Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1853-03-09
INAUGURAL . ADDRESS.
MY coysTRYMns:

and bitter sorrow over which have been bornc to
position suitable for others, rather than desi-
rable for myself
The. circumstance that have been called for a
limited period to preside over the destnes of the
Republic, fills me with profound sense Of respon-
sibffitys but with nothing like shrinking apprehen-
sion 4 repair to- the post5assgned me, not as to
one sought, hut in obedience to the unsolicited
expression fyeur will, answerable only for fear
less, fathfal ddiligent exercise of my best pow
Fought to be, and am truly grateful, for the rare
manifestation, of the nations confidence, but this
so far from tightening my obligations only adds
to their weight. You have summoned me in my
weakness; you must sustain me by your strength.
When looking for thesfullflment of reasonable
REQUIREMENTS, you will not be unmiudful of the
graat changes that have occurred even within the
last qaarter of century, and the consequent aug
iaentation and corhplexity of the duties imposed,
in the administration both of your home and for
. eign affairs.
- Whether the elements of inherent force in the
Republic have kept pace with its unparalleled pro-
gression in territory, population and wealth has
been the subject of earnest thought and discussion,
on both sides OF the ocean. Less than sixty three
then recent accession Of the important State of
North Carolina to the Constitution of the United
Statesone Of the subjects of his especial cogratu-
lations, At that moment, however, when the ag-
tation consequent upon the revolutionary struggle
had partly subsidized, when we were just emerging
from the weakness and endorsements of the con-
federation, there was a consciousness of vigor
equal to the great mission SO wisely and bravely
fulfilled by our fathers.
Itwas not presumptuous assurance but a calm
faith, springing from a clear view of the sources
of power in government constituted like ours
II ii no paradox to say that although Comparative
" weak the newborn nation was intriusicaly
strong q
sss5 Inconsiderable in population and apparent re-
sources, it was upheld by a broad and Intelligent
comprehension of rights, and an all prevailing
purpose to maintain them, stronger than arma-
mants. It came from the furnace of the revolu-
zion, 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 energies upon
fearless step advanced beyond the governmental
landmarks, which had hitherto crcumscrbed the
limits of human freedom, and planted their stan
aard where it has stood against the dangers which
have threatened from abroad, and the internal
agitation which has at times, fearfuly menaced at
home.
They have proved themselves equal to the solu-
ton Of the great problem, to understand which
their minds had been Illuminated by the dawnng-
lights Of the Revolution. The object sought was
nota thing dreamed of; it was a thing realized.
They had exhibited not only the power to achieve
but what oil History afirms to be SO much more
urlnsual-the capacity to maintain. The oppress-
edthroughout the world from that day to the pres
eIt have turned their eyes hitherward not to find
their lights extinguished, or to fear least they
should Wane, but to be constantly cheered by their
steady and increasing radiance.
g In this, our couIitry has in my judgement, thus
farfulaled its highest duty to suffering humanity
Ihass spoken, and will continue to speak, not only
BY its words but by its acts the language of sym
patty. encouragement and hope to those who
earnestly listen to the tones which pronounce for
the largest rational liberty. But. after all the
most animating encouragement and potent appeal
forfreedom, will be its own history its trials and
itsatriumphs.
Preeminently the power of our advocacy reposes
incur example; but no example, be itremember-
ed, can be.powerfulf for lasting good,-whatever
apparent advantages may be gained-which is not I
based upon the eternal principles of right and JUS
tlce. sOur fathers decided for themselves, both
upon the hour to declare and the hour to STRIKE
They were their own Judges of their crcumstan-
ees, under which it became them to pledge to
each other, their 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 beneficent Provi- I
dence, the uncomplainng endurance, with which |
was prosecuted to its consummation, were only
surpassed by the wisdom and patriotic spirit of
concession, which characterized all the councils
of the early fathers. One of the most impressive
condolences of that wisdom is to be found in the
fact that the actual working Of our system has dis
pelleda degree of solicitude which, at the outset,
disturbed bold hearts and far reaching intellects
The apprehension of dangers from extended terri
tory, multiplied States accumulated wealth and
augmented population, has proved to be unfounded /
The stars upon yon banner have become nearly
threshold their original number. Your densely
populated possessions skirt the shores of two great
Oceans; ard yet this vast increase of people and
territory has not only shownitsel compatible with
the harmonious action of the State and Federal
Government in their respective constitutional
spheres, but has afforded an additional guaranty
of the strength and integrity OF both.