Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1853-03-12
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF tho President cf the United States.

Mr CouSrRYMEN---It 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 80 suitable for others,
rather than desirable for myself The cir
cumstances under which have been called,
sor limited period, to preside over the Gesti-
Mss Of the Republic fill me with profound
sense ofresponsibty. of But with nothing like
shrinking apprehension. repair to the post
assigned as to one sought, but IN obe-
.dience to the unsolicited expression Of your
will, --sensible only ofa fearless, faithful and
diligent exercise Of my powers. ought to
be and am truly grateful for the rare mani
fssiaiion Of the Nations confidence; but this,
40 far from tightening my obligations. only
adds to their weight
f You have summoned me in my welkness,
--you mus: sustain me with your strength,
when looking for the fulGllment Of reasonable
requirements. You will not be unmiudful Of
She great changes which have occurred even
within the last quarter Of a century, and the
consequent augmentation and complexity of
duties imposed in the Administration, both of
your home and foreign affairs. Whether the
elements OF inherent force in the Republic
have kept pace with its unparalleled progress
sion in territorial population and wealth, has
been the subject OF earnest thought and dis
eussiou Gu both sides OF the ocean. Less than
sixtyrthree years ago the Father of bis coun-
try made the recent accession of the in port
ant State of North Carolina to the Confeder-
ation of the United States one OF the subjects
Of his special congratulation. AT that mo-
ment however, when the agitation consequent
upon the Revolutionary struggle had hardly
subsided. when we were Just emerging from
the weakness and embarrassments OF the con
federation. there was an evident concousness
Of vigor equal to the great mission SO wisely
and blayely fulfilled by our fathers. 1t was
not presumptious assurance, but calm
faith springng from clear view Of the sourc-
os of power In government constituted like
ours 1t is no paradox to say that although
comparatively weak. the new born nation was
intrinsically strong. Inconsiderable in pop,l-
laton aud apparent resources, it was upheld
by broad and intelligent comprehension Of
rights and an all-pervading purpose TO main
tain them.
Stronger than armaments, it came from the
furnace Of the Revolution tempered to the ne
csssities Of the times The thoughts os :!!.c
usn OF that day were as practical as their sen
tiaients were patriotic. They wasted no por-
ton OF their energies upon idle and delusivt
speculalions; but with firm and fearless steE
advanced beyond the government land marks
which had hitherto circumscrbed the limits q
human freedom, and planted their standard
where il has stood against dangers which hav,
threatened from abroad, anil international az
itation Which, has at times feanully menacec
st home. They have proved themselves equa
70 the solution Of the great problem, to under
stand which their minds Ind been illuminated
by the dauning ightof the Revolution. Th'
objeci sought was not thing dreamed OH
II was thing realised. They had exhibited
not only the power to achieve. but what his
tory afirns to be so much more unusual, tb'
capacity TO maintain. The oppressed through
out the world. from that day to the present
have turned their faces hi,herward. Not t
6nd those lights extingEished, or to fear les
they should wane, but to be constantly cheer
cd BY their steady and eieasipg radiance
In this. our country has, in my judgment, thu
far fnl6lled its highest duty 10 suffering hu
manly. II has spoken and wlll continue 4
speak, no. only by its words. but by its acts
the language Of sympathy and encouragement
10 those who earnestly listen 70 tones ghicl
pronounce for the largest rational liberty. Blu
aftsr all. the most animating encouragement
and potent appeal for freedom will be its owl
history--its trial and its triumph. Pre-emi
nenty, the power Of our advocacy reposes il
onr example. But no example. be it remem
bered, can be powerful for lasting good. what
ever apparen, advantage may be gained
which il, not based on the, eternal principle
Ufnght epd justice.
Our fathers decided for themselves, bot
upon The hppr 10 declare and the power I
strike. They were their own judges Of th
elrsams.ances under which it became them
pledge to each other 'their lives. their fortune
nad Their. sacred honor" for the acquisition {
ths priceless inheritance transmitted 70 us.-
The energy with which that great conai'
opened, and under The guidaneeof . naenifei
and bsosGciaI Providence; the upeomprpmi
ina ,snllusapcp wisb whish i Nss pnossepie