The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-03-16
1nau gural Address of President Pierce

Inau gural Address of President Pierce.
coNcLrDED FROM FIRST PAGE.1
ing in regard to them so much, as TO see
them consolidate their strength, and pur-
sue the paths of prosperity and happiness.
Ii, in the course of their growth, we should
open new channels Of trade, and create
additional facilities Tor friendly intercourse,
the benefits realized will be equal and mu-
tua!. Of the complicated European poll
cy we have heretofore been Independents.
From their wars; their tumults ard apxi-
cites, we have been, happily, almost en-
tirely exempt. Whilst these are confined
to the nations which gave them existence,
and within their Legitimate jurisdiction,
they cannot affect us, except as they ap-
peal to our sympathies in the cause of hu-
man freedom and universal advancement
But the vast interests of commerce are
common to all mankind, and the advan-
tages OF trade and international intercourse
must always present noble fel for the
moral influence of a great people.
With these views firmly and honestly
carried out, We have right to expect, and
shall under all circumstances REQUIRE. q
prompt reciprocity. The rights which be.
long to us as nation are not alone to be
regarded, but those which pertain to eve,
ry citizen in his individual capacity, a,
home and abroad, must be sacredly main.
tanned. So long as be can discern every
star in its place upon that ensign, without
wealth to purchase for him preferment
or title to secure for him place, it will be
his privilege, and must be his acknowl.
edged right, to stand unabashed, even in
the presence of princes with proud con.
clousness that he is himself one of a ma.
ton OF sovereigns, and that he cannot, IN
legitimate pursuit, wander so far from
nome that the agent whom he shallSleave
behind in the place which l now occupy,
will see that no rude hand of power or ty.
ranlcal passion is laid upon him with i'm
punlty. He must realize that upon eve
ry sea and on every soil, where our enter
prise may rightfully seek the protection of
our flag, American citizenship is an in
violable panoply for the security of Ameri-
can rights. And in this connection, it can
hardly be necessary to re-affirm a princi-
pie which should now he regarded as fun
damental. The rights, security, and re-
pose OF this confederacy, reject the idea Of
interference or colonization on this side OF
the ocean by any foreign power beyond
present jurisdiction as utterly inadmissi-
Bile. ..'
The opportunities of observation. fur
nished by my brief experience as soldier,
confirmed in my own mind the impression
entertained and acted upon by others from
the formation Of the government, that the
maintenance Of large standing armies in
our country would be not only dangerous
but unnecessary. They also illustrated the
Importance, / might well say the absolute
necessity, Of the military science and prac-
tical skill, furnished in such an eminent de-
gree, by the institution, which has made
your army what it is, under the discipline
and instruction of officers not NOR, distin-
gr.sshed for their solid attainments. gal
lantry and divotion to the pnblic service
than for unobtrusive bearing and high
moral tone. The army, as organized,
must be the nucleus Haround which in ey.
cry time OF need. the strength of your mil
itary power, the sure bulwark of your de.
fence-a national militia-may be readily
formed into well disciplined and efficient
organization. And the skill and self dive
tion OF the navy assure you, that you may
take the performance of the past as a
pledge Tor the future, and may confidently
expect that the flag which has waved lis
nntarnished folds over every sea, will still
float in undiminished honor. But these
like many other subjects, will be appro.
priately brought, at a future time, to the
attention Of the coordinate branches of the
government to which shall always look
with profound respect, and with trustful
confidence that they will accord to me
the AID and support which shall so mnch
need, and which their experience and wis
dom will readily suggest
In the administration of domestic af
FAIRS You expect devoted integrity IN the
pubic service, and an observance Of rigid
economy IN all departments, so marked
as never justly to be questioned. If ftais
reasonable expectation be not realized. i
frankly confess that one of your leading
hopes is doomed 10 disappointment, and
that my efforts IN q very important oart;c.
ular must result IN humilfating failure.
Officers can be properly regarded only 4,
The light Of aida for he accomplishmcnt
ofthese objects and as occupancy can