Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1857-03-11

procession started for the Capitol about noon,
being very large and presenting beautiful
appearance. The Military of the District
and Committees were large and fully repre-
sented. Messrs. Buchanan and Breckenridge
rode in an open carriage, surrounded by the
Keystone Club, preceded by the military and
representation, by lady, of the Goddess
Of Liberty, on high platform, drawn by six
horses, and followed by a miniature ship of
war, made by the mechanics of Washington
Navy Yard. Then followed Clubs, Engine
companies, and the balance of the procession,
according to programme already published.
Mr.. Buchanan reached the Capitol about one
o'clock. A tremendous crowd was waiting
there to hear the Inaugural, who received him
with enthusiastic cheers. He proceeded i'm
mediately to the Senate Chamber, where the
oath was administered by Chief Justice Tan
ney, and afterwards emerged from the build
ing to the eastern portion Of the Capitol,
where temporary stage was erected, and in
presence of the assembled thousands, COM
menced delivering his Inaugural.
.. Washington, March 4th.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF PRESIDENT b.
cHANAN.-Mr Buchanan's manner in deliver
ing his Inauguration address, was remarkably
impressive and determined.
He began by appealing to Almighty God,
for strength and wisdom, to enable him to
carry out the administration of the affairs of
the country, to the advantage of the People.
He had declared not to try to be elected
President another term.
81. L. III
purely and for the best interest of the whole
country.
He spoke of his election as having been ac-
complished by those anxiously DESTROYS for
the preservation of the Union.
He congratulated the country on the fact
that agitation on the subject of slavery, had
almost entirely ceased; and he declared that
for the first time in twenty years, the coun-
try had arrived at peace on that subject.
In referenre to Kansas, he declared that it
should be admitted, with either Freedom or
Slavery, according as the constitution, adopt
ed by the people, directs.
He went into long argument to show that
the Nebraska Kansas bill was right in prin-
ciple.
The equality of States, he said, must be
preserved. He added, however, that slave
ry was less impracticable than some other sub
jects before the American people. The geo.
graphical parties to which the agitation of
the Slavery question has given birth, must
die, for their existence endangers the lives of
citizens of Slave States.
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 last election, was characteristic of this
and no other nation. He thought that these
geographical parties must die.
He said that corruption in a republican
government was fatal to its institutions, al
though in corrupt country, the forms of
free Institutions might remain, the life was
gone! His administration should aim at pu-
rity in all its departments.
Extravaganza in the disposal of the pub
lie lands, he declared must be put stop to,
so that our children may secure homes for
themselves, and the brood of Spectators and
Jobbers who live upon them, may be crushed.
The laws in regard to naturalization sho'ld
remain as they are at present, putting the
foreign and native born citizens on a fair
democratic level.
In regard to the Pacific R. R. project, such
a road he said might be made by Congress,
in the shape of Military road, to enable the
Government to extend protection to our po-
sessions on the Pacific coast. Congress has
full power to do this, and he agreed THAT it
must and should be done in order that we
may be prepared on that coast for the emer-
gency Of war.
Our Foreign Policy must be to cultivate
peace and good will with all nations, but at
the same time, all entangling alliances must
be avoided. This has been an axiom of our
Government. ever since the days of Wash
iugton and none dare now dispute its prosper
ity.
1t has been the boast of the United States
that none of their territory has been acquir-
ed by war This must continue to be our
policy. We must refuse to take any terrific
ry whatever, miles it be acquired by honor
able means
Our Diplomatic Policy must be frank and
honorable; and by pursuing such Il policy,
we shall continue to hold our position among
the great leading powers of the world.
Mr.. Buchanan read his address closely from
the manuscript, which he held in his {
hand His voice was clear, but owing to the
tremendous crowd, many of whom could not
see him, there was some interruption, and all
n