Newspaper Page Text
Address.
FItLLOWCtTIZIiNS :
The practice of all my predecessors im
putes on me, an obligation I chci t fuliy ful
fil, to accompany tin 1 first and solemn act of:
my public trust, with an avowal of the prill- j
ciples that will guide me in performing it.
mid an expression <•( mv feelings on assu
ming a charge >o responsible mid vast. In
imitating their example, I tread in the foot
steps of illustrious men, whose superiors,,
il is our happiness to believe, tire not found
utt the executive calendar of any country.
Among them, we recognise the earliest a .d
firmest pillars of the republic ; those by
whom our national independence was first
declared ; him who, above all others, con
tributed to establish it on the field of bat
tle*; and those whose expanded intellect mid |
patriotism constructed, improved, and per
fected the inestimable institutions under
which we live. If such men, in the position
I how occupy, felt themselves overwhelmed
by a sense of gratitude for this, the high
est of all marks of their country’s eonli- I
tlence, and by a consciousness of their ina-:
bil’.ty adequately to discharge the duties of
hii office so difficult and exalted, how much '
more must these considerations affect one, |
who can rely on no such claims for favor i
or forbearance. Unlike all who have pre-I
ceded me, the revolution that gave us exis-!
tenceasotie people, was achieved at the pe- I
riod of my birth; and whilst 1 contemplate i
with grateful reverence that memorable e
vent, 1 feel that I belong to a later age, and
that I may not expect my countrymen to '
weigh my actions with the same kind and
partial hand.
Sj sensibly, fellow-citizens, do these cir- 1
cumstances press.themselves upon me, that
1 should not dare to enter upon my path of
duty, did I not look for the generous aid of
those who will be associated with me in the
various and co-ordinate branches of the
Government ; did 1 not repose, with unwa
vering reliance, on the patriotism, the intel
ligence, and the kindness, ot a people who
never yet deserted a public servant honestly
laboring in their cause ; and, above all, did
I not permit mysell hutniily to hope for the
sustaining support of an ever-watchful and
bencficient Providence.
To the confidence and consolation deri
ved from these sources, it would be ungrate
ful not to add those which spring from our
present fortunate condition. Though not
altogether exempt from embarrassments that
disturb our tranquility at home and threat
en it abroad, yet, in all the attributes of a
great, happy, and flourishing people, we
stand without a parallel in the world.—A
broad, we enjoy the respect, and, with scarce
ly an exception, the friendship of every na
■tion; at home, while our Government qui
etly, but efficiently, performs the sole legit
imate end ofour political institutions, in do
ing the good to the greatest number, we pre
«entan aggregate o! human prosperity
surely not elsewhere to be found.
How imperious, then, is the obligation
imposed upon every citizen, in his own
sphere of action, whether limited or exten
ded, to exert himself in perpetuating a con
dition of things so singularly happy. All
the lessons of history and experience must
be lost upon us, if we are content to trust
alone, to the peculiar advantages we hap
pen to possess. Position and climate, and '
the bounteous resources that nature has
scattered with so liberal a hand—even the
diffused intelligence and elevated character |
of our people—will avail us nothing, if we !
fail sacredly to uphold those political insti-1
tiltions that were wisely and d diberately
formed, with reference to every circumstance
that could preserve, or might endanger, the
blessings we enjoy. The thoughtful fra
mers of our constitution legislated for our
country as they found it. Hooking upon it
with the eyes of statesmen ami of patriots,
they saw all the sources of rapid and won
derful prosperity ; but they saw also that
various habits, opinions, and institutions,
peculiar to the various portions of so vast a
region, were deeply fixed. Distinct sove
reignties were -in actual existence whose
cordial union was essential to the welfare
and happiness of all. Between many of
them there was, at least to some extent, a
real diversity of interests, liable to be exag
gerated through sinister designs ; they dif
fered in size, in population, in wealth, and
in actual and prospective resources and
power; they varied in the character of
their industry and staple productions; and
in some existed domestic institutii n ; , which,
unwisely disturbed, might endanger the
harmony of the whole. Most carefully
were all these circumstances weighed, and
. the foundations of the new Government
laid upon principles of reciprocal conces
sion and equitable compromise. The jeal
ousies which the smaller States might enter
tain of the power of the rest were allayed
by a rule of representation confessedly tin- j
equal at the time, and designed forever to
remain so. A natural fear that the broad
scope of general legislation might hear up
on, and unwisely control particular interests,
was counteracted by limits strictly drawn
nround the action of the federal authority ; j
and to the people and the Slates was left
unimpaired their sovereign power over the
innumerable subjects embraced in the inter
nal governm nt of a just republic, except
ing such only as necessarily appertain to
the concerns of the whole confederacy, or
its intercourse, as a united community, with !
the other nations of the world.
This provident forecast has been verified
l»y time. Half a century, teeming with ex
traordinary events, and elsewhere producing
Hstonisliing results, bad passed along; but i
on our institutions it has left no injurious ,
mark. F ruin a small community, we have !
risen to a people powerful in numbers and
tn strength • but with our increase has gone, i
hand in hand, toe progress of jii-t plinci
pies; the privileges, civil and i< ligidus, of|
the humblest imlivi.htal are still sacredly
protected at 1 ; and, while the valor and I
fortitude of our people have removed far '
from us the slightest apprehension of foreign i
power, they have not induced us, in a sin-1
gle instance, to forget what is right. Our
commerce has been extended to the remotest ,
nations, the value, and even nature, of our <
productions has been greatly changed ; a <
wide difference has arisen in the relative i
wealth mid resources of every portion of ,
our country ; yet lite spirit of mutu d re ji
gard and of faithful adherence to cxistim f
compacts, has continued to prevail in om ! i
Councils, and never long been absent ft on j .
our rondtic’. V/p have learned by ex’i'ri-L
j ence a fruitful lesson, that an implicit and
mulct fitting adherence to the principles on
1 which we set out, can carry ns prosperously
übnuard throng,) all the conflicts ofeirenm
-t.tnccs, and the vicissituds inseparable from
the lapse of years.
The sm ee-s that has thus attended our
great experiment, is, itself, a sufficient cause
lor gratitude, on account of the happiness
it his actually conferred, and the example
it has unanswerably given. But to me,
tin l<How-citizens, looking forward to the
' tm-di-i.-mi future, with ardent prayers and
confiding hopes, this retrospect presents a
ground lor deeper delight. It impresses on
m\ mind, a firm belief, that the perpetuity of
"tir institutions depends upon ourselves ;
that, it we maintain the principles on which
they were established, they are destined to
i conler their benefits on countless genera
tions yet to come ; and that America will
present to every friend of mankind the
< m eriug proof, that a popular Government,
wisely formed, is wanting in no element of
■< m.tiianee or strength. I* tfty years ago,
i lls rapid luilitre was boldly predicted. Ltt
tent and uncontrollable causes of ijissolu
i tion were supposed to exist, even bv the
! wise and good ; and not only did uufriend
j ly or speculative theorists anticipate for us,
i the late of past republics, but the fears of
many an honest patriot ov«n-l>i.lnncrd his
t sanguine hopes. Look back on these fore
j boilings, not hastily, but reluctantly made,
and see how, in every instance, they have
j completely failed.
An imperfect experience, during the
' struggles ol the revolution, was supposed
ito warrant a belief that the people would
not bear the taxation requisite to discharge
, an immense public debt already incurred,
and to tlelray the necessary expenses of the
'j Government. The cost of two wars has
been paid, not only without a murmur, but
with unequalled alacrity. No one is new
leit to doubt, that e i cry burden will be cheer
fully hornethat may be necessary to sustain
: our civil institutions, or guard our honor or
our wellarc. Indeed, all experience has
shown that the willingness of the people to
I contribute to these ends in eases of emer
gency, has uniformly outrun the confidence
j ot their representatives.
In the eatly stages of the new Govern
ment, when all imposing influence, as they
recognised the unequalled services of the
first President, it was a common sentiment,
that the great weight of his character could
, alone bind the discordant materials of our
Government together, and save us from the
violence of contending factions. Since his
death, netvdy fort vicars are gone. Party
exasperation has been often carried to its
j highest point ; the virtue and the fortitude
i of the people have sometimes been greatly
tried ; yet our system, purified and enhan
ce I in value by all it has encountered, still
preserves its spirit of free and fearless dis
cussion, blended with unimpaired fraternal
I feeling.
1 The capacity of the people for self gov
-1 ernment, and their willingness, from a high
j sense of duty, and without those exhibitions
ot coercive power so generally employed
in other countries, to submit to all needful
restraints and exactions of the municipal
law, have also been favorably exemplified
in the history ofthe American States. Oc
' casionally, it is true, the ardor of public
sentiment, outrunning the regular progress
ol the judicial tribunals, or seeking to reach ;
j cases not denounced as criminal by the ex- i
I isting law, has displayed itself in a manner |
; calculated to give pain to the friends of'free '
government and to encourage the hopes of
those who with for its overthrow. These I
occurrences, however, have been far less
frequent in our country than in any other
ol equal population on the globe ; and with
i the difinsion of intelligence, it may well be
Imped that they will constantly diminhh in
; frequency and violence. The generous
I patriotism ami sound common sense ofthe
great mass of our fellow-citizens, will as
suredly, in time, produce this result ; for as
I every assumption of illegal power not only
wounds the majesty of the law, but furnisli
ies a pretext for abridging the liberties of
■; the people, the latter have the most direct
and permanent interest in preserving the
great land-marks of’social order, and main
: tailring, on all occasions, the inviolability
[of those constitutional and legal provisions
which they themselves have made.
In a supposed unfitness of our institu
tions for those hostile emergencies, which
no country can always avoid, their friends
lound a fruitful source of apprehension,
their enemies of hope. While they fore
saw less promptness of action than in Gov
ernments differently formed, they overlook
bed the far more important consideration,
| that with us, war could never be the result
ol individual or irresponsible will, but must
i be a measure of redress for injuries sustain
led, voluntary resorted to by those who were
Ito bear the necessary sacrifice, who would
' consequently feel an individual interest in the
[ contest, and w hose energy would be com
■ mensurate with the difficulties to be encoun
; tered. Actual events have proved their
; error; the last war, far from impairing,
[ gave pew confidence to our Government ;
and amid recent apprehensions of a similar '
conflict, we saw that the energies of our
! country 'would not be ivanting in simple sea-,
I son to vindicate its rights. We may not
j possess, as we Should not desire to possess, I
I the extended and ever ready military organ- [
‘ iz.ation of other nations ; we may occasion
ally stiffer in the outset for the want of it ;
but, among ourselves, all doubt upon this
great point lias ceased, while a salutary ex
perience will prevent a contrary opinion
from inviting aggression from abroad.
Certain danger was foretold from the ex
ten-ion of our territory, the multiplication
of States, and the ini lease of population.
Our system was supposed to be adapted on
ly to boundaries comparatively narrow.
Tliese have been widened beyond conjec
ture ; the members of our confederacy are
already doubled ; and the numbers of our
people are incredibly augmented. The al
leged causes of danger have long surpas
sed anticipation, but none ofthe consequen
ces have followed. The power and influ
ence of the republic have risen to a height
obvious to till mankind ; respect for its au
thority was not more apparent at its an
cient, than it is at its present limits ; new
and inexliaiistalde sources of general pros
perity have been opened ; the effects of dis
tance have been averted by the inventive
genius of our people, developed and foster-j
rd by the spirit of our institutions'; and the [ i
I enlarged variety and amount of interests,
productions ami pursuits have strengthened
I the c.hain of mutual dependance, mid lorm
| cd a circle of mutual benefits, too apparent
( ever to be overlooked.
I io justly balancing the powers of the
Federal and State authorities, diflieultics
nearly insurmountable arose at the outset,
' and subsequent collissions were deemed in
evitable. Amid tliese, it was. scarcely be
lie veil possible that a scheme of government
iso complex in construction, could remain
i uninjured. From time to time etnbarrass
: ments have certainly occurred ; but how
I just is the confidence of future safety, im
parted by the knowledge that each in suc
cession has been happily removed. Over
looking partial and temporary evils as insep
arable, from the practicable operation of’ all.
human institutions, and looking only to the
general result, every patriot lias reason to
be satisfied. While the Federal Govern
ment has successfully performed its appro
priate functions in relation to foreign af
fairs, ami concerns evidently national, that
of’ every State has remarkably improved
in protecting and developing local interests
and individual welfare ; and if the vibra
tions of authority have occasionally tended
too much towards one or the other, it is un
qiiestionablv certain that the ultimate ope
. raiiou us the entire system has been to
strengthen all the existing institutions, and
to elevate our whole co.mtrj in prosperity
' and renow n.
The last, perhaps the greatest, of the
s prominent sources of discord and disaster
: supposed to lurk in our political condition,
| was the institution of' domestic slayery.
j Our forefathers were deeply impressed with
j the delicacy cd tins subject, and they treat
j ed it with a forbearence so evidently wise,
j that, in spite of every sinister foreboding, it
[ never, until the present period, disturbed
i the tranquillity ofoureommoii country. Such
ja result is sufficient evidence of the justice
and tiie patrioitsm of their cource ; it is ev
i idenee not to be mistaken, that an adherence
i to it can prevent all embarrassment from
! this, as well as from every other anticipated
cause of difficulty or danger. Have not
recent events made it obvious to the slight
est reflection, that the least deviation from
this spirit ot forbearmice is injurious to every
interest, that of humanity • included ? A
midst the violence of excited passions, this
generous and fraternal feeling has been
sometimes disregatded ; and, standing as I
now do before my countrymen, in this high
place of honor and of trust, i cannot re
. train from anxiously invoking my lellow
! citizens never to be deaf to its dictates.
: j Perceiving, before by election, the'deep
'' interest this subject was begining to excite, [
[ believed it a solemn duty fully to make known
[my sentiments in regard to it; and now,
■ when every motive for misrepresentation
[ has passed" away, i trust that they will be
) candidly w eighed and understood. At least,
[they will be my standard of conduct in the
[ path before me. I then declared that, if
the desire of those of my countrymen w ho
: were favorable to my election was gratified,
| “ I must go into the Presidelitial Chair the
: inflexible and uncompromising opponent of
j every attempt, on the part of Congress, to
i to abolish slavery in the District of Colum
[bia, against the wishes ofthe slavebolding
I States ; and also with a determination equal
[ ly decided, to resist the slightest inteafer
| cues with it in toe State <vhere it exists.”
1 submitted also t> my fellow-citizens, with
, fullness and frtmkiiess, the reasons which
[led me to this determinaiton. The result
[ authorizes me to believe, that they have been
j approved, and are confided in, by a majori
ty of the people ofthe United States, ine'e
ding those whom they most immediately
afl’ect. It now only remains to add, that
no bill conflicting with these views can ev
er receive my constitutional sanction.
These opinions have been adopted in the:
firm belief that they are in accordance with
the spirit that actuated the venerated fathers
of the republic, and that succeeding experi
ence has proved them to be humane, patri
otic expedient, hatiorable, and. just, lithe
agitation ol this subject was inti tided to
reach the stability of our institutions, en
ough has occured to show that it lias signal
ly failed; and that in this, as in every other
instance, the apprehensions of the timid and I
the hopes of the wicked for the destruction |
ol <mr Governmentent, are again dcstii ed |
to be disappointed, [li re and there, in
deed, scenes ot dangerous excitement have
occurred : terrifying instances of local vio
lence have been witnessed; and a reckless
disregaad ol she consequences of their con
duct has exposed individuals to popular in
dignation ; but neither masses of the people,
uor suctions <4 the country, have been svvcrv
ed from their devotion to the bond ofunion,
and the principles it has made sacred. 11.
will be ever thus. Such attempss al dan
gerous agitation may periodically return,
but with each, the object will be better un
derstood. That predominating affection
for our political system •which prevails
throughout our territorial limits; that calm
| and enlightened judgment which ultimately
| governs our people .s one vast body; will
[always be at band to resist and control ev-
I ery effort, foreign or domestic, which aims,
[or would lead, to overthrow our institutions.
[ sVhat can be more gratifying than such
a retrospect as this ! U'e look back on ob
stacles avoided, and danger, overcome; on
j expectations mo-e than realized, and pros
perity perfectly secured. To the hopes of
the hostile, the fears of the timid, and th
doubts ofthe anxious, actual experience has
given the conclusive reply. We have seen
time, gradually dispel every unfavorable
oreboding, and our constitution surmount
every adverse circumstance, dreaded at the
outset as beyond control. Present excite
ment will, at all times, magnify present dan
gers ; but true philosophy must teach us
that none more threatening than the past
can remain to be overcome; and we might,
for we have just reason, to entertain an a
biding confidence in the stability ofour in
stitutions, and an entire confidence that, it
administered in the true form, character and
spirit in w hich they were established ; they
are abundantly adequate to preserve to us
and our children the rich blessings already '
derived from them ; to make our beloved I
land, for a thousand generations, that < ho- '
sen spot where happiness springs from a 1
perfect equality of political rights. I
For myself, therefore, I desire to declare, 1
that th<! principle that will govern tne in ;
the high duty to which my country calls me, |
is, a strict adherence to the letter and spirit of(.
STANDARD OF UNION.
[the constitution, as it wasdesigned bv those
who framed it. Looking back to it as a
sacred i.islrmn.*nt, carelitly and not easily
framed ; remembering tint it was through
out, a work of concesMot and compromise :
viewing it as limited to national objects;
: regarding it as leaving o the people and
the States all power mt explicitly parted |
• w ith ; 1 shall endeavor to preserve, protect i
• and defend it, by auxioislv referring to its
provisions for direction i t every action. To j
i matters of domestic coiccrnment which it !
has intrusted to the Federal Government, I
and to such as relate to cur intercourse with ,
foreign nations, 1 shallzmloiisly devote my-
■ self ; beyond those limits I shall never puss. >
1 o enter, on this occasion, into a fur
ther or more minute exposition of my views!
I. or. the various question: of domestic policy - , [
■ would be as obtrusive is itis probably - uii
> expected. Before the siflrages of my rotiii-
■ trymen were conferred upon me, I submit
ted to them, with great precision, my opin
ions on all the most prominent of’these
i subjects. Those opinims I shall endeavor
I to carry out with my utmost ability.
» Om course; of foreigi pohev has been so
• uniform and intelligible, as to constitute! a
I rule of executive conduct which leaves lit-
■ tie to my discretion, tin ess, indeed, I were
■ willing to run counter to the lights ofex
i j perience, and the known opinions of mv
I constituents. We sedulously cultivate Hit
friendship ol all nations, as the condition
most compatible with our welfare, and the
. principles of our government. We decline
. alliances, adverse to our peace. We desire
commercial relations on equal terms, being
ever willing to give a fair equivalent for |
! ad vantages received. We endeavor to con- !
duct our intercourse with openness and sin- I
cerity ; promptly avowing onr objects, and;
[ seeking to establish tliat mutual frankness ;
■ which is as beneficial in the dealings of na- i
! lions as of men. We have no disposition, 1
. and we disclaim all right, to meddle in dis-'
putes, whether internal or for - ign, that;
. may molest other countries; regarding I
i [ them, in their actual state, as social com- j
I I inanities, and preserving a strict neutrality I
t : in all their controversies. Well knowing'
| the tried valor of our people, ami onr ex-I
j , han st less resources, we neither anticipate 1 :
nortearany designed aggression; and, in I
the consciousness of onr oyvn just conduct, j
. we feel a security that y»e shall never be |
( called upon toexert our determination, nev-
I er to permit an invasion of our rights, w'ih
) i out punishment or redress.
In approaching, then, in the presence of
my assembled countrymen, to make the
solemn promise that yet remains, and to
j pledge myself that I will faithfully execute
i tne office 1 am al.'out to fill, I bring with me j
( a settled purpose to maintain the institutions
of my country , wjiich, I trust, will atone
[ for the errors I commit.
, I In receiving from the people the sacred
trust twice confided to my' illustrious prede
[ cessor, and which i p has discharged so
[• faithfully and so well, I know that I cannot
( expect to perform the arduous task with e
qttal ability and success. But, united as I
[[ have been in his counsels, a daily witness
i- of nis exclusive and unsurpassed devotion to >
[ his country’s welfare, agreeing with him in
(sentiments which his countrymen have
warmly supported, and permitted to partake
largely of his confidence, I may hope that
somewhat of the same cheering approbation
wil be found to attend upon my path. For
! 1 him, I Irnt express, with my own, the wishes;
of al!—that lie may yet long live to enjoy
| the brilliant evening of his well-spent-lifc;
: and, for myself, conscious of but one de- !
sire, faithfully to serve my country, I throw
[ myself, without fear, on its justice and its j
kindness. Beyond that, 1 only look to the
gracious protection of the Divine Being,
whose strengthening support, I humbly sol
icit, and whom 1 fervently pray to’ look
down upon us all. May it be among the
[ dispensations of his providence to bless our ;
beloved country with honors and with length '
of days; may her ways be ways of pleasant-I
ness, and all her paths be peace.
STATE RIGHTS, and UNITED STATE'S
of
“The friends of the Unionare our friends, tn I i
enemies, our enemies."
w (tj i'iJl oti t-rvjca’LCi&js
TUESDAY HEOIBNING, MARCH 11.
ISurliaa Vasa
PRESIDENT,
AND
VICE PRESIDENT
OF THE
UNITED STATES.
INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
\\ here now is that organized band of defa.
mers,who, for three years past, have unceasing- :
ly devoted tiieir time and their talents to the I
abuse ol that citizen, who now stands at the I
head ol this government, by the voice of the
people?
“Othello's occupation's gone ”
Fhe Inaugural address of Mr. Van Buren is
before the country, in which his views of Gov
ernment, and his opinions upon the great lead
ing topics which have heretofore interested or
agitated the people, as well as the course which
he has marked out for his future conduct, are so
frankly and explicitly laid down, that conjecture
itself, can no longer exist. If there are those, (
who have entertained honest apprehensions of |
his principles and policy in regard Io subjects
ot vital importance, their apprehensions are dis. '
pellet!—lf fitere arc those, who sinning again t
light and knowledge, have wilfully and malici- |
o't.ily misrepresented and traduced him, their ,
lips arc hermetically sealed. He has left nothing I
to doubt or construction, but exhibits boldly and [
frankly the convictions of his mind, and the !
path he shall tread. He has been called a ,
but if there is any thing of magic t
in tins address, it is the magic ofcatxloi, iruth
and eloquence.
His adv t rsarios, in the sontheri section, of the
union, finding no legitimate meats of arresting
the current of his popularity, or >f turuingaway
j from his support, the true denocracy of the
I country, resorted to the despeiate expedient
l of raising a false clamor against lim, upon the
i subject ol abolition, and accordingly, a simulta
i neons ci v was raised from Mason and Dixon’s line
I to the Gulph of Mexico. He yvas openly charged
I with lavoring the schemes of the fanatics, and
it was unbhishingly asserted, that if he succeed
-1 ed to the Presidency, there would no longer be
j found peace and security for the South. The
interests and tiie passions of men wcio appealed
[ to, and every engine which malignity could in
vent, yvas set in motion to inflame the public
mind, and excite the prejudices of the people
against him. He was called on by citizens of
character and standing for his views upon this
all absorbing question—They were given with
out reserve, distinctly expressing bis opposition
to the slightest interference by Congress, in a
matter over which she possessed no constitution
al jurisdiction. These were made public
throughout the union, but still in the face of his
most unequivocal declarations, they still con
tinued their reckless course of slander and de
famation. The election came, mid against al;
their malignant efforts, l.c w-us borne through in
triumph.
After a brief, butjust and eloquent retrospect
ofthe birth, and rapid advancement of the re
public to power, prosperity and renown, and a
■ well merited tribute to the virtue, intelligence,
[ and patriotism of the people ; breathing the
I most ardent aspirations for the perpetuation of
! liberty and union, he approaches, with manly
; firmness, the main subject upon which
I lie has been so grossly misrepresented. The
[ following extract from his remarks upon that
i topic will not only gladden the hearts of his
[ friends, but will covei his revilers, with shame
[ and confusion.
“ The last, perhaps the greatest, of the promi
: nent sources of discord and disaster supposed to
j lurk in our political condition, was the institution
iof domestic slavery. Our forelathers were deeply
j impressed with the delicacy ot this subject and
[they treated it with a forbeai anco so evidently
i wise, that, in spite of every sinister foreboding,
[ it never, until the present period, disturbed the
! tranquility ofour common country. Such a result
is suliicient evidence of the justice and the patriot
ism of their course ; it is evidence not to be mis
taken, that an adherence to it can pievent all etn
. barrassment from this, as well as from every other
anticipated cause of difficulty or danger. Have
not recent events made it obvious to the slightest
reflection, that the least deviation from this spirit
[ of forbearance is injurious to every interest, that of
I humanity i icluded ! Amidst the violence of excit
[ ed passions, this generous and fraternal feeling has
been sometimes disregarded; and, standing as 1
n nv do before iny countrymen in this high place
of honor and of trust, I cannot refrain from anx
iously invoking my fellow-citizens never to be deaf
to its dictates. Perceiving, before my election, the
deep interest this subject, was beginning to excite,
1 believed it e. solemn duty fully to make known
my sentiments in regard to it; and now, when ev
ery motive for misrepresentation has passed away,
I trust that they will be candidly weighed and un
derstood. At least, they will be my standard of
conduct in the path before me. I then declared
[that if the desire of those of my country-
I men who wete favorable to my election was grati
fied, “I must go into the Presidential Chair the in
flexible and uncompromising opponent of every
attempt, on the part of Congress, to abolish slave
ry in the District of Columbia, against the wishes
ofthe slave holding States; and also with a deter
mination equally decided, to resist the slightest iu
lerferetice with it in the States where it exists.”
j 1 submitted also to my fellow-citizens, with full- !
I ness and frankness, the reasons which led me to l
I this determination. The result authorizes me to
[ bcl.eve,that they have been approved, and are con- 1
tided in, by a majority ofthe people of the United
j States, including those whom they most immedi
ately affect. It now only remains to add, that no
bill conflicting with thes ’ views can ever receive
my constitutional sanction.”
Here is an avowal so epen and undisguised,
so direct and explicit, that none but the most
[ uncharitable and relentless, can question his de
jection to the whole constitution, as framed
; and delivered to us, by our venerated fathers.
But there is yet another point in the address
' which will meet a hearty response from the
I whole democracy of the union. We allude to [
his lucid and orthodox exposition ofthe princi
ples of our government, the standard of[
strict construction by which he expounds the
federal constitution ; and the pledge which he
. gives, to preserve, protect and defend that sa- ;
cred instrument, in letter and in spirit, and to
refer to its provisions for direction in every ac- ;
tion, inspires with renewed confidence, the ex
pectations of those, who have conducted him,
to his present “high placeof honor and of trust.”
Upon that subject, he speaks the following i
language :
“ For myself, therefore, 1 desire to declare,
that the principle that wil! govern me in the high
duty to which my country calls me, is a strict
adherence to the letter and spiiil of the consti
tution, as it was designed by those who framed
it. Looking back to it as a sacred instrument,
carefully and not easily framed ; remembering
that it was throughout,a work of concession and
compromise; viewing it as limited to national
objects; regarding il as leaving to the peoplej
and the States all power not explicitly parted
with ; I s'hall endeavor to preserve, protect,
and defend it by anxiously referring to its pro
vision for direction in every action. To mat
ters of domestic concernment which it has in
trusted to the Federal Government, and to such j
as relate Io our intercourse with foreign nations, ■
I shall zealously devote myself; beyonfl those I
limits I shall never pass.
We regret, that time has not allowed us to
| taken more extended view of this able and in
i teresting paper ; but it will speak for itself.—ln
! matter and in nianer, in substance and in beau
ty —as a political text book, ora specimen of
elegant and chaste composition, it stands in the :
foremast rank.—Philosophy will approve it—|
Eloquence and learning will admire it, and pa- '
liiotism applaud it.
We close, with the concluding sentence, j
which will find its way to many a genet ous and
patriotic heart.
In receiving from the people the sacred trust
twice confided tn my illustrious predecessor,
and which ho has discharged so faithfully and so
well, I know that I cannot expect to perform
the arduous task with equal ability and success,
but united as 1 have been iu his counsels, a
daily witness of his exclusive and unsurpassed
devotion to his country’s welfare; agreeing with
him in sentiments which his countrymen have
warmly supported, and permitted to partake
largely of his confidence,! nut} hope that some
what of the same cheering approbation will he
found to attend upon my path. For him, 1 but ’
express, with my own, the wishes of all—that
he may yet long live to enjoy the brilliant eve
ning of his well-spent life; and, for myself, ('
conscious of but one desire, faithfully to serv<
my country, 1 throw myself, without fear, on L
ts justice an 1 its kindness. Beyond that, I
only I ook to the gracious protection ofthe Divine
Being, whose strengthening support, I humbly
solicit, and whom I fervently pray to look
down upon us all. May it be among the dis
pensations ol his providence,to bless our belov
ed country with honors and with length of
days ; may her ways bo ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths be peace.
MR. CALHOUN AND THE TARIFF.
If it had been predicted in 1831—2 ami 3, that
Mr. ( w’oukl, at any subsequent time, or
tinder any state of circumstances, oppose a reduc
tion of the tariff in any form which it might be
presented, the prediction would have been treated
by the nullifiers, with scorn and contempt, or pas
sed ovet as the effusion of a diseased intellect.
But who can tell, what lime xvill bring forth ? Mr
Calhoun, the champion of nullification, the man
who swore to put down the tariff or dissolve the
I nion, has, in his own person, and in hisown place
;n the Senate of the United States, voted against
a bill, the provisions of which, contemplated a
largeand important reduction of the unjust and
oppressive burdens under which his own constitu
ents, in common with their brethren of othcr
States have so long labored. Yes! John C. Cal
houn has voted to continue the odious and tincrm
stilutional tariff system, and thereby proved him
self a tariff man.
M e ask those, who have heretofore admired him
and paid homage to bis principles—who have can
onized him as the j;rcat defender ofsouthern rights
and southern interests, to tell us how this act can
be reconciled with his former professions ? If the
tarifl was half as bad as lie has pronounced it
again and again, the-men who should give it aidor
couiitenaiice, could not escape pollution. It was
contamination to touch it, ami it is for Mr. Cal
houn and his friends to justify or palliate the act,
if they can.
Itis said, that a measure is on foot to erect a
statue of Mr. Calhoun, in honor of his distinguish
ed services in maintaining the doctrine of free
trade, and the lights of the States; but it comes
too late to stand upon that foundation. If how
ever, it must be done, he now occupies a position
where both parties have an equal claim, and
where free trade and protection—tariff and anti
tarill—state tights and consolidation, may unite
in perpetuating his name and his actions; and so
precisely balanced have been his eflor s on both
sides, that the stock may be taken in equal moities
by the parties, and all the honor and glorv which
may come of it, as equally divided between them.
In pi oof of this assertion, let us briefly recur to
the recorded acts of Mr. Calhoun upon the tariff
in 1816, he took the lead in Congress, in favor of
bigh protecting duties, which be maintained until
1824. From 1824, to 1828, his rnipd was evolv
ing a revolution, which became manifest about
the close of the latter year, but the zeal es his new
conversion was pent up until 1830—31, when it
burst out like a volcano. From that time until
1833, “he went about like a t oaring lion,” crying
down with the tariff, or down with the union I In
1833, the “antagonist principle" began to operate,
and the thing which had been so outrageous and
insupportable, began, in his view, to assume a
more favorable aspect, and accordingly, he shook
hands with the tariff—entered into a compromise,
and folded up his arms. From that time, itrequir.
ed butlittle foresight to discern, that his active op
position to the tariff had ceased, but no man having
the least confidence in his integrity could have be
lieved, that the next open step he should take,
would be in its favor. That step has been taken
and to the astonishment of all who have heretofore
considered him an able statesman and a true pat
riot, it has been on the side of the tariff.
He was the first man to predict the accumula
; tion of a surplus revenue, and to denounce its dis
tribution among the States, as a measure fraught
j with she most disastrous consequences to our re
! publican institutions. He was the first to propose a
j distribution which had beeu collected under his
[ own compromise tariff—and is the first of southern
[ men, to uphold the tarifffor the purpose of raising
' a revenue to perpetuate the distribution ftom
which he predicted such fearful results.
j lit all this, there is inconsistency so gross, or hy-
I pocracy so reprehensible, that it seems to us, no
■ people or party, can longer trust Mr. Calhoun as a
j political leader, and at all events, that those who
' are resolved to follow him, must have a peculiar
[ ''inclin" for crooked ways.
SCENES IN MURRAY COUNTY.
The following letter from a gentleman of
[ high standing and character, to the Gov
[ ernor, was received a few days since, at tiie
[ Executive Department.
The scenes and outrages which it disclo
| ses upon the rights of the community, are
such, as must excite feelings of mortification
; and horror, in the mind of every citizen, who
cherishes a proper regard for the laws, the
peace, and good order of society.
• It isknown, that difficulties have heretofore ;
existed in Murray county, among a portion
ofher citizens, and it is equally well known, '
that an impression lias been sought to be I
made upon the public mind, that they were
produced by the violence of a single indi
vidual. Col. Bishop has been charged as
the author and instigator, and il has beeu
said, il he was out ofthe county, peace and
tranquility would at once be restored. He
is no longer a citizen ofthe count}, nor has
lie been within its limits, since some iimeio
January last.
Those who have marked him heretofore,
as the cause ot agitation ami
must now look to some other source.
The state of things in Murray, is truly de
plorable. It would be equally so in any oth
' er county, under similar circumstances, and
we earnestly hope, that good order may be
soon restored, and all parties may hence
forth, look alone, to the laws and the Con-,
stitution, as the only rational means of per
sonal security and public protection.
New Echota, March 2nd, 1837.
Governor Schley :
Dear Sir :—Experience has taught me
the impropriety of troubling the Executive
of tut? State, with any subject of public in
terest, not immediately connected with his
official duty. But a state of things now
exists in Murray County, which 1 feel it my
duty as a citizen of the State, to lay before !
you, as it has been represented to me, thro’ |
various channels of information, to wit;
On Monday morning, the 27th ult. about 1
day light, fifty armed men, headed by the
Sheriff of the county, forcibly entered the [
houses of a majority of the citizens of j
Spring Place, and under the color of a
■ States warrant, after making prisoners of
the citizens, the Sheriff and his company
proceeded to collect and seize the public
arms belonging to the State of Georgia,
' deposited in that place, amounting to about
fifty-four muskets, and some public pistols—
’ and then kindled a fire in the public square,
and let them there continue, until they were
consumed by fire.
It is further stated, that these citizens
while in custody, were treated with great in
dignity, insult, &z the mostabiisive language,
and threats of violence. Finally, ten of
these citizens, a part of whom, at least, and
most of them, 1 believe, are men of as good
standing in the community where they live,
as any other men in the county, were march
ed off to the Jail of Cass county; to all of
which, as they represent, they submitted
without a struggle. Indeed, their submis
siveness to the forms of law, is fully evinced
from the fact, that they went to Cassville,
[ escorted by the Sheriff, and three other in-
■ dividuals, under the name of a guard. On
. their arrival at Cassville, a Court was con-
i vened—a writ of habeas corpus procured,
upon which, tiie prisoners were brought be
i fore the Court—and upon various grounds
[of illegality, the prisoners discharged.
I They are now here, on their way home.
The news has met them here, that on yes
terday morning, several other citizens, their
friends, were whipped, abused, shot at, and
maltreated in various ways. Indeed it is
said, that women and children were whip
ped. Moreover, it is stated, that an attempt
I was made, to fire their dwellings last night,
and that several Indians were seen amongst
the number, who were engaged in these
scenes of horror.
These men have applied to me, for ad
vice. I have advised them to rely upon the
laws of their country. To exercise pa
; tieuce and forbearance. They reply— that
under existing circumstances, the laws of
i the State, cannot be executed—that a com
; pany of their small population is now in the
Florida army; and that those who have re
j solved to drive them from their Domes arid
their State, are chiefly composed of rene
gadoes, who feel no attachment tojany abi
j ding place: Indeed, I have strong doubts,
whether the civil administration of justice,
: can any longer be maintained in Murray
county, without military aid. I doubt wheth
er an impartial J ury could at this time be
procured in the county, or the authority of
the civil majistracy maintained.
To prevent all misapprehension, I think
proper to remark that I have not made you
this communication, as a partizan in these
most degrading and humiliating scenes.—
I have done it in the true spirit of a citizen
of my beloved State, with whose destiny,
my all is identified.
The suffering citizens themselves— will
givejyou the facts, and ask your advicceand
aid.”
EOR TUE STANDARD OF UNION.
THE BAPTIS f COLLEGE.
The contemplated establishment of this institu
tion iusoine section of the State, is deemed a suf
ficient apology for the following remarks :
It appears that ceitain infatuated citizens are
desirous of locating it in the eastern part ofthe
State, and because of their wealth aud ability to
make larger subscriptions or donations, they
claim the right of its location among them, but jus
tice decrees otherwise, the population of the west
demands the location of this College in Western
Georgia, and if the east cannot feel willing to ex
tend towards us, this important privilege, which,
from every principle of reason aud common right,
we are so justJ entitled to, why we must resort to
our own resources aud establish a college ol our
own.
But we will still trust to the liberality of our eas
tern friends, believing that when this matter is
more fu ly understood aud appreciated as it should
be iu every respect, the pre-eminent claims and
advantages of western Georgia, over every other
section ofthe State, for the location of the Inten
ded College, and expediting every measure neces
sary for its successful operation.
Draw aline dirjectly North and South through
the State, by Milledgeville, aad, whore, in the
western division of this State, containing three
fourths ofthe territory, and population pf the State
can you find a literary establishment of any impor
tance ; If then the success of the college is desira
ble, let it be located iu a section of the State where
the means of that success are abundant, where an
institution ot the kind is in demand among the
, people. Eastern Georgia is well supplied withlite
rary establishments ol high chaiacter, there can
not be a want fur more, and consequently it could
not succeed if located in the east, it would soon
dwindle away and fall through, locate it then where
there is a call for it, and where there are abundant
means for its success, and it will flourish beyond
all calculation, nothing can check it, or mar its
onward course.
J here is no situation in the western section of
Georgia which is so favorable for the location of
this institution as at T ALBOTTON; itis a flou
rishiug village, its health not surpassed by any oth
j er in tiie State, it is surrounded by a fertile country
| and a dense population, no county in the State, at
this time, has a greater population, it is situated
[on the main thoroughfare between the noith aud
■ far west. It is 30 miles east of Columbus, 60 west
j ol Macou ; these flourishing towns will afford it
i encouragement il thecpllcge is located here.
Ihe citizens ot these two cities would make it
their summer retreat, it is the very heart of wes
tern Georgia—go any direction you may from
lalbotton, and your eyes are delighted with the
joyhil prospects of a happy and industrious peo
ple; hence die advantages must be great.
1 albot county will subscribe as much as any
Other county, she will subscribe. SIXTY THOU
SAND DOLLARS, aud with the help of her
sister counties, Muscogee, Harris, Troup, Coweta,
Meriwether and Upson, she will make up a sum
not unworthy of the noble object, let nothing more
be said then on the score of subscriptions, but let
us have justice done us.
„ - , TALBOT.
tEf I ke Georgia Joutnal, Southern Recorder,
F ederal Union, Christian Index, Athens Banner*
Macon Telegraph, and Messenger, Columbus
Sentinel and F.nquirer, arc respectfully requested
to give the above a publication in their respective
columns, aud much oblige many of their subscri
bers and triends. >p
From the Columbus Enquirer.
THE CREEKS.
There is some hope, at this time, that the dif
ficulties beta, en our friends in Alabama and their
troublesome neighbors will soon be brought to a
final close. The spirit evinced by |the (whites,
and then - determination to have the Indians re
moved forthwith, is the very things to effect the
object and restore peace and quiet to the country,
t ts unnecessary to talk of Philanthropy and such
kind ot stull to a people, who are barrassed by
day and murdered, plundered, and burnt out by
mglff. 1 hose at a distance who feel not the dan
ger, arc incompetent judges of the sufferings of
the people, or ot what measure of revenge they
are justthed iu taking. For ourselves, wo have
long been ol tjie opinion (whatever the sickly
sympathies of others, may prompt them to led)
that the inhabitants of New Alabama, in the ab
sence ot protection from the authorities of their
• tate, or the United States, are perfectly justifia
ble m rallying what force they can, and waging a
war ol extermination against every savage thatre
fuses to remain within tiie piquetts. ♦
Ftom a letter, in the Alabama Journal, we dis -
covet that there was an engagement on the l<»th
nit. ncaf the hue of Barbour and Pike Counties, o„
lea Rtvortn which six Indians were killed, and