The Yazoo Democrat., 1853-03-23
PRESIDENT PIERCE's INAUGU-
RAJ Address.


and bitter sorrow, over which have been borne
to position, SO suitable for others, rather than
desirable for myself.
The circumstances under which have been
called for limited period to preside over the
destinies of the republic, fill me with profound
sense of responsibility, but with nothing like
apprehension. l repair to the post
assigned me, not as to one sought, but in obe-
dience to the unsolicited expression of your WILL
answerabie only for fearless faithful and dill
gent exercise of my best powers. ought to be
and am truly grateful for the rare manifesto
tion of the nations confidence 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 fulfIIment of reasonable
requirements, 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 complexity 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 unparalleled
has been the subject of earnest thought and dis
cussion on both sides of the ocean.
Less than sixty-three years ago, the Father of
his Country made the then recent accession of
the important State of North Carolina to the
Constitution of the United States one of the
subjects of his special congratulation. At that
moment, however, when the agitation conse-
quent upon the revolutionary struggle had hard
ly subsided, when we were just emerging from
the weakness and embarrassments of the confed-
Grafton, there was an evidence of vigor equal to
the great mission SO wisely and bravely fulfilled
by our father. 1t was not presumptuous as
surance, but calm faith, springing from clear
view of the sources of power in a government
constituted like ours. 1t is no paradox to say
that, although comparatively weak, the new-b born
nation was intrinsIcally strong. InconsiderabIe
in population and apparent resources it was
upheld by broad and intelligent comprehension
OF rights and an all-pervading purpose to main
tain them, stronger than ornaments 1t came
from the furnace of the revolution tempered 10
the necessities of the times. The thoughts of
the men of that day were as practical as their
sentiments were patriotic. They wasted no por-
ton OF their energies upon idle and delusive spec
ulations, but with firm and fearless step ad-
vanced beyond the governmental landmarks
which had hitherto circunscnbed the limits of
human freedom, and planted their standard
where il has stood against dangers which have
threatened from abroad and internal agitation
which has at times fearfully menaced at home.
They proved themselves equal to the solution of
he great problem, to understand which their
minds had been illuminated by the dawning |
ights OF the revolution. The object sought was |
OF thing dreamed Oft was thing realized. |
hey had EXHIBITED not only the power to achieve
but what all history afirms TO be so much
lore unusal-the capacity to maintain. The
ppressed throughout the world, from that day
} the present, have turned theireyes hitherward
OF to find those lights extinguished or to fear
st they should wane, but 10 be constantly
leered by their steady and increasing radiance
In this, our country has, in my judgment, thus
+ fulfilled its highest duty to suffering human
y. 1t has spoken, and will continue to speak,
ot only its words, but by its acts, the language
sympathy, encouragement and hope to those
ho earnestly listen to tones which pronounce
r the largest rational liberty. But after all,
le most animating encouragement and potent
opeal for freedom will be its own history. its
ials and its triumphs. Preeminently, the pow
of our advocacy reposes in our example; but
} example, be it remembered, eau be powerful
lasting good, whatever apparent advantages
ay be gained, which is not based upon eternal
inciples of right and Justice.
Our fathers decided for themselves. both upon 1
e hour to declare and the hour to strike; they )
ere their own judges of the circumstances un-
II which it became them to pledge to each 9TH I
their lives, their fortunes end their sacred hon
/, for the acquisition of the priceless inheritance
ansmitted to us. The energy with which that 0
eat conflict was opened and under the guidance 4
a manifest and benifcent Providence the d
endurance with which it was f
to its consummation. were only sur Q
ssed by the wisdom and patriotic spirit of o
ncession which characterized all the counsels P
the early fathers One of the most impress t
We evidences of that wisdom is to be found in f
e fact that the actual working of our system e
s dispelled degree of solicitude which, at the h
tset, disturbed both hearts and far reaching v
tellects- The apprehension of dangers from t.
tended territory. multiplied States, accumula- Il
wealth, and augmented population, has pro- v
d to be unfounded. Id
The stars upon your banner have become near .
three fold their original number. Your dense Il
populated possessions skirt the shores of the .