The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1849-03-10
Gen. Taylor's Inaugural Address.

~ Tue Ocudtt uiu "CuoC'S VI Wv
House Of Representatives, Of the Uni
ted States, and thousands of Ameri-
can citizens 10 front Of the Capito':
Elected BY the American people to
The highest Office known to our laws, !
appear to take the oath prescribed by
the Constitution, and in compliance
with a time honored custom, 10 address
those who are now assembled. The
confidence and respect shown by my
countrymen iE calling me 10 be The
Chief Magistrate Of the Republic OF the
United States, holding high rank
among the nations of the earth, have
inspired me with feelings of the most
profound gratitude. When | reflect
that the office which their par,iaity has
besto wed, imposes the discharge OF the
most arduous duties and involves the
weightiest obligations, | am conscious
that tho POSITION. which. have been
called to iilla though sufficient TO satisfy
the Lsftisst aihh;iinnt = surr"~nded hvl
trarh abilities. llltta 5ad a1v)
Happily, however, in the performs.
ance of my new duties, shall not be
without the co operation of The legisla'
tive and judicial branches Of the gov
eminent, who present prominent ex.
amples Of distinguished civil attain.
ments and matured experience; and il
shall be my endeavor TO call TO my as
sistance in the Executive department
whose talents, integrity and
purity of character will furnish ample
for the faithful and honora-
bic discharge of The trusts TO be COM
mitted to their charge.
With such aid and homes, purpose to
DO what is right | hope to execute dill
gently, impartlally and for the best in.
.eresls of the country, the manifold du.
les devolving upon me.
In the discharge of these duties my
,uide will be the Constitution which !
his day swear 10 preserve, protect and
elend. For the Interpretation Of that
Instrument | shall look TO the decisions
f the Judicial tribunals established by
IS authority and to the practice Of the
Overnment under the earlier Pres.
ents, who had so large share in its {
,
To the example Of those illustrious
atriots shall always refer with rever +,
nee, and especially, TO his example t
Tho was by so many considered the h
alher Of his country. To command q
,e army and navy "t the United States, '
18th the advice and consent OF the Sen
le, to make treaties and appoint am b
assadors and other officers, to give to A
ongress other information Of the state g
the Union, and recommend such c
easures as he shall deem necessary n
I'd to take care that the laws shall be I,
ithfnly executed. These are the v
osl important positions entrusted TO v
e President by the Constitution, and J.
may be expected that ] shall briefly Ii
Iude to the principles which shall con A
OF me in their execution. 81
Chosen by the body of the people b.
ldrr the assurance that my admins. ~
alton would be devoted 10 the wei "a
re of the whole country, and not to H.
e support OF any particular section or T
erely local interests, | this day re o
wv the declarations | have hitherto
ade, and proclaim my fixed deterni $,
,lion to maintain to the extent of my h
,ili,y the government IN its original n
lrily, and adopt as The basis OF my II
lblic policy those great republican doc h
ines which constitute the strength Of o
lr national existence.
In reference to the Army~and Navy d
lei Y employed with so much distinc. in
IN in active service, care should be +
ken 10 secure the highest condition of n
iciency. And in lurtherance Of thai p
iect, the Military and Naval Schools G
stained by the liberalily Of Congress fo
all receive the especial attention Of
, executive. .. h,
AS American freemen we cannot bu, Ia
III pdtulZc lil uil tllOIlS W ehteIu tIlt n
ssings Of civil and political liberties. 10
I at the same time We are warned by nj
admonilions of history, and the pe
ice Of our own beloved Washington. he
abstain from all entangling alliances N
lh foreign nations. W
In all disputes between conflicting nc
vernments it is our interest, no less de
n our duty to remain perfectly neu- oy
|. While our geographical position,
genius Of our institutions and our ur
,ple, the advancing spirit Of civiliza- to
n, and above all. the doctrines of re. nd
on direct US to the cultivation OF r,
lceful and friendly relations with all
ners. II is 10 be hoped that no in.
national question can now arise pr
ich government confident in its IN
n strength and resolved TO protec, to
just right, may not settle by wise Oh
,otiaton. And it eminentIy be. pr
Il |