I should be destitute of feeling if I was not deeply affected by the strong proof which my fellow-citizens have given me of their confidence in calling me to the high office whose functions I am about to assume. As the expression of their good opinion of my conduct in the public service, I derive from it a gratification which those who are conscious of having done all that they could to merit it can alone feel. 如果同胞们以召唤我出任即将履职的崇高职位，向我表明如此强烈的信任，而我却不深受感动，那我便是毫无情感之人。他们借此肯定我在公职中的表现；这种欣慰，只有自知已竭尽所能、不负信任的人才能体会。
My sensibility is increased by a just estimate of the importance of the trust and of the nature and extent of its duties, with the proper discharge of which the highest interests of a great and free people are intimately connected. Conscious of my own deficiency, I cannot enter on these duties without great anxiety for the result. 当我正确衡量这份重托的重要性以及职责的性质和范围时，这份感受更加强烈；一个伟大而自由的民族的最高利益，与这些职责能否得到妥善履行密切相连。我深知自身不足，因而无法不怀着对结果的深切忧虑开始履职。
From a just responsibility I will never shrink, calculating with confidence that in my best efforts to promote the public welfare my motives will always be duly appreciated and my conduct be viewed with that candor and indulgence which I have experienced in other stations. 我绝不会逃避正当责任。我有信心，在竭尽全力促进公共福祉时，我的动机总会得到公正评价，我的行为也会像过去担任其他职务时一样，受到坦诚而宽厚的审视。
In commencing the duties of the chief executive office it has been the practice of the distinguished men who have gone before me to explain the principles which would govern them in their respective Administrations. In following their venerated example my attention is naturally drawn to the great causes which have contributed in a principal degree to produce the present happy condition of the United States. They will best explain the nature of our duties and shed much light on the policy which ought to be pursued in future. 历任杰出前辈在开始履行最高行政职位的职责时，向来会说明指导各自政府的原则。我遵循他们令人敬仰的先例，自然把目光投向那些在很大程度上造就美国当前良好局面的重大原因。这些原因最能说明我们的职责，也会为今后应当采取的政策提供重要启示。
From the commencement of our Revolution to the present day almost forty years have elapsed, and from the establishment of this Constitution twenty-eight. Through this whole term the Government has been what may emphatically be called self-government. And what has been the effect? To whatever object we turn our attention, whether it relates to our foreign or domestic concerns, we find abundant cause to felicitate ourselves in the excellence of our institutions. 从革命开始至今已近四十年，从这部宪法确立至今也有二十八年。在整个时期，政府一直是名副其实的自治政府。其成效如何？无论把注意力转向何处，无论对外还是国内事务，我们都能从优良制度中找到充分理由为自己庆幸。
During a period fraught with difficulties and marked by very extraordinary events the United States have flourished beyond example. Their citizens individually have been happy and the nation prosperous. 在一个困难重重、异乎寻常事件迭出的时代，美国取得了无与伦比的繁荣。公民个人生活幸福，国家也兴旺发达。
Under this Constitution our commerce has been wisely regulated with foreign nations and between the States; new States have been admitted into our Union; our territory has been enlarged by fair and honorable treaty, and with great advantage to the original States; 在这部宪法之下，我们同外国以及各州之间的商业得到明智规范；新的州加入联邦；我们的领土通过公平而光明正大的条约得以扩展，并使原有各州大为受益；
the States, respectively protected by the National Government under a mild, parental system against foreign dangers, and enjoying within their separate spheres, by a wise partition of power, a just proportion of the sovereignty, have improved their police, extended their settlements, and attained a strength and maturity which are the best proofs of wholesome laws well administered. And if we look to the condition of individuals what a proud spectacle does it exhibit! On whom has oppression fallen in any quarter of our Union? Who has been deprived of any right of person or property? 各州在温和的家长式制度下分别受到中央政府保护，免遭外来危险；同时又凭借明智的权力划分，在各自领域享有应有份额的主权。因此，各州完善了内部治理，拓展了定居区域，并达到足以证明良法得到妥善执行的实力与成熟程度。再看个人的处境，这呈现出多么令人自豪的景象！联邦任何地方有谁遭受压迫？有谁被剥夺人身权利或财产权利？
Who restrained from offering his vows in the mode which he prefers to the Divine Author of his being? It is well known that all these blessings have been enjoyed in their fullest extent; and I add with peculiar satisfaction that there has been no example of a capital punishment being inflicted on anyone for the crime of high treason. 有谁受到限制，不能按照自己选择的方式向创造他的神明祈祷？众所周知，这一切福祉都得到了最充分的享有；我还格外欣慰地指出，从未有人因叛国罪而被处以死刑。
Some who might admit the competency of our Government to these beneficent duties might doubt it in trials which put to the test its strength and efficiency as a member of the great community of nations. Here too experience has afforded us the most satisfactory proof in its favor. Just as this Constitution was put into action several of the principal States of Europe had become much agitated and some of them seriously convulsed. Destructive wars ensued, which have of late only been terminated. In the course of these conflicts the United States received great injury from several of the parties. 有些人或许承认我国政府有能力履行这些惠民职责，却会怀疑它在考验其作为国际社会一员的力量与效能时能否胜任。在这一点上，经验同样提供了最令人信服的证明。这部宪法刚开始施行时，欧洲几个主要国家便陷入剧烈动荡，其中一些甚至发生严重震荡。随后爆发了毁灭性战争，直到最近才结束。在这些冲突中，美国受到多个参战方的严重侵害。
It was their interest to stand aloof from the contest, to demand justice from the party committing the injury, and to cultivate by a fair and honorable conduct the friendship of all. War became at length inevitable, and the result has shown that our Government is equal to that, the greatest of trials, under the most unfavorable circumstances. Of the virtue of the people and of the heroic exploits of the Army, the Navy, and the militia I need not speak. 美国的利益在于置身冲突之外，要求侵害方伸张正义，并以公平而光明正大的行为争取各国友谊。战争最终变得不可避免，而结果表明，即使在最不利的环境中，我国政府也足以经受战争这一最严峻的考验。人民的美德以及陆军、海军和民兵的英勇功绩，无须我再赘述。
Such, then, is the happy Government under which we live--a Government adequate to every purpose for which the social compact is formed; a Government elective in all its branches, under which every citizen may by his merit obtain the highest trust recognized by the Constitution; which contains within it no cause of discord, none to put at variance one portion of the community with another; a Government which protects every citizen in the full enjoyment of his rights, and is able to protect the nation against injustice from foreign powers. 这就是我们生活其下的良好政府——它能够实现建立社会契约的一切目的；它的所有部门均由选举产生，每位公民都可凭自身才干获得宪法承认的最高信任；它内部不存在挑起纷争、使社会不同群体彼此对立的根源；它保障每位公民充分享有权利，也能够保护国家免受外国的不公侵害。
Other considerations of the highest importance admonish us to cherish our Union and to cling to the Government which supports it. Fortunate as we are in our political institutions, we have not been less so in other circumstances on which our prosperity and happiness essentially depend. Situated within the temperate zone, and extending through many degrees of latitude along the Atlantic, the United States enjoy all the varieties of climate, and every production incident to that portion of the globe. 其他同样极为重要的因素告诫我们珍爱联邦，坚守支撑联邦的政府。我们不仅有幸拥有良好的政治制度，在其他决定繁荣与幸福的条件上也同样幸运。美国地处温带，沿大西洋跨越多个纬度，拥有这一地带的各种气候以及由此产生的各类物产。
Penetrating internally to the Great Lakes and beyond the sources of the great rivers which communicate through our whole interior, no country was ever happier with respect to its domain. Blessed, too, with a fertile soil, our produce has always been very abundant, leaving, even in years the least favorable, a surplus for the wants of our fellow-men in other countries. Such is our peculiar felicity that there is not a part of our Union that is not particularly interested in preserving it. The great agricultural interest of the nation prospers under its protection. 国土向内陆延伸至五大湖，并越过贯通全国腹地的各条大河源头；就疆域条件而言，没有哪个国家比我们更为优越。我们还拥有肥沃土壤，物产始终极为丰富；即使在最不利的年份，仍有余粮满足其他国家人民的需要。我们的处境如此优越，以至于联邦每个地区都对维护联邦具有切身利益。全国重要的农业利益在联邦保护下蓬勃发展。
Local interests are not less fostered by it. Our fellow-citizens of the North engaged in navigation find great encouragement in being made the favored carriers of the vast productions of the other portions of the United States, while the inhabitants of these are amply recompensed, in their turn, by the nursery for seamen and naval force thus formed and reared up for the support of our common rights. 地方利益也同样受到扶持。北方从事航运的同胞成为美国其他地区大量产品的优先承运者，因而得到巨大鼓励；而其他地区也相应获得充分回报，因为航运由此培育了海员和海军力量，能够维护我们的共同权利。
Our manufactures find a generous encouragement by the policy which patronizes domestic industry, and the surplus of our produce a steady and profitable market by local wants in less-favored parts at home. 扶持国内产业的政策有力鼓励了制造业；国内条件较差地区的需求，也为剩余产品提供了稳定而有利可图的市场。
Such, then, being the highly favored condition of our country, it is the interest of every citizen to maintain it. What are the dangers which menace us? If any exist they ought to be ascertained and guarded against. 既然我国处于如此优越的境况，维护这种局面便符合每位公民的利益。有哪些危险正在威胁我们？如果确有危险，就应查明并加以防范。
In explaining my sentiments on this subject it may be asked, What raised us to the present happy state? How did we accomplish the Revolution? How remedy the defects of the first instrument of our Union, by infusing into the National Government sufficient power for national purposes, without impairing the just rights of the States or affecting those of individuals? How sustain and pass with glory through the late war? The Government has been in the hands of the people. To the people, therefore, and to the faithful and able depositaries of their trust is the credit due. 在说明我对这个问题的看法时，人们或许会问：是什么使我们达到如今的良好状态？我们如何完成革命？我们又如何在不损害各州正当权利和个人权利的前提下，赋予中央政府足以处理全国事务的权力，从而弥补最初联邦制度文书的缺陷？我们如何经受最近的战争并光荣走过来？政府一直掌握在人民手中。因此，功劳属于人民，也属于那些忠诚而能干、受人民托付的人。
Had the people of the United States been educated in different principles, had they been less intelligent, less independent, or less virtuous, can it be believed that we should have maintained the same steady and consistent career or been blessed with the same success? While, then, the constituent body retains its present sound and healthful state everything will be safe. They will choose competent and faithful representatives for every department. 假如美国人民接受的是另一套原则，假如他们不够明智、不够独立或不够高尚，谁能相信我们仍会坚持同样稳定一致的道路，或取得同样的成功？只要选民整体继续保持当前健全而良好的状态，一切都会安稳。他们会为每个政府部门选出称职而忠诚的代表。
It is only when the people become ignorant and corrupt, when they degenerate into a populace, that they are incapable of exercising the sovereignty. Usurpation is then an easy attainment, and an usurper soon found. The people themselves become the willing instruments of their own debasement and ruin. Let us, then, look to the great cause, and endeavor to preserve it in full force. Let us by all wise and constitutional measures promote intelligence among the people as the best means of preserving our liberties. 只有当人民变得无知腐化、堕落为乌合之众时，他们才会失去行使主权的能力。那时，篡夺权力轻而易举，篡权者也会迅速出现。人民自己会心甘情愿地成为导致自身堕落和毁灭的工具。因此，让我们关注这一根本所在，努力使它始终保持充分力量。让我们采取一切明智且符合宪法的措施，增进人民的知识，因为这是维护自由的最佳途径。
Dangers from abroad are not less deserving of attention. Experiencing the fortune of other nations, the United States may be again involved in war, and it may in that event be the object of the adverse party to overset our Government, to break our Union, and demolish us as a nation. Our distance from Europe and the just, moderate, and pacific policy of our Government may form some security against these dangers, but they ought to be anticipated and guarded against. 来自国外的危险同样值得关注。美国也可能遭遇其他国家的命运，再次卷入战争；届时，敌对方或许会企图颠覆我国政府、瓦解联邦，并摧毁我们这个国家。远离欧洲的地理位置，以及我国政府公正、温和、爱好和平的政策，或能提供一定保障，但我们仍应预见并防范这些危险。
Many of our citizens are engaged in commerce and navigation, and all of them are in a certain degree dependent on their prosperous state. Many are engaged in the fisheries. These interests are exposed to invasion in the wars between other powers, and we should disregard the faithful admonition of experience if we did not expect it. We must support our rights or lose our character, and with it, perhaps, our liberties. A people who fail to do it can scarcely be said to hold a place among independent nations. 我国许多公民从事商业和航运，而所有人都在某种程度上依赖这些行业的繁荣；还有许多人从事渔业。这些利益在其他强国交战时容易受到侵害；如果我们不预料这种风险，就等于无视经验给予的可靠警告。我们必须维护自身权利，否则就会丧失国家品格，并可能随之失去自由。一个不能维护权利的民族，几乎不能说在独立国家中占有一席之地。
National honor is national property of the highest value. The sentiment in the mind of every citizen is national strength. It ought therefore to be cherished. 国家荣誉是价值最高的国家财富。每位公民心中的这种信念，就是国家的力量。因此，我们应当珍视它。
To secure us against these dangers our coast and inland frontiers should be fortified, our Army and Navy, regulated upon just principles as to the force of each, be kept in perfect order, and our militia be placed on the best practicable footing. 为抵御这些危险，我们应当巩固海岸和内陆边疆的防御；按照公正原则确定陆军和海军各自规模，使其保持最佳状态；并尽可能完善民兵制度。
To put our extensive coast in such a state of defense as to secure our cities and interior from invasion will be attended with expense, but the work when finished will be permanent, and it is fair to presume that a single campaign of invasion by a naval force superior to our own, aided by a few thousand land troops, would expose us to greater expense, without taking into the estimate the loss of property and distress of our citizens, than would be sufficient for this great work. 把漫长海岸建设到足以保护城市和内陆免遭入侵的防御状态，固然需要费用，但工程完成后将可长久发挥作用。可以合理推断，一支强于我国海军的舰队在数千名陆军协助下发动一次入侵战役，造成的开支就会超过完成这项宏大工程所需费用，尚且不计财产损失和公民苦难。
Our land and naval forces should be moderate, but adequate to the necessary purposes--the former to garrison and preserve our fortifications and to meet the first invasions of a foreign foe, and, while constituting the elements of a greater force, to preserve the science as well as all the necessary implements of war in a state to be brought into activity in the event of war; 我国陆海军规模应当适中，但足以满足必要目的——陆军负责驻守和维护防御工事，抵挡外国敌人的最初入侵；同时作为更大军力的基础，保存军事知识以及战争所需的一切装备，使其在战时能够迅速投入使用；
the latter, retained within the limits proper in a state of peace, might aid in maintaining the neutrality of the United States with dignity in the wars of other powers and in saving the property of their citizens from spoliation. In time of war, with the enlargement of which the great naval resources of the country render it susceptible, and which should be duly fostered in time of peace, it would contribute essentially, both as an auxiliary of defense and as a powerful engine of annoyance, to diminish the calamities of war and to bring the war to a speedy and honorable termination. 海军在和平时期保持适当规模，可以帮助美国在其他强国交战时有尊严地维持中立，并保护公民财产免遭掠夺。战时，凭借国家丰富的海军资源，海军能够扩充，而这些资源在和平时期也应得到适当培育；扩充后的海军既可协助防御，也可成为有力的进攻手段，从而大幅减轻战争灾难，促使战争迅速而体面地结束。
But it ought always to be held prominently in view that the safety of these States and of everything dear to a free people must depend in an eminent degree on the militia. Invasions may be made too formidable to be resisted by any land and naval force which it would comport either with the principles of our Government or the circumstances of the United States to maintain. In such cases recourse must be had to the great body of the people, and in a manner to produce the best effect. 但我们必须始终清楚，自由人民所珍视的一切以及各州的安全，在很大程度上都依赖民兵。敌人的入侵可能极其强大，超过我国按照政府原则和国情所宜维持的任何陆海军力量能够抵挡的程度。在这种情况下，就必须以最有效的方式依靠广大人民。
It is of the highest importance, therefore, that they be so organized and trained as to be prepared for any emergency. The arrangement should be such as to put at the command of the Government the ardent patriotism and youthful vigor of the country. If formed on equal and just principles, it can not be oppressive. It is the crisis which makes the pressure, and not the laws which provide a remedy for it. This arrangement should be formed, too, in time of peace, to be the better prepared for war. 因此，最重要的是把民兵组织和训练好，使其能够应对任何紧急情况。制度安排应使政府能够调动全国炽热的爱国精神和青年的蓬勃力量。只要建立在平等公正的原则上，这种制度就不会造成压迫。真正带来负担的是危机，而不是为危机提供补救办法的法律。这套制度也应在和平时期建立，以便更充分地准备战争。
With such an organization of such a people the United States have nothing to dread from foreign invasion. At its approach an overwhelming force of gallant men might always be put in motion. 拥有这样组织起来的人民，美国便无须畏惧外国入侵。入侵一旦发生，随时都可动员一支由英勇民众组成的压倒性力量。
Other interests of high importance will claim attention, among which the improvement of our country by roads and canals, proceeding always with a constitutional sanction, holds a distinguished place. By thus facilitating the intercourse between the States we shall add much to the convenience and comfort of our fellow-citizens, much to the ornament of the country, and, what is of greater importance, we shall shorten distances, and, by making each part more accessible to and dependent on the other, we shall bind the Union more closely together. 其他重大利益也需要关注，其中尤为突出的是始终在宪法授权下，通过道路和运河改善国家交通。这样促进各州往来，既会大大增加同胞的便利与舒适，美化国家，更重要的是缩短距离；通过使各地区更容易相互到达、彼此依赖，我们将把联邦结合得更加紧密。
Nature has done so much for us by intersecting the country with so many great rivers, bays, and lakes, approaching from distant points so near to each other, that the inducement to complete the work seems to be peculiarly strong. A more interesting spectacle was perhaps never seen than is exhibited within the limits of the United States--a territory so vast and advantageously situated, containing objects so grand, so useful, so happily connected in all their parts! 大自然让众多大河、海湾和湖泊纵横国土，从相距遥远的地点延伸而来，却彼此非常接近，因此完成这项建设尤其具有吸引力。美国境内所呈现的景象或许前所未有——如此辽阔而位置优越的疆土，拥有如此宏伟、实用且彼此联系如此完善的自然条件！
Our manufacturers will likewise require the systematic and fostering care of the Government. Possessing as we do all the raw materials, the fruit of our own soil and industry, we ought not to depend in the degree we have done on supplies from other countries. While we are thus dependent the sudden event of war, unsought and unexpected, can not fail to plunge us into the most serious difficulties. 我国制造业同样需要政府系统而扶持性的关照。我们拥有自己土地和劳动生产的各种原材料，不应像过去那样在很大程度上依赖外国供应。只要这种依赖持续存在，一场并非我们所寻求、又突如其来的战争就必然使我们陷入极其严重的困境。
It is important, too, that the capital which nourishes our manufacturers should be domestic, as its influence in that case instead of exhausting, as it may do in foreign hands, would be felt advantageously on agriculture and every other branch of industry. Equally important is it to provide at home a market for our raw materials, as by extending the competition it will enhance the price and protect the cultivator against the casualties incident to foreign markets. 同样重要的是，滋养制造业的资本应当来自国内；这样，它的影响不会像掌握在外国人手中时那样耗损国家，反而会有利于农业和其他一切产业。为原材料提供国内市场也同样重要，因为扩大竞争会提高其价格，并保护生产者免受外国市场意外波动的影响。
With the Indian tribes it is our duty to cultivate friendly relations and to act with kindness and liberality in all our transactions. Equally proper is it to persevere in our efforts to extend to them the advantages of civilization. 我们有责任同原住民部落发展友好关系，在一切交往中以善意和宽厚相待。同样适当的是继续努力，使他们也能获得文明生活的益处。
The great amount of our revenue and the flourishing state of the Treasury are a full proof of the competency of the national resources for any emergency, as they are of the willingness of our fellow-citizens to bear the burdens which the public necessities require. The vast amount of vacant lands, the value of which daily augments, forms an additional resource of great extent and duration. These resources, besides accomplishing every other necessary purpose, put it completely in the power of the United States to discharge the national debt at an early period. 巨额财政收入和国库的兴旺状况充分证明，国家资源足以应对任何紧急情况，也证明同胞愿意承担公共需要所要求的负担。大量未占用土地的价值与日俱增，构成了规模庞大而持久的另一项资源。这些资源不仅足以完成其他一切必要事务，也使美国完全有能力在较早时期偿清国债。
Peace is the best time for improvement and preparation of every kind; it is in peace that our commerce flourishes most, that taxes are most easily paid, and that the revenue is most productive. 和平时期最适合进行各方面的改进与准备；正是在和平时期，商业最为繁荣，税款最容易缴纳，财政收入也最为充裕。
The Executive is charged officially in the Departments under it with the disbursement of the public money, and is responsible for the faithful application of it to the purposes for which it is raised. The Legislature is the watchful guardian over the public purse. It is its duty to see that the disbursement has been honestly made. To meet the requisite responsibility every facility should be afforded to the Executive to enable it to bring the public agents intrusted with the public money strictly and promptly to account. 行政部门依法负责通过所属各部门支出公共资金，并对资金是否忠实用于筹集时确定的目的承担责任。立法机关则是公共钱袋的警觉守护者，有责任确保支出诚实合规。为了履行必要责任，应向行政部门提供一切便利，使其能够严格而迅速地要求受托管理公共资金的官员交代账目。
Nothing should be presumed against them; but if, with the requisite facilities, the public money is suffered to lie long and uselessly in their hands, they will not be the only defaulters, nor will the demoralizing effect be confined to them. It will evince a relaxation and want of tone in the Administration which will be felt by the whole community. 不应预先认定这些官员有过失；但在具备必要条件后，如果公共资金仍长期闲置在他们手中，他们就不会是唯一的失职者，败坏风气的影响也不会仅限于他们。这将暴露整个行政管理的松弛和软弱，并波及全社会。
I shall do all I can to secure economy and fidelity in this important branch of the Administration, and I doubt not that the Legislature will perform its duty with equal zeal. A thorough examination should be regularly made, and I will promote it. 我将竭尽所能，确保行政体系这一重要部门节俭而忠于职守；我相信，立法机关也会以同样热忱履行职责。应当定期开展彻底审查，我会推动这项工作。
It is particularly gratifying to me to enter on the discharge of these duties at a time when the United States are blessed with peace. It is a state most consistent with their prosperity and happiness. It will be my sincere desire to preserve it, so far as depends on the Executive, on just principles with all nations, claiming nothing unreasonable of any and rendering to each what is its due. 美国正享有和平，我在此时开始履行这些职责，尤其令我欣慰。和平最符合国家的繁荣与幸福。只要属于行政部门职权范围，我都会真诚努力，依照公正原则同所有国家维持和平，不向任何国家提出无理要求，也给予各国应得的对待。
Equally gratifying is it to witness the increased harmony of opinion which pervades our Union. Discord does not belong to our system. Union is recommended as well by the free and benign principles of our Government, extending its blessings to every individual, as by the other eminent advantages attending it. The American people have encountered together great dangers and sustained severe trials with success. They constitute one great family with a common interest. Experience has enlightened us on some questions of essential importance to the country. 同样令人欣慰的是，联邦各地的意见日益和谐。纷争并非我国制度固有之物。政府自由而仁厚的原则把福祉带给每个人，加之联邦具有其他显著优势，都促使我们维护团结。美国人民共同面对过重大危险，成功经受了严峻考验。他们是利益一致的一个大家庭。经验已使我们在若干关系国家根本利益的问题上获得启迪。
The progress has been slow, dictated by a just reflection and a faithful regard to every interest connected with it. To promote this harmony in accord with the principles of our republican Government and in a manner to give them the most complete effect, and to advance in all other respects the best interests of our Union, will be the object of my constant and zealous exertions. 这种进展虽然缓慢，却源于审慎思考和对一切相关利益的忠实尊重。依照共和政府原则促进这种和谐，使这些原则得到最充分落实，并在其他各方面推进联邦的最大利益，将是我始终热忱努力的目标。
Never did a government commence under auspices so favorable, nor ever was success so complete. If we look to the history of other nations, ancient or modern, we find no example of a growth so rapid, so gigantic, of a people so prosperous and happy. 从未有一个政府在如此有利的条件下开始运作，也从未有过如此圆满的成功。纵观古今各国历史，我们找不到另一个民族发展如此迅速、规模如此宏大，又如此繁荣幸福的例子。
In contemplating what we have still to perform, the heart of every citizen must expand with joy when he reflects how near our Government has approached to perfection; that in respect to it we have no essential improvement to make; that the great object is to preserve it in the essential principles and features which characterize it, and that is to be done by preserving the virtue and enlightening the minds of the people; and as a security against foreign dangers to adopt such arrangements as are indispensable to the support of our independence, our rights and liberties. 当思考我们尚需完成的任务时，每位公民都会满怀喜悦，因为我国政府已如此接近完善；就政府本身而言，没有需要作出的根本改进。重大任务在于保存构成其特征的基本原则与制度，而这要靠维护人民的美德、启迪人民的思想；同时，为防范外来危险，还要采取维护国家独立、权利与自由所不可缺少的安排。
If we persevere in the career in which we have advanced so far and in the path already traced, we can not fail, under the favor of a gracious Providence, to attain the high destiny which seems to await us. 只要我们坚持已经取得如此进展的道路，沿着既定方向前进，就必能在仁慈上苍的眷顾下，实现似乎正在等待我们的崇高命运。
In the Administrations of the illustrious men who have preceded me in this high station, with some of whom I have been connected by the closest ties from early life, examples are presented which will always be found highly instructive and useful to their successors. From these I shall endeavor to derive all the advantages which they may afford. 在我之前担任这一崇高职位的杰出人物所领导的历届政府，为继任者留下了永远富有启发、极为有益的榜样；其中一些人与我自早年起便有最密切的联系。我将努力从这些榜样中汲取一切益处。
Of my immediate predecessor, under whom so important a portion of this great and successful experiment has been made, I shall be pardoned for expressing my earnest wishes that he may long enjoy in his retirement the affections of a grateful country, the best reward of exalted talents and the most faithful and meritorious service. 在我的直接前任领导下，这场伟大而成功的制度实践完成了极为重要的一段。请允许我衷心祝愿，他退休后能长期享有一个心怀感激的国家对他的爱戴；这是对其卓越才智以及最忠诚、最值得称颂的服务所能给予的最好回报。
Relying on the aid to be derived from the other departments of the Government, I enter on the trust to which I have been called by the suffrages of my fellow-citizens with my fervent prayers to the Almighty that He will be graciously pleased to continue to us that protection which He has already so conspicuously displayed in our favor. 我相信能够得到政府其他部门的帮助，因而开始承担同胞投票托付给我的职责；同时，我热切祈求全能上苍继续赐予我们护佑，因为他已经如此显著地向我们展现了这种恩泽。