Fremont weekly freeman. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1850-1853, 1850-12-21
INAUGURAL ADDRESS,
FelloW-citizens Of the Senate,

and Of the House Of Representatives.
Called by the voice of the people to the
Chief Magistracy of this State, l now appear
before you, in obedience to long established
usage, to take the oath of office required by
the Constitution, and to declare the course OF
policy by which l design to be controlled in
my official relations
/ In the first place, however, | will avail my
self Of this occasion to express to you, as the
representatives of our common constituents,
] my humble gratitude for the high ond honor
able distinction conferred, and he confidence
reposed In me, properly to discharge the du-
ties of the Office
Occupying this high place, which, from the
nature of our institutions, can be enjoyed BIZ
but few, am, trust, fully sensible that it has
not been conferred to crafty any selfish vani-
ty, nor to enable me to indulge in any person
al ambition, but in order that its duties may
be SO discharged as to promote the public
welfare, and that any influence arising from it
may be directed for the benefit of the entire
people.
As have ever considered the confidence
and appreciation of the people, when they vol
unfairly spring from the acts of public ser
want, and are unsought by servility, to be the
ATTAIN l shall endeavor to discharge the du-
ties of this new position with frankness, and
with strict regard to justice, in my official re-
lations with all and cannot but hope that the
many imperfections of my administration, and
the unintentional errors into which I may be
led, from want of judgment Or experience,
will be viewed with same forbearance, treated
with the same candor, and excused by the
same friendship, have SO often reviewed in
other responsible relations to the community,
from the people of this State.
| By the Constitution of Ohio the Governo
is, for wise purposes no doubt, limited as tr
I any extensive patronage.
His powers are clearly defined by that in
strument, and they are but few. He is, nev-
ertheless, the representative of more than two
millions of people, whose foundations of gov
ernment are deeply laid in their patriotism and
affections. Having advanced with rapid strides
our State is now fourishing in agricultural
commercial, and mechanical prosperity; her
common schools, and other Institutions of
learning-her asylums for the unfortunate
her extensive public Improvements, both by
State and private enterprise, are favorites with
a large majority of her people. The latter
have opened new channels of intercommuni-
cation between distant sections, affording an
easy, cheap, and speedy transit for our sur
plus products TO an eastern and southern mar
ket; and all these objects should receive the
fostering care Of the government, and never
be affected by iliberal or hostile legislation.
Under these surrounding circumstances of
prosperity, feel more than an ordinary diff
dence, that even the limited functions of the
Al
which may be best calculated to promote the
farther advancement and elevation of the
State, in that which may contribute to her
best interests and most permanent welfare. l
shall, however, with an honest, but with
fearless independence, strive not to fall be-
hind, but to keep pace with the spirit of pro-
gress of this enlightened age in which we live
according to the best lights | am able to OBJ
tain -
Nor should any public functionary, nor the
people themselves, in the performance of their
various obligations, become insensible to a
high constitutional duty which they owe to
the government of the Union, and to other
members Of the confederacy, where there are
also, institutions to maintain and interests to
protect.
By a strict regard to this duty, all are safe,
without it the most fearful anticipations Of evil
arise.
The fourth section of the second article off
the constitution of Ohio provides, that the Gov
ernor shall, from time to time, give to the
General Assembly information of the state of
the government, and recommend to their con-
sideration such measures as he shall deem ex-
pedient
My predecessor, in his annual message, has
performed these duties His position has af
forded him the opportunity of knowing the po
litical and financial condition of the govern
ment; the moral condition. the necessities and
wants of the people.
l shall add but fittfe to his suggestions on
this occasion: and should any thing important
hereafter occur to me, during your session, it
will be made the subjec: of special commun
ication.
1t has been the remark of age, wisdom, and
experience, more extensive shan mine, that the
assembling of the representatives of the peo-
pie in their legislative capacity, to consult for
the welfare, and to devise the means necessa-
ry to advance the security, the happiness and |
of those whom they represent, is at
all times, interesting and important in the po
litical history of every State. The office of
is one of dignity and response |
biiity. 1t is upon the wisdom and integrity
with which its obligations are performed, that
the quiet and security, the happiness and pros
perity of an entire community, very essential
" depend Nor is it merely as ii legislator,
in his official character, that the representa-
tive of the people may be heard and felt, for
good or for evil, throughout the length and
breadth of the State. Such is the dignity of
the office that it carries with it an influence
that may pervade every rank of society, and
improve or corrupt the moral, social, and re-
religious character of an entire community.
Example is contagious, and it is all impor-
.ant that those who have been selected for
heir intelligence, their wisdom and moral
worth, should not, as am certain they will
not disappoint the public expectation, but sat
sly it, by an honest honorable and industrious
discharge Of every Legislative, moral or civil
luty.
In republican or representative forms of
government freedom of opinion is tolerated.
Free investigation and free discussion are es-