oppressed from the iron grasp of tyranny; of changing the hoarse complaints and bitter moans of wretched slaves into those cheerful songs which freedom and contentment must inspire. There is a heartfelt satisfaction in reflecting on our exertions for the public weal, which all the sufferings an enraged tyrant can inflict, will never take away; which the ingratitude and reproaches of those whom we have saved from ruin, cannot rob us of. The virtuous asserter of the rights of mankind merits a reward, which even a want of success in his endeavors to save his country, the heaviest misfortune which can befall a genuine patriot, cannot entirely prevent him from receiving. I have the most animating confidence that the present noble struggle for liberty will terminate gloriously for America. And let us play the man for our God, and for the cities of our God; while we are using the means in our power, let us humbly commit our righteous cause to the great Lord of the universe, who loveth righteousness and hateth iniquity. And having secured the approbation of our hearts, by a faithful and unwearied discharge of our duty to our country, let us joyfully leave our concerns in the hands of Him who raiseth up and pulleth down the empires and kingdoms of the world as he pleases; and with cheerful submission to his sovereign will, devoutly say, "Although the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the field shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet we will rejoice in the Lord, we will joy in the God of our salvation." THOMAS JEFFERSON 1743-1826 This great man, whose name is heard more often in our political discussions than any other except Washington, and who had much more to do than Washington with establishing the political principles which govern our country, was more eminent in almost any other function of public life than as an orator. Not that he was incapable of making an effective speech; but his abilities in other directions were so much more important and pronounced, that he is seldom thought of as a speaker. As a political writer, on the other hand, he was without a rival, and perhaps has remained without one to this day. It was he who drafted the Declaration of Independence, than which no public document more eloquent is to be found in our archives, and everything that came from his pen, in the way of presidential messages, and other state papers or his vast private correspondence, shows the mind of a master expressing itself with constant force and point, and with a grace of movement that partly veils the underlying power. But though Jefferson wrote eloquence, he was seldom heard to utter it in public, and he doubtless believed, not without reason, that his forte did not lie in that direction. The fact that he introduced the practice of sending messages to Congress, instead of delivering them to the two Houses in person, as had before been the custom, shows that he at least had none of the orator's ambition; he could not send forth his voice with effect; and it was impossible for his rigid simplicity to assume an effective pose, or to cultivate the graces of oratorical gesture. He doubtless recognized, also, that there were good speakers enough in the American nation already; and had no wish to add a mediocre one to the number, especially in view of the exalted station which he occupied during the greater part of his life in the public regard. Noblesse oblige; and if Jefferson were to speak at all, he ought to do so in a manner that would satisfy public expectation. But his first inaugural is so remarkable a production that, couched as it is in the form of a personal address, it should not be omitted from the number of great speeches. It contains an exposition of the principles of democracy which has never yet been superseded, and from present appearances is not likely to be. Every sentence carries weight; and when the whole scope of the composition has taken its place in the mind, the reader feels that his understanding of practical politics has been vitally augmented. Jefferson was born in Virginia in 1743; was elected a Burgess 1769, was delegate to the Continental Congress 1775, and wrote the Declaration of Independence the next year. In 1779 he was Governor of Virginia; and he filled successively the offices of Minister to France, Secretary of State, Vice-President, and President. His second and final presidential term ended in 1809, when he retired permanently to private life, and died on July 4, 1826. INAUGURAL ADDRESS Delivered March 4, 1801, on assuming the Presidency of the F United States RIENDS AND FELLOW-CITIZENS: Called upon to undertake the duties of the first executive office of our country, I avail myself of the presence of that portion of my fellow-citizens which is here assembled, to express my grateful thanks for the favor with which they have been pleased to look toward me, to declare a sincere consciousness, that the task is above my talents, and that I approach it with those anxious and awful presentiments, which the greatness of the charge, and the weakness of my powers, so justly inspire. A rising nation, spread over a wide and fruitful land, traversing all the seas with the rich productions of their industry, engaged in commerce with nations who feel power and forget right, advancing rapidly to destinies beyond the reach of mortal eye; when I contemplate these transcendent objects, and see the honor, the happiness, and the hopes of this beloved country committed to the issue and the auspices of this day, I shrink from the contemplation, and humble myself before the magnitude of the undertaking. Utterly, indeed, should I despair, did not the presence of many, whom I see here, remind me, that, in the other high authorities provided by our constitution, I shall find resources of wisdom, of virtue, and of zeal, on which to rely under all difficulties. To you, then, gentlemen, who are charged with the sovereign functions of legislation, and to those associated with you, I look with encouragement for that guidance and support which may enable us to steer with safety the vessel in which we are all embarked, amidst the conflicting elements of a troubled world. During the contest of opinion through which we have passed, the animation of discussions and of exertions has sometimes worn an aspect which might impose on strangers unused to |