Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1853-03-05
EDWARD NJ. STANTON, Sol for c
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
[rELranArnED EXPRESSLY FOR TIE INTELLIGENCE

[rELEGRArHED EXPRESSLY FOR TIE INTELLIGENCER.l |
FELLOW CIrIzExs:-The circumstances nnde.
which have been called upon for limited peri
cd To preside over the deStiuieS Of the Republic,
fill me with pr'.iound Sense of responsibility, but
with nothing like Shrinking apprehension. | IT.
pair TO the post assigned me, not as 10 one sought
but III Obedience 10 the unsolicited expression of
your will, anSwerable only for the fearless faith
Iml AMI dlligent exercise of my best powers.
ought 10 be. amd am truly grateful for the rare
manifestation of the national confidence, but this
so far from tightening my obligations only adds 10
their weight.
You have summoned me in my weakness-you
mast sustain me by your strength. When looking
for ihe fu!ilnent of reasonab. requirements you
will net be unnlndful of the great changes winch
have occurred, even within the last quarter Of Il
century, and the consequent augmentation and
perpieNty of duties imposed in the administration
of your own and foreign affairs Whether the ell
enentS oil Inherent OTce III the Republic have .pt
pace with its unparalleled progression in territory,
population and wealth has been the subjec: of car
nest thought and discussion on both sides of the
Less than 63 years ago the Father of his Coun-
try, made the then recent accession of the impor-
tant State OF North Carolina to the constitution oil
the nited States, Of the subjects of his special
congratulations. AT that mument, however, when
the agitation consequent upon the revolutionary
struggle had pactly SubSided, when we were Just
emerging from the eakEeSs and embarraSs:neEls of
the confederation, there an evident conSci-
business oil Vlgor equal TO the great mission so wise
lY and bTavely fulfilled by our fathers. 1t was not
presumptious assurance, but calm faith SPRING
ing from clear view OF the sources of power in a
ernnlent constituted like ours j: is paiadox
II say, hat although comparatively weak, the new
born nation was intrlnSlcally strong. ImconSider-
ably in population and apparent resources II was
upheld by broad and intelligent comprehension of
rights aiDl All al! prevailing purpose to maintain
them stronger than ornaments, it came from the
furnace OF the Revolution, tempered to the necessi
ties OF the times
The thoughts of the men of that day were as
practical rs their sentiments were patriotic; they
wasted no portion of their energies upon idle and
deluSlvc SpeculalonS, but with firm and fearless
step advanced the governmental landmark which
had hitherto cIrcumSCribed the limits of human
r!eedOm, and planted their standard where il has
stond against dangers which have threatened from
abroad AMI internal agitation which has at times
fearfuly mcnacedi ut home ;they have proven them.
selves equal to the solution OF the great problem
10 understand which their minds had been illumi
mated by the dawning lights of the revolution.
The object sought was not thing dreamed Of
it was a thing realized. They had exhibited not
only the power to achieve, but what all history af
firms, to be so much more unusual, n capacity to
maintain. The oppressed throughout the world,
from that day to tn. present. have turned their eyes
hilherwIrl not 10 find all those lights eXtin-
guiShed 10 fear lest they should waHe, but to be
constantly cheered by their steady and increasing
radiance. In this our country has, i'll my Judge
men, thus far fulfilled its highest duty to suffering
hunanity-it has spoken, ard will continue 10
speak, not only by its words, but by its acts, The
language of sympathy, encouragement, and hope
tn hose who earnestly listen TO tones which pro-
nouuce for the largest rational liberty. But after
all, the most anlmating encouragement ana potent
appeals for freedom will be its own history, Its
tua> and its triunpLS.
Pre- eminentIy the powerof ourin fluence repo-
in example, aud nothing can be pow
etful for lasting good whatever apparent advanta
ges may be gained which is not based upon eternal
principles Of right and Justice Our fathers deci-
ded for themselves both upon the hour to declare
and the hour to strike. They their own Judges
of the circumstances under which it became them
to pledge to each other their lives, their fortunes
and their Saeted honor. For the acquisition OF the
priceless inheritance transmitted TO u.s. the energy
with whclI that great conflict was opened, and un.
der the guidance OF manifest and benlicent prov
ldence, the accomplishing endurance with which
1t was prosecuted 10 its cOnSunlation, were only
surpassed by the wisdom and patriotic spirit of con-
cession which characterized all the councils of the
early fathers.
One of the most impressive evidences of that
wisdom, is 10 be found in the fact that the actual
working of our system has dispelled a degree of
solicItude which al the ouset disturbed bold hearts
and far reaching intellec:S. The apprehension of
dangers from extended territory multiplied States,
accn!nulatedweallan and augmented population has
proyedto be unfounded. The stars upon your ban