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    " Immediately before the address , " says a describer of the scene , " when General Pierce took the oath , with head uncovered , and raising one hand to heaven , while he laid the other on the holy book , the spectators also uncovered , even in the snow that was falling at that time , and many of them lifted up their hands as if in an act of the most fervent devotion . It was a solemn scene . " After the conclusion of the usual formalities , President Pierce stepped to the front of the platform , and , amid enthusiastic cheers , proceeded to deliver the inaugural address : —¦ My Countrymen , —It is a relief to feel that no heart but my own can know the personal regret and bitter sorrow , over which I have been borne to a position , so suitable for othersrather than desirable for myself .

    , The circumstances under which I have been called , for a limited period , to preside over the destinies of the Republic , fill me with a profound sense of responsibility , hut with nothing- like shrinking apprehension . I repair to the post assigned me , not as to one sought , but in obedience to the unsolicited expression of your will , answerable only for a fearless , faithful , and diligent exercise of my best powers . I ought to be , and am truly grateful for the rare manifestation of the nation ' s confidence ; but this , so far from lightening my obligations , only adds to their weight . You have summoned me in my weakness : you must sustain me by your strength . When looking for the fulfilment of reasonable requirements , you will not be unmindful of the great changes which have occurred , even within the last quarter of a century , and the consequent augmentation and complexity of duties imposed , in the administration both of your home and foreign affairs .

    . Whether the elements of inherent force in the Republic have kept pace with its unparalleled progression in territory , population , and wealth , has been the subject of earnest thought and discussion , on both sides of the ocean . Less than sixty-three years ago , the Father of his Country made " the" then " recent accession of the important State of North Carolina to the Constitution of the United States , " one of the subjects of his special congratulation . At that moment , however , when the agitation consequent upon the revolutionary struggle had hardly subsided , when we were just emerging from the weakness and

    embarrassments of the Confederation , there was an evident conscious ness of vigour , equal to the great mission so wisely and bravely fulfilled by our fathers . It was not a presumptuous assurance , but a calm faith , springing from a clear view of the sources of power , in a government constituted like ours . It is no paradox to say that , although comparatively weak , the new-born nation was intrinsically strong . Inconsiderable in population and apparent resources , it was upheld by a broad and intelligent comprehension of rights , and an all-pervading purpose to maintain them , stronger than armaments . It came from the furnace of the

    revolution , tempered to the necessities of the times . The thoughts of the men of that day were as practical as their sentiments were patriotic . They wasted , no portion of their energies upon idle and delusive speculations , but with a firm and fearless step advanced beyond the governmental landmarks , which had hitherto circumscribed the limits of human freedom , and planted their standard where it has stood against dangers , which have threatened from abroad , and internal agitation , which has at times fearfully menaced at home . They approved themselves equal to the solution

    of the great problem , to understand which their minds had been illuminated by the dawning lights of the revolution . The object sought was not a thing dreamed of : it was a thin ^ realized . They exhibited not only tho power to achieve , but what all history affirms to be so much more unusual , tho eapucity to maintain . The oppressed throughout tin ; world , from that day to tho present , have turned thoir eyes hitherwurd , not to find those lights extinguished , or to fear lest they should wane , but to be constantly cheered by thoir steady and increasing radiance .

    In this our country has , in my judgment , thus far fulfilled its highest duty to HuJlbring humanity . It has spoken , and will continue to speak , not only by its words but by its acts , thn language ) of sympathy , encouragement and liopo , to those who earnestly listen to tones which pronounce for tho largest rulional liberty . But , after all , tho most animating encouragement and potent appeal for freedom will be ita own history , its trials and its triumphs . Pro-orninoiitly the power of our advocacy reposes in our example ; but no example , be it remembered , can bo powerful for lasting good , whatever apparent advantages may bo gained , which in not based upon eternal principles of right and juHtice . Our fathers decided for thornBolycH , both upon the hour to declare and the hour to strike . They were their own judges of the circumstances , under which it became them to pledge to each other " their liven , their fortunes , and their sacred honour , " for tho acquisition of tlio priceless inheritance transmitted to uh . The energy under the

    with which that great conflict was opened , and , guidance of a manifest mid beneficent Providonee , the uncomplaining endurance with which it watt prosecuted to i ( , H consummation , were only surpassed by the wisdom and patriotic sp irit , of concession which characterised till the courifiels of the early fathers . Ono of the most impressive evidences of that wisdom is to be found in . tho fact ., that the actual working of our HyHteni has dispelled u degree of solicitude , which , at tho ouI . noI ,, disturbed bold hearts and far reaching intellects . The apprehension of clangers from extended territory , multiplied states , accumulated wealth , and augmented population , has proved to be unfounded . The star * upon your banner have become nearly threefold their original number , your densely populated posessions skirt , the shores of the two great , oceans ; and yet this vast , increase of people and territory has not , only shown itself compatible , with the harmonious action of ' the States and the Federal

    Govorninriut in XUWit respective constitutional spheres , but has afforded an additional guarantee of tho strength and inoirrily of both .

    and amity with all nations . Purposes , therefore , at once just and pacific , will be significantly marked in the conduct of our foreign affairs . I intend that my administration shall leave no blot upon our fair record , and trust I may safely give the assurance that no act within the legitimate scope of my constitutional control will be tolerated , on the part of any portion of our citizens , which cannot challenge a ready justification before the tribunal of the civilized world . An administration would be unworthy of confidence at home , or respect abroad , should it cease to be influenced by the conviction , that no apparent advantage can be purchased at a price so dear as that of national wrong or dishonour . It is not your privilege , as a nation , to speak of a distant past . The striking incidents of your

    With an experience thus suggestive and cheering , the policy of my Administration will not be controlled by any timid forebodings of evil from expansion . Indeed , it is not to be disguised that our attitude as a nation , and our position on the globe , render the acquisition of certain possessions , not within our jurisdiction , eminently important for our protection , if not , in the future , essential for the preservation of the rights of commerce and tho peace of the world . Should they be obtained * it will be through no grasping spirit , but with a view to obvious national interest and security , and in a manner entirelvconsistent with the strict observance of national faith . We have nothing m our history or position to invite aggression , we have everything to beckon us to the cultivation of relations of peace

    history , replete with instruction , and furnishing abundant grounds for hopeful confidence , are comprised in a period comparatively brief . But if your past is limited , your future is boundless . Its obligations throng the unexplored > athway of advancement , and will be limitless as duration . Hence , a sound and comprehensive policy should embrace , not less the distant future than the urgent present . The great objects of our pursuit , as a people , are best to be attained by peace , and are entirely consistent with the tranquillity andinterests of the rest of mankind . With the neighbouring nations upon our continent we should cultivate kindly and fraternal relations . We can desire nothing in regard to them so much a 9 to see them consolidate their strength , and pursue the paths of prosperity and happiness .

    If , in the course of then- growth , we should open new channels of trade , and create additional facilities for friendly intercourse , the benefits realized will be equal and mutual . Of the complicated European systems of national polity we have heretofore been independent . From their wars , their tumults and anxieties , we have been , happily , almost entirely exempt . While these are confined to the nations which gave them existence , and within their legitimate jurisdiction , they cannot affect us , except as they appeal to our sympathies in the cause of human freedom and universal advancement . But the vast interests of commerce are common to all mankind , and the advantages of trade and international intercourse must always present a noble field for the moral influence of a great people .

    With these views firmly and honestly carried out , we have a right to expect , and shall under all circumstances require prompt reciprocity . The rights which belong to us as a nation are not alone to be regarded , but those which pertain to every citizen in his individual capacity , at home and abroad , must be sacredly maintained . So long as he can discern every star in ita place upon that ensign , without wealth to purchase for him preferment , or title to secure for him place , it will be his privilege , and must be his acknowledged right , to stand unabashed even in the presence of princes , with a proud consciousness ^ that he is himself one of a nation of sovereigns , and that ho cannot , in

    legitimate pursuit , wander so far from homo that the agent whom ho shall leave behind in the place which I now occupy , will not see that no rude hand of power or tyrannical passion is laid upon him with impunity . Ho must realize that , upon every sea and on every soil , where our enterprise may rightfully seek tho protection of our flag , American citizenship is an inviolable panoply for the security of American rights . And , in this connexion , it can hardly be necessary to re-affirm a principle which should now bo regarded as fundamental . The rights , security , and repose of this Confederacy reject the idea of interference or colonization , on this side of tho ocean , by any foreign power , beyond present jurisdiction , ns utterly inadmissible . furnished b brief

    Tho opportunities of observation , y my experience as a soldier , confirmed in my own mind tho opinion , entertained and acted upon by othors from tho formation of tho Government , that tho maintenance of large standing armies in our country would ho not only dangerous but unnecessary . They also illustrated the importance , I might well say the absolute necessity , of the military science and practical skill furnished , in such an eminent , degree , by the institution , which has made your army what it is , under tho discipline and instruction of officers not more distinguished for their solid attainments , gallantry , and devotion to the public service , than for unobtru ' sivo bearing and high moral tone . Tho army , as organized , must bo the nucleus , around which , in every the

    time of need , tho strongth of your military power , sure bulwark of your defence—a national militia—may bo readily formed into a well-disciplined and efficient organization . And the skill and self-devotion of the Navy assure you that you may tnko tho performance of the past as a pledge for the future , and may confidentl y expect that the flag , which has waved itn untarnished folds over every sea , will still float in undiminished honour . Hut those , like many other subjects , will be appropriately brought , at a future time , to the attention of the co-ordinate brunches of tho Government , to which I shall always look with profound respect , and with trustful confidence that they will accord to mo the aid and support which I shall so much need , and which thoir expononco and -wisdom will

    readily suggest . In tho administration of domestic aflairo , you oxpect a devoted integrity in the public service , and an observance of rigid economy in all departments , so marked as never justly to be questioned . If this reasonable expectation bo not realized , I frankly confess that ono of your loading hopoH is doomed to disappointment , and that my offorta in

    a very important particular must result in a humiliating : failure . Offices can be properly regarded only in the light of aids for the accomplishment of these objects ; and as occupancy can confer no prerogative , nor importunate desire for prefermSnt any claim , the public interest imperatively demands that they be considered with sole reference to the duties to be performed . Grood citizens may well claim the protection of good laws , and tho benign , influence of a good government ; but a claim for office is what the people of a Republic should never recognise . No reasonable man of any party will expect tho Administration to be so regardless of its responsibility , and of the obvious elements of success , as to retain persons , known tobe under the influence of political hostility and partisan prejudice , in positions , which will require , not only severelabour , but cordial co-operation . Having no implied .

    engagements to ratify , no rewards to bestow , no resentments to remember , and no personal "wishes to consult , inu selections for official station , I shall fulfil this difficult and ; delicate trust , admitting no motive as worthy either of my character or position , which does not contemplate aru efficient discharge of duty and the hest interests of my ? country . I acknowledge my obligations to the masses ofT my countrymen , and to them alone . Higher objects tham personal aggrandizement gave direction and energy to their * exertions in the late canvass , and they shall not be disappointed . They require at my hands , diligence , integrity ,, and capacity , wherever there are duties to be performed * . Without these qualities in their public servants , 100 x 9 stringent laws , for the prevention or punishment of fraud , negligence , and peculation , will be vain . With them , they will be unnecessary .

    But these are not the only points to which yon look for vigilant watchfulness . The dangers of a concentration of all power in the General Government of a Confederacy so vast as ours , are too obvious to be disregarded . You have a right , therefore , to expect your agents , in every department , to regard strictly the limits- imposed uponthem by the Constitution of thie United States . The great scheme of our constitutional liberty rests upon a proper distribution of power between the State and Federal authorities ; and experience has shown , that the harmony and happiness of our people must depend upon a just discrimination between the separate rights and responsibilities of the States , and your common rights and obligations ; under the General Government . And here , in my opinion ,

    are the considerations , which should form the true basis of future concord in regard to the questions which have most seriously disturbed public tranquillity . If the Federal Government will confine itself to the exercise of powers clearly granted by the Constitution , it can hardly happen that its action upon any question should endanger the institutions of the States , or interfere with their right to manage matters strictly domestic according to the will i of their own people . In expressing briefly my views upon an important suVject which has recently agitated the nation to almost , at fearful degree , I am moved by no other impulse tham at most earnest desire for the perpetuation of that Uraon ; which has made us what we are , —sliowering upca . usb whuai&u

    blessings , and conferring a power and influence p ' fathers could hardly have anticipated , even with * tlieir most sanguine hopes directed to a far-off future . The sentiments I now announce were not unknown bejbro the expression of the voice which called rue here . M y own . position upon this subject was clear and unequivocal , upon the record of my words and my acts , and it is . only recurred to at this time because silence might ,, p erhaps , bo misconstrued . With tho Union , my best and dearest earthly hopes are entwined . Without it , what are we , individually or collectively ? What become * of the noblest field ever opened for tho advancement of our race , in religion , in government , in tho arts , and in all that dignities and adorns mankind ? 1 ' rom that

    radiantconstellation , which both illumines our own way and points out to struggling nations their coua-se , lot but a single star be lost , and , if thero bo not utter darkness , the lustre of the whole is dimmed . Do my countrymen need any assurance that such a catastrophe is not to overtake them while I possess the power to stay it ? It is with mo an earnest and vital belief , that ns tho Union has b * en tho Hource , under Providence , of our prosperity to this time , so it is the surest pledge o-f a continuance of the blessings wo have enjoyed , and which wo ore sacredly bound to transmit undiminisluHl to our children . Tho field of calm and free discussiAn in our country is open , and will always bo so ; but it never has been and never can bo traversed for good in a spirit of sectionalism and

    uncharitableness . Tho founders of tlio liopublic dealt with things us they wore presented to them , in a spirit of Holt-sacrifieing patriotism , and , as time has proved , with a compreluwiaivo wisdom which it- will always bo safo for us to consult . Every mcasuro tending to strengthen the fraternal feelings of all the members of our Union , lias had my heartfelt approbation . To every theory of society or govornmont , whether the offspring of feverish ambit ion or of morbid enthusiasm , calculated to dissolve the bondsof law and affection which unite * us , I shall interpose ) a ready » md stern resistance . I believe that involuntary servitude , as it oxists in different St . ntes of this confederacy , is recoguised by tho Constitution . I believe flmt it stands like any oilier admitted right , and that the

    SttttoN where it oxists are entitled to efficient remedies to onforeo the constitutional provisions . I hold tluit the laws of 1 H 50 , commonl y called tho "' Compromise Measures , " are strictly constitutional , and to be unhesitatingly carried into effect . I believe that the constituted authorities of this Itepublin are bound to regard tli « rights of the Mouth in this respect ., as they would \ iow any other legal and constitutional right , and that , the laws to onfomr them Hliould be respected and obeyed , riot with 11 reluctance encouraged by abstract opinions as to tlieir propriety in a different state of society , hu | . cheerfully , mid according to the decisions of the tribunal to which Uuihr oxposition belongs . Such have boon , and are , my conviotionu , and upon them X shall act . I fervently hojx *

    Untitled Article

    270 THE LEADER . [ Saturpav ,

• Citation
  • Leader (1850-1860), March 19, 1853, page 270, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1978/page/6/