, 1857-04-17
THE INAUGURATION.
WN. ". MILLER, ESQ,
Or. Mr., &c, Olympia, ". 7.
WASHINGTON, March 4, 1885

w ASHlNGlONt -huICu II loOl'
The procession started for the Capitol
about noon. 1t was Very long, and pre-
sented beautiful appearance. The mill
tary of the District and community were
fully represented.
Messrs. BUCHANAN and BREcKINRIDGE
rode in an open carriage, surrounded by
the Keystone Club, preceded by the mill
tary and representation by lady Of the
goddess OF Liberty mounted on a high
platform, drawn by six horses, and followed
by model of ship-of-war of considerable
size, made by the mechanics Of the Wash
ington Navy Yard.
Then followed the various clubs, Engine
companies, &c, according to the programme
already published.
Mr.. Buchanan reached the Capitol
about p. m., and proceeded to deliver his
Inaugural Address.
| The crowd was tremendous, and the
cheering very enthusiastic.
Twenty-four military companies, seven
clubs and associations and several fire
companies participated in the procession.
The oath was administered to Mr..
BUCHANAN after the reading of the Iuaugu-
raj,
THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
FEIL6wCIrIzENs ! appear before you
this day to take the solemn oath that |
will faithfully execute the office of Presi-
dent of the United States, and will, to the
best Of my ability, preserve, protect and
defend the Constitution of the United
States. In entering upon this great Office,
| must humbly invoke the God of our
fathers for wisdom and iirmness to execute
its high and responsible duties in such a
manner as to restore harmony and the
ancient friendship among the people of the
several States, aud to preserve our free
institutions throughout many generations
Convinced that | owe my election TO the
inherent love for the Constitution and the
Union which still animates the hearts of
the American People, let me earnestly ask
their powerful support in sustaining all Just
measures calculated to purpetuate these,
the richest political blessings which Heaven
has ever bestowed upon any nation.
Having determined not to become candi-
date for reelection, ] shall have no motive
to influence my conduct in administering
the Government except the desire ably and
faithfully to serve my country aud to live
in the grateful memory of my countrymen.
We have recently passed through q
Presidential contest in which the passions
of our fellow-ciLzens were excited 10 the
highest degree by questions Of deep and
vital Importance but when the People
proclaimed their will, the tempest at once
subsidized, and all was calm. The voice of
the majority, speaking in the manner pre-
scribed by the Constitution, was heard, and
instant submission followed. Our own
country could alone have exhibited so
grand and striking spectacle Of the
capacity of man for self government. What
happy conception, then, was it for Con-
gress to apply this simple rule, thut the
will of the majority shall govern to the set
tlement Of the question Of domestic slavery
in the Territories F! Congress is neither TO
legislate Slavery into any Territory or
State, nor to exclude it thereirom but to
leave the People thereof perfectly free to
form and regulate their domestic inStitu-
tions in their own way, subject only to the
Constitution Of the United Staes as
natural consequence Congress has also
prescribed that when the Territory Of
Kansas shall be admitted as State, it shall
be received into the Union with or without
slavery, as their Constitution may prescribe
at the time Of their admission A differ
ent opinion has arisen in regard 10 the
time when the people of Territory shall
decide this question for themselves. This
is happily matter Of but httIc practical
importance, aud beside, it is judicial
question, which legitimately belongs to the
Supreme Court OF the United States, be-
fore whom 1t is now pending, and will, it is
understood, be speedily aud finally settled.
TO their decision, in common with all good
cItIzens, | shall cheeriuly submit, whatever
this may be, though it has been my indi-
vidual opinion that under the Nebraska.
Kansas act the appropriate period will be
when the number OF actual residents in the
Territory Shall justify the formation of u
constitution with u view to its admission us
Il State into the UnioH. But, be this as it
may, 1t is the imperative aud indispensable
duty Of the Government Of the United
States to secure to every resident iuhaOit-
ant the free aud independent expression of
bis opinion by bis vote This sacred right