Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1853-03-11
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

INAUGURAL Address.
My CoUETRYMEN 1T is a relief TO feel that
no heart but my own can know the personal re-
gret and bitter sorrow over which have been
borne to position SO suitable for others rather
than desirable for myself
The circumstance that have been called Tor
\ limited period TO preside over the destlnles Of
the Republic, fills me with profound sense oil
responsibility, but with nothing like shrinking
apprehension. repair to the post assigned
me, not as 10 one sought, but in obedience to
the unsolicited expression Of your will, answer
able only for fearless, faithful and diligent ex
ercise Of my best powers
| ought 10 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 have summoned
me in my weakness you must sustain me by
your strength. When looking for the fulfil
ment Of reasonable requirements, you will not
be unmindful Of the great changes which have
occurred even within the last quarter OF cen
Gury, and the consequent augmentation and
complCxily Of the duties imposed in the ad min
istxation both OF your home and foreign affairs.
whether lhe clements Of inherent force in
the Republic have kept pace with its unpOral-
aeled progression in territory, population and
szealt6, has been the subject Of earnest thought
and discussion on both sides Of the OCEAN
Less than sixty-Llree years ago the Father o
his country made the then recent accession ol
The important State of North Carolina TO the
Constitution Of the United States, one OF the
subjects of his especial congratulations Al
that moment, however, when the agitation con-
sequent upon the revolutionary struggle had
partly subsidized, when we were just emerging
from the weakness and embarrassments OF the
Confederation, there was an @vident conscious
ness Of vigor equal TO the great mission SO wise
" and bravely fulfilled by our fathers.
Ii was not a presumptuous assurance put a
calm faith, springing from clear view OF The
sources OF power in q government constituted
like ours Il is no paradox to say, that alIho'
comparatively weak, the newborn nation was
lntFinsieAly strong.
Uncomfortable in population and apparent
resources, II was upheld by broad and intel
iIigeut comprehension Of rights and an all-per-
vaaiag paTpOse 10 maintain them, stronger than
armameuts. II came from the furnace Of the
Revolution, tempered to the necessities OF the
times. The thoughts OF the men OF that day
we're as practical as their sentiments were pat
Siotic. they wasted no portion OF their ener-
gies upon idle and deludve speculatlons, but
with a firm and fearless step advanced beyond
the governmental landmarks which had hther'
10 cireumscrbed the limits OF human freedom
and planted their standard where II has stood
against the dangers which have threatened
from abroad, and the internal agitation which
has, ct times, fearfully menaced at home
They have proved themselves equal to the so
taiion OF the great problem, to understand which
their minds had been illuminated by the dawn
ing lights Of the Revolution. The object sough
was not thing dreamed Of il was thing re
allied. They had exhibited not only the pow
eT 70 achieve, but what all history aiiirms TO b
much more unusual-the capacity tc maintain
The oppressed throughout the world, from thl
day TO The present, have turned their eyes hill
eFWsTd. not 10 find the lights txlnguished, {
10 fear lest they should wane, but to be COT
slantly cheered by their steady and increasin
radiance.
In this our country has in my judgment thu
iar fulfilled its highest duty to sutering human
iay, II has spoke and will continue to spea
moi only By It's words but by its acts, the laI
gasge OF sympathy, and encouragement. an
Hope cf those who earnestly listen TO the ton'
whth pronounce for the largest rational libe
~. But after all. the most animaling rncou
sgement and potent appeal for freedom will
is own history, its trials and its triumphs.
Preeminently The power OF our advocacy r
poses in our example, but no example, be i r
inembered, can Be powerful (or lasting goo
whaiever apparent advantages may be gaine
which 4 not based Hpon the eternal principl
of rfght and justice. Our fathers decided 4
themselves both upon the hour to declare al
tie hour to strike. They were their own judg
81 thA circumstances under which it becau
lhem q pledge to each other their lives, thu
fortdnas. and their sacred honor, for the acq'
aisicnof The priceless inheritance transpitted
81 &c energy with which that great conf