The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1853-03-19

INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Ny CnrNrRYMEN: ::

'oiio" oNSi "HiCh Htt been borne 10 q DDSt
so suitable for others, rather than desirable {; +
myself. The circumstances under which have
been called for a limited period to preside over
the destinies of the Republic. fill me with pro-
found sense of responsibility, but, with nothing
like speaking of apprehension, repair to the
post assigned me, not as to one sought but in
obediance to the unsolicited expression of your
will, answerable only for a fearless, faithful
and diligcnt exercise of my best powers. l
ought to be, and am truly grateful for the rare
manifestation of the national confidence but
this so far from tightening my obligations. Cnly
adds to their weight. You have summoned.me
in my weakness, you must sustain me with your
strength.
When looking for the fullilment Unreasonable
requirements, you will not be unmindful of the
great changes that have occurred, even within
the last quarter Of century and the coHse-
quent complcXity of duties i'll the administra-
ton, both of your home and foreign affairs.
Whether the elements of adherent force of the
Republic have kept pace with its unparalleled
progression in territorial population and wealth
has been the subject Of earnest thought and dis
cuss!On on both sides of the Ocean.
Less than sNty-three years ago. the fathers
of this country made the Important accession of
Louisiana to the confederation of the United
States. 1t was a subject of special congratula-
ton. At that moment, however, when the ag-
itation consequent upon the revolutionary
struggle had hardly subsidCd, when we were
j,lst emerging from the ambarrass mcnt of the
Confederation that there was a consciousness
and vgOr, equal to the great mission so wisely
and bravely fulf He'd by our fathers. 1t was
not presumptive assurance, but a calm faith
sprlnging from clear view OF the source of
power. In great country, constituted like our
own, it is no paradox TO say, that although COM
paratively weak. the newborn nation was insen-
sibly strong. In population and apparent re-
sources, it was upheld by a broad and intelli-
gent comprehension of rights, and an all per-
vadng purpose to maintain them, stronger than
armaments. 1t came from the furnace of the rev.
olut;cn, tempered to the necessity of the times.
The thoughts of the men of that day were as
prophetic as their sentiments were patriotic.
They wasted no portion of their energies upon
wild and delusive spcculatiOns, but with firm
and fearless steps andvanced with government
tai marks which had hitherto crcumscribed the
limit of human freedom, and planted their stan
dard where it has stood against dangers which
have threatened from abroad and internal az
itatiOn which has ut times fcartully menaced at
home.
They have proved themselves equal to the
solution of the great problems, to understand
which their minds had been illuminated by the
dawning light of the Revolution. The object
sought was not thing dreamed Oft was a
thing realized. They had not the power to
achieve-but what all history aiiirms to be more
unusual-the capacity to maintain The Op-
pressed throughout the world. from that day
to the present, have turned their eyes hithtr
ward, to find their lights eXtinguishcd, or to
fear lest they should wane, but to be cheered
by their steady and increasing radience. Then
this, our country has, in my judgement thus far
fulfilled its highest duty to suffering humanity.
1t has spoken and will continue to speak, not
only by its words but by its acts. the Iangua &c
of sympaty and encouragement to those who
listen to tones which pronounce the largest ma
tional liberty.
appeal for freedom. will be its own history-its
trials and its troubles. Pre-emnently the pow
cr of our confederacy reposes in our example,
but no example, be it remembered, can be pow
erful for lasting good whatever apparent ad-
vantage may be gained. which is not based upon
eternal principles of right and Justice.
Our fathers decided for themselves, both up
on the power to delarc and the power to strike.
They were their own judges of the circumstan-
ces under which it became necessary for them
to pledge to each other their lives, their for
tunes and their sacred honor, for the acguisi-
ton of the priceless Inheritance transmitted to
us by the energy which that great coflict open
ed. under the guidance Of Providence. The
endurance of which, if prosecuted to its con-
summation, were only surpassed by the WISDOM
patience and spirit of concession, which char
acterizcd all the councils of the early fathers
aud the best impressive evidence of that wis
dom is to be found in the fact that the actual
workings of the institutions established by our
sires, has dispelled the feeling of solicitude
which at the event. disturbed the whole heart
and far reaching intellects.
The apprehension of dangers from extending
territory, multiplied States and accumulated
wealth, augmented population has proved to
be unfounded. The stars upon your banner
have brought nearly three fold to their original
number. while your possessions skirt the shores
of two great oceans: and yet this vast increase
of people and territory has not only shown it.
self compatible with the harmonious action Of
the States and the Federal Government in their
respective constitutional spheres, but has af-
forded an additional guaranty of the strength
and intellects of both. With an experience
thus suggestive and cheering. the policy Of my
administration will not he controlled by any
timh forebOdiEgs of evil from extension.
Indeed, it is not to be disguised that our al
titude as nation and our petition on the globe,
render the acquisition ofcertain possessions not
within our jurisd ction. eminently important for
our protection, if not i'm the future, essential to
the preservation of the rights of commerce and
the peace of the world. Should they be obtainel,
it will be through no grasping spirit. but with a
view to obvious national interest and security,
and in a manner entirely consistent with the
strictest observance OfnatiOnal faith We have
nothing in our history or position to invite ag-
gression. We have every thing to impress up
on us the cultivation of relations of peace and
amity. intend that my administration shall
leave no blot upon our fair name, and trust
may safely give the assurance that no act with
in the scope of my control will be tolerated or
the part our citizens, which cannot challenge
ready justification before the tribunal of the
civilized world. An administration would be
unworthy of confidence at home or respect a
broad, should it cease to he influenced by the
convictions that no apparent advantage can be
purchased at price SO dear as that of national
wrong or dishonor.
1t is not our privilege as nation to speak OF
distant past The striking incidents OF our
history are replete with instruction, and fur
nishing abundant grounds for hopeful confidence
are comprised in a period comparatively brie1
but if our past limited our future is boundleSs
The obligations that throng the unexplored path
way of advancement will be limitless as dura-
ton.