Washington telegraph., 1853-03-16
General Pierce's Inaugural.
WASHINGTON, March 4

WASHINGTON, March A.
The inaugural address Of Gen. Pierce
fills column and quarter of the Union.
1t commences with the regrets Of the
President on being selected when others
more competent might have been selected
for the ofiee. The President expresses his
gratitude for the manifestations Of kindness
which he has received; alludes to the in
creased responsibility of the Office conse-
quent upon the increase Of territory; speaks
VI the past history Of our country and Of
Washington's revolutionary struggles, &c;
Of cur peaceful relations with all countries,
and invites their continuance.
He promises that his Administration shall
leave no blot upon the past fair record of
OUT country. advises comprehensive policy,
alludes TO the complicated European sys-
tens Of government and extols our simple
American system above all others as combi-
ming more perfectly the elements Of happi-
ness. States that the experienced opinion
Of soldiers i adverse to standing armies, but
~ advises protection to military science.
Having 10 implied engagements TO ratify,
he has 40 rewards to bestow, nor resent
menta to remember, nor any personal wishes
~ consult in selections for official stations
he will fulfill his difficult and delicate trust
admitting no motive to be worthy either of
his character or position which does not con-
template an efficient discharge of duty and
the best Interests Of the country
The President acknowledges his oblira-
ton to the masses Of his countrymen, and
to them alone. Higher objects than person.
al aggrandzement gave direction and ener-
~ 10 their exertions in the late campaign;
they shall not be disappointed; they require
at my hands diligence, integrity and capac-
itv, wherever there are duties to be perform
ed He then alludes to the danger Of con-
centrating power in the General Govern
ment, and descants On State and Federal
Governments.
He then alludes to the question of slave
rv SAYS he believes that involuntary servi-
tude. n it exists in different parts Of the
Confederacy, is recognized by the constitu-
ton; that it stands Ike any other admitted
right, and that the States where il exists are
entitled to efficient remedies to enforce The
constitutional provisions
lie holds that the compromise measures
of 1850 are strictly constitutional, and ought
70 bc unhe<itatingly carried into effect; that
the cam etitntcd powers nj the Republic are
larnd WY regard thc rights of tho South id
TIL, II reci ~ liry would view any olhcr
'c1rl aud constitutional rights; that tie
lnrs tn cr-ofra fLcm should he respected
arI ohcynd, not with reluctance cucOurag-
cd 10y abstract opinions rs to their propriety
in different state Of society, but cheerful
IN and according 10 the tribunals 10 which
their exposition belongs.
Such has been and are his convictions,
and upon them he shall act; aud lie fervently
hopes that the question is at rest, and that
no sectional, ambitious or fana;ical views,
may again threaten the durability Of our in
sttntions, or obscure the light Of our pros
perity; but he does not lay the foundations
Of our hope upon mans wisdom.
lie asserts that he II moved by no other
impulse than an earnest desire for the per-
petuation of that union which has made us
what we are, showciing upon u blessings
and conferrin- power and influence which
our fathers could hardly have anticipated,
even with their most sanguinc hopes direct
Ell to far Of future IL the catastrophe
Of disunion should again threaten be will
use all his energies to check it. Prescrva-
tion III the II MON l. above All things.
He condemns sectionalism, and strongly
urges conciliation and fraternity; considers
his cabinet a unit. and inyokes prosperity
throughout the blessing of God.
The address is beautifully written and
was elegantly delivered N o. Pic.