The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-03-05
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
MARCH 4, 1888.

row. over which have been borne 10 position. SO
suitable Tor Others rather than desirable Tor myself.
The circumstances, under which nave oeeh oal'1u'
for limited period preside the destnes o. the
republic fill me with profound sense OF
but with nothing like shrinking apprehension. ! iepai'
10 the post assigned not 10 one SOUGHT OUT ~ Que
dence TO the unsolicited expression oil your Will an
swerable only fora fearless, faithful and dgen' exeI
else OF my best powers ousnl 70 pe' anu an' uug
dence but this so far from tightening my obligations.
only adds TO their weight You have summoned me IN
nv weakness you must sustain me by your strength,
When looking for the uhllment OF reasonable require
ments you will not be unmndtul OF the great changes
which have occurred. even within the last quarter OF
century and the consequent augmentation and complex
y of duties imposed IN the administration both OF your
home and foreign affairs.
Whether the elements OF inherent force in the repub
lie have kept pace with its unparalleled progression in
territory, population and wealth, has been the subject
of earnest thought and discussion both sides of the
ocean. Less than sxiy-iour years ago. the Father OF
his Country made "ihes then recent accession of the
important State OF North Carolina to the constitution of
the United States, OF the subjects OF his special
graduation. AT that moment, however, when the aga-
non consequent upon the revolutionary struggle had
hardly subsidized when were just emerging from the
weakness and endorsements OF the confederation, there
evident consciousness OF vgor equal TO the great
mission wisely and bravey fulfilled by our fathers
Ii was not presumptuois assurance, but calm faith,
sprngng from clear view of the OF power in
government constituted like 1t is paradox to
say that, although comparatively weak, the new born
nation intrnscally strong. uncomfortable in pop
ulaon and apparent resources il was upheld by broad
and intelligent comprehension OF rights, and all per
vading purpose to maintain them, stronger than arma-
ments Ii from the furnace Of the revolution, tenn
peed TO the necessities OF the times The thoughts OF
the OF that day were as practical as their senti-
menls were patriotic ihey wasted no portion OF ihelr
firm and fearless step advanced beyond the governmental
landmarks which had hitherto ciIcumscbed the limits
of human freedom and planted their standard where
has stood against dangers, which have threatened from
abroad, and internal agitation, which has at times fear
fully menaced at home They approved themselves equal
their minds had been illuminated by the dawning lights
Of the revolution. The object sought was not thing
dreamed of; was thing realized They had exhibited
not only the power TO achieve but what all history al
firms to be much unusual, the capacity TO main
tain. The oppressed throughout the wori from that day
TO the present. have turned their eyes hherward not 10
find those lights exngushed to fear lest they should
wane but to be constantly cheeed by their steady and n-
creasing radiance.
In this, country has my judgment thus far full
filled lis highest duty 10 suffering humanity has spo-
ken, and will continue 10 speak, not only by its words
but by lis acts, the language OF sympathy encourage
men and hope, to those who earnestly listen 10 tones,
after all. the most anmang encouragement and potent
appeal for freedom will be its history, its trials and
its trumphs. Pre-em neny, the power of advocacy
reposes in our example; but no example, be it remem-
bered be powerful Tor lasting good, whatever appa
rent advantages may be gained which is not based upon
eternal principles OF right and Justice Our fathers deci-
ded for themselves both upon the hour to declare and the
hour TO strike. They were their own judges OF the cir
cumstances, under which it became them TO pledge 10
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 mani
fest and bene6cent Providence, the accomplishing
duance with which II was prosecuted 10 ITS consumma
ton, only 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 actual working of
our system has dspelled degree of soliciude which,
at the outset, disturbed bold hearts and far-reaching
inteecis The apprehension OF dangers from extended
territory multiplied States, accumulated wealth, and
augmented population, has proved TO be unfounded
stars upon your banner have become nearly breeod
their original number your densey populated possessions
skirt the shores Of The Two great and yet this
increase OF people and territory has not only shown
itself compatible with the harmonious action OF the
States and Federal government in their respective
stuonal spheres, but has afforded additional guaran
tee OF the strength and integrity Of both
With an experience thus suggestive and cheering the
policy OF my administration will not be controlled by any
umld forebodings of evil from expansion Indeed, II is
not to be disguised that attitude nation and
position on the globe render the acquisition of certain
possessions, not within our Jurisdiction, emnenty I'M
portant Tor protection If not in the future, essential
for the preservation OF the rights OF commerce and the
peace OF the world Should they be obtained, 1t will be
through no gasplng spirit, but with view TO obvious
national interest and security, and in entirely
consistent with the sctest observance OF national faith
We have nothing in our history or position 10 invite ag
gresson, we have every thing TO beckon us 10 the cult
Walton OF relations OF peace and amty with all nations
Purposes therefore, at once just and pacific will be sgnif
caDtly marked IN The conduct oil our foreign affairs IN
tend that my administration shall leave bot,upon
lar record and trust may safely give the assurance that
no act within the legitimate scope OF my constitutional
troll will be tolerated, the part OF any portion of our
citizens, which cannot challenge Already justification be-
fore the tribunal OF the civilized world An adminstra
ton would be unworthy OF confidence at home, or re-
speci abroad should cease 10 be Influenced by The
vcton that apparent advantage be purchased at
price SO dear as that oil national wrong dshonor 1t
rs not your privilege, as nation, 10 speak OF distant
past The striking incidents OF your history Teplete
with instruction. and furnishing abundant grounds for
hopeful confidence, are comprised in period compare
lively brief But il your past is limited, your future is
boundess Its obligations III rong the unexplored path
way OF advancement and will be mitless duration
Hence sound and comprehensive policy should embrace
| not less the distant future than the urgeHt present
The great objects OF pursuit, people, are best
to be attained by peace and are entirely with
The tranquility and interests OF the rest OF mankind
WIN The neehborlng nations upon continent we
should cultivate kindly and fraterDa relations We can
desire nothing in regard TO them much them
consolidate their strength and pursue the paths OF pros
periiy and happiness IT, IN the OF their grow H.
we should open channels of trade, and add
tona facilities for friendly intercourse, the benefits re-
allied will be equal and mutual. OF the complicated
European systems OF national pohty have heretofore
been independent From their wars, their tumults and
anxetes we have been, happily, almost entirely exempt
whist these are confined TO the nations which gave hem
EXISTENCE and within their legitimate jurisdiction they
cannot Affect U.S. except they appeal TO sympathes
IN the cause OF human freedom and universal advance
menI but Tue vast interests OF commerce common
10 an mankind and the advantages OF trade and inter-
nauonal intercourse must always present noble field for
the moral influence OF great people
WIN these views hrmy and honestly carried out we
nave rght TO expect and shall under all
require, Pomp. reciprocity The rights which belong
us as nation are not alone TO be regarded but those
which pertain to every citizen in his individual canac
n.y. al nome and abroad. must be sacredly maintained