design:
which, unwilling to Judge of works, draw,
from its guilty imaginines the spec,res of .
corrupt heart, and holds them up to the pub
tic gaze as substantial truths. II is the same
spirit which would array in hostile position
the classes into which society divides-,ha
would place capitol and labor, tho rich anc
the poor, at variance with each other 1t i
the spirit which animates the bosom of tn,
Catalines Of every age.
In Europe there are noblemen and peasant
political and social distinctions, created ant
sustained by law, and sanctioned by yprescrip
lion. IN this country all are equal under III
law and no politician, no party in our coun
,ro,II A,.,,o . oh,roo in THE f,,pda -, A.,