Washington telegraph., 1853-03-23
INAUGURAL ADDRESS,
OF President Pierce.
FELLOW CITIZENS :

the destlnles OF the Repubhc, ill me with
profound sense of responsibility, but with
nothing like shrinking apprehensions. |
repair to the trust assigned me not as to one
sought, but in obedience to the unsolicited
expressions of your will, answerable only
for fearless, faithful and diligent execution
of my just powers. ought to be and am
truly grateful for the rare manifestation of
the nations confidence. But this so far
from tightening my obligations only adds
to their weight You must sustain me by
your strength. When looking for a fulfil
ment of reasonable requirements you will
not be unmindtul Of the great changes which
have occurred even in the last quarter Of a
century, and the consequent augmentation
and complexity Of duties involved on the
administration, both of the United States
home and foreign affairs Whether the ele-
ments Of inherent force of the Republic
have kept pace with its unparalleled pro-
gression in territory, population and wealth,
has been a subject of earnest thought ana
discussion on both sides Of the ocean.
Less than sixty-three years ago the Father
of his country made the then recent acces-
olina to the United States, the subject
of his especial congratulation. At that
moment, however, when the agitation con-
sequent upon the revolutionary struggle had
partly subsided, when we were just emerging
from the weakness and embarrassment of
the confederation, there was an evident con-
sclousneSs Of vigor equal to the great mis-
sion which was SO wisely and bravely fulfilled
by our fathers.
1t was not presumptuous assurance, but
calm view OF the source Of power Of a 60
vernment, constituted like ours. 1t is no
parodox to say that although weak, the new
born nation was intrinsically strong. In
considerable in population and apparent re-
sources. it was upheld by bread intelligent
comprehenslons of right, and an all per-
vadiug purpose to maintain the stronger
power. 1t came from the furnace of the
resolution tempered to the necessity Of the
times
The thoug hts of the men of that day
were patriotic; they wasted DO portion Of
their energies upon idle or delusive specula-
tions-but with firm and fearless step ad-
vauced beyond the governmental land marks
which had hitherto circumscribed the limits
Of human freedom and planted their stand
ard, where it has stood, against the dangers,
which have threatened from abroad and in
ternational agitation which menaced them at
home. They have proved themselves equal
to the solution of the great problems to IN
derstand which. their minds had been illum-
mated by the dawning lights OF the revolu-
ton. The subject sought was not a thing
dreamed of it was thing real lied. They
had exhibited not only the power to achieve,
but what history af1irms to be 50 much more
unusual the capacity to maintain The
oppressed throughout the world from that
day to the present, have turned their eyes
hitherward not to find these lights extin-
guished or to fear lest they should wane; but
to be constantly cheered by their steady and
increasing radiance. In this, our country
has in my judgment, fulfilled its highest d,i-
ty to suffering humanity
In all the councils Of the early fathers,
one of the most impressive evidences of wis
dom, Is to be found in the fact that the ac-
tual working of our system, has dispelled
a degree Of solicitude which at the outset
n
tellects. The apprehension of danger from
extended territory, multiplied States, accum-
ulated wealth, and augmented population has
proved to be unfounded Stars upon YOUR
banner have become threefold their original
number Your densely populated posses
slons skirt shores of two oceans and vet this
vast increase of people and territory has not
only been compatible with the harmonious
action of the States of the Federal Govern
vernment in their respective constitutional
spheres but has afforded an additional guar
antee Of the restraint and integrity of both.
With an experience thus suggestive and
cheering, the policy of my administration
will not be controlled by any timid forebod-
lngs OF evil from expansion of territory
Indeed it is not to be disguised that our
attitude as a nation, and our position on the
globe render the acquisition of certain pos
sessions not within our jurisdiction, evident
ly important for our protection, if not in the
future essential to the preservation of the
rights of commerce and the peace of the
World Should they be obtained, it will be
through no grasping spirit, but with a view
to obvious national interests and security,
and in manner consistent with the strict
observance of national faith
We have nothing in our history TO invite
aggression-we have every thing to impress
upon US the cultivation Of relations of peace
and amity with all nations. Purposes at once
just and pacific will be signifcally marked
In the conduct of affairs | intend that my
administration shall leave no blot in our
tar record; and l trust may safely give the
assurance that no act in the legitimate
scope OF my constitutional control will be tol-
Grated on the part of any portion of our citi-
zens' which cannot challenge ready justi-