Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1853-03-10
PRESIDENT PIERCE'S
INAUG URAL AID d R ESS,
Delivered March 4, 1858.
FELLOW CrrIzENs:

The circumstances under which | have
been called, for limited period, to preside
over the destiny of the Republic, fill me
with profound sense of the responsibility
but with nothing like shrinking apprehen-
sions. repair 10 the post assigned, not as
to one sought for, but in obedience TO the UNI
solicited expression of your will, answered.
bic only for fearless, faithful and dilligent
execution of my just powers. ] ought to be
and am truly grateful for the rare manilcs-
tation Of the nations confidence; but this, so
far from lessening my obligations, only adds
to their weight. You must sustain me by
your strength. When looking for the full
filment of reasonable requirements, you will
not be unmindful of the great changes which
have occurred even within the last quarter
century, and the consequent augmentation
and conpleXity Of duties imposed on the adj
ministration, both Of your home and foreign
affairs. Whether the elements of inherent
force of the Republic have kept pace with
its unparalleled progression in territory, pop
ulation and wealth, has been the subject Of
earnest thought and discussan on both sides
of the ocean.
Less than sixty-three years ago, the Faith.
er of his Country made the then recent ac-
cesson of N. Carolina, one of the subjects
OF his special congratulation: at that moment,
however, when the agitation consequent up
on the revolutionary struggle had partially
subsidized, when we were just emerging from
the weakness and embarrassment oithe Con-
federation; there was all evident conscious
ness of vigor, equal TO the great mission
which was SO wisely and bravely fulfilled
by our fathers. 1t was not presumptuous
assurance, but a calm faith, springing from
clear view Of the sources Of power of a
government constituted like ours. 1t is no
paradox to say, that although weak, the new
born nation was intrinsicaly strong. Incon-
siderable in population and apparent re-
sources, it has upheld the broad and inteli-
gent comprehension made Of the right and
all pervading purpose to maintain the strong
er power. II came from the furnace OF the
revolution tempered 10 the necessity Of the
tiines-The thoughts of the men at that day
were patriotic--they wasted none of Their
energies upon idle tlelusve specuations
but with q firm and fearless step advanced
beyond the governmental landmarks which
which had hitherto circumscribed the limits
of human freedom, and planted their stan.
dard where it has stood against dangers from
abroad and the internal agitation which has
al times fearfully menaced them at home
They have proved themselves equal 10 the
solution Of the great problem, 10 understand
what their minds had been illuminated with
bv the dawning light Of the revolution
The object sought was not thing dreamed
of; it was a thing realized. They had ex
hibited, not only the power to achieve, bu
what all history afirms to be so much NOR
unusual, the capacity to maintain. The op
pressed throughout the world, from that da,
to the present, have turned their eyes hther
ward, not to find these lights extnguished
or to fear lest they should wane, but to b.
constantly chcered by their steady and in
b. crcasing radiance. In this our country has
n in my opinion; fulfilled its highest duties t
suffering humanity. 1t has spoken, and vii
continue TO speak, not only by its words
but by its acts-in language of sym
e pathy, encouragement and hope, 10 thos
\ who earnestly listen TO tones which pro
nounce for the largest rational liberty. But
. after all, the most animating encouragement
and patient appeal for freedom will be it
own history and lis triumphs, and promi
nently, the power of our example; but n
example, be it remembered, can be power
full for lasting good, whatever apparent ad
vantages may be gained, which is not base
. upon the eternal principles of right and jus
l. tice.
If Our fathers decided for themselves, bot
upon the hour to declare and the hour {
- strike-they were their own Judges of tn
. circumstances under which it became the,
y to pledge 10 each other, "their lives, the
e fortunes, and their sacred honor" for III
1t acquisition of the priceless inheritanc
II transmitted to us. The energy with whic
u, that great conflict was opened, and, undt
- the guidance of manifest and munifcen
IS Providence, the accomplishing enduranc
$, with which it was prosecuted to its conslln
e nation, were only surpassed by the wisdol
. and patriotic spirit and concessions whc
characterized all the counsels of the earl
J. fathers. One of the most impressive ev
/ dences Of that wisdom is to be found in II
fact, that the actual working of our systeI
5. has diSpelled degree Of solicitude, whc
at the outset disturbed bold hearts and ia,
! reaching intellects. The apprehension
q danger from extended carbohydrates a,
umuated-wealth, and augmented popul
e lion, has proved to be unfounded. tt
e stars upon your banner have become nea
- ly three-Io!d their original number; YOU
- densely populated possessions skirt Il
shores of two great oceans; and yet, III
vast increase OF territory and people hi
not only shown itself compatible with Il
/ harmonious action of the State and FEEDER
Governments in their respective constitution
:. al spheres, but has afforded an addition
d guarantee Of the strength and integrity
is both. With all experience thus suggest,
lie and cheering, the policy of my Administr
Of ton will not be controlled by any timid for
% holdings of evil from expansion. Indeed,
. is not to be disguised, that our attitude as
II nation, and our position on the globe, rend
i'll the acquisition of certain possessions, II
It. within our jurisdiction, evidently importa
ir for our protection, if not, in the future c