1845年3月4日，詹姆斯·波爾克在華盛頓特區(qū)正式就任美國第11任總統(tǒng)。

波爾克出身美國民主黨，他從小身體狀況就欠佳，成年前沒有接受過正規(guī)教育，但是其學(xué)習(xí)能力非凡，從開始學(xué)習(xí)到大學(xué)法學(xué)專業(yè)畢業(yè)僅用了5年時(shí)間，畢業(yè)后開始從政，30歲時(shí)成為眾議員，安德魯·杰克遜的堅(jiān)定支持者，后擔(dān)任過眾議院議長和田納西州州長，1844年參加美國總統(tǒng)大選，在選舉陷入僵持之際，他迎合“昭昭天命”的思想，承諾為美國擴(kuò)張領(lǐng)土，最終拿下大選。

對(duì)內(nèi)方面，波爾克總統(tǒng)決定改革關(guān)稅，關(guān)稅問題曾在杰克遜總統(tǒng)時(shí)期險(xiǎn)些引起美國內(nèi)戰(zhàn)，波爾克總統(tǒng)一上任就著手降低關(guān)稅，1846年自由貿(mào)易關(guān)稅出臺(tái)，美國南北的關(guān)稅爭端基本得到解決；在降低關(guān)稅后，他又總結(jié)了經(jīng)濟(jì)危機(jī)時(shí)期的教訓(xùn)，決定建立獨(dú)立國庫，并將國庫分散到各大主要城市，防止集權(quán)；同一時(shí)期，由于英國治下的愛爾蘭爆發(fā)了大饑荒，大約100萬愛爾蘭被餓死，還有約200萬愛爾蘭人因無法支付地租而被英國人驅(qū)逐出家鄉(xiāng)，大部分被驅(qū)逐的愛爾蘭人選擇前往美國開始新的生活，因此這一時(shí)期美國人口有明顯的增長；1848年歐洲爆發(fā)了大革命，法國等王權(quán)政府大量倒臺(tái)，英普奧等國家也受到了極大波及，而美國同樣受到這場革命影響，國內(nèi)發(fā)生了部分動(dòng)蕩，但并未爆發(fā)大規(guī)模騷動(dòng)和革命；他任期內(nèi)美國國土有重大擴(kuò)張，1848年新領(lǐng)土的并入不僅進(jìn)一步將西進(jìn)運(yùn)動(dòng)推向高潮，也再次引起了美國南北方就奴隸制存廢問題的爭論，自波爾克開始之后的數(shù)位總統(tǒng)都試圖調(diào)解雙方?jīng)_突，但是均未能成功，沖突不斷激化，美國各州的立場基本已經(jīng)定型，南北雙方在之后10年里的沖突由辯論舌戰(zhàn)走向法律對(duì)抗，又從議員在國會(huì)上大打出手到地方軍警荷槍實(shí)彈的沖突，從北部的極端廢奴主義者以武力解放黑奴到南部的極端奴隸制擁護(hù)者公開宣布脫離聯(lián)邦，最終雙方將在60年代以一場空前血腥的戰(zhàn)爭終結(jié)雙方的矛盾。

對(duì)外方面，波爾克總統(tǒng)一上臺(tái)就開始為兌現(xiàn)自己的拓疆承諾而努力，1845年，波爾克總統(tǒng)宣布美國愿意接納德克薩斯共和國作為一個(gè)州加入美國，此事引起了墨西哥政府的強(qiáng)烈抗議，波爾克總統(tǒng)提出用金錢購買的方式解決兩國領(lǐng)土爭端，遭到了墨西哥的拒絕，隨后美國沒有理會(huì)墨西哥的進(jìn)一步異議；1845年7月，奧沙利文在《民主評(píng)論》發(fā)表《兼并》一文，正式以書面形式提出了“昭昭天命”理論，此文在美國國內(nèi)和世界政壇都引起軒然大波，美國許多政客公開宣布將美國領(lǐng)土延伸至太平洋海岸是美國人的天命，隨后向墨西哥和英國提出強(qiáng)硬要求，且聲明會(huì)在必要時(shí)訴諸武力；1845年12月，德克薩斯共和國正式并入美國，1846年，美國軍隊(duì)進(jìn)駐德克薩斯，這讓墨西哥忍無可忍，1846年4月，墨西哥正式向德克薩斯增兵，試圖收復(fù)失地，而波爾克總統(tǒng)則宣稱“墨西哥入侵了美國領(lǐng)土，在美國的土地上灑滿了美國人的鮮血”，要求美國國會(huì)對(duì)墨西哥宣戰(zhàn)，1846年4月24日，美國正式對(duì)墨西哥宣戰(zhàn)，美墨戰(zhàn)爭爆發(fā)；戰(zhàn)爭一開始，美軍就從多條戰(zhàn)線海陸并進(jìn)朝墨西哥發(fā)動(dòng)攻勢，而在第一時(shí)間搶占了墨西哥主要港口，阻止歐洲列強(qiáng)的介入，雖然墨西哥軍隊(duì)紙面戰(zhàn)斗力并不弱，但是其動(dòng)蕩腐敗的政治局勢導(dǎo)致墨軍實(shí)際戰(zhàn)斗力羸弱不堪，戰(zhàn)爭的第一年，美軍勢如破竹地?fù)魸⒛姡碱I(lǐng)了大量墨西哥領(lǐng)土，1847年，美軍因當(dāng)?shù)氐挠螕絷?duì)勢力襲擾而出現(xiàn)暫時(shí)僵持，但隨著美軍進(jìn)一步增兵，墨軍難以招架美軍攻勢，美軍于1847年9月份攻占了墨西哥首都墨西哥城，墨西哥政府宣布投降；1848年，美墨經(jīng)過談判，最終簽署了《瓜達(dá)盧佩-希得爾戈》條約，條約規(guī)定，墨西哥承認(rèn)德克薩斯并入美國的既定事實(shí)，并將墨西哥北部190萬平方公里的土地以1500萬美元的價(jià)格“出售”給美國，而作為補(bǔ)償，美國額外免除了墨西哥325萬美元的債務(wù)，該條約是近代歷史上單次割讓領(lǐng)土最多的條約之一，此戰(zhàn)過后，美國本土48州的版圖基本成型；美墨戰(zhàn)爭的同時(shí)，波爾克總統(tǒng)還在積極就西北邊界問題同英國進(jìn)行協(xié)商，1846年7月15日，雙方簽署了《俄勒岡條約》，規(guī)定以北緯49度線為邊界，北部為英國領(lǐng)土，南部為美國領(lǐng)土，該條約簽訂后，美國和英國之間不再存在主要的領(lǐng)土爭端。

1849年3月4日，波爾克卸任美國總統(tǒng)，這是他的諾言，他承諾只任一屆總統(tǒng)，不追求連任，以維護(hù)美國的共和體制。有觀點(diǎn)認(rèn)為，他的卸任標(biāo)志著美國杰克遜時(shí)代的結(jié)束。

波爾克是個(gè)工作狂，他任美國總統(tǒng)期間每天工作時(shí)間長達(dá)18個(gè)小時(shí)，加之他原本身體狀況就欠佳，這使得他在任期后期身體健康就急轉(zhuǎn)直下。

1849年6月15日，詹姆斯·波爾克死于感冒引起的中風(fēng)，享年53歲。

We must ever mandate the principle that the people of this continent alone have the right to decide their own destiny. ——?James K. Polk

我們必須堅(jiān)持該原則：只有美洲大陸的人民自己才有權(quán)決定什么是自己的天命。 —— 詹姆斯·K·波爾克

Without solicitation on my part, I have been chosen by the free and voluntary suffrages of my countrymen to the most honorable and most responsible office on earth. I am deeply impressed with gratitude for the confidence reposed in me. Honored with this distinguished consideration at an earlier period of life than any of my predecessors, I can not disguise the diffidence with which I am about to enter on the discharge of my official duties.

我從未求取過大家任何事，而同胞們自由自愿地行使選舉權(quán)，選舉我就任世界上最光榮、責(zé)任最重大的職位。我對(duì)大家的信任感激不盡。我比之前的所有總統(tǒng)任職時(shí)都更加年輕，因此在即將開啟任期之際，我難以掩飾自己的膽怯。

If the more aged and experienced men who have filled the office of President of the United States even in the infancy of the Republic distrusted their ability to discharge the duties of that exalted station, what ought not to be the apprehensions of one so much younger and less endowed now that our domain extends from ocean to ocean, that our people have so greatly increased in numbers, and at a time when so great diversity of opinion prevails in regard to the principles and policy which should characterize the administration of our Government? Well may the boldest fear and the wisest tremble when incurring responsibilities on which may depend our country's peace and prosperity, and in some degree the hopes and happiness of the whole human family.

如果那些更年長、經(jīng)驗(yàn)更豐富，在共和國初期就任職的各位總統(tǒng)都不對(duì)自己的執(zhí)政能力保有信心，那么現(xiàn)在我國領(lǐng)土從大西洋延伸至太平洋，我國人口增長迅猛，且政府內(nèi)部在行政原則和措施方面存在巨大分歧，我這么一位年輕且毫無天賦的總統(tǒng)，怎么可能不感到憂心忡忡呢？面臨事關(guān)我們國家和平繁榮，乃至全人類大家族希望幸福的重任，即使是最勇敢最聰慧的人也有些戰(zhàn)栗。

In assuming responsibilities so vast I fervently invoke the aid of that Almighty Ruler of the Universe in whose hands are the destinies of nations and of men to guard this Heaven-favored land against the mischiefs which without His guidance might arise from an unwise public policy. With a firm reliance upon the wisdom of Omnipotence to sustain and direct me in the path of duty which I am appointed to pursue, I stand in the presence of this assembled multitude of my countrymen to take upon myself the solemn obligation to the best of my ability to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.

擔(dān)此重任之際，我虔誠地祈求全能的萬物統(tǒng)治者庇佑，上帝掌握著所有國家和全人類的命運(yùn)，我祈求他繼續(xù)保護(hù)這一篇受上天眷顧的土地，保護(hù)這片土地不受愚蠢的國家政策危害。我堅(jiān)信，是全能者的智慧支撐并引導(dǎo)我走上總統(tǒng)之路，使我站在匯聚于此的同胞們面前，我會(huì)竭盡所能地承擔(dān)支持、維護(hù)并捍衛(wèi)美國憲法的莊嚴(yán)義務(wù)。

A concise enumeration of the principles which will guide me in the administrative policy of the Government is not only in accordance with the examples set me by all my predecessors, but is eminently befitting the occasion.

在此適當(dāng)場合，也為遵從所有前總統(tǒng)立下的榜樣，我會(huì)簡要列舉本屆政府治國安邦所遵循的指導(dǎo)原則。

The Constitution itself, plainly written as it is, the safeguard of our federative compact, the offspring of concession and compromise, binding together in the bonds of peace and union this great and increasing family of free and independent States, will be the chart by which I shall be directed.

憲法本身寫得十分清楚，憲法是我們聯(lián)邦契約的保障，是讓步和妥協(xié)的產(chǎn)物，它將自由獨(dú)立的各州和諧地聯(lián)合到一起，組成了美國這個(gè)偉大且不斷發(fā)展的政治大家族，因此憲法乃是我的指導(dǎo)憲章。

It will be my first care to administer the Government in the true spirit of that instrument, and to assume no powers not expressly granted or clearly implied in its terms. The Government of the United States is one of delegated and limited powers, and it is by a strict adherence to the clearly granted powers and by abstaining from the exercise of doubtful or unauthorized implied powers that we have the only sure guaranty against the recurrence of those unfortunate collisions between the Federal and State authorities which have occasionally so much disturbed the harmony of our system and even threatened the perpetuity of our glorious Union.

以憲法的真正精神治理國家是我的首要宗旨，我絕不使用憲法未明確授予或未明確指明的權(quán)力。美國政府的權(quán)力是人民下放且有限的，政府要謹(jǐn)遵且僅能行使被授予的權(quán)力，杜絕使用含糊不定或未經(jīng)授權(quán)的權(quán)力，這才是我們防止聯(lián)邦和各州再發(fā)生可悲沖突的唯一堅(jiān)實(shí)保障，否則就會(huì)嚴(yán)重?cái)_亂我們和諧的制度，甚至危及我們偉大聯(lián)邦的存續(xù)問題。

To the States, respectively, or to the people have been reserved the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution nor prohibited by it to the States. Each State is a complete sovereignty within the sphere of its reserved powers. The Government of the Union, acting within the sphere of its delegated authority, is also a complete sovereignty. While the General Government should abstain from the exercise of authority not clearly delegated to it, the States should be equally careful that in the maintenance of their rights they do not overstep the limits of powers reserved to them. One of the most distinguished of my predecessors attached deserved importance to the support of the State governments in all their rights, as the most competent administration for our domestic concerns and the surest bulwark against antirepublican tendencies, and to the preservation of the General Government in its whole constitutional vigor, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety abroad.

憲法未授予聯(lián)邦也未禁止的權(quán)力，由各州和人民保留。 各州在其權(quán)限管理范圍內(nèi)都擁有完全的獨(dú)立自主權(quán)。在被授權(quán)的領(lǐng)域事務(wù)中，整個(gè)聯(lián)邦政府也完全獨(dú)立自主。聯(lián)邦政府要盡可能避免使用未被授予的權(quán)力，而各州同樣應(yīng)當(dāng)注意在行使自己權(quán)力時(shí)不要逾越權(quán)限范圍。在我之前，有一位杰出的總統(tǒng)曾全力支持各州政府的一切權(quán)利，因?yàn)橹菡芍^我們處理國內(nèi)問題時(shí)最稱職的機(jī)構(gòu)，還是對(duì)抗聯(lián)邦政府獨(dú)裁勢力最堅(jiān)固的堡壘，能使整個(gè)聯(lián)邦政府內(nèi)洋溢著憲法活力，同樣是我們國內(nèi)和平、國外安全的基石。

To the Government of the United States has been intrusted the exclusive management of our foreign affairs. Beyond that it wields a few general enumerated powers. It does not force reform on the States. It leaves individuals, over whom it casts its protecting influence, entirely free to improve their own condition by the legitimate exercise of all their mental and physical powers. It is a common protector of each and all the States; of every man who lives upon our soil, whether of native or foreign birth; of every religious sect, in their worship of the Almighty according to the dictates of their own conscience; of every shade of opinion, and the most free inquiry; of every art, trade, and occupation consistent with the laws of the States. And we rejoice in the general happiness, prosperity, and advancement of our country, which have been the offspring of freedom, and not of power.

憲法授權(quán)美國政府全權(quán)處理外交事務(wù)。除此之外，憲法還大體列舉了其他權(quán)力。聯(lián)邦不得強(qiáng)制各州進(jìn)行改革。對(duì)于個(gè)體，在合法的前提下，聯(lián)邦允許并保護(hù)所有人用自己的智力和體力改善自己生活狀況的權(quán)利。聯(lián)邦為所有州提供共同保護(hù)；聯(lián)邦是我們土地上每個(gè)人的保護(hù)者；無論是美國本土公民還是外來移民；聯(lián)邦保護(hù)所有宗教派別根據(jù)自己的想法信仰全能者的權(quán)利；聯(lián)邦保護(hù)一切言論自由和探求真理的自由；保護(hù)所有合法的藝術(shù)創(chuàng)作、貿(mào)易活動(dòng)和工作職業(yè)。我們?yōu)槿w幸福，國家欣欣向榮的局面感到欣慰，促成這一局面的是自由，而不是權(quán)威。

This most admirable and wisest system of well-regulated self- government among men ever devised by human minds has been tested by its successful operation for more than half a century, and if preserved from the usurpations of the Federal Government on the one hand and the exercise by the States of powers not reserved to them on the other, will, I fervently hope and believe, endure for ages to come and dispense the blessings of civil and religious liberty to distant generations. To effect objects so dear to every patriot I shall devote myself with anxious solicitude. It will be my desire to guard against that most fruitful source of danger to the harmonious action of our system which consists in substituting the mere discretion and caprice of the Executive or of majorities in the legislative department of the Government for powers which have been withheld from the Federal Government by the Constitution. By the theory of our Government majorities rule, but this right is not an arbitrary or unlimited one. It is a right to be exercised in subordination to the Constitution and in conformity to it. One great object of the Constitution was to restrain majorities from oppressing minorities or encroaching upon their just rights. Minorities have a right to appeal to the Constitution as a shield against such oppression.

我國的自治制度是人類頭腦所開創(chuàng)的最優(yōu)越、最令人欽佩的制度，我們制度在過去半個(gè)世紀(jì)取得的巨大成功已經(jīng)證明了我的說法，我完全相信，只要聯(lián)邦政府不被推翻，且各州不使用未授予它們的權(quán)力，那么我們的制度就能經(jīng)久不衰，繼續(xù)將人身自由和宗教自由的幸福傳遞給我們的子孫后代。為實(shí)現(xiàn)這個(gè)所有愛國者都重視的目標(biāo)，我會(huì)全身心投入工作。如果行政部門或立法部門的多數(shù)人都反復(fù)無常，隨意通過法案替代憲法賦予聯(lián)邦政府的權(quán)力，那么勢必會(huì)將我國置于危險(xiǎn)的境地，而防止這種情況的發(fā)生正是我的用意所在。?我國的政治理論是少數(shù)人服從多數(shù)人，但是這一權(quán)利也不是毫無限制，肆意使用的。此權(quán)利要在符合憲法的前提下才可以行使。憲法設(shè)立的一個(gè)重要用意，就是防止多數(shù)人群體壓迫少數(shù)人群體，侵犯少數(shù)人群體的正當(dāng)權(quán)利。少數(shù)人群體有權(quán)將憲法當(dāng)做抵御壓迫的護(hù)盾。

That the blessings of liberty which our Constitution secures may be enjoyed alike by minorities and majorities, the Executive has been wisely invested with a qualified veto upon the acts of the Legislature. It is a negative power, and is conservative in its character. It arrests for the time hasty, inconsiderate, or unConstitutional legislation, invites reconsideration, and transfers questions at issue between the legislative and executive departments to the tribunal of the people. Like all other powers, it is subject to be abused. When judiciously and properly exercised, the Constitution itself may be saved from infraction and the rights of all preserved and protected.

無論是多數(shù)人群體還是少數(shù)人群體，都有權(quán)享有我國憲法所保障的自由，因此總統(tǒng)有權(quán)對(duì)國會(huì)的法案進(jìn)行有條件的否決。這種否決權(quán)，本質(zhì)上是防御性的。這一權(quán)力可以暫時(shí)中止過于草率、考慮不周和違反憲法的法案，要求對(duì)法案進(jìn)行重新審議，并可以將立法部門和行政部門之間爭執(zhí)不下的問題交由人民做裁決。否決權(quán)也和其他權(quán)力一樣，可能被濫用。但是只要適當(dāng)謹(jǐn)慎行使這一權(quán)力，就可以防止憲法受到侵犯，保護(hù)全體民眾的權(quán)利。

The inestimable value of our Federal Union is felt and acknowledged by all. By this system of united and confederated States our people are permitted collectively and individually to seek their own happiness in their own way, and the consequences have been most auspicious. Since the Union was formed the number of the States has increased from thirteen to twenty-eight; two of these have taken their position as members of the Confederacy within the last week. Our population has increased from three to twenty millions. New communities and States are seeking protection under its aegis, and multitudes from the Old World are flocking to our shores to participate in its blessings. Beneath its benign sway peace and prosperity prevail. Freed from the burdens and miseries of war, our trade and intercourse have extended throughout the world. Mind, no longer tasked in devising means to accomplish or resist schemes of ambition, usurpation, or conquest, is devoting itself to man's true interests in developing his faculties and powers and the capacity of nature to minister to his enjoyments. Genius is free to announce its inventions and discoveries, and the hand is free to accomplish whatever the head conceives not incompatible with the rights of a fellow-being. All distinctions of birth or of rank have been abolished. All citizens, whether native or adopted, are placed upon terms of precise equality. All are entitled to equal rights and equal protection. No union exists between church and state, and perfect freedom of opinion is guaranteed to all sects and creeds.

所有人都感受到了，并承認(rèn)我們的聯(lián)邦有著無可估量的價(jià)值。因這一聯(lián)邦制度，我國人民可以通過集體或個(gè)人以自己的方式追求幸福，其結(jié)果喜人。自聯(lián)邦建立以來，聯(lián)邦州的數(shù)量已經(jīng)從13個(gè)增加到了28個(gè)；其中有2個(gè)州在上周剛剛加入聯(lián)邦。我國人口從300萬增加到2000萬。新成立的團(tuán)體和國家都來尋求我們聯(lián)邦的庇護(hù)，舊世界的許多人踏上我國海岸，分享聯(lián)邦福祉。在聯(lián)邦制的出色運(yùn)作下，我國處于太平盛世?，F(xiàn)在沒有了戰(zhàn)爭的負(fù)擔(dān)和苦難，我國的貿(mào)易和外交得以拓展至全世界。人類的思想不再專注于實(shí)現(xiàn)或?qū)挂靶模辉賹Ｗ⒂诖廴?quán)力或征服他國，而是專注于發(fā)展人類的真正利益，開發(fā)人類自身的能力，并利用自然的力量實(shí)現(xiàn)造福自己。在不違反人類權(quán)利的前提下，天才可以毫無顧慮地公布自己的發(fā)明發(fā)現(xiàn)，人類的雙手可以將任何事情變成現(xiàn)實(shí)。所有人的出身都不再有等級(jí)之分。所有美國公民，無論是土生土長的還是移民加入的，都嚴(yán)格受到平等對(duì)待。人人權(quán)利平等，享有平等保護(hù)。政教之間不再有任何聯(lián)系，任何教派都享有完全的信仰自由。

These are some of the blessings secured to our happy land by our Federal Union. To perpetuate them it is our sacred duty to preserve it. Who shall assign limits to the achievements of free minds and free hands under the protection of this glorious Union? No treason to mankind since the organization of society would be equal in atrocity to that of him who would lift his hand to destroy it. He would overthrow the noblest structure of human wisdom, which protects himself and his fellow-man. He would stop the progress of free government and involve his country either in anarchy or despotism. He would extinguish the fire of liberty, which warms and animates the hearts of happy millions and invites all the nations of the earth to imitate our example. If he say that error and wrong are committed in the administration of the Government, let him remember that nothing human can be perfect, and that under no other system of government revealed by Heaven or devised by man has reason been allowed so free and broad a scope to combat error. Has the sword of despots proved to be a safer or surer instrument of reform in government than enlightened reason? Does he expect to find among the ruins of this Union a happier abode for our swarming millions than they now have under it? Every lover of his country must shudder at the thought of the possibility of its dissolution, and will be ready to adopt the patriotic sentiment, Our Federal Union--it must be preserved. To preserve it the compromises which alone enabled our fathers to form a common Constitution for the government and protection of so many States and distinct communities, of such diversified habits, interests, and domestic institutions, must be sacredly and religiously observed. Any attempt to disturb or destroy these compromises, being terms of the compact of union, can lead to none other than the most ruinous and disastrous consequences.

這一切都是聯(lián)邦制為我國帶來的福祉。捍衛(wèi)聯(lián)邦是我們的神圣使命。在我們偉大聯(lián)邦的保護(hù)下，誰人膽敢限制自由思想和自由的雙手繼續(xù)創(chuàng)造成就？自人類進(jìn)入有組織的社會(huì)以來，任何叛國行徑都沒有推翻我們聯(lián)邦的行為更加惡劣殘酷。這是在推翻保護(hù)他們自己同胞的、人類有史以來最優(yōu)越的政治體制。這是在阻止自由政府的發(fā)展，使得我國陷入無政府狀態(tài)或走向?qū)Ｖ浦髁x。我們的自由之火溫暖并激勵(lì)著成百上千萬的人民，并希望全世界國家效仿我們立下的榜樣，而這種行為是在試圖熄滅我們的自由之火。如果這些人聲稱我們政府執(zhí)政過程中犯下了錯(cuò)誤，那么請(qǐng)記住，人類是不可能做到盡善盡美的，但是相較于其他國家的制度，無論他們的制度是人類設(shè)計(jì)的還是上帝賜予的，都沒能做到我們的制度這般，允許理性全方面不受限制地對(duì)抗謬誤。難道改革時(shí)，暴君的利刃比智慧理性更安全可靠嗎？難道這些人覺得他們可以在聯(lián)邦的廢墟中為上千萬人找到更幸福的住所嗎？每一個(gè)熱愛祖國的人，一想到聯(lián)邦解體就會(huì)不寒而栗，然后愛國熱情迸發(fā)，我們的聯(lián)邦——必須存續(xù)下去。為確保這一點(diǎn)，我們的祖先用妥協(xié)將各州、各差異明顯的群體團(tuán)結(jié)到一起，保護(hù)各方的不同習(xí)性、利益和內(nèi)部制度，制定出了我們的共同憲法，我們必須嚴(yán)格神圣地遵從妥協(xié)。任何試圖擾亂或破壞這些構(gòu)成了我們聯(lián)邦的妥協(xié)的行為，都會(huì)招致災(zāi)難性的嚴(yán)重后果。

It is a source of deep regret that in some sections of our country misguided persons have occasionally indulged in schemes and agitations whose object is the destruction of domestic institutions existing in other sections--institutions which existed at the adoption of the Constitution and were recognized and protected by it. All must see that if it were possible for them to be successful in attaining their object the dissolution of the Union and the consequent destruction of our happy form of government must speedily follow.

遺憾的是，我國的部分地區(qū)有人誤入歧途，癡心于策劃陰謀和煽動(dòng)群眾，以達(dá)成摧毀其他地區(qū)現(xiàn)存制度的目標(biāo)——這些制度在憲法頒布時(shí)就已經(jīng)存在，且受到憲法的認(rèn)可和保護(hù)。所有人都要認(rèn)識(shí)到，如果這些陰謀者成功達(dá)成了他們的目標(biāo)，很快我們的聯(lián)邦就會(huì)解體，保障我們幸福的政府制度也將不復(fù)存在。

I am happy to believe that at every period of our existence as a nation there has existed, and continues to exist, among the great mass of our people a devotion to the Union of the States which will shield and protect it against the moral treason of any who would seriously contemplate its destruction. To secure a continuance of that devotion the compromises of the Constitution must not only be preserved, but sectional jealousies and heartburnings must be discountenanced, and all should remember that they are members of the same political family, having a common destiny. To increase the attachment of our people to the Union, our laws should be just. Any policy which shall tend to favor monopolies or the peculiar interests of sections or classes must operate to the prejudice of the interest of their fellow- citizens, and should be avoided. If the compromises of the Constitution be preserved, if sectional jealousies and heartburnings be discountenanced, if our laws be just and the Government be practically administered strictly within the limits of power prescribed to it, we may discard all apprehensions for the safety of the Union.

但我樂于相信，我國建國以來的所有時(shí)期，廣大人民群眾對(duì)各州合眾而成的聯(lián)邦都保持著忠心，支持保護(hù)著合眾聯(lián)邦，抗擊那些企圖毀滅聯(lián)邦的叛國行徑。為保證大家繼續(xù)對(duì)聯(lián)邦保持忠心，不僅要保留憲法中的妥協(xié)事項(xiàng)，還要消除各地之間的敵視偏見，所有人都要記住，我們是同一個(gè)政治大家庭的一份子，我們的命運(yùn)緊密相連。為增加人民對(duì)聯(lián)邦的認(rèn)可，必須做到立法公正。出臺(tái)的政策如果有助于組織壟斷，或特別為某地區(qū)某階級(jí)謀取私利，都必定會(huì)招致公民們的不滿，因此應(yīng)予以阻止。只要我們憲法的妥協(xié)事項(xiàng)得以保留，只要各地區(qū)之間消除敵視和偏見，只要我們立法公正，政府各部門各司其職不逾矩，那么我們便可對(duì)聯(lián)邦的安全無所顧忌。

With these views of the nature, character, and objects of the Government and the value of the Union, I shall steadily oppose the creation of those institutions and systems which in their nature tend to pervert it from its legitimate purposes and make it the instrument of sections, classes, and individuals. We need no national banks or other extraneous institutions planted around the Government to control or strengthen it in opposition to the will of its authors. Experience has taught us how unnecessary they are as auxiliaries of the public authorities--how impotent for good and how powerful for mischief.

基于上述我對(duì)政府和聯(lián)邦本質(zhì)、特性和目標(biāo)的看法，我堅(jiān)決反對(duì)建立偏離聯(lián)邦本意的非法制度機(jī)構(gòu)，因?yàn)檫@些非法制度機(jī)構(gòu)最終會(huì)成為某些地區(qū)和某階級(jí)謀取私利的手段。我們不需要在政府駐地建立國家銀行或其他機(jī)構(gòu)，這種加強(qiáng)政府權(quán)力的行為違背了制憲者的初衷。歷史經(jīng)驗(yàn)已經(jīng)向我們證明，這種便利政府的做法帶來的好處多么微不足道，而帶來的壞處又是多么難以估量。

Ours was intended to be a plain and frugal government, and I shall regard it to be my duty to recommend to Congress and, as far as the Executive is concerned, to enforce by all the means within my power the strictest economy in the expenditure of the public money which may be compatible with the public interests.

我們應(yīng)當(dāng)建成一個(gè)樸素節(jié)儉的政府，我認(rèn)為我應(yīng)當(dāng)向國會(huì)提案，作為總統(tǒng)，我會(huì)使用限權(quán)內(nèi)的一切方法盡可能節(jié)儉資金，以維護(hù)公眾利益。

A national debt has become almost an institution of European monarchies. It is viewed in some of them as an essential prop to existing governments. Melancholy is the condition of that people whose government can be sustained only by a system which periodically transfers large amounts from the labor of the many to the coffers of the few. Such a system is incompatible with the ends for which our republican Government was instituted. Under a wise policy the debts contracted in our Revolution and during the War of 1812 have been happily extinguished. By a judicious application of the revenues not required for other necessary purposes, it is not doubted that the debt which has grown out of the circumstances of the last few years may be speedily paid off.

在歐洲的君主制國家，欠債幾乎已經(jīng)成為了他們的固定制度。甚至部分國家認(rèn)為債務(wù)是政府的主要支柱。他們的政府只會(huì)定期將廣大勞苦群眾的財(cái)富轉(zhuǎn)移到少數(shù)人的金庫中，這一制度讓人民們感到悲哀。這種制度有違我們共和政府成立的初衷。我們早已通過相關(guān)可行政策，償清了獨(dú)立戰(zhàn)爭和1812年戰(zhàn)爭所欠的債務(wù)。我們機(jī)智地將其它暫不急用的資金投入到重要項(xiàng)目中，毫無疑問，我們過去幾年經(jīng)濟(jì)危機(jī)中所欠的債務(wù)很快就能還清。

I congratulate my fellow-citizens on the entire restoration of the credit of the General Government of the Union and that of many of the States. Happy would it be for the indebted States if they were freed from their liabilities, many of which were incautiously contracted. Although the Government of the Union is neither in a legal nor a moral sense bound for the debts of the States, and it would be a violation of our compact of union to assume them, yet we can not but feel a deep interest in seeing all the States meet their public liabilities and pay off their just debts at the earliest practicable period. That they will do so as soon as it can be done without imposing too heavy burdens on their citizens there is no reason to doubt. The sound moral and honorable feeling of the people of the indebted States can not be questioned, and we are happy to perceive a settled disposition on their part, as their ability returns after a season of unexampled pecuniary embarrassment, to pay off all just demands and to acquiesce in any reasonable measures to accomplish that object.

我們聯(lián)邦整體和大多數(shù)州的信譽(yù)都已恢復(fù)，我就此祝賀各位同胞。這其中有些債務(wù)承擔(dān)過于魯莽，大家一定很高興能擺脫這些債務(wù)。雖然無論從法律上還是道義上來說，聯(lián)邦承擔(dān)各州的債務(wù)有都違反了聯(lián)邦條約，但我們還是不得不說，我們希望看到各州保持信譽(yù)，盡早償清自己的債務(wù)。毋庸置疑，各州會(huì)很快還清債款，且不會(huì)給自己的公民帶來過大負(fù)擔(dān)。背負(fù)債務(wù)的各州人民無疑擁有高尚道德和極強(qiáng)的榮譽(yù)感，我們欣然見證，他們度過了前所未有的經(jīng)濟(jì)困局，有能力償還他們所欠的債務(wù)，并采取了合理的措施來達(dá)成此目的。

One of the difficulties which we have had to encounter in the practical administration of the Government consists in the adjustment of our revenue laws and the levy of the taxes necessary for the support of Government. In the general proposition that no more money shall be collected than the necessities of an economical administration shall require all parties seem to acquiesce. Nor does there seem to be any material difference of opinion as to the absence of right in the Government to tax one section of country, or one class of citizens, or one occupation, for the mere profit of another. Justice and sound policy forbid the Federal Government to foster one branch of industry to the detriment of another, or to cherish the interests of one portion to the injury of another portion of our common country. I have heretofore declared to my fellow-citizens that in my judgment it is the duty of the Government to extend, as far as it may be practicable to do so, by its revenue laws and all other means within its power, fair and just protection to all of the great interests of the whole Union, embracing agriculture, manufactures, the mechanic arts, commerce, and navigation. I have also declared my opinion to be in favor of a tariff for revenue, and that in adjusting the details of such a tariff I have sanctioned such moderate discriminating duties as would produce the amount of revenue needed and at the same time afford reasonable incidental protection to our home industry, and that I was opposed to a tariff for protection merely, and not for revenue.

我們在政府實(shí)踐執(zhí)政時(shí)還面臨到另一個(gè)困難，即調(diào)整稅收法律和征收維持政府運(yùn)轉(zhuǎn)所需的收入。通常來說，各黨派應(yīng)該都默認(rèn)，征收的稅金不應(yīng)超出經(jīng)濟(jì)管理所必需的數(shù)額。且大家對(duì)聯(lián)邦政府無權(quán)向某一地區(qū)、階級(jí)或職業(yè)征稅，以為其他群體謀利的規(guī)定似乎也沒有本質(zhì)上的分歧。正義和政策都禁止聯(lián)邦政府為扶持某一行業(yè)而打壓另一行業(yè)，也禁止為某一地區(qū)的利益而犧牲我們共同聯(lián)邦其他地區(qū)的利益。此前，我就向同胞們聲稱過，我個(gè)人認(rèn)為，政府有義務(wù)通過包括稅收法案在內(nèi)的一切合法手段，公平公正地保護(hù)整個(gè)聯(lián)邦的一切重大利益，包括農(nóng)業(yè)，制造業(yè)，機(jī)械技術(shù)，商業(yè)和航運(yùn)業(yè)。我還聲稱過，我贊成用關(guān)稅增加收入，在調(diào)整相關(guān)關(guān)稅細(xì)節(jié)時(shí)，我批準(zhǔn)了部分適度差別對(duì)待的關(guān)稅，以收取我們所需的收入，同時(shí)順帶給我國本土產(chǎn)業(yè)提供一些保護(hù)，我強(qiáng)調(diào)下，我反對(duì)單純?yōu)橘Q(mào)易保護(hù)而征收關(guān)稅，但我此舉目的是為增加收入。

The power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises was an indispensable one to be conferred on the Federal Government, which without it would possess no means of providing for its own support. In executing this power by levying a tariff of duties for the support of Government, the raising of revenue should be the object and protection the incident. To reverse this principle and make protection the object and revenue the incident would be to inflict manifest injustice upon all other than the protected interests. In levying duties for revenue it is doubtless proper to make such discriminations within the revenue principle as will afford incidental protection to our home interests. Within the revenue limit there is a discretion to discriminate; beyond that limit the rightful exercise of the power is not conceded. The incidental protection afforded to our home interests by discriminations within the revenue range it is believed will be ample. In making discriminations all our home interests should as far as practicable be equally protected. The largest portion of our people are agriculturists. Others are employed in manufactures, commerce, navigation, and the mechanic arts. They are all engaged in their respective pursuits and their joint labors constitute the national or home industry. To tax one branch of this home industry for the benefit of another would be unjust. No one of these interests can rightfully claim an advantage over the others, or to be enriched by impoverishing the others. All are equally entitled to the fostering care and protection of the Government. In exercising a sound discretion in levying discriminating duties within the limit prescribed, care should be taken that it be done in a manner not to benefit the wealthy few at the expense of the toiling millions by taxing lowest the luxuries of life, or articles of superior quality and high price, which can only be consumed by the wealthy, and highest the necessaries of life, or articles of coarse quality and low price, which the poor and great mass of our people must consume. The burdens of government should as far as practicable be distributed justly and equally among all classes of our population. These general views, long entertained on this subject, I have deemed it proper to reiterate. It is a subject upon which conflicting interests of sections and occupations are supposed to exist, and a spirit of mutual concession and compromise in adjusting its details should be cherished by every part of our widespread country as the only means of preserving harmony and a cheerful acquiescence of all in the operation of our revenue laws. Our patriotic citizens in every part of the Union will readily submit to the payment of such taxes as shall be needed for the support of their Government, whether in peace or in war, if they are so levied as to distribute the burdens as equally as possible among them.

制定并征收稅金、關(guān)稅、進(jìn)口稅和消費(fèi)稅是憲法賦予聯(lián)邦政府的一項(xiàng)不可剝奪的權(quán)力，如果失去這一權(quán)力，聯(lián)邦便無法自力更生。在聯(lián)邦政府行使征收關(guān)稅的權(quán)力時(shí)，應(yīng)當(dāng)以增加收入為主要目的，而貿(mào)易保護(hù)僅為附產(chǎn)品。如果這一原則被改變，我們以貿(mào)易保護(hù)為主要目的，而增加收入成了附產(chǎn)品，那就很明顯造成其他未受到保護(hù)的產(chǎn)業(yè)受到不公正對(duì)待。以增加收入為目的的征收關(guān)稅無疑是可取的，該原則下的區(qū)別對(duì)待可以為我國國內(nèi)利益帶來附加保護(hù)。在增加收入的前提下，可以自行區(qū)別征收關(guān)稅；超出這一前提的行動(dòng)將構(gòu)成違法。而且我相信僅以增加收入為目的的區(qū)別征收關(guān)稅，其所產(chǎn)生的附加保護(hù)效果對(duì)我國來說也已綽綽有余。區(qū)別征收關(guān)稅時(shí)也要盡可能確保同等照顧國內(nèi)各產(chǎn)業(yè)的利益。我國大部分人民從事農(nóng)業(yè)，其他人則從事工業(yè)、商業(yè)、航海和機(jī)械技術(shù)。他們在各自的行業(yè)各司其職，我國的工業(yè)實(shí)力是他們共同的勞動(dòng)成果。因此僅對(duì)國內(nèi)某一行業(yè)征稅，而不對(duì)其他行業(yè)征稅顯然不公平。任何產(chǎn)業(yè)都不該占其他產(chǎn)業(yè)的便宜，也不能將自己的富裕建立在其他產(chǎn)業(yè)的貧窮上。政府應(yīng)同等照顧保護(hù)所有產(chǎn)業(yè)。在上述前提下，自主行使差別征收關(guān)稅時(shí)，要注意不能對(duì)只有少數(shù)富人才能享用的高質(zhì)量高價(jià)格奢侈品征收最低稅，卻對(duì)廣大貧苦群眾所必需的粗糙廉價(jià)產(chǎn)品征收最高稅，這種行為本質(zhì)是犧牲廣大辛勞人民以維護(hù)少數(shù)富人的利益。政府對(duì)社會(huì)各階層所負(fù)的義務(wù)要盡可能平等。我認(rèn)為應(yīng)當(dāng)重申我長久以來對(duì)此問題的大體看法。該問題涉及部分地區(qū)和部分職業(yè)存在利益沖突，我們遼闊國家的任何地區(qū)在談及該問題細(xì)節(jié)時(shí)都應(yīng)當(dāng)充分發(fā)揮相互妥協(xié)，相互讓步的精神，只有這樣才能使我國保持和睦，也只有如此才能使得大家顯然接受我們的稅收法案，使其投入實(shí)踐。無論是在戰(zhàn)爭時(shí)期還是和平時(shí)期，聯(lián)邦各地的愛國公民都愿意繳納聯(lián)邦政府所需的稅收，但是我們也要盡可能平等地對(duì)他們所有人負(fù)責(zé)。

The Republic of Texas has made known her desire to come into our Union, to form a part of our Confederacy and enjoy with us the blessings of liberty secured and guaranteed by our Constitution. Texas was once a part of our country--was unwisely ceded away to a foreign power--is now independent, and possesses an undoubted right to dispose of a part or the whole of her territory and to merge her sovereignty as a separate and independent state in ours. I congratulate my country that by an act of the late Congress of the United States the assent of this Government has been given to the reunion, and it only remains for the two countries to agree upon the terms to consummate an object so important to both.

德克薩斯共和國已經(jīng)表明了其愿意加入我們聯(lián)邦的意愿，她希望成為我們聯(lián)邦的一員，與我們一同在憲法的保護(hù)下享受自由幸福。德克薩斯曾是我們國家的一部分——但卻被輕率地割讓給了外國——現(xiàn)在她又成為了一個(gè)獨(dú)立國家，她無疑有權(quán)決定將其部分甚至全部領(lǐng)土并入我們，并作為一個(gè)獨(dú)立的國家加入我們聯(lián)邦。我祝賀祖國，因?yàn)樯蠈脟鴷?huì)已經(jīng)通過法案，批準(zhǔn)本屆政府完成兩國的統(tǒng)一，現(xiàn)在僅需要敲定合并的相關(guān)細(xì)節(jié)條款，便可完成這一對(duì)兩國都至關(guān)重要的事業(yè)。

I regard the question of annexation as belonging exclusively to the United States and Texas. They are independent powers competent to contract, and foreign nations have no right to interfere with them or to take exceptions to their reunion. Foreign powers do not seem to appreciate the true character of our Government. Our Union is a confederation of independent States, whose policy is peace with each other and all the world. To enlarge its limits is to extend the dominions of peace over additional territories and increasing millions. The world has nothing to fear from military ambition in our Government. While the Chief Magistrate and the popular branch of Congress are elected for short terms by the suffrages of those millions who must in their own persons bear all the burdens and miseries of war, our Government can not be otherwise than pacific. Foreign powers should therefore look on the annexation of Texas to the United States not as the conquest of a nation seeking to extend her dominions by arms and violence, but as the peaceful acquisition of a territory once her own, by adding another member to our confederation, with the consent of that member, thereby diminishing the chances of war and opening to them new and ever-increasing markets for their products.

我認(rèn)為本次合并只涉及美國和德克薩斯。我們兩國都是獨(dú)立國家，有權(quán)簽訂協(xié)議，外國無權(quán)干涉我們，也無權(quán)對(duì)我們的合并提出異議。外國列強(qiáng)可能不了解我國政府的本質(zhì)。我們的聯(lián)邦是一個(gè)由獨(dú)立國家組成的聯(lián)合體，我們的政策是同全世界各國保持和平。我國疆域的擴(kuò)張實(shí)質(zhì)就是將更多領(lǐng)土和上百萬人民置于和平之下。世界完全無需擔(dān)憂我國政府有軍事野心。因?yàn)槲覈淖罡唛L官和國會(huì)下屬民選部門都是由上千萬美國公民行使選舉權(quán)選舉產(chǎn)生的，如果爆發(fā)戰(zhàn)爭，我國人民必須親自承擔(dān)戰(zhàn)爭帶來的所有重?fù)?dān)與困難，所以我國政府自然會(huì)熱愛和平。因此，外國列強(qiáng)不該將此次合并視為美國使用武力征服了另一個(gè)國家，以達(dá)到其擴(kuò)張疆域的目的，而是在征得該國同意后，將其作為我們聯(lián)邦的新成員納入我國，以和平的方式收復(fù)了我們曾經(jīng)的故土，并且減少了戰(zhàn)爭爆發(fā)的可能，還為該國的產(chǎn)品開放了一片不斷發(fā)展的新市場。

To Texas the reunion is important, because the strong protecting arm of our Government would be extended over her, and the vast resources of her fertile soil and genial climate would be speedily developed, while the safety of New Orleans and of our whole southwestern frontier against hostile aggression, as well as the interests of the whole Union, would be promoted by it.

兩國合并對(duì)德克薩斯意義非凡，因?yàn)槲覀兛梢詫⑺麄冎糜诼?lián)邦政府的強(qiáng)大武裝力量保護(hù)之下，而得益于德克薩斯的豐富資源，千里沃土和溫和氣候，整個(gè)聯(lián)邦的利益都將迅速發(fā)展，而且新奧爾良和我國整個(gè)西南邊界還可以得到其保護(hù)，抵御外部勢力入侵。

In the earlier stages of our national existence the opinion prevailed with some that our system of confederated States could not operate successfully over an extended territory, and serious objections have at different times been made to the enlargement of our boundaries. These objections were earnestly urged when we acquired Louisiana. Experience has shown that they were not well founded. The title of numerous Indian tribes to vast tracts of country has been extinguished; new States have been admitted into the Union; new Territories have been created and our jurisdiction and laws extended over them. As our population has expanded, the Union has been cemented and strengthened. AS our boundaries have been enlarged and our agricultural population has been spread over a large surface, our federative system has acquired additional strength and security. It may well be doubted whether it would not be in greater danger of overthrow if our present population were confined to the comparatively narrow limits of the original thirteen States than it is now that they are sparsely settled over a more expanded territory. It is confidently believed that our system may be safely extended to the utmost bounds of our territorial limits, and that as it shall be extended the bonds of our Union, so far from being weakened, will become stronger.

在我國建國初期，許多人認(rèn)為，我們的聯(lián)邦制度無法統(tǒng)轄廣袤的領(lǐng)土，在各時(shí)期，人民都對(duì)我國擴(kuò)張邊界的問題提出了許多反對(duì)意見。在我們收購路易斯安納地區(qū)時(shí)，這些反對(duì)聲音異常激烈。但是事實(shí)證明，什么壞事都沒有發(fā)生。許多印第安部落對(duì)我國大量領(lǐng)土的占有權(quán)都被我們收回；新的州加入聯(lián)邦；新的領(lǐng)地不斷創(chuàng)建，我們的控制權(quán)和法律也隨之延伸到這些土地上。隨著我國人口的增加，聯(lián)邦愈加團(tuán)結(jié)和強(qiáng)大。隨著我國邊界擴(kuò)張，我們的農(nóng)耕人口分布到這一片沃土上，我們聯(lián)邦的國力和國防得到了進(jìn)一步加強(qiáng)。這不禁讓我們思考，如果我國人口被困限制相對(duì)狹小的13州內(nèi)，而不是現(xiàn)在這樣分布在廣袤土地上，那么我國政府被推翻的危險(xiǎn)會(huì)不會(huì)更大。人們堅(jiān)信，我們的聯(lián)邦制度能夠安然無恙地隨著我們延伸到我們邊界的最遠(yuǎn)處，而且隨著我國邊界擴(kuò)張，我們聯(lián)邦的紐帶不僅不會(huì)被削弱，反而會(huì)得到加強(qiáng)。

None can fail to see the danger to our safety and future peace if Texas remains an independent state or becomes an ally or dependency of some foreign nation more powerful than herself. Is there one among our citizens who would not prefer perpetual peace with Texas to occasional wars, which so often occur between bordering independent nations? Is there one who would not prefer free intercourse with her to high duties on all our products and manufactures which enter her ports or cross her frontiers? Is there one who would not prefer an unrestricted communication with her citizens to the frontier obstructions which must occur if she remains out of the Union? Whatever is good or evil in the local institutions of Texas will remain her own whether annexed to the United States or not. None of the present States will be responsible for them any more than they are for the local institutions of each other. They have confederated together for certain specified objects. Upon the same principle that they would refuse to form a perpetual union with Texas because of her local institutions our forefathers would have been prevented from forming our present Union. Perceiving no valid objection to the measure and many reasons for its adoption vitally affecting the peace, the safety, and the prosperity of both countries, I shall on the broad principle which formed the basis and produced the adoption of our Constitution, and not in any narrow spirit of sectional policy, endeavor by all Constitutional, honorable, and appropriate means to consummate the expressed will of the people and Government of the United States by the reannexation of Texas to our Union at the earliest practicable period.

如果德克薩斯是一個(gè)獨(dú)立國家，或者成為了另一個(gè)大國的盟友甚至附庸國，任何人都無法忽視其對(duì)我國未來國防和平構(gòu)成的巨大威脅。我們公民中難道有人不愿意和德克薩斯建立永久和平，而是希望讓其作為一個(gè)獨(dú)立國家時(shí)不時(shí)和我們爆發(fā)邊界戰(zhàn)爭嗎？難道有人不愿意和德克薩斯無限制地自由來往，而更希望自己的產(chǎn)品進(jìn)入他們的港口、跨越他們的邊界時(shí)交付高額的關(guān)稅嗎？難道有人不愿意和德克薩斯的公民自由往來，而是希望將德克薩斯拒之我們聯(lián)邦門外，在我們邊界上設(shè)置重重阻礙嗎？無論德克薩斯是否加入我們聯(lián)邦，其本身機(jī)構(gòu)的利弊都將繼續(xù)存在。對(duì)本州負(fù)最大責(zé)任的是本州自己的機(jī)構(gòu)，而不是其他其他各州。各州為了一些特定目標(biāo)而聯(lián)合到一起。如果有人以德克薩斯的制度機(jī)構(gòu)為借口，拒絕與他們建立永久的聯(lián)合，那么基于這種原則，我們的祖先也根本無法建立我們現(xiàn)在的聯(lián)邦。我認(rèn)為，關(guān)于兩國合并沒有實(shí)際有效益的反對(duì)聲音，而兩國合并則可以極大地促進(jìn)雙方和平、國防和繁榮事業(yè)，因此我將使用制定并通過憲法的寬泛原則，采用一切合憲的，光明磊落的恰當(dāng)措施，盡早使得德克薩斯回歸聯(lián)邦，以滿足美國人民和美國政府所表達(dá)的意愿。

Nor will it become in a less degree my duty to assert and maintain by all Constitutional means the right of the United States to that portion of our territory which lies beyond the Rocky Mountains. Our title to the country of the Oregon is clear and unquestionable, and already are our people preparing to perfect that title by occupying it with their wives and children. But eighty years ago our population was confined on the west by the ridge of the Alleghanies. Within that period--within the lifetime, I might say, of some of my hearers--our people, increasing to many millions, have filled the eastern valley of the Mississippi, adventurously ascended the Missouri to its headsprings, and are already engaged in establishing the blessings of self-government in valleys of which the rivers flow to the Pacific. The world beholds the peaceful triumphs of the industry of our emigrants. To us belongs the duty of protecting them adequately wherever they may be upon our soil. The jurisdiction of our laws and the benefits of our republican institutions should be extended over them in the distant regions which they have selected for their homes. The increasing facilities of intercourse will easily bring the States, of which the formation in that part of our territory can not be long delayed, within the sphere of our federative Union. In the meantime every obligation imposed by treaty or conventional stipulations should be sacredly respected.

我同樣有責(zé)任使用一切合憲手段以維護(hù)美國在落基山脈以西領(lǐng)土的權(quán)利。我們對(duì)俄勒岡領(lǐng)土的明確宣稱也毋庸置疑，我們的公民已經(jīng)準(zhǔn)備好攜家?guī)Э诘卣碱I(lǐng)這片土地，以進(jìn)一步完善我們的宣稱。而僅僅在80年前，我國人民還被限制在阿勒格尼山脈的西邊山脊。在這期間——這期間甚至可以說是部分聽眾的整整一生時(shí)間——我們的人口數(shù)量增長到上千萬，他們涌入密西西比河?xùn)|部的山谷，勇敢攀登尋找密蘇里河的源頭，并在穿越山谷，灌入太平洋的河流沿岸建立了自治政府。全世界都見證了我們通過移民手段取得和平勝利。無論這些移民在我們土地的何處，我們都完全有義務(wù)保護(hù)他們。他們選擇前往偏遠(yuǎn)地區(qū)建立家園，同時(shí)會(huì)將我們的法律管轄范圍和共和制的利處帶至這些區(qū)域。隨著交通工具飛速發(fā)展，這些不久后就可以建州的地區(qū)可以很輕松地加入我們的聯(lián)邦。同時(shí)，條約和約定俗成的義務(wù)也要得到尊重。

In the management of our foreign relations it will be my aim to observe a careful respect for the rights of other nations, while our own will be the subject of constant watchfulness. Equal and exact justice should characterize all our intercourse with foreign countries. All alliances having a tendency to jeopard the welfare and honor of our country or sacrifice any one of the national interests will be studiously avoided, and yet no opportunity will be lost to cultivate a favorable understanding with foreign governments by which our navigation and commerce may be extended and the ample products of our fertile soil, as well as the manufactures of our skillful artisans, find a ready market and remunerating prices in foreign countries.

在處理對(duì)外事務(wù)時(shí)，我們的目標(biāo)是慎重尊重他國權(quán)利，但是我們要始終以我國自身為重。我們和外國的交流應(yīng)當(dāng)建立在公平公正的前提下。我們會(huì)避免同任何有可能威脅我國福祉、榮譽(yù)或可能會(huì)損害我國國家利益的國家結(jié)盟，但是我們也要抓住和外國建立友好理解的機(jī)會(huì)，這樣一來，我們的航運(yùn)業(yè)和商業(yè)才能進(jìn)一步發(fā)展，我國沃土上種類繁多的產(chǎn)品和我們技藝精湛的工人所制造的工業(yè)品才能在海外市場賣出自己應(yīng)有的價(jià)格。

In taking care that the laws be faithfully executed, a strict performance of duty will be exacted from all public officers. From those officers, especially, who are charged with the collection and disbursement of the public revenue will prompt and rigid accountability be required. Any culpable failure or delay on their part to account for the moneys intrusted to them at the times and in the manner required by law will in every instance terminate the official connection of such defaulting officer with the Government.

要保證法律得到認(rèn)真貫徹，所有公職人員應(yīng)當(dāng)以身作則，嚴(yán)守法規(guī)，恪守職務(wù)。尤其是負(fù)責(zé)征收稅款和財(cái)政支出的官員，應(yīng)當(dāng)即刻對(duì)他們采用嚴(yán)格的問責(zé)制。他們在履行職務(wù)時(shí)，如若當(dāng)時(shí)以法律形式托付于他們的金款出現(xiàn)任何閃失或延誤，他們難辭其咎，政府會(huì)立即將相關(guān)違法官員開除。

Although in our country the Chief Magistrate must almost of necessity be chosen by a party and stand pledged to its principles and measures, yet in his official action he should not be the President of a part only, but of the whole people of the United States. While he executes the laws with an impartial hand, shrinks from no proper responsibility, and faithfully carries out in the executive department of the Government the principles and policy of those who have chosen him, he should not be unmindful that our fellow-citizens who have differed with him in opinion are entitled to the full and free exercise of their opinions and judgments, and that the rights of all are entitled to respect and regard.

在我國，雖然最高執(zhí)政官幾乎只能出自某一個(gè)黨派，并且會(huì)遵循其所屬黨派的原則和措施，但是在治國執(zhí)政的過程中，他不僅是一部分人的總統(tǒng)，而是全體美國人民的總統(tǒng)?？偨y(tǒng)有義務(wù)公正不倚地貫徹法律，總統(tǒng)沒有任何理由退縮，且在管理政府行政部門時(shí)要認(rèn)真執(zhí)行自己選民的原則和政策，總統(tǒng)同樣不應(yīng)忽視，與他意見相左的同胞們也充分有權(quán)自由表達(dá)自己的觀點(diǎn)和意見，所有人的權(quán)利都應(yīng)該得到尊重。

Confidently relying upon the aid and assistance of the coordinate departments of the Government in conducting our public affairs, I enter upon the discharge of the high duties which have been assigned me by the people, again humbly supplicating that Divine Being who has watched over and protected our beloved country from its infancy to the present hour to continue His gracious benedictions upon us, that we may continue to be a prosperous and happy people.

我相信政府各部門會(huì)在我處理國家事務(wù)時(shí)提供幫助，因此我正式就任這一人民賦予我的重要職位，并且我再次祈求從萌芽期到現(xiàn)在，一直以來庇佑我們親愛祖國的造物主，祈求他繼續(xù)賜予我們?nèi)蚀群捅Ｓ?，使我們民族永葆繁榮幸福。

聲明：本人僅按照原文翻譯內(nèi)容，演講內(nèi)容不代表本人觀點(diǎn)。此專欄僅供歷史和英語交流學(xué)習(xí)使用，任何讀者皆可引用本人的譯本。

希望來學(xué)習(xí)英語的觀眾明白：我覺得這些專欄的主要精華在于英語原文，而并非我的譯本，我的譯本很大程度上只是供來學(xué)習(xí)歷史的觀眾使用的。本人的英語水平一般，翻譯得并不會(huì)多么精彩，只能在你看不懂時(shí)來幫助你了解這些演講內(nèi)容最基本的意思，而且翻譯時(shí)難免會(huì)出現(xiàn)差錯(cuò)，切勿直接完全以我的譯本為標(biāo)準(zhǔn)。如發(fā)現(xiàn)有翻譯錯(cuò)誤或者歧義內(nèi)容，歡迎指正。

希望來學(xué)習(xí)歷史的觀眾明白：任何歷史人物都有一定的局限性，隨著時(shí)代發(fā)展，很多觀點(diǎn)看法可能已經(jīng)不再適用今天的世界，西方的觀點(diǎn)也不一定適用于我們。通過了解這些演講，僅可給我們提供一個(gè)更全面了解過去和世界的渠道。我們可以從優(yōu)秀的歷史、當(dāng)代人物身上學(xué)到很多，但是請(qǐng)保持獨(dú)立思考，理性看待演講內(nèi)容，切勿全信或?qū)⑵浞顬檎胬怼?