Southern standard. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1851-1856, 1853-03-12
The Inaugural,

We indebted to the Nashville american for this docu
ment s probable not entirely verbally correct but are
Of the opinion that it is nearly The President said
FELLow-CITIZENs THE circumstances in 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 shrink
ing apprehensions Irepair to the post assigned me-
not as to one sought but in obedience the unsocit
ed expression of your WILL am answerable only for
fearless, faithful and dilgent execution of nv best
powers. ought to be, and am truly grateful for the
rare manifestation fthe nations confidence, but this
80 far from lghteningmy obligations, only adds their
weight You have summonedme in my weakness
You must sustain me by your strength. While look
ing for the fulment of reasonable requirements YOU
will not be unmndful of the great changes which have
occurred even within the last quarter of century, and
the consequent augmentation and compleXy of duties
imposed the administration, both ofyour home and
foreign affairs. Whether the elements of inherent
force of the republic have kept pace with its unpara
leled progression in territory population and wealth.
has been the subject of earnest thought and discussion
on both sides ofthe ocean.
Less than sixty-three years ago, the Father of his
country made the them recent accession of the mpor-
tant States OF North Carolina to the u States one of
the subjects OF his special congratulations At that
moment, however, when the agitation consequent upon
the revolutionary struggle had partly subsidized when
we were just emerging from the weakness and embar-
rassment of the Confederation there was an evident
consciousness of vgQr equal the great mission which
was 81 WlScIy UIdNely Dy our fatherS
was not presumptuous assurance, but a calm faith
sprngng from clear view of the of power of
government constituted like ours 1t is no paradox to
say that although weak, the newborn nation was in.
trinsicaly strong. Inconsiderable in population and
apparent resources it was upheld by broad and inte
gent comprehension of right an all pervading pur
pose, to maintain it by stronger power than ornaments
1t from the furnace of the revolution tempered
the necessity of the times The thoughts of the mer
OF that day were patriotic. They wasted no portion
their energies upon idle and delusive speculatons bu
with firm and fearless step advanced beyond the gov
ernmental landmarks which had hitherto crcumscrib
cd the limits OF human freedom and planted their stan
dard where it has stood against dangers which have
threatened from abroad and international agitation
which has at times fearfuly menaced at home. They
have proved themselves equal to the solution of thu
great problem, to understand which their minds haC
been Illuminated by the dawning lights of the Revolu
ton. The object sought was not thing dreamed of
1t was thing realized They had exhibited not ONLY
the power to achieve, but what all history arms to b.
90 much unusual, the capacity to maintain TIL,
oppressed throughout the whole world from that da,
the present. have turned their eyes htherward no
80 find these lights extnguished to fear lest thcy
should want TO be constantly cheered by their stead
and increasing radiance. In this our country has, il
my judgment, fulfilled its highest duty to suffering hu
mainly. 1t has spoken, aud will continue to speak
not only by its words, but by acts of sympathy en-
cOuragement and hope, to those who earnestly lstel
TO tones which pronounce for the largest national lib
erty But after ALL the most anmating encouragement
and patient appeal for freedom will be its history
and its triumphs the prominent power of our exam
pie but no example, be it remembered, can be pow
frful for lasting good whatever apparent advantage
may be gained, which is not based upon eternal prn
eipes ofrght and justice Our fathers decided them
seves both upon the hour to declare, and the hour
strike They were their own judges of the circum
stances under which it became them to pledge to eac
other their lives fortunes, and their sacred honor 70
the ACQUISITION of the priceless inheritance transmtte
to us. The energy with which that great conflict wa
opened, and under the guidance of manifest and
uluniicent Providence the accomplishing enduranc
with which it was prosecuted to its contamination
were only surpassed by the wisdom and patriotic spin
Il Of the concessions which characterized all the coun
sells of the early fathers One of the most mpressiy
evidences Of that wisdom, is to be found in the fact
that the actual working Of our system has dispeed
Tee ofeoictnde which at the outset disturbed Dol