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TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
government, and factious dissensions spring up in the bosom of our present peaceful and united [po] pulation, all the efforts of the patriot to advance the public weal will prove unavailing and abor- tive, and the nation, instead of moving onward to that proud eleva- tion that awaits her, must necessarily recede into a debased condi- tion, and possibly sink into irretrievable ruin. As one who is ever ready to make a sacrifice of all personal considerations to the nation's welfare, I entreat this enlightened assembly to receive the renewed assurance of my fixed determination, in• the discharge of official duties, to be guided solely by the good of our common country;- and so far as my humble abilities will permit, fulfill the expecta- tions of a generous and confiding people. The character of my administration may be anticipated in the domestic nature of our government, and peaceful habits of the peo- ple. Looking upon agriculture, commerce and the useful arts, as the true basis of all national strength and glory, it will be my leading policy to awaken into vigorous activity, the wealth, talent and enter- prise of the country; and, at the same time, to lay the foundation of those higher institutions for moral and mental culture, without which no government, on democratic principles, can prosper, nor [th] e people long preserve their liberties. In the management of our for- eign intercourse, I would recommend that we deal justly with .all nations, agressively to none; preserve friendly and amicable rela- tions with such as may be disposed to reciprocate the policy, and avoiding ali protracted and perplexing negociations, court free and unrestricted commerce wherever it may be the interest of our people to carry the national flag. Perferring peace, but not averse to war, I shall be ever ready to adjust all differences with our enemies by friendly discussion and arrangement, at the same time be equally prompt to adopt either offensive or defensive operations, as their dis- position and our own safety may render necessary. Unconscious of any selfish influences which are likely to draw me from the path of duty, I hope in the administration of our domestic affairs, to recom- mend by my example, the spirit of justice and moderation in the exercirn of official functions. I shall bestow preferment upon the vir- tuous and intelligent of all parties, who have the good of the country, and not their own aggrandisement in view ;-observe an equal and im- partial balance between the rights, claims and interests of every class of our fellow citizens dealing justly with all, intentionally wrong with none; sustain the freedom of the press, the purity of elections, the right of opinion, and the freedom and sanctity of religion; maintain the integrity and independence of the judiciary as the great dis- pensary of justice, and the correction of civil, criminal and consti- tutional abuses; economize the public resources; protect the frontiers; recommend equality of taxation, burthening none of the branches of industry for the benefit of others; discourage multiplicity of legisla- tion; patronize talents, integrity and sobriety; support wi[th] be- coming liberality all laudable and patriotic institutions founded i [n 1 reason and tested by experience. Above all things, my fellow citi- zens, I shall feel it to be my imperious duty to execute the laws with impartiality; to guard the public against fraud; to hold every in-. dividual in official station to strict accountability; and under all cir-
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