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.

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.

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.