The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-12-14
Tho Electoral College.

Tho Electoral College.
The electoral college of our State voted on
Wednesday, Dec. 4, by ballot, each Elector
on being called rising in his place, and naming
for whom no voted, and at the same time
depositing his ballot. All the eight ballots
for President, were of course for Abraham
Lincoln, and for Hannibal Haulin for Vice
President. Louis D. Cowan Of Biddeford
one of the Electors was chosen Messenger to
carry the votes to Washington, receiving six
Of the seven votes cast. On the announce
ment of his election Mr. CowAN said:
Mr.. President and Gentlemen 9th eEleetor.
al College, For this expression of your kind
ness, allow me to tender you my grateful
thanks. Next to the pleasure which have,
in having had afforded me an opportunity to
contribute my part in duty alike called by
patriotic devotion to my country, to the
generous constituency which have assigned
it. and to the principles which ] believe will
promote its great interests and strengthen
the securities of liberty, under the the Con.
stitution established by our fathers Ito secure
the blessings o. liberty and form more per-
feet Union! is tina. which | have in being
made tho recipient Of your favor. | find in
the circumstances which surround it, in the
high character of those who have conferred
it upon me, and in the knowledge have
that the votes shall bear to the constituted
authorities reflect the sentiment of u consti.
tutional majority Of the people Of the United
States AN honor which makes me truly CRATE
full.
shall ever cherish in my recollection a
lively sense of your kindness, and permit me
to add that fondly hope the duty we have
performed, in common with Others in other
members Of the conlederacy, will strengthen
the bonds ofthis Union and promote its peace
and prosperity.
The usual certificates were then made and
signed, and the Secretary ordered to deliver
one to the President to be filed with the
District Judge of the United States District
Court, one to the Messenger, Louis o. Cowan
to be carried by him to the Vice President of
the United States, and one to be fled with
the Secretary Of State. These certificates were
signed by each Elector.
On motion of Mr.. Coburn q resolution OF
thanks to the President was passed unan.
lnously.
The President, Mr.. Willis, addressed the
College ~ follows;
The Electoral College will please accept
my grateful Acknowledgements for the kind
and complimentary terms of the vote just
adopted.
Gentlemen, We have discharged great
public duty, We have solemnly and peace
fully given official expression TO the strong
and decisive sentiment of the people of this
commonwealth, in regard to the persons
suitable to fiji the highest Offices in the gift
of the people. A similar expression will
undoubtedly be uttered to-day by majority
of the electoral colleges of the United States,
and by large majority Of the electoral bal
lots. We are firm in the conviction that the
persons thus designated for their high and
important offices, are eminently qualified to
fill them; and that they will faithfully and
impartially, and in conciliatory spirit, dis
charge their responsible duties. We believe
that the incoming President will administer
the government according to the constitution
and the laws, justly, wisely and fearlessly,
for the best good Of all the people, and Of
their various and multiiarious interests: that
he will know to North; no South, no East,
no West, but DO true to all in all parts,
without distinction of section or party.
Whata sublime spectacle does this day
exhibit. Thirty millions of people reorgan-
izinging and administration Of government
for thcmselves-no hereditary succession, no
aristocratic distinction--one dynasty peace
fully departs ard mingles again with the
mas Of the people; another arises from the
people to execute the high and responsible
trustecship for the common veal, and which
will again descend, 1t its turn, to the popu-
lar masses.
What Europe is now struggling in bitter
agony for, We cminently enjoy; this high
privilege and prerogative, let us never con-
sent to triAe with, nor abuse, nor fling away.
Gentlemen, let our devout aspirations arise
to the Almighty Ruler Of the Universe, that
lie will watch over, and guide, and protect
the administrations OF government, soon to
be inaugurated; that He will give 1t wisdom
and prudence to shape oil its counsels and
acts; that He will avert all the perls that
now threaten the country, and restore peace
and harmony through all our land. And
may the same Almighty lower grant that
this administration may, in its constitutional
time and manner peacefully close its labors
over a united eonfeperacy, no link broken or
severed, no star struck from its bright firma-
ment, but all continue to be bound in the
silver bonds Of confidence, prosperity and
peace.
Gentlemen, have been happy on this oc-
casion to renew my acquaintance with several
of you, and to form new acquaintance with
the Others. We shall probably never be
together again. wish you n safe and happy
return to your homes, and do not doubt that
in all the coming time Of our lives, the
memory Of the duties and pleasures Of this
day will be an ever recurring source ofplcas.
ure and satisfaction.
Voted. To adjourn to tomorrow morning
at nine o'clock. Adjournek.
The college met again Thursday Dec. 6,
and after seeing the certificates were correct,
and signing the proper authority for the
Messenger, adjourned sine die.
r. At the Municipal Election In Portsmouth