The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1865-12-19
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF GOV.
WORTH.

Jonathan Worth, the Governor elect, took
the oath of Office before.the Legislature on FRI
day last. He cannot enter the discharge Of
his duties as Governor until the Provisional Cow
eminent is removed. the President having mott
fed Gov. Holden to continue to act as Governor
until otherwise ordered
The following is Mr. Worth's Address on the
occasion
Gentlemen of the Senate and Of the House Of
COnanlOnS
If were about to enter the discharge of my du-
ties would expect me, according to usage on this
occasion to declare my views some OF the subjects
likely to require Executive action.
AS the ordinance of the Convention under which
have been elected, provides that am not to act until
the Provisional Government shall be disconnued-and
that discontinuance may not during my official
term. deem it premature and inappropriate to discuss
subjects on which may not be allowed to take action
regard it, however. fit occasion for me to de-
clare that the people of North Carolina Impoverished
by the late desolatng war; and discouraged by the I'M
ceranties of the future ardenty desire restoration of
which produced and grew of the war. our part,
are rapidly passing away. All good and wise men feel
that the common good of our whole country required
the suppressions of the sectional examinations and re-
ordinations from which have sprung national ca
lames. am sure that thr great body of our people
desire that national amity sba- be restored Such -f-
those lately called our foes Such is peculiarly the
among the brave who pered their lives in
the respective armies lately engaged In mortal combat
The brave are always generous.
Admonshed by the recent past, surely the virtue OF
this great nation will not again surrender itself to the
guidance of turbulent sectional leaders.
l am all people, if admitted into full
communion with the United States, upon the terms
prescribed by the President with all of which
have fully complied) would perform all their cOnStlt-
tional obligations with much fidelity any people
in the Union Unfounded disrust will not beget kind
ness and confidence. We ought to be judged by
acts. To them appeal for the verfcaton of my as
sertions
We honor the generous magnanimty and eleva-
ted statesmensh;p exhibited in the Presidents plan
of reconstruction. 1t looks the permanent gsod
of the aVhole nation, and in view of the appalling
difficulties with which he was surrounded, is prob
ably the wisest practicable plan which could be de-
Vsed. We have promptly, and almost unanimously,
complied with all its provisions, by declaring our
ordinance of secession null and void, by amending
constitution abolishing slavery, regulating our
debt, ratifying the amendment to the constitu-
ton of the United States forever prohibiting slavery
in the States, and by soemnly taking an oath re-
newing our allegiance to the United States. If all
these held insufficient to eniitle to conf
dence, scarcely hope to do anything which
will be held satisfactory. | will vouch for North
Carolina if not driven to despair by ungenerous dis
trust She will grasp the hand of reconciliation, if
offered with generous magnanmons confidence.
| return to the people of North Carolina my most
profound thanks for the distngui shed honor they
have done me in electing their chief mags-
trate, and if shall be called upon perform the
duties Of the POSITION shall most ferventfy!impore
the Gver of all good to inspire with ability 10
discharge my duties in a manner acceptable to the
State, and promotive of the best interest of her
people.