Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1853-03-16
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF FRANKLIN PIERCE.
My CoCNTRYMEN -

My CorNrRYMEN -
1t is a great relief to be aware that no
heart but my own can know the personal re-
gret and bitter sorrow over which have been
borne to position so suitable to others rather
than desirable to myself The circumstances
under which have been called, for limited
period to preside over TIE destinies of the re
public fill me with profound sense Of reSpon-
sibiiity. But without speaking of apprehen-
sion, repair to the post assigned me. not as to
one sought. but as one in obedience 3 dhe un-
solicited expression of your win. Cspsurable
only for a want of fearless, faithful nrSsdiligent
exercise Of my best powers, l ought.o be. and
am truly grateful for this rare manifestation o:
the national confidence. butt this, so far from
tightening my obligations, only adds to their
weight. You have summoned me in my weak.
ness, you must sustain me with your strength.
When looking for the fulfllment Of reasona.
BILE requirements, you will not be unmindful
of the great changes which have occurred even
within the last quarter of a century, and the
consequent complexity of duties in the admin.
nistration both Of your home and foreign affairs.
Fhether the elements of inherent force in the
Republic have kept pace with its unparalleled
Progression in territorial population and wealth
Ps been a subject of earnest thought and dis
psion on both sides of the oceas.
Less than sixty three years ago, the father
his country made the then recent accession
pf the important State of North Carolina to the
onfederacy of the United States, one of the
pb ects of his especial congratulaton; at that
!llhoment, however, when the agitation conse
| quent upon the revolutionary struggle had
hardly subsided when we were just emerging
| from the embarrass,nents of the confederation,
| there was evident consciousness OF vigor
equa. to the great mission so wisely and brave
| ly fulfilled by our fathers. II was not pre-.
sumptive assurance, but calm faith sprnging
from clear view of the sources of power il a
government constituted like ours 1t is no
paradox to say that, although comparatively
weak, the new born nation was inseDsibly
strong in condition, in population and apparent
resources. 1t was upheld by broad and in.
| telligent comprehension of rights, an all per
vadng purpose to maintain them, stronger
than ornaments. It came from the furnace
of the revolution, tempered to the necessity oi
the times. The thoughts of the men of that
day were as prophetic as their sentiments were
patriotic.
They wasted no portion of their energies mp.
on idle aud delusive speculations, but with a
| firm and fearless step, advanced beyond gov.
ernmental land marks, which had hitherto cir.
cumseribed the limits of human freedom, and
/ planted their standard where 1t has stood
against dangers which have threatened from
abroad, and internal agitation which has at
times fearfuiiy menaced at home: and they
/ have proved themselves equal to the solution
OF The great problen.'o 20 understand which fheiI
minds had been Illuminated by the dawning
! light OF the revolution. The object sought was
/ not thing dreamed of it was th ny realized
/ They hal not only the power /" achieve but AS
all history atfrlns to be much more unusual
the capacity to maintain.
The oppressed throughout the world, from
that day to the present, have turned their eye.