The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1853-03-09
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
Of the President Of the United States.
March a. 1859.

the personal regret aud bitter sorrow,
over which l have been borne to q posi-
ton, so suitable for others, rather than
desirable for myself
The circumstances, under which l have
been called, for a limited period, to pre-
side over the destinics of the Republic,
fill me with a profound sense of respon-
sibility, but with nothing like shrinking
apprehension. l repair to the post as
signed me. not as to one sought, but in
obedience to the unsolicited expression
of your will, answerable only for a fear
less, faithful and diligent exercise of my
best powers. l 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 have sum
moned me in my weakness; you must
sustain me by your strength. When
looking for the ful6lment Of reasonable
requirements, you will not be unmindful
of the great changes which have occur
rcd, even within the last quarter of a
century, and the consequent augmenta.
ton and completely of duties imposed,
in the administration both Of your home
aud foreign affairs.
Whether the elements of inherent
force in the Republic have kept pace
with its unparalleled progression in ter
ritory, population, and wealth, has been
the subject of earnest thought and dis
c%ussion. ON both sides of the ocean. Less
than sixty-thrce years ago, the Father Of
his Country made "the" then 'rccent ac-
%ccssion of the important State of North
Carolina to the Constitution of the Uni
ted States,n one of the subjects of his
special congratulation. At that moment,
however, when the agitation consequent
upon the revolutionary struggle had
hardly subsidized, when we we're just e.
merging from the weakness and embar.
easements of the Confederation, there
was all evident consciousness of vigor,
equal to the great mission so wisely
and bravely fulfilled by our fathers. 1t
was not a presumptuous assurance, but
a calm faith, springing from a clear view
of the sources of power, in a government
constituted like ours. 1t is no paradox
to say that, although comparatively weak
the new born nation was intrinsically
strong. lnconsiderablc in population
and apparent resources, il was upheld by
a broad and intelligent comprehension
of rights, and an all pervading purpose
to maintain them, stronger than arma.
ments. 1t came from the furnace of the
revolution, tempered to the necessities OF
the times. The thoughts Of the men Of
that day were as practical as their sen
timents were patriotic. They wasted
no portion of their energies upon idle and
delusive spcculations, but with a firm
and fearless step advanced beyond the
governmental landmarks, which had hith
erto circumscribed the limits of human
freedom. aud planted their standard
where it has stood, against dangers
which have threatened from abroad, and
internal agitation, which has at time,
fearfully menaced at home. They ap
proved themselves equal to the solution
of the great problem, to understand
which their minds had been Illuminated
by the dawning lights of the revolution
The object sought wasnot a thing dream
ed Oft was a thing realized. They
had exhibited not only the power to a
chieve, but what all history afirms to b.
so much more unusual, the capacity tc
maintain. The oppressed throughout
tie world, from hat day to the present
have turned their eyes bitherward, no
to find these lights extinguished, or t.
fear lest they should wane, but to b,
constantly cheered by their steady ant
increasing radiance.
In this, our country has in my judg
mcnt thus far fulfilled its highest duty
to suffering humanity. 1t has spoken
and will continue to speak, not only b.
its words but by its acts, the language o
sympathy, encouragement and hope, t,
those, who earnestly listen to tones
which pronounce for the largest %rationa
liberty. But, after all the most ANNA
ting encouragement and potent appea
for freedom will be it's own history, it
trials and its triumphs. Pre-eminently
the power CT Dur advocacy reposes il
our example; but no example, be it re
membercd, can be powerful for l%astin,
good, whatever apparent advantage
may be gained, which is not based upoi
eternal principles of right and justice
Our fathers decided for themselves bot
upon the hour to declare and the hour t
strike. They were their own judges @
the circumstances, under which it becam
them to pledge to each other "their live:
their fortunes, and their sacred honor,
for the acquisition of the priceless in
heritance Transmitted to us. The enel
gy, with which that great conflict wa
opened, and. under the guidance of
manifest and benefccut Providence, tn
accomplishing endurance, with which
was prosecuted to it's consummation ,wer
only surpassed By the wisdom and patr
otto spirit of concession, which ehara,
terised all the ~counsels Of the early fl
theirs.
One Of the most impressive evidence
of that wisdom is to be found in the ia,
that the actual working of our systel
: has dispelled a degree of solicitud
which, at the outset, disturbed Dol
hearts and far-rcaching intellects. tt
: apprehension of dangers from extende
/. territory, multiplied States, accumulate
wealth, and augmented population, HI
i. proved to be unfounded. The stars u
I on your banner have become nearly tire
fold their original number, your dense
|. populated possessions skirt the shores
4 the two great oceans, and yet this va
9 increase of people and territory has m
. nnlu shown itself cnmnatihla with Al