The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1853-03-05
INAUGURAL ADDRESS

~-~~--s'St&s
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
MARCH 4, 1853.
My CoUNTRyMEN:--It is a relief to feel that
no heart but my own can know the personal
regret and bitter sorrow, over which | have
been borne to position, so suitable for others,
rather than desirable for myself.
The circumstances under which have bee
called, for limited period, to preside over the
destines of the Republic, fill me with pro.
found sense of responsibility, but with nothing
like shrinking apprehension. | repair to the
post assigned me, not as to one sought, but in
obedience TO the unsolicited expression of
your will, answerable only for fearless,
faithful and diligent exercise of my best DOW
ers. ought TO be, and am, truly grateful for
the rare manifestation of nations confidence;
but this, so far from Tightening my obligations
only adds to their weight. You have sum-
moned me in my weakness: you must sustain
me by your strength. When looking for the
fulflment of reasonable requirements, you will
not be unmndful OF the great changes which
have occurred, even within the last quarter of
a century, and the consequent augmentation
and compleAity of duties imposed, in the ad-
ministration of both your home ard foreign at.
fairs.
Whether the elements of inherent force in
the Republic have kept pace with its unparal-
leled progression in territory, population, and
wealth, has been the subject of earnest thought
and discussion, On both sides of the ocean,
Less than sixty-three years ago, the Father of
his Country made the" then "recent acces.
sion of the important State of North Carolina
to the Constitution, of the United States"
one of the subjects of his special congra-
tulation. At that moment, however when
the agitation consequent upon the revolu
tonary struggle had hardly subsiGed, when
we were just emerging from the weakness
and embarrassment of the Confederation,
there was an evident consciousness of vi
gor, equal to the great mission so wisely and
bravely fulfilled by our fathers. 1t was not
a presumptuous assurance, but calm faith,
spTinging from a clear view Of the ources of
power, in government constituted like ours.
tits no paradox 10 say that, although compa-
ratively weak, the new born nation was in
trinsically strong. Inconsiderable in popula-
ton and apparent resources, it was upheld by
a broad and intelligent comprehension of
rights, and an all.pervading purpose TO main
tain 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 day were as practical as
their sentiments were patriotic. They wasted
no portion OF their energies upon idle and de-.
lusiye speculations, but with firm and fear
less 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 inter
nal agitation, which has at times fearfulIy me-
naced at home. They approved themselves
equal to the solution of tie great problem to
nd fhair nd bod boa
mated by the dawning lights of the revolution.
The object sought was not a thing dreamed
of: itrswas thing realized. They had exhi-
bited not only the power 10 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 lights extinguished, or to fear
lest they should wane, but TO be constantly
cheefed by their steady and increasing radi-
ance.
In this our country has, in my judgment, thus
far fulfilled its highest duty TO suffering huma-
nifty. 1t has spoken, and will continue to
speak, not only by its words, but by its acts,
the language of sympathy, encourag mt
and hope TO those who earnestly listen to tones
which pronounce for the largest rational liber-
ty. But, after all, the most animating encourage
ment and potent appeal for freedom will be its
own history, its trials and triumphs. Pre-
eminently, the power of our advocacy reposes
in our example; but no example, be it remem.
bered, can be powerful for lasting good, W hat
ever apparent advantages may be gained, 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 circumstances under which it became
them TO pledge to each other I" their lives, their
fortunes and their sacred honor" for the &C.
QUESTION of the priceless inheritance transmit.
ted 10 us. The energy, with which that great
conflict was opened, and, under the guidance
of manifest and benefcent; Providence,
the accomplishing endurance, with which it
was prosecuted TO its contamination, were on.
ly surpassed by the wisdom and patriotic spirit
OF concession, which characterized all the
counsels of the early fathers.
One of the most impressive evidences of that
wisdom is TO be found in the fact, that the &C.
tual working OF our system has dispelled q
degree of solicitude, which at the outset, dis
turbed bold hearts and far-reaching intellects.
The apprehension of dangers from extend
ed territory. multiplied States, accumulated
wealth, and augmented population, has proved
to be unfoun1ed. The stars upon your ban.
ner have become nearly three fold their origi-
nal number, your densely populated posses
stems skirt the shores OF the two great oceans,
and yet this vast increase of people and terri
tory has not only shown itself compatible with
the harmonious action OF the States and the
Federal government in their respective consti.
tutional spheres, but has afforded an addition
al guarantee of the strength and integrity of
both.
With an experience thus suggestive and
cheering, the policy ofmy administration will
not be controlled by any timid forebodngs of
evil from expansion. Indeed, it is not to be dis
guised that our attitude as nation, and our
position on the globe, render the acquisition
OF certain possessions, not within our jurisdic-
ton, eminently important for our protection,
if not in the future, essential for the preserya-
ton of the rights OF commerce and the peace
of the world. Should they be obtained, it will
be through no grasping spirit, bu, with view
to obvious national interest and security, and
in manner entirely consistent with The strict.
est observance of national faith. We have
nothing in our history opposition to invite ag.
gression, we have every thing to beckon us
10 the cultivation of relations ofpeace and ami
~ W ilh all nations. Purposes. therefore, Just
and pacific, will be significantly marked in
the conduct of our foreign affairs. 1 intend
that my administration shall leave no bio,
upon our fair redord, and trust That NAV
safely give the assurance that no act within is.
climate scope ofmy constitutional contro! will
be tolerated, on the part of ady portion of oar