Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1853-03-10
EASTERN TIMES.
Bath, Thursday, Mar. TO, 1858.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES,
March a, 185a.


sonal regret and bitter sorrow, over which
have been borne TO position so suitable fo
others, rather than desirable Ter myself
The circumstances under which Il hnv
been called, for a limited period. 10 presid
over The destlnles OF the Republic fiji me wit
profound sense OF responsibility, but wit
nothing like shrinking apprehension. | re
pair 10 the post assigned me, not as to ON
sought, but IN obedience 10 The unsoiciIe,
expression of your will, answerabIe only fol
fearless, faithful, and dlligent exercise o
my best powers. | ought 10 he, and am tru
ly grateful for the rare manifestation of the
nations confidence; but this, SO far from
Tightening my obligations, only adds TO theII
weight. You have summoned me in mj
weakness: you nust sustain me by your
strength. When looking for the ful6lmen
of reasonable requirements, you will not be
unmndful oil the great changes which have
occurred, even within the last quarter of a
cenIary, and The consequent augmentation
and completely Of duties imposed in the ad.
ministration both of your home and foreign
affairs.
Whether the elements OF inherent force in
the Republic lave kept pace with its unpar-
atleed progression IN territory, population,
and wealth, has been the subject Of earnest
thought aud discussion, on both sides of the
ocean. Less than sixiy-three years ago, the
father of his Country made The then recent
accession OF The important State Of North
Carolina 10 the Constitution of the United
States,' one of the subjects OF his special con-
graduation. AT that moment, however,
when the agitation consequent upon the rev.
lutonary struggle had hardly subsidized, when
we were just emerging from the weakness
and embarrassmenis Of The Confederation,
there was an evident consciousness of vigor
equal TO the great mission so wisely and
bravely fulfilled by our fathers. Ii was not
a presumtuOus assurance, but calm faith,
spIinging from clear view Of the sources
oil power, 10 a government constituted like
ours. Ii is nc paradox TO say that, although
comparatively weak, the newborn nation
was inIrinscally strong. lnconsiderable in
population and apparent resources, it was up
held hy broad and intelligent comprehen-
sion OF rights, and an aIl-pervadlng purpose
10 maintain them, stronger than ornaments.
II came from the furnace of The revolution,
tempered t0Ihe necessity 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 up
on idle aud delusive speculatiOns, but with
firm and fearless step advanced beyond The
governmental landmarks which had hitherto
cIrcunscrlbed the limits of human freedom,
aud planted their standard where il has stood
against dangers which have threatened from
abroad, and internal agitation which has al
times fearfully menaced nj home. They APP
proved themselves equal TO the solution of the
great problem, 10 understand which their
minds had been illuminated by The dawnine
Ii ghts OF the revolution. The object sought
was not thing dreamed of: 1t was a thing
realized. They had exhibited not only the
power 10 achieve, but what all history atfirms
10 be much more unusual, the capacity TO
maintain. The oppressed throughout the
world, from that day to the present, have
turned their eyes hitherwaId, not TO find
those fights extlnguished, or 10 fear lest they
should wane, bur 10 he constantly cheefed by
their steady and increasing radiance.
In this, orr country has in my judgment
hus far fulfilled it's highest duty to suffering
humanity. Ii has spoken, aud will continue
10 speak, not only by It's words but by lis acIs
The language OF sympathy, encouragement
and hope, to those who earnestly listec TO
ZONES, which pronounce for the largest ration
al liberty. But, after all, the most animaIiny
and potent appeal for Free
iom will be its own history, its trials aud its
Pre-emlnently, the power OF our
advocacy reposes IN our example; but no
be it remembered. can be powerful
Tor lasting good, whatever apparent advan-
lagos may he gained, which is not based up
On eternal principles of right aud Justice
Onr fathers decided for Intensely es, both upon
he hour 10 declare and The hour 10 strike
They were their own Judges Of the circum-
stances under which i, became them to pledge
o each other 'tIIeir lives, their fortunes, and
heir sacred honor for the acquisition of the
priceless inheritance transmitted to US. The
snergy with which that greusconfllct was
opened, and, under the guidance OF mani
lest aud beneficent Providence, the uncp ~
planning endurance with which IL was prose-
cuted TO its consummaIion, were only sur
passed by the wisdom and pairioIic spirit Of
which characterized all The coun-
sells OF the early fathers.
One of the most impressive evidences of
hat wisdom is TO be found in the fact, that
Inc actual working of our system has dis
Deled degree Of solicituJe, which, at the
outset, disturbed bold hearts and far-reach-
ing inlellecls. The apprehension of dangers
rom extended territory, multiplied States,
accumulated wealth, and augmented popuIa-
lion, has proved 10 be unloundcd. The stars
upon your banner have become nearly three
fold Their original number, your denseIy pop
nIated possessions skirt the shores of The
Two great oceans, and YET this vast increase
Of people and territory has not only shown
itself compatible with the harmonious action
Of the States aud the Federal government in
their respective constitutional spleres, but
has afforded an additional guarantee of The
strength snd integrity OF both.
With an experience thus suggestive and
the policy Of my administration will
loi be controlled by any timed forebodings
d evil from expansion. Indeed, IL is not TO
be disguised IllatouT altitude as a cation, and
BUR position on the globe, render the acqu-
sItIon Of certain possessions, not within our
emlnently important for our pro-
lection, II MOI, in the future, essential for the
preservation of The rights of commerce and
Inc peace of The world. Should they be OBJ
lained, il will lie through no grasping spirit,
but with view 10 obvious national interest
and security, and in a manner entirely con-
sIstent with the srIciest observance of Ea-
Honal iallh. We have nothing in our histo-
~ OF position 10 invite aggression, we have
eVery'hIng 10 beckon us 10 the cultivation Of
I p, o. peace and amily with all nations.
[u,poses, therefore, at once just and pacific,
VIII oe significantly marked in the conduct
OIL our foreign nffnirs. intend TINT nv adj
minIstrat'on shall leave no blot upon our fair
record; ana trust may safely give the assur.
ance mat no ACT within the legitimate scone
OF my constitutional control viii be tolerated
on the part of any portion of our c;,;z.eo
which cnnnoI challence N raa L. -. : 1ens,