Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1853-03-16
INkunAI ADDRESS OF PREsI-
DENT PIERCE.

MI OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES - . iSlteA ~ -.
that no heart but my own can know the
personal regret and bitter sorrow over
which have been borne TO position SO
suitable to others, rather than desirable
for myself. q e
The circumstances under which / have
been called for a limited period to preside
over the destinies of this republic, till me
with profound sense of responsibility.
but with nothing like shrinking or ap-
prehension.
repair to the post assigned me not
as to one sought. but in obedience TO the
unsolicited expression of your william
swerable only for fearless, faithful and
diligent exercise of my best powers.
ought to be. and am truly grateful
| for the rare manifestations of the nation $
confidence but this, so far from tighten
ing my obligations. only adds to their
weight. You have summoned me IN
my weakness. you must sustain me by
your strength.
When looking for the ful6llment of rea-
sonable requirements. you will net be
unmindful of the great changes which
| have occurred even within the last quar-
ter of century. and the consequent aug
mentation and complexity of the duties
imposed in the administration both OF our
home and foreign affairs.
Whether the elements of inherent force
in the republic have kept pace with ITS
unparalleled progression in territory,
population and wealth, has been the sub
iect of earnest thought and discussion on
both sides of the ocean.
Less than sixty-four years ago the Fa-
.cl l., Ia ha a.
cent) accession of the important State OF
North Carolina to the constitution OF the
United States one of the subjects OF ms
special congratulation. At that moment,
however, when the agitation consequent
upon the revolutionary struggle had
hardly subsidized; when We were just emer-
ging from the weakness and embarrass-
| ments of the confederation, there was an
evident consciousness of yigor equal to
the great mission SO wisely aud bravely
fulfilled by our fathers.
1t was not a presumptuous assurance,
but calm faith springing from clear
view of the sources of power, in move
ment constituted like ours. 1t is no pa
rado1 to say that although comparatively
weak the new born nation was intrinsi-
cally strong. Inconsidersble in popula-
ton and apparent resources, it was up
held by broad and intelligent compre-
hension Of rights, and an all prevailing
purpose to maintain them, stronger than
ornaments.
1t came from the furnace Of the revOlu-
tion. tempered to The necessities OF the
times. The thoughts Of the men OF that
day were as practical as their sentiments
were patriotic. They wasted no portion
of their energies upon idle and delusive
speculations, but with firm and fearless
step advanced beyond the governmental
landmarks which had hitherto circum-
scribed the limits of human freedom. and
planted their standard where it has stood
against the dangers which have threaten
ed from abroad, and internal agitation
which has at times fesrfully menaced at
home They proved themselves equal
to the solution of the great problem, TO
understand which their minds had been
illuminated by the dawning lights of the
revolution.
The object sought was not thing
dreamed Oft was a thing realized.-
They had exhibited not only the power
to achieve. but what all history afiirms TO
be SO much more unusual. the capacity
to maintain.
The oppressed throughout the world
from that day to the present have turned
their eyes hitherward, not to find those
lights extinguished. or TO fear lest they
should wane, but TO be constantly cheer.
ed by their steady and increasing radi'
ance. 1t has spoken, and will continue
to speak, not only by its words, but by
its acts, the language Of sympathy, en-
couragement and hope 10 those who ear
nestly listen to tones which pronounce for
the largest rational liberty. But, after
all, the most animating encouragement
and potent appeal for freedom will be its
own history, its trials and its triumphs.
4 Pre-eminently the power Of our advoca-
cy reposes in our example; but no exam
pie, be it remembered, can be powerful
for lasting good. whatever apparent adj
vantages may be gained. which is not ba-
sed upon the eternal principles OF right
and justice.
both upon the hour TO declare and the
hour 20 strike. They were their own
Judges of the circumstances under which
is became them to pledge to each other
their lives, their fortunes and their sa-
cred honor for the acquisition OF the
priceless inheritance transmitted 20 US
The energy with which that great conflict
was opened, and under the guidance OF a
NANTES. and beniicent Providence the
uncomplaiuing endurance with which il
was prosecuted 10 It's eOnsummation.
were only surpassed by the wisdom and
patriotic spirit of concession which cha
iracteiized all the counsels OF the early IA
lthers. One of the most impressive eyi-
dences Of that wisdom Is to be found in
the fact that the actual working of our
system has dispelled degree of solici-