The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-03-09
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
PRESIDENT FRANKLIN PIERCE

FELLOW SlIlZENo-
The circumstances under which | have
been called, for limited period, to pre-.
side over the destines Of this Republic. fill
me with profound sense Of responsible.
ty, but with nothing like shrinking appre-
hension. | repaired to the post assigned
me not as to one sought, but in obedience
10 the unsolicited expression of your will.
answerable only for fearless, faithful and
diligent exercise of my best powers. |
ought 10 be and am truly grateful for the
rare manifestation of the nations conf.
dence; but this so far from ightening my
obligations only adds to their weight. You
have summoned me in my weakness. You
must sustain me by your strength. When
looking for the fulfllment OF reasonable
requirements, you will not be unmindiul of
the great changes which have occurred
even within the last quarter Of century,
and the consequent augmentation and
perplexity of duties imposed in the admin
istraton both Of your home and foreign
affairs.
Whether the elements of inherent force
in the Republic have kept pace with its
unparalleled progression in territory. pop
! ulation, and wealth, has been the subject
of earnest thought and discussion on both
sides of the ocean. Less than 63 years
ago the father Of his country made the
then recent accession of the important
State of North Carolina to the Constitu-
ton of the United States, oAe Of the sub
iects of his congratulation. At that mo-
ment, however, when the agitation conse.
quent upon the revolutionary struggle had
partly subsidized, when we were just emerg.
ing from the weakness and embarrass-
ments OF the confederation, there was an
! evident consciousness of vigor equal to
the great mission so wisely and bravely
fulfilled by our fathers.
1t was not presumptuoas assurance
but calm faith, springing from "a clear
view Of the sourceSof power in govern
ment constituted like ours: it is no para
! dox to say that although comparatively
weak. the new born nation was intrinsi-
cally strong. Inconsiderable in popula-
ton and apparent resources. it was upheld
by broad and intelligent comprehension
of rights, and an all.pervading purpose to
maintain them stronger than armaments;
it came from the furnance OF the revolu-
ton, tempered TO the necessities Of the
times.
The thoughts of the men of that day
were as practical, as their sentiments were
patriotic; they wasted no portion of their
energy upon idle and delusive specula.
tons; but with firm and fearless step
advanced the governmental landmarks
which had hitherto clrcumscrbed the linn.
its of human freedom, and planted their
standard where it has stood against dan.
gers Which have threatened from abroad,
and internal agitation which has. at times,
fearully menaced at home. They have
proved themselves equal to the solution of
the great problem, to understand which
their minds had been illuminated by the
dazzling lights Of the revolution.
The object sought was not thing dream
ed oft was thing realized. They had
exhibited not only the power TO achieve,
but what all history affirms TO be so much
more unusual-the capacity TO maintain.
The oppressed throughout the world, from
that day to the present. have turned their
eyes hitherward, not TO find those il ghis
extinguished, or to lear lest they should
wane, bu, to be constantly cheered by
their steady and increasing radiance. In
this, our country has, in my judgment
thus far, fulfilled its highest duty 10 suffer.
ing humanity. Il has spoken and will
continue to speak, not only by it, words,