Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1857-01-03
Inauguration of Gov. Bragg

Inauguration of Gov. Bragg.
On Thursday, the LIST, in the Commons Hail. in
the presence of the members of both Houses of the
General Assembly, and large concourse of persons
of both sexes Gov. Bragg took and subscribed the
oaths of Office for his second term. A few moments
before twelve o'clock, NJ, the members of the Sem
ate, headed by their Speaker and Clerks entered
the Commons chamber. Mr. Speaker Shepherd
and the members of the Commons rose to receive
them Mr.. Speaker Avery, of the Senate, taking
seat to the right of Mr.. Shepherd. Soon after Gov.
Bragg, attended by the committee of the two Houses
and by the Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme
Court entered the hall, the members rising to re-
ceve them. Mr.. Speaker Avery then, in due form,
proclaimed Thomas BRAGG the Governor elect for
two years from and after the 1st January, 1857 !;
and the oaths of office administered by Chief
Justice Nash,-after which Gov Bragg delivered in
an impressive manner the following very appropri-
ate address,
Gentlemen Of the Senate
anil House of Commons
Two years ago it was my fortune to appear before
YOU and give the pledges of fidelity required by law
before entering upon the discharge of the duties of
Chief Executive officer of the State. The time for
1t may hardly be becoming in me now to speak
ofmv mast official course. My felow-ctzens of all
peltcal parties will judge OF that, and, from my
knowledge of them, confidently believe they will
do it, not only considerably, but k ndly.
Errors no doubt have been committed by me-
claim no exemption from the weakness incident in
greater or less degree to all, and trust that
am sensible, to some extent at least, of my i'm
PROJECTIONS in particular. All ask of them is to
believe that have been actuated by honest purpo-
SEES and have, on all occasions, endeavored to main-
tain the honor and dignity of the State and to ad-
vance her welfare and prosperity, far as l had
power to do it, within the scope of my official au-
thority.
A majority of my fellow.citizens have re- elected
me Governor of the State. Indebted to them as
was BEFORE for the generous confidence reposed in
me, when comparatively stranger to most OF them,
can find no language now adequate to express my
deep sense of the obligation under which they have
placed me- and my gratitude for their decided sup
port after they had had an opportunity, to some
extent, of passing upon my oftc al conduct.
1t is under these circumstances that appear be-
fore you to-day to renew the pledges of official fie
ity heretofore given; and if enter upon the dis
charge of my official duties for second term not
with entire confidence, ! shall do so with alacrty
feeling assured that my official acts whatever they
may be, will be fairly and inpartially passed upon
by ALL and that my errors, if any, will least meet
with the kind indulgence of those whose good opin-
ion and support have heretofore been SO fortunate
as to secure.
We enter to-day upon another year-whcther it
is to be one of veal or for our country and our
State, is known only to Him who rules and directs
the destinies of nations
Though the prospect before us is not one of calm
unbroken brightness, and fragments of the storm
clouds which but lately overhung the land still float
in political horizon, yet they have ased for the
time to threaten us with danger to excite our i'm.
mediate apprehensions. These indications NAV be
deusve, but have persuaded myself trat there is
acamer, better and more tolerant spirit abroad in
the country. Our people have profited by the
breathing time they have had since the late struggle
through which they have passed. Educated in self.
government, they have, on several occasions been
able to withstand excitements which would have
proved fatal to other institutions than theirs and have
triumphed over dangers which seemed almost insur.
mountable.
Tothose unacquainted with the character Of our peo
ple,these cxcements appeared like upheavines from
the great deep of society. Time has proved that
they were but as the tempest tost ocean waves az
itating the surface, while below all was TRANQUIL and
unmoved.
While taking this hopeful view of affairs, I am not
unaware of the fact that many regard the present
apparent calm as deceitful-a mere lu in the storm
which is destined at no distant day to burst upon
with renewed violence.
However this may be, it is now the duty of every
good citizen to endeavor to alay the excitement
abatng at the same time none of our rights. but
nrmly and unialterngly sustaining them, as the
surest means OF their preservation and of perpetua
ting that Union and those institutions under which
We have, IN short time, grown to be one of the
great powers Of the earth
Simple and unosentatious as are The ceremonies
to-day, we have here represented the three dcpart
lhsnts OF our State government-the Executive the
Legislative, and those who compose our Supreme
Judicial tribunal. We have all of us. distinct but
important duties to discharge
Inc most important, however, arc those devolyed
State. f'"o' VI ''e
III the progress of events, these duties have be.
come more varied and important than formerly and
therefore requiring more time for their dispatch-
AN he resources Of the State are brought to notice
anu become better KNOWN these duties are likely to
rather than diminish and the scope of our
'es's'a''on TO be widened and extended
am aware, gentlemen, that several of the most
~ -. subjects upon "hich you have been called
~ A. uu'ne the present session are vet undisposed
III. Is not my purpose now to speak of these
.s having SO lately had an opportunity of
nav bs nondns WIN you in another way. ] trust
tbat o PaIoohed however, for expressing the hope
.lat although your session NAV become somewhat
acoo'". you VIII not suffer yourselves, on that
70 be hurried into hasty and imperfect leg
do . always producing serious evils and to un.
%n'ch is oftentimes impossible.
ed imyself, when my official term shall have end
hon. anu return to the walks of private life can
C.pe,: lof no higher qualification than to North
cons o,.a distinguished by all the qualities which
honse great State, and taking the position at
ws ana abroad which every Of her sons should
ler to occupy. Whether this shall be the case
'RInas more upon your labors than NINE
VOL n"at thi hope may be realized, I am sure that
desi,s anu all who hear me to-day, will most heartily