The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-03-10
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT PIERCE
MARCH A. 1858

INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT PIERCE,
MARCH 4, 1858
My CoUNTRYMEN: Lt is a relief TO feel that
no heart but my own can know the personal
regret and bitter sorrow over which | have
| been borne to position so suitable for Others
rather than desirable for myself
The circumstances under which have been
called, for a limited period, to preside over the
destnies of the Republic, fill me with pro-
found sense of responsibility, but with nothing
| like shrinking apprehension. repair to the
post assigned me, not as to one sought but in
obedience to the unsolicited expression of your
will, answerable only for a fearless faithful
and diligeut exercise of my best powers. ought
to be, and am, truly grateful for the rare man.
| Hesitation of the nations confidence but this
so far from tightening my obligations, only adds
to their weight You have summoned Inc in
| my weakness; you must sustain Inc by your
strength When looking for the fulflment Of
| reasonable requirements, you will not be nm
mindful of the great changes which have oc-
Cured even within the last quarter of Gen.
| fury, and the consequent augmentation and
| completely of duties imposed, in the admins
tration both of your home and foreign affairs
Whether the elements of inherent force in
the Republic have kept pace with its unparal.
leled progression in territory, population, and
wealth, has been the subject of earnest thought
and discussion on both sides of the ocean Less
than sixty. four years ago, the Father of his
Country made theo then recent accession
of the important State of North Carolina to
the Constitution Of the United States,D one of
the subjects of his special congratulation At
that moment, however, when the agitation con.
sequent upoA the revolutionary struggle had
hardly subsidized, when we were just emerging
from the weakness and endorsements of the
Confederation, there was an evident conscious
ness of vigor, equal to the great mission so
wisely and bravely fulfilled by our fathers. 1t
was not presumptuOus assurance, but calm
faith, sprnging from the clear view of the
sources of power, in Government constituted
like ours. 1t is no paradox to say that, al
though comparatively weak the newborn ma
ton was intrinscally strong. Inconsiderablei in
population and apparent resources, it was up
held by broad and intelligent comprehension
of rights, and an all-pervading purpose to main
tain them stronger than ornaments. II came
from the furnance of the Revolution, tempered
to the necessities of the times. The thoughts
of the men of that day were as practical as
their sentiments were patriotic They wasted
no portion of their energies upon idle and de-
lusive speculatiOns, but with firm and fear
less step advanced beyond the governmental
landmarks which had hitherto circumscribed
the limits of human freedom, and planted their
standard where it has stood against dangers
which have threatened from abroad and in
ternal agitation which has at times fearfully
menaced at home They approved themselves
| equal to the solution of the great problem to
understand which their minds had been ilumi-
mated by the dawnng lights of the Revolution
| The object sought was not a thing dreamed
Of, 1T was thing realized. They had exhibit.
| ed not only the power to achieve but what all
history afhrms 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 those lights extinguished, or to fear
lest they should wane, but to be constantly
cheered by their steady and increasing radi-
| ance.
In this our country has, in my Judgment
thus far fulfilled its highest duty to suffering
humanity 1t has spoken, and will continue to
speak, not only by it's words but by its acts,
the language of sympathy, encouragement and
hope, to those who earnestly listen to tones
which pronounce for the largest rational lib
erty But, after ALL the most animating en-
|
will be its own history, its trials and its tr-
umphs Prominently, the power of our i'd
vocacy reposes in our example; but no exam
pie, be it rememb ered can be powerful for
lasting good, whatever apparent advantages
may be gained, which is not based upon eter-
nal principles of right and Justice Our fathers
decided for themselves, both upon the hour to
declare and the hour to strike. They were
their own judges of the circumstances under
which it became them to pledge to each other
their lives, their fortunes and their sacred
honor" for the acquisition of the priceless in
heritance transmitted 10 us. The energy with
which that great conflict was opened, and, I'm.
der the guidance of manifest and benefcent
Providence, the accomplishing endurance with
which il was prosecuted TO its contamination
were only surpassed by the wisdom and patri-
otto spirit Of concession which characterized
all the counsels of the early fathers
One of the most impressive evidences of that
wisdom is to be found in the fact, that the act.
ual working of our system has dispellcd de-
| gree of solicitude, which mt the outset disturb
ed bold hearts and far-reaching intellects. The
| apprehension Of dangers from extended terrific
| ~, multiplied States accumulated wealth, and
augmented population, has proved to he I'M
| founded. The stars upon your banner have
become nearly three-fold their original num-
Der, your densely populated possessions skirt
the shores of the two great oceans, and yet this
vast increase of people and territory has not
only shown itself compatible with the harmo-
Nous action Of the States and the Federal Gov
eminent in their respective constitutional
spheres bat has afforded an additional guar
antee Of the strength and integrity of both
With an experience thus suggestive and
cheering the policy of my Administration will
not be controlled by any tmd forebodings Of
evil from expansion Indeed, it il not TO be
disguised that our attitude as a nation, and our
position on the globe render the acquisition OF
certain possessions, not within our jurisdiction
emlnently important for our protection, If not
in the future, essential for 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 view 10
obvious national interest and security and in u
manner entirely consistent with the strictest
observance OF national faith We have nothing
In our history OF position to invite aggression
we have everything TO beckon us TO the cult
Walton of relations Of peace and amity with all
nations Purposes, therefore, at once just and
pacific, will be significantly marked in the con
duct of our foreign affairs. intend that my
1 Administration shall leave no blot upon our
fair record, and trust may safely give the as-
surance that no act within the legitimate scope
Of my constitutional control will he tolerated,
on the part Of any portion Of our citizens, which
cannot challenge ready justification before
the tribunal OF the civilized world An admin
istratioa would be unworthy Of confidence ct
home, or respect abroad, should Il osass TO be
influenced by the conviction, that no apparent
advantage can be purchased at price 90 dear
rs that of notional wrong or dishonor. i u mot
your privilege, az q nation, 10 speak OF ans
tant past The striking incidents OF your ms