Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1853-03-05
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF THE
President of the United States,
March AN, 1853.
MY CoUNrRYMEN +:

The circumstances under which have been
called, for a limited period, 10 preside over the
destinies of the Republic, fill me with profound
sense of responsibility, but with nothing like
shrinking apprehension | repair TO the post as
signed me, not as TO one sought, but in obedi-
ence 10 the unsolicited expression of your will,
answerabIe only for a fearless, faithful, and dill
igent exercise of my best powers. ought to be,
and am, truly grateful for the manifestation
of the nations confidence but this, so far from
tightening my obligations, only adds to their
weight. You have summoned NE IN my weak
ness you must sustain me by your strength
When looking for the lulhlmeni Of reasonable
requirements, you will not be unmindlu Of the
great changes which have occurred, even within
the last quarter OF a century, and the consequent
augmentation and completely Of duties imposed
in the administration both Of your home and for
egn affairs.
Whelher the elements of inherent force in the
Republic have kept pace with lis unparalleled
progression in territory, population, and wealth,
has been the subject of earnest thought and dis
cussion, on both sides of tie ocean, Less than
sixty thee years ago, the Father of his Country
made the then recent accession of the
important State of North Carolina to the Con-
stitution of the United States,' one of the sub
eets of his special congratulation. AT that mo-
upon the revolutionary struggle had hardly sub
sided, when we were just emerging from the
weakness and embarrassment of the Conledera-
ton, there was an evident consciousness Of vigor,
equal to the great mission so wisely and bravely
fulfilled by our fathers.
1t was not presumptuous assurance, but
calm faith, spriDgmg from a clear view of the
sources Of power, in government constituted
like ours. 1t is no paradox TO say that, although
comparatively weak, the new born nation was
intrinslcally strong. Isconsiderabe in popula-
ton and apparent resources, it was upheld by a
broad and intelligent comprehension of rights,
and an all-pervadlng purpose to maintain them,
stronger than arguments. 1t came from the
furnace of the revolution, tempered TO the ne
cessities of the times.
The thoughts of the men of that day were as
practical their sentiments were patriotic. They
wasted no portion of their energies upon idle and
deluSive SpecuationS, but with firm and fear
less step, advanced beyond the governmental
landmarks which had hitherto circumscrbed the
limits of human freedom, and planted their stan
dard where it has stood, against dangers which
have threatened from abroad, and internal agita~
ton which at times has fearfully menaced at
home.
They approved themselves equal to the solu-
ton al the great problem, to understand which
their minds had been illuminated by the dawning
lights of the revolution The object sought was
not a thing dreamed OF; it was thing realized
They had exhibited not only the power to achieve,
but what all history afiirms to be so much more
cnusual, the capacity to maintain. The oppressed
throughout the world, from that day to the pres
ent, have turned their eyes hitherward, not to
find those lights extinguished,or to fear lest they
should wane, but to be constantly cheered by
their steady and increasing radiance.
In this, our country has, in my judgment, thus
far, fulfilled its highest duty to suffering human
= hos lxvil ,oa1r
not only by its words, but by its acts. the Ian
guage of sympathy, encouragement, and hope, to
those who earnestly listen to tones, which pro-
nounce for the largest rational liberty. But af-
ter ALL the most animating encouragement and
potent appeal for freedom will be its own history,
its trials and its triumphs.
Pre-eminently, the power of our advocacy re-
poses in our example but no example, be it re-
membered can be powerful for lasting good,
whatever apparent advantages may be gained,
which is not based on eternal principles of right
| and justice. Our fathers decided for themselves
both upon the hour to declare and the hour to
| strike
They their own judges of the circumstan
ces, under which it became them to pledge tC
each other "their lives, their fortunes and theil
sacred honor, for the acquisition ofthe priceless
inheritance transmitted to us. The energy, witt
which that great conflict was opened and, under
the guidance of manifest and benefcent Prov
idence, the accomplishing endurance with which
/ it was prosecuted to its contamination were only
surpassed by the wisdom and patriotic spirit o
concession, which characterized all the counsels
| of the early fathers
One of the most impressive evidences of thai
wisdom is to be found in the fact, that the actua
working of our system has dispelled a degree o
solicitude, which, at the outset, disturbed bold
hearts and far-reaching ntelects. The appre
hension of dangers from extended territory, null
! tiphed States, accumulated wealth, and augment
ed population, has proved to be unfounded.
The stars upon our banner have become near
| ly threefod their original number, your densely
populated possessions skirt the shores of the two
great oceans, and yet this increase of people ant
territory has not only shown itself compatible
with the harmonious action of the States and thu
! Federal government in their respective constitu
tlonal spheres, but has afforded additi0na
guarantee Of the strength and integrity of both.
With an experience thus suggestive and cheer
ing, the policy of my administration will not be
controlled by any timid forebodings OF evil from
expansion. Indeed, it is not to be disguised thai
our attitude as nation, and our position on thu
globe, render the acquisition of certain posses
sions, not within our jurisdiction, eminently i'm
portant for our protection, if not, in the future
essential for the preservation of the rights 0
commerce and the peace of the world.
Should they be obtained, it will be through nj
grasping spirit, but with view to obvious ma
tional interest and security, and in a manner en-
tirely consistent with the strctest observance o
national faith. We have nothing in our history
or position to invite aggression, we have every.
| thing to beckon us to the cultivation of relations
of peace and arnity with all nations. Purposes
therefore, at once just and pacific, will be sgni
cantly marked in the conduct of our foreign az
| fairs.
intend that my administration shall leave M
blot upon our fair record, and trust may safely
! give the assurance that no act within the legiti
mate scope of my constitutional control will b.
tolerated, on the part of any portion of our citi
zens, which cannot challenge ready justification
before the tribunal of the civilized world. Ar
administration would be unworthy of conf
dence at home, or respect abroad, should it ceas
to be influenced by the conviction, that no ap
parent advantage can be purchased at price 81
dear as that of national wrong or dishonor.
1t is not your privilege, as a nation, to speak 0
distant past. The striking incidents Of you
history, repete with instruction, and furnishing
abundant grounds for hopeful confidence, ar,
comprised in period comparatively brief Blu
If your past is limited, your future is boundless
Its obligations throng the unexplorcd pathway
advancement, and will be limitess as duration
Hence a sound and comprehensive policy should
embrace not less the distant future than the ur.
gent present.
The great objects Of our pursuit, as a people,