Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1853-03-10
INAUGIT RAJ ADDRESS
OF
PRES EMF PIE RICE.
Washington March 18th, 1853.
Ny CnrNTRHN.EN =

1t Is relief TO fees that no heart Dut my
own can know the personal regret and bitter
sorrow over which / have been borne to a
position so suitable for others rather than de-
sirabIe for self. The circumstances under
which have been called, for limited period,
to preside over the dastinies of this Republic,
fill me with profound sense Of responsIblll-
~, but with nothing ike shrinking apPrehen-
sion. l repair TO the post assigned me, not
as to one sought, bus IN obedience TO the unso-
licited expression Of your will, answerable on
~ for fearless, faithful and diligent exer-
else of my best powers.
| ought to feel truly grateful for the rare
manifestation of the nations confidence, but
this, SO far froIn tightening my obligations,
only adds to their weight. You have sum
moned me in my weakness; you must sus-
tain me with your strength. When looking
for the fulfllment of reasonable requirements,
you will not be unmi ndful of the great chan
yes which have occurred within the last quar-
ter of a century, and the consequent augmen-
tation and completely of our mutual duties i'm
posed on the Administration both of your
home and foreign affairs.
Whether the elements of inherent force in
the Republic have kept pace with its unpar-
alleied progression, in territory, population
and wealth, has been the subject of earnest
thought and discussion on both sides of the
ocean. Less than sixty-three years ago
the Father Of his country made the recent ac-
cession Of the important state of n. c., TO the
confederation &C the e. s., one of the subjects
of his special congzatulation. At that mo-
ment, however, the agitation consequent upon
the Revolutionary struggle had hardly subsid-
ed, and when we were emerging from the
weakness and endorsements of the Con-
federation, there was no evidence of vigor
equal TO the great mission so truly fulfilled by
our Fathers. 1t was not presumptuous as
su ance, but a calm faith sprlnging from a
clear view Of the sources of power In Gov
eminent constituted like ours. 1t is no para
dox 10 say that although comparatively weak,
the new born nation was intrinsically strong.
lnconslderab'e IN population, and apparent
resources, It was upheld by broad and intel
/ ligent comprehension of rights, and all
peFvading purpose tc maintain them, stronger
than arinaments. 1t came from the furnace of
the Revolution, tempered to the necessity 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 deIusige speculations, but with
a firm and fearless step advanced beyond the
Governmental landmarks which had hither-
TO clrcumscrlbad the limits of human freedom,
and planted their standard where it has stood
against dangers which have threatened from
abroad, and internal agitation which has at
times fearfuily melaced US at home. They
have proved themselves equal to the solution
of the great problem, TO understand which their
minds had been Illuminated by the dawning
/ light of the Revolution. The obiecI sought
+ was not d thing dreamed of; il was a thing
realized. They had not only the power to
achieve. but what ali history affirmed to be so
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 ind those lights extn-
guished, OF 10 fear that they would wane, but
TO be continually cheered by their steady and
increasing radiance. Our country, has, in
my Judgment thus far fulfilled its highest du-
ty 10 suffering humanity.
Ii has spoken and viii continue to speak,
not only By its words but by its acts, the Ian
guage OF sympathy and encouragement to
those who earnestly listen to tones which
pronounce for the largest rational liberty but
after all the most encouraging and potent ap-
peal for freedom will be its own history, its
trials and its t1iumphs. But no example, be
II remembered, can be powerful for lasting
good, whatever apparent advantage may be
gained, which is not based on eternal pTinci-
pies of right and justice. Our fathers decid-
/ ed for themselves, both upon the hour to de-
E
their own Judges of the circumstances under
which 1t became them to pledge 10 each other
their lives their fortunes and their sacred
honor for The acquisition of the prncely inner
ltance transmitted TO US. The energy with
which that great cOafiict opened, under the
guidance Of benfcent Providence, and the
endurance with which il was prosecuted to its
consummation, were only surpassed by the
wisdom and patient spirit of concession which
. characterized the councils of the early fathers.
Impressive evidence of that wisdom is TO
be found Ia the fact shat the practical work
ing Of our system has dispeled the solicitude
which at the outset disturbed bold hearts and
far-reaching intellecls. The apprehension of
danger from extended territory, multiplied
States, accumulated wealth and augmented
population, has proved TO be unfounded. The
Stars upon yon banaer are now nearly three
fold their original number. Our 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
harmonious action OF the State and Federal
Governments. in their respective spheres, but
has afforded an additional guarantee of the
strength and integrity Of both. With an ex-
perience thus suggestive and cheering, the
policy of my Administration will not be con-
trolled BY any ill-tned foTebodings of evil
from expansion. Iadeed, it is not 10 be dis
guIsed thar oug attitude as a Nation and our
position the globe render the acquisition
Of Ger ain possessions, not within our iurisdic-
ton, emIneutly important for our protection,
If not IN the future essential to the preserva-
ton Of the rights Of Commerce and the peace
Of the world.
Should they be obtained. it will be thro'
no spirit Of conquest, but with a view to
our obvious national interest and securi-
ty. and in manner entirely consistent
with the strictest observance of National
faith
We have nothing in our history or DO
sition, to invite aggression; we have eve
rything 20 urge Us to the cultivation Of re
lations of peace aud amity with all nations
| intend that ms administration shall
leave no blot on oar fair record, and trust
[ NAV safely give the assurance that no
act Within the legitimate scope of my con
stitutioual control will be tolerated. on the
part of any portion of our citizens. which
cannot tlal leuue a ready Justification he