New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1853-03-05
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

tNst4C CucSIs anu proCceutu W ftso inc IoIONAlg
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
My CoUSrRYMES: II is a relief TO feel that
no heart but my own can know the per,onAl regret
and bitter sorrow, over which have besnborne TO
portion suitable for others rather than desirable for
myself
The circumstances under which have been called,
for limited period preside the destines Of the
Republic Gil me with profound sense OF responsible
ty, but with nothing like shrinking apprehension.
repair to the poet assigned me- not as TO one sought;
but in obedience to the unsolicited expression Of your
WILL answerable only for fearless faithful and dill
gent exercise of my best powers ought to be, and
am truly grateful for the manifestation Of the ma
tons confidence; but this, so far from tightening my
obligations only adds to their weight You have sum.
noned me in my weakness: you must sustain me by
your strength. When looking for the fulfllment Of
reasonable requirements you will not be unmindful Of
the great changes which have occurred, even within
the last quarter Of century and the consequent aug
mentation and complexity of duties imposed, in the
administration both of your home and foreign affairs.
Whetherth elements Of inherent force in the Re-
public have kept pace with its unparalleled progress
sion in territory population and wealth has been the
subject Of thought and discussion both sides
of the ocean. Less than sixty three years ago. the
Father Of bis Country made "the then recent scces.
sion of the important State Of North Carolina to the
Constitution of the United States Of the subjects of
his special congratulation AT that moment however
when the agitation consequent upon the revolutionary
struggle had hardly subsidized, when we were lust
emerging from the weakness and embarrassments OF
the Confederation there evident consciousness
OF vigor equal 10 the great mission wisely and
brayely fulfilled by our fathers II was not presump
tuous assurance but calm faith sprnging from clear
view Of the sources Of power in government constitu
ted like II is paradox say that although
parafively weak, thenew born nation ntrinsicay
streng Inconsderable in population and apparent
sources, it upheld by broad and intelligent
prehepson OF rights and allpervading purpose to
maintain them stronger than armaments. 1t came from
the furnace of the revolution tempered the
si,ies Of the times The thoughts of the Of that
day practical their sentiments patriotic
They wasted portion of their energies upon idle and
delufiye speculatons but with firm and fearless step
advanced beyond the governmental landmarks, which
had hitherto circumscribed the limits Of human free
dom and planted their STANDARD where il has stood
against dangers which have threatened from abroad.
and internal agitation which has at times ieariuly me-
nsced at home. They approved themselves equal to
the solution of the great problem understand which
their minds had been Illuminated by the dawning lights
of the revolution. The object sought was not thing
dreamed of ii was thing realized. They exhibited
notonly the power to achieve, but what all history
affrms 70 be SO much more unusual, the capacity 10
maintain The oppressed throughout the world, from
that day to the present have turned their eyes hher
ward not to find those to fear lest
they should wane but to be constantly cheered by
their steady and increasing radiance.
In this country has in my judgment thus far full
filed its highest duty TO suffering humanity Il has
spoken and will continue to speak, not only by its
words but by its acts, the language of sympathy,
couragemen and hope, to those who earnestly listen
to tones, which pronounce for the largest rational
liberty But, after all the most eliminating encourage
ment and potent sppeal for freedom will be its own
history s trials and its triumphs. Prominently the
power of our advocacy reposes in our example; but
no example be Il remembered can be powerful for
lasting good whatever apparent advantages may be
gained, which is not based upon eternal principles of
right and justice Our fathers decided for themselves
both upon the hour TO declare and the hour strike
They were their own judges Of the circumstances
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 trans
mi,ted TO us. The energy, with which that great
fict was opened and under the guidance of manifest
and benefcent Providence, the accomplishing endur
aDce with which II was prosecuted 10 its consumma
ton, only surpassed by the wisdom and patriotic
spirit Of concession which characterized all the coun-
sells of the early fathers
One OF the most impressive evidences of that wis
dom is TO be found in the fsct that the actual working
of our system has dispelled degree of solcitude,
which, at the outset disturbed bold hearts and far.
reaching inteects The apprehension OF dangers from
extended territory, multiplied States accumulated /
wealth. and augmented population, has proved to be
The stars upon your banner have become |
nearly ihreefod their original number, your densely
populated possessions 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 bar
moniops action Of the States and the Federal Govern
ment in their respective constitutional spheres but has
afforded an additional guarantee of the strength and
integrity Of both.
With experience thus suggestive and cheering,
the policy of my Administration win be controlled
by any timd forebodngs Of evil from expansion In
deed, il is net to be disguised that attitude
nation, and position the globe render the scqu
tion OF certain possessions not within jurisdic
on eminently important for protection If not in
he future essential for the preservation of the rights
IF commerce and the peace OF the world. Should they
be obtained ii viii be through no grssping spirit but
With view TO obvious national interest and security,
md in entirely consistent with the strict OBJ
ervance of national faith We have nothing in our
history or position invite aggression have every
hing to beckon us to the cultivation of relations OF
,esce and aInxy with all nations. Purposes, there
ore at once just and pacific, will be significantly
marked in the conduct of our foreign affairs in
end that my administration shall leave bio. upon
,ur fair record, and trus, may safely give the
urance that act TAin the legitimate scope of my
constitutional contrewill be tolerated the par Of
ny portion Of our citizens, which cannot challenge
eady justification before the tribunal Of the civilized