, 1853-04-30
inaugural Address Of President Pierce.

I MY otN GRYMEN:
/ 1t is 4 relief to feel that no heart but my
own can know the personal regret and 0i-
ter 50 TOW over which have been borne 10
position so suitable for others, rather than
desirable for myself.
Tn, circumstances under which have
been called, for limited period, to preside
over the desliuies Of the republic, fill me
with Il profound sense Of responsibility, but
with nothing like shrinking apprehension.
repair to the post assigned me, not to one
sought, but in obedience to the unsolicited
expression of your will, answerahle only for
fearless, faithful, and dilligent exercise of
my best powers.
ought to be, and am, truly grateful for
! the rare manifestations of the nations con
hdence but this, so far from tightening 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 fulflmcnt of reasonable re-
quirCments, you will not be unmindful of the
great changes which have occurred, even
within the last quarter Of a century, and the
consequent augmentation and compexity of
duties imposed, in the administration both
of your home and foreign affairs
Whether the elements of inherent force
in the republic have kept pace with its un-
paralleled progression in territory, popula-
tion, and wealth, has been the subject Of
earnest thought and discussion, on both
sides Of the ocean. Less than sixty-three
years ago, the 4" Father Of his country :"
made the then recent accession Of the i'm
portani state Of North Carolina 10 the con-
situiion of the United States" one Of the
subjects of his special congratulalion. At
that moment, however, when the agitation
consequent upon the revolutionary struggle
had hardly subsded, when we were Just
emerging from the weakness and embarrass-
menis Of th1 confederation, there was an
evident consciousness Of vigor equal to the
great mission so wisely and bravely fulfilled
by our forelathers. i WIS not presump-
tuous assurance, but calm faith, springing
from a clear view Of the sources Of power in
government constituted like ours. II is
no paradox to- say that, although compara-
lively weak, the newborn nation was in
lrinSically strong. uncomfortable in popu-
ation and apparent resources, it was upheld
by broad and intelligent comprehension Of
rights, and an all-pervadng purpose 10 main
tain them, stronger than armamrnls-
came from the furnace of the revolution,
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 be-
yond the governmental landmarks which
had hitherto c;rcumscribed the limits of
human freedom, and planted their standard
where it has stood, against dangers which
have threatened from abroad, and internal ag-
itaIion, which has at times feaTfully mena-
ced at home. They approved themselves
equal 70 the solution Of the great problem, 10
understand which their minds had been llu-
minated by the dawning light of the revolu-
ton. The object sought was not thing
dreamed of-it was a thing realized. They
had exhibited, not only tho power 10 achieve,
but what ell history aiirms to be so much
more unusual, The capacity to maintain
The oppressed throughout the world, from
that day to he present, have turned their
eyes hitherward, not to find those lights ex-
tinguished, or 10 fear lest they should wane,
but 10 be constantly chcercd by their steady
and increasing radiance.
In this, our country has, in my judgment,
thus far, fulfilled lis highest duty to suffering
humanity. 1t has spoken, aud will continue
to speak, not only by its words but by its
acts, the language Of sympathy, encourage
menl, and hope, 10 those who earnestly lis
ten TO tones which pronounce for the largest
rational liberty. But, after all, the most
nnimating encouragement and potent appeal
for freedom will bo its own history, its tri-
ais, and It's triumphs. Pre-eminentIy, the
power Of our advocacy reposes in our ex-
ample but no example, be it remembered,
can be powerful for lasting good, whatever
apparent advantages may be gained, which
is not based upon eternal principles of right
and justice. Our fathers decided for them
selves, both upon the hour TO declare and
the hour TO strike. They were their own
judges of the circumstances under which il
became them to pledge 10 each other their
lives, their fortunes, and their sacred hon
or for the acquisition of the priceless in
heritance transmitted to us. The energy
with which that great conflict was opened,
and, under the guidance of a manifest and
benefcent Providence, the accomplishing
endmanco with which il was prosecutcd to
its consummation, were only surpassed by
the wisdom and patriotic spirit of concess.
ion which characterized all the counsels of
the early fathers
One Of the most impressive evidences of
that wisdom is 10 be found in the fact, that
the actual working of our system has dis
PEELED a degree of solicitude which at the
outset disturbed bold hearts and far-reach-
ing intellects. The apprehension of dan
gers from extended territory, multiplied