Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1857-03-11
INAUGURAL ADDRESS
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE U. STATES.
MARCH J.. 1857.

OF The PRESIDENT Of IhE U. SlAlEo.
MARCH 4, 1851.
Fsllou Citizens: appear before you this day
to take the solemn oath that will faithfully
execute the office of President of the United
States, and will, to the best of my ability, pre-.
serve, protect, and defend the constitution OF
the United States
In euterng upon this great Office must hum
bly invoke the God of our fathers for wisdom
and firmncss to execute its high and responsible
duties in such manner as to restore harmony
and ancient friendship among the people OF the
several States, and to preserve our tree lnStltu-
tions throughout many generations. Convinced
that owe my election to the inherent love for
the constitution and the Union which still ami
mates the hearts of the American people, let me
earnestly ask their powerful support in sustain
ing all Just measures calculated to perpetuate
these, the richest political blessings which Heav.
ell has ever bestowed upon any nation. Having
determined not to become candidate for re-
election, shall have no motive to influence my
conduct in administering the government, ex-
cept the desire ably aud faithfully to serve my
country and live in the grateful memory of my
countrymcn.
We have recently passed through presiden-
tial contest in which the passions of our fellow
citizens were excited to their highest degree by
questions of deep and vital Importance; but
when the people proclaimed their will, the temp.
est at once subsidized, aud all was calm.
The voice of the majority, speaking i'll the
manner prescribed By the constitution, was heard,
and instant submission followed. Our own coun-
try could alone have exhibited 20 grand and stri-
king spectacle of the capacity OF man for self.
government.
What happy conception, then, was it for Con.
gress to apply this simple rule-that the will of
the majority shall govern-to the settlement OF
the question of domestic slavery in the Terrific.
ries Congress is neither ito legislate slavery
into any Territory or State, nor to exclude it
therefrom; but to leave the people thereof per
tecty free to form and regulate their domestic
institutions in their own way, subject only to the
constitution of the United States AS a natu-
raj consequence, Congress has, also prescribed
that when the Territory of Kansas shall be ad-
mitted as State, it Shall be received into the
Union, with or without slavery as their conStitu-
ton may prescribe at the time Of their admis,
sion.''
4 difference of opinion has arisen in regard to
the point of time when the people of q Territory
shall decide this question for themselves.
This is. happily, matter of but little practi-
cal importance. Besides, it is a judicial qucs.
ton. which legitimately belongs to the Supreme
Court of the United States, before whom it is
now pending, and will, it is understood, be speed.
ily and finally settled To their decision, in COM
mon with all good citizens, shall chcerfully sub,
nit. whatever this may be, though it has ever
been my individual opinion that, under the Ne
braska-kansas act the appropriate period will
Territory shall Justify the formation of const
u.tb n rin,- a1p u Stotn
to the Union. But be this as it may, ii is the
imperative and indispensable duty of the gov
ernmeut of the United States to secure to every
resident inhabitant the free and independent en-
preston Of his opinion by his vote. This sacred
right of each individual must be preserved.
That being accomplished, nothing can be flirer
than to leave the people of y Territory, free from
all foreign interference. to decide their own des
tiuv for themselves, subject only to the Constitu-
ton of the United States.
The whole territorial question being thus set,
tied upon the principle Of popular sovcreignty-.
principle as ancient rs free government itself
-eycrythng Of practical nature has been dc.
cidcd No other question remains for I'D uSt-
ment; because all agree that, under the consti.
tuition. slavery in the States is beyond the reach
of any human power, except that Of the respect.
i've States themselves wherein it exists. May
we not then, hope that the long agitation on this
subject is approaching its end, that the geograph-
ical parties to which it has given birth, so nfhrh
dreaded bv the Father of his Country, will speed
ilv become extinct? Most happy will it be for
the country when the public mind shall be di.
rcrt,l from this question to others of more pres.
sing and practical Importance. Throughout the
whole progress Of this agitation, which has
scarcely known any intermlssion for more than
twenty years, whilst it has been productive OF no
positive good to any human being, it has been
the prolific source OF great evils to the master, to
the slave, and to the whole country 1t has alien
ated and cstrangcd the people of the sister States
from each other. and has even seriously endau-
gered the very existence of the Union. Nor has
the danger vet entirely ceased. Under our sys.
tenn, there is remedy for all mere political evils
in the sound sense and sober judgment Of the
people Time is great corrective. Political
subjects which but a few years ago excited and
exasperated the public mind have passed away
and are now nearly forgotten. But this question
of domestic slavery is of far greater Importance
than any mere political question, because, should
the agitation continue, it may eventually endan-
Ger the personal safety of large portion of our
country.lnen where the institution exists In
that event, no form of government, however adj
mirabie in ITSELF and however productive Of ma
tcrial benefits, can compensate for the loss Of
peace and domestic security around the family
altar. Let every Union-lo,ing man, therefore
exert his best influence to suppress this agita
tion, which, since the recent legislation Of Con-
gress, is without any legitimate object.
It is an evil omen of the times that men have
undertaken to calculate the mere material value
Of the Cnion Reasoned estimates have been
presented of the pecuniary profits and local ad.
r. ar,aoes which would result to different States
and sections from its dissolution, and of the conf
narrative injuries which such an event would in
fi;ct on other States and sections. Even descend
inc to this low and narrow view Of the mighty
questions, all such calculations are at fault. The
Bare reerente to single consideration VII be
conclusive on this point We at present enjoy