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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