Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1853-03-09


ern portico OF the Capitol, where the oath 0
Office was admi6iste ed to President Pierc,
by Chief Justice fancy severalothers mem
bcrs Of the Supreme Court being present =
The new Chief Magistrate then proceeded to
deliver bis inaugural Address.
PRESIDENT PIERCE'S
INAUGURAL ADDaEss, oF MARCH 4, 1858.
My CouNTRYMES II is a relief to feel that
no beart but my own eau know the personal
regret and bitter sorrow over which have
been borne to osition 50 suitable Tor others
rather than desirable for myself.
The circumstances under which have been
called, for limited period, to preside over
the dcstinies of the Republic, ill me with a
profound sense OF responsibility, but With no.
thing like shrinking apprehension. re
pair to the post assigned me, not as to one
sought, but in obedience to the unsolicited
expression of your will, answerable only for u
fearless, faithful, aud diligeut exercise of my
best powers. | ought to be. and am, truly
grateful for the rare manifestation OF the na-
tons confidence; but this, SO far from light
enirg my obligations, only adds to their
weight. You have summoned me in my weak
ness: you must sustain me by your strength.
When looking for the fuli.ment 81. reasonable
requirements, you will not be unmindful Of
the great changes which have occurred, even
within the last quarter Of century, aud the
consequent augmentation and complexity Of
duties imposed in tie administration both Of
your home and foreign affairs.
Whether the elements OF inherent force 10
the Republic have kept pace with its uopar-
slleled progression in territory, population,
and wealth, has been the subject Of earnest
thought ana discussion, on b)th sides of the
ocean. Less than sixty four years ago the
Father Of hs country made the then recent
accession OF the important state OF North
Carolina to the Constitution Of tue United
States" one of the subjects OF his special con
graduation. At that moment, however, when
the agitation consequent upon the revolution
AIRY struggle had hardly subsidized, when We
were just emerging from the weakness aud
embarrassments OF the Con!sdel alton, there
was an evident consciousness oil vigor, equal
TO the great mission 50 wisely and bravely
fulfilled by our fathers. 1t was not pre-
sumptuous assurance, but a calm faith sprln-
ging from clear view of the sources OF pow
er in Government constituted like ours
1t is no paradox to say that, although com.
paratively weak, the new born nation was in
tripsically strong. lneonsiderabe in popu-
lation and apparent resources, it was upheld
by broad and intelligent comprehension OF
rights, and an all pervading purpose to main
tain them stronger than arnldments, 1t came
from the furnace Of the revolution, tempered
TO the necessities OF the times. The thoughts
OF the meu of that day were as practical as
their sentiments were patriotic. They was
ted no portion of their energies upon idle and
delusive speculations, but with frm and
fearless step advanced beyond the govern
mental landmarks which had hitherto clrcum-
scribed the limits OF human freedom, aud
planted their standard where it has stood
against dangers which have threateued'from
abroad, aud internal agitation which has at
times feartully menaeed at home. They ap
proved themselves equal to the solution Of
the great problem, to understand which theii
minds had been Illuminated by the dawning
lights Of the revolution. The Object sought
was not thing dreamed o.: it was thing
realized. They bad exhibited not only thu
power to achieve, but what all history affirm
TO be SO much more unusual, tue capacity t,
maintain. The oppressed throughout tn
world, from that day TO the present, hav
turned their eyes hitherward, not to fnd tbos
lights extinguished, or to fear lest they shoulc
wane, but to be constantly cheered by thei
steady aud increasing radiance.
In t,ia hos md M n n
thus far fulfilled its highest duty TO suffering
humanity 1t has spoken, and will contuu
30 speak, not only by its words but by it
acts, the language Of sympathy encourage
ment, and hope to those who earnestly liste
to tones which pronounce for the largest ra
tional liberty. But, after all, the most AMI
mating encouragement and potent appeal 70
freedom will BIO its own history, it trials an
its triumphs. Pre- eminentlS the power c
our advocacy reposes in our example; but u
EXAMPLE be it remembered can be powerfu
for lasting good, whatever apparent advau
tages may be gained, which is not based up
on eternal prineiles of right and justice =
Our fathers decided for themselves both up
on the hour TO declare and the hour to strike
They were their own judges of the circum
stances under which it became them to pledg
to each o.her "their lives, their fortunes an
their sacred honor" for the acquisition of tn
priceless inheritance transmitted to us. TIL
energy with which that great conflict wa
opened, and, under the guidance OF mani
fest and benefcent Providence. the uncou
planning endurance with which it was prose
cuted to its consumation, were only surpass
ed by the wisdom aud patriotic spirit of con
cession which characterized all the counsel
of the early fathers.
One of the most impressive evidences {
that wiS1op, iS In ha fnunJ in tho fact ths