Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1850-1854, 1853-03-11
TERMS OF AnvEaTxsyNS
INAUGURAL. ADDRESS
PRESIDENT PIERCE,
Delivered at WashiKston,
MARCH, 4, 1853.
My CoUNTRYMEN -:

own can know the personal regret and bitter
sorrow over which | have been borne to a POI
sitlon so suitable for others rather than desi-
rable for myself The circumstances under
which | have been called, for limited peri
Cd, to preside over the destinies of this re-
public, fill me with profound sense of res
possibility but with nothing like shrinking
apprehension. / repair to the post assigned
me- not as ~ one sought, but in obedience to
the unsolicited expression of your will, an
swerable only for fearless faithful and dill
gent exercise of my best powers.
| ought to feel truly grateful for the rare
manifestation of the nations confidence, but
this so far from tightening my obligations,
only adds TO their weight. You have sum
moned me in my weakness YOU must sus-
tain me with Your strength. When looking
for the tulilment of reasonable requirements
YOU will not be unmindful of the great chan
yes which have occurred in the last quarter
of century, and the consequent augmenta-
ton and completely of our mutual duties
imposed on the Administration both of your
home and foreign affairs.
Whether the elements of inherent force in
the Republic have kept pace with its unpar-
allelled progression, in territory, population
and wealth, has been the subject of earnest
thought and discussion on both sides of the
ocean, Less than siXly-three years ago tho
Father of his country made the recent ascen-
sion of the important state of n. c., to the
confederation of the L, S., one of the sub
jects of his special congratulation. At that
moment, however, the agitation consequent
upon the revolutionary struggle had hardly
subsidized, and when we were emerged from
the weakness and embarassments of the con-
federation, there was no evidence of vigor
equal to the great mission so truly fulfilled
by our fathers 1t was not prcsumptuous
assurance, but a calm faith springing from
clear view Of the sources of power in gov
eminent constituted like ours. 1t is no par
adox to say that although comparatively weak,
the newborn nation was intrnsicallv strong.
lnconsiderable in population, and apparent
resources, it was upheld bv q broad and in
telligent comprehension Of rights and IN all
peryadlng purpose 10 maintain them, strong
ger than armaments. 1t came from the fur
mace of the revolution, tempered to the ne
cessity of the times. The thoughts Of the
men of that day were rs practical as their
sentiments were patriotic.
They wasted no portion of their energies
upon idle and delusiye speculations, but with
firm and fearless step advanced beyond the
governmental landmarks which had hitler
to circumscribed the limits of human free
dom, and planted their standard where it has
stood against dangers which have threatened
from abroad, and internal agitation which has
at times fearfulIy menaced us at home. They
have proved Themselves equal to the solu-
ton of the great problem, to understand
which their minds have been illuminated by
the dawning light of the Revolution. The
object sought was not thing dreamed of; it
was thing realized. They had not only the
power to achieve, but what all history affirm
ed to be so much more unusual, the capacity
to maintain. The oppressed throughout the
world, from that day to the present, have
turned their eyes hitherward, not to find those
lights cXtingniahed, or to fear that they should
wanc, but to be continually cheered by their
steady and increasing radience. Our coun-
try has, in my judgement, thus far fulfilled
its highest duty to suffering humanity.
1t has spoken and will continue to speak,
not only by its words but by its acts, the Ian
guage of sympathy and encoursgent to those
who earnestly listen to tones which pro-
nounce for the largest rational liberty; but
after all, the most encouraging and potent APP
peal for freedom will be its own history, its
trials and triumphs But no example, be it
can be powerful for lasting good,
whatever apparent advantage 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 power to strike. They were their
own Judges of the circumstances under
which it became them to pledge each other
heir lives, their fortunes and their sacred
honor, for the acquisttian of the priceless in
hcritance transmitted to us. The energy
with which that great conflict opened, under
the guidance Of a beniiicient providence, and
the endurance with which it was prosecuted
is It's consnmation, were only surpassed by
the wisdom and patient spirit Of concession
which characterized the councils of tho early
fatharS.
Impressive evidence Of that wisdom is to
be found in the fact that the practical work
ING Of our system has dispclled the solcittude
which at the outset disturbed bold hearts and
intcllects. The apprehension Of
danger from extended territory, multiplied
states, accumulated wealth and augmented
has proved to be unfounded.-
Tie stars upon your banner are now nearly
tme.-fold their original number. Our pos
sessions skirt the shores Of the two great
oceans, and yet this vast increase Of people
and territory, has not only shown itself COM
patible with the harmonious action of the
State and Federal Governments, in their res
pectiye spheres, but has afforded an additio-
al guarantee Of the strength and integrity Of
both. With an experience thus suggestive
and cheering, The policy Of my administra-
will not be controlled by any iIl-timed fore
holdings Of evil from expansion. Indeed it
is not to be disguised that orr attitude as
nation, and our position on the globe renders
the acquisition Of certain possessions, not
within our jurisdiction, emnently important
for our protection, if not in the future essen
tial to the preservation of the rights of COM
merce and the peace Of the world.
Shonld they be obtained II will La tb n,