The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1857-03-12
Synopsis Of President Bachanda's
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
WASHINGTON, Mar. q


Mr. Bnchanan's manner in delivering, the
inaugural address was remarkably impressive
and determined. He began by an appeal to
the Almighty for strength and wisdom to en-
able him to carry out his administration of the
affairs of the country TO the advantage of the
people. As he had determined not to try to be
elected second Presidential term, his admin
istration should be conducted purely and for
the best interests of the whole country. He
spoke Of his election as havirg been accom-
plished by those anxiously deslrous' for the
preservation of the Union. He congratulated
the country on the fact that agitation on the
subject of Slavery had almost entirely cea sed.
and he declared that for the first time in 90
years the country has arrived at peace on that
subject.
In reference to Kansas he declared that it
should be admitted with either freedom or
Slavery, as the constitution adopted by the
people directs. He went into long argument
TO show that the Nebraska Kansas bill was
right. in principle. The equality of States,
said he. must be preserved. He added how.
ever that slavery was less important practical
ly than some other subjects before the Ameri-
can people. The Geographical parties to
which the agitation of the slavery question has
given birth must die, foi their existence en-
dangers the lives Of the citizens Of the Slave
States tt.ssEs, sH .F#at Ill.,
The spectacle which was now presented of
| our whole people submitting QUIETLY to the
will of the majority as expressed at the polls
in the late election was characteristic of this,
and of no other notion. So he thought that
these geographical parties must die out. I'd
| He said that corruption in a Republican
Government was fatal to its existence; al
though in corrupt country the forms of free
institutions might remain the life was gone
His administration should aim at purity in all
4 80 =. Al.
sal of the public Lands, he declared must be
put a stop 10, SO that our children NAV secure
homes for themselves, and the brood of specu.
la,or, and jobbers who live upon them, may
| be crushed. SD
The laws in regard to naturalization shonld
remain as they are. at present, putting the
foreign and native born citizens on fair DEM
ocratc level.
In regard to the Pacific Railroad prorect
such road he said may be made by Congre ss
IN the shape of a military road to enable The
Government to extend protection to our posses
sion on the Pacific Coast. Congress has full
power to do this, and he agreed that il must
and should be done in order that we might be
prepared on that coast for the emergencies of
war.
| Our foreign policy must be 10 cultivate
peace and good will with al! nations; but at
the same time all entangling alliances must be
| avoided. This has been an axiom of our Gov
eminent ever since the days of Washington,
and none dare now dispute its prosperity -
| 1t has been the boast of the United States that
none of their territory has been acquired by
war, as has been tie case with most every ma.
ton, and this must continue TO be our policy
We must refuse to take any territory what
! ever unless it be acquired by honorable means.
Our diplomatic policy must be frank and hon.
orable, and by pursuing such policy we will
continue to hold our position among the great
and leading powers of the world. 7Fr.s
Mr.. Buchanan read his address closely from
| the manuscript which he held in his hand. -
! His voice was clear, but owing TO tremendous
crowd, much of which could not see him.
| there was some interruption. and all Of the adj
dress was not distinctly heard.
There was much applause at those portions
which referred to the equality of States, the
evils of geographical parties and the aaturali-
zation laws. HgaH t#a H #1
So Beyond The fainting Of few ladies in the
crowd, no incidents of an unpleasat nature oc-
CURED.
The procession was the finest ever seen in
Washington, and the number of people presen.
in the city exceeds anything ever known before
! There were many banners bearing appro-
pirate devices, among them were several re-
evolutionary flags from Virginia, which excited
much attention. ss
Chief Justice fancy administered the oath
OF Office al Ill O'Clock and was the first to
congratulate the President - 4.t@# 3.''
I Vice President Breckenridge, Ex- President
| Pierce, Senator yBigler, and other prominent
politicians were OH the portico during the
ceremony.