The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1855-11-02

Governor Johnson, on the occasion of his
nauguration--which occurred on the 23d
inst
Gentlemen Of the Senate, of the House
Of Representatives., and Fciiow- Citizens:
| II il not my purpose on the present occa-
sion to make an address to you. Two years
ago ] presented IN the form Of an Inaugural
address my views in regard to National and
State policy, which thought then ought to
be pursued, and would now, il it were ne.
cessary, rcitcrate aud endorse them Ms being
sound and correct. They were my views
and sentiments then, they are mine now, and
| have been confirmed in them by reflection
and experience. The leading and iundanent-
| al principles of Democracy were then laid
down, constituting they do, the four great
cardinals of my political creed. They are
inherent and sel-eyisting in the nature OF
man, and will cease to exist only with mans
total annihiation from the earth. They were
taught and practiced by the founder of our
holy religion, and they will have followers
and advocates so long as his precepts and
example are respected and received by
the civilized world, rs being of Divine 0ri-
gin.
The Democratic party of the Nation is
now passing through severe and trying or
deal, coutendng with an enemy that comes
MS II thief in the night, cautious and subtle in
its approach, noiseless in lis footsteps, and
in its transitory pause exertiDg an intlu-
cnce upon the morals, religion and politics of
the country rs whitening and deadly in its
effects rs the poisonous emission Of the Upas
tree is upon all animal life. But Democracy
has heretofore passed similar ordeals; and it
will as confidently believe, as 1t has done on
former occasions, rise from the present con-
test purer and stronger than at any former
period of our country's history. The people
have heard the struggle that has been going
on; they have been aroused TO n sense of the
great danger that surrounds and threatens
our institutions; they are in their might com.
ing up TO the rescue, and will save the coun-
try and preserve the Constitution from n
practical violation Of some of its most essen
tial provisions. Democracy knows, and is is
10 be expected, too, that every plan, effort,
and undertaking that has tendency to i'm
prove and to elevate the great mass of the
people, is naturally inclined to excite the ILL
will and opposition of those in possession Of
considerable extra learning, wealth, and pow
or, or those who contend for undue advanta.
yes over their fellow-men. 1t is important,
therefore, always to bear in mind, that what.
ever tends substantially to benefit the com.
mon people, will he generally viewed with
hostility by the psendo aristocracy of the
country. Hence, genuine Christianity and
Democracy, both originated with, and have
mainly been supported by, men of humble
origin, circumstances, snd situations, whom
those pulled up with undue wealth, assumed
learning, power, rank, and authority, general.
ly profess to despise for their low birth, pov-
rrty, and ignorance.
Any thing which has n tendency to pro-
mote genuine civilization, Christianity and
Democracy, is most IN accordance with the
interests and feelings of the mass of the pco-
pie. We must therefore look to them chiefly
ior an impulse OF true sense of equal justice
and fellow feelings, and for whatever imports
4 common good, or the promotion of justice,
humanity, prosperity, and happiness to man.
kind in general.
Virtue and intelligence, talent and genuine
learning, honest industry, economy and real
merit, combined will, Il heart that loves its
kind, OF whatever cline, tongue, or condition,
constitutes the only arstocracy, that can ever
command and receive the respect and admra-
tion Of the American people. An ariStocracy
like this has my profound respect, and no
other has. 1t is principles and sentiments
like these which enable the patriot and phi
lanthropist to exclaim in sincerity and truth
that the 1orld is my home, and erery honest
man is my brother.
In assuming the heavy responsibilities of
second Gubernatorial term, must be permit
ted to state, that have, or feel that have,
performed every duty which has been impos.
ed on me by law and the Constitution, with
strict fidelity; and do now enter upon the Sc
cond term, as did two years ago upon the
first, with fixed and unalterable determine.
tion to discharge every duty growing out of
my official station, with punctuality and strict
justice to ALL. 1t is with no ordinary pleasure
that avail myself Of this occasion to tender
one time more to the sovereign people of the
State, my unIeigned gratitude, for this add
tional evidence of their confidence in me us
a man and public servant will add, in con-
cusion, that the people have never deserted
me, and God being ,cilling, | will never dc.
sert them.