The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-03-05
Inaugural Address of President Pierce.

Inaugural Address Of President Pierce,
MARCH 4, 1853.
MY CouNTRYMEN: 1t is 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 desi
rable for myself.
The circumstances under which have been
called, for a limited period, to preside over the
destinies of the Republic, fill me with a profound
sense of responsibility, but with nothing like
shrinking apprehension. | repair to the post as
signed me- not to one sought but in obedience to
the unsolicited expression of your will answerable
only for fearless, faithful, and digent exercise
of my best powers. fought to be, and am, truly
grateful for the manifestation of the nations
confidence; but this, SO far from tightening my OBJ
legations, only adds to their weight. You have
summoned me in my weakness; you must sustain
me by your strength. When looking for the full
hlment OF reasonable requirements, you will not
De unmindtui OF the great changes which have &C.
CURED, even within the last quarter OF century.
and the consequent augmentation and ccmplexity
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 it's unparalleled pro-
gression IN territory, population, and wealth, has
sion, on both sides of the ocean. Less than sixty
four years ago, the Father of his Country made
''the" then 'srecent accession of the important
State of North Carolina to the Constitution of the
United States,' one of the subjects of his special
congratulations. AT that moment, however. when
the agitation consequent upon the revolutionary
struggle had hardly subsidized, when we were lust
emerging from the weakness and endorsements
OF the Consideration, there was an evident con-
sciousness OF vigor equal to the great mission 80
wisely and bravely fulfilled by our fathers. II
was not a presumptuous assurance, but calm
faith, springing from clear view of the source.
of power, in government constituted like ours.
1t is no paradox to say that, although compare
lively weak, the new born nation was intrinsicallv
strong. uncomfortable in population and apna
rent resources, it wac upheld by broad and
intelligent comprehension of rights, and an all.
pervading purpose to maintain them, stronger
than ornaments. 1t came from the furnace of
the Revolution, tempered to the necessities of
the times. The thoughts of the men of that
oay were as practical as their sentiments
were patriotic. They wasted no portion of their
energies upon IDLE and delusive speculations,
but with firm and fearless 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
internal agitation, which has at times fearfu,Iv
menaced at home. They approved themselves
equal to the solution Of the great problem. to nm
derstand which their minds had been Illuminated
by the dawning lights of the Revolution. The oh.
ject sought was not thing dreamed of: it was a
thing realized. They bad exhibited not only thu
power to achieve, but what all history affirms to
be 90 much more unusual, the capacity to main
tain The oppressed throughout the world, from
that day to the present, have turned their ewes
hitherward, not to find those lights ex tinruished.
or to fear lest they should wane, but to be con
stantly cheered by their steady and increasing
radiance. sb
IN TINS our country has, in my judgment, thus
far fulfilled its highest duty to suffering humanity
II has spoken, and will continue to speak. not only
oy It's words but BY its acts the language of SYM
pathy, encouragement, and hope, to those who
earnestly listen to tones which pronounce for the
largest rational liberty. But, after all, the most
animatlng encouragement and potent appeal for
freedom will be its own hist DRY, its trials, and its
trlumphs. Pre-eminentl y, the power of our ad.
vocacy reposes in our ex ample; but example,
be It remembered, can be powerful tor lasting
good, whatever apparent advantages may be gain
ed, which is not based upon eternal principles Of
right and justice. Our fathers decided for them
Selves both upon the hour to declare and the hour
to strike. They were their own judges OF the cir
cumstances under which it became them topedgc
to each other ther lives, their fortunes, and their
sacred honor. for the acquisition of the priceless
inheritance transmitted to US. The energy with
which that great conflict was opened, and under
the guidance of manifest and benedcent Provi-
dences tho accomplishing endurance With which
1t vas prosecuted to its contamination. were only
surpassed BY the wisdom and patriotic spirit Of
concession which characterized all the counsels Of
the "a rly fathers.
One Of the most impressive. evidences Of that
wisdom i to be found in the fact that the actual
working Of our system has dispeled degree Of !