Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1864-01-16
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Rep.
rssentatives:
Obedent to the mandate Of the people, ap.
pear before you to day 10 assume. the duties
OF Chief Magistrate of the State of Ohio.
am not ignorant Of the magnitude and impor-
tsnce of the position, nor unmindful of my own
want of experience and ability to 50 administer
1t, as to satisfy the expectations Of the people
who have chosen me. Most gladly would
have seen its honors and duties imposed upon
come aber citizen Of the State; aud it is with
no ordinary degree of dlfidence that assume
to-day its laboTs and responsibilities. l eau
only assure you, gentlemen, and those you rep
resent. that bring to this position fixed de
termination to discharge its duties, to tile
best Of my ability, in spirit of unyielding
fathfullness and Integrity to the State, and in-
partiality and justice TO the people.
There is significance in the recent expires.
sion OF the popular will that relieves US all from
many of the enbarrassments that usually at
tend such events. 1t herads no mere party
triumph-it is DO individual success. No mere
part:zan eff, ri could have achieved such vic.
tory no man in the State is worth of, or could
have received, so sublime an ovation. 1t is a
spontaneous declaration Of the intense loyalty
Of our psopls to their government, and bear
ing il with the stern commandment that every
spsrgy of their State, aud every exertion of its
rulers shall be given to the restoration of that
9osernment to its original unity and power. 1t
not only relieves US OF all mere partizan tram
mels aud sffnities, but il commands us that,
for the time being, these shall be laid aside,
until the great purpose is accomplished Of re-
storing our covatry to position in which par
tizan contests may be INDUCED without inyol-
wing our nationality; and party victories be
won without their possible results giving en
couragement TO rebels 10 arms against The su
premacy of the constitution and laws OF the
land. ln that spirit accept the late declara
ton Of our common constituency, aud humby
thank them that, 10 this paI ticular, they have
made my path easy and straight before me.
While this national obligation is laid upon
us. It does not relieve us from the further duty
Of guarding the local interests, aud promoting
the prosperity OF our own State. This duty
70 large extent, devolyes upon the Legislative
body. / fully share in the confidence OF the
people who have called you from your respect
I've ayocations in life, aud committed to you
for the time being the honor. the credit, and
the prosperity Of the State. 10 all that can
and properly may do, il will give me great
pleasure TO cooperate with you IN the accom-
plishment Of this great purpose.
The annual message OF my worthy predeces-
sor, with the accompanying documents. pre-
seDis you, in a concise and Ineligible manuer
the condition of our State Affairs. His recon
mendations are worthy OF, and will undoubtedly
receive, your careful consideration. His ar
ducus labors have contributed, 10 no small de-
kne, TO the gratifying results presented to you
and Ii Is pleasing reflection that the people
Of tho State will be able TO follow him into ma
present retirement from executive duties, witt
ibs grateful plaudit OF "weil done good ant
f.ifhiul servant Ii will be an abiding pleas
oss 10 me, IL at the end OF my own brief ser
vice, / shall be able 10 attain alike his useful
poss and bis reward
Il Is not lees gratifying than honorable tc
thc State d at we have been able TO pass