The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-11-23
Mr.. Lincoln's Policy.

and who did not vote for Lincoln, are extreme
~ anxious that the President-elcct. should issue
a manifesto Of some sort " to save the Union"
from the threatened violence Of their political
friends in the Cotton States. They think, the
patriotic creatures, that Mr.. Lincoln should
enlighten the country as to his policy. They
are very ignorant OF his designs, and cannot
find time even to consult the Republican plat
form to obtain any ideas Of the policy he will
support. The anxiety of these patriotic Union
savers is very great, but quite unnecessary.
Mr.. Lincoln, it may be set down as an assured
fact, will do nothing to help them out Of their
troubles. His friends have no anxictics, and as
to those Of other people, he will probably act
with his accustomed good sense and " let them
Slide" until the proper time, which will be
the fourth Of March next, when what he will
do will probably meet the public wants.
In relation to this matter, and some other
matters of a speculative character the corrcs-
pendent of the N. Y. Evening Post, who is in
situation to be posted, writes under date OF
Springfield, ILL.,, Nov. II, 1860, as follows;
SPRINGFIELD, ILL.,, Nov. "a, 1860.
The timid gentlemen who are expecting Mr.
Lincoln To issue n pronunciamienio AFTER the
manner of successful Mexican chiefs, wherein
his policy will be declared, for the Cancellation
of the madmen who are threatening the seces-
sion of few of the states of the South, do not
know the President elect. II was my good for
tune to talk with him an hour yesterday, in re-
lation to this secession movement, AMI though
n nl
which the contemplated treason gives him, he
Is not bit alarmed by the aspect OF affairs, nor
is he ut all inclined to yield an inch to the well
intended, but mistakens publications OF MS
friends. lie believes that his success Is only
public pretext for Iwhat la longs been prepar-
ing that his position on oil questions OF pub
lie concern-all which affect the slavery ques-
ton nearly or remotely-is so well known tnat
no declaration of his would change treasonaoie
purposes already announced and that re "
Grafton of views which are patent to oil men
who have sought to know them, would DC IN
evidence Of timdity which he does not feel, and
Of which he would have no man suspect him.
lie Is cautious, discreet, and wise in his replies
10 questions as to what may or will be done.
But those who know the stedfastness OF pur-
pose, ard the conscientious irmness which are
his distinguishing characteristics, have no
doubt that he will adopt that policy when Pres
ident, which q proper regard for the whole
country dictates and that he will pursue u
firmly, persistently, and, II necessary, oodur.
ately TO the end. "Iknow," said he, the
business of my intentions, and the utter ground-
lcssness uf the pretended fears OF the men who
are filling the country with their clamor. III
go into the presidency, they will find me as
am on record nothing less and nothing more:
Ny declarations have been made to the world
without reservation. They have been often
repeated aud now, self-respect demands OF
me and fthe party which has elected me. that
when threatened | should be silent" While
he holds this language in relation to a public
letter he does not hesitate, In private letters
TO the South. (hc has already a large CORES
pondence in that section,) aud in conversation
with his visitors, In answer to proper en-
auiries, to give any assurances which are con.
sistent with his views heretofore expressed, and
the party platform on which he stands.
found Mr. Lincoln, when called upon him
engaged in reading up anew the history OF the
nuilihcation Of 1881, including the discussions
ON the celebrated Force bills" and General
Jackson's more celebrated proclamation.
am debarrcd from saying what comment these
documents provoked but MIR. Lincoln's
friends may rest assured that, while he has no
ambition to be an imitator OF that old chief,
nature has endowed him with that sagacity,
honesty, and 6rmness which made Old lick
ory's the most eminently successful aud hon.
orable administration known to the republic.
I mentioned that Mr.. Lincoln had already
large correspondence with the South. There
are many of his letters from that quarter which
the country ough. to see. Missiyes which no
decent man could write are abundant their
postmsrks reveal the fact that the vocabulary
of Billingsgatc Is not confined to the Five
Points, and Marshal Rynder's Office.
Unfortunately, the ear-marks OF some OF them
show that their writers are not devoid of edu-
cation, il destitute Of decency. Letters threat
ening death, in all its forms as the penalty OF
his high position, are more abundant stu.
They are, of course, mainly anonymous, though
N few bear real names. Some are signed In hier-
oglyphics said to be known only TO the Sacred
Order or Southern Brotherhood which
threatens Mr.. Lincoln with sudden and un-
timely taking-of A few are ornamented with
sketches ofeIecutions by the gibbet. assassina-
ton by the stiletto, or death BY q lightning
stroke and In nearly'all the theology Of the
writers Is indicated by rude caricatures OF the
Devil, ready with his thrcc-prongcd fork TO re-
ceiye and pitch into everlasting FIRE the body VI
the unfortunate Lincoln, whose offence consists
In the belief that human slavery Is wrong. lie
is not, am glad to say, annoyed by these.
Assured that no man who will write annony-
nous and threatening letters Is worthy Of being
feared, he tossss all such aside. to illustrate, as
he says, at some future day, the comical side OF
his administration.
The rush for Office has already c,mmenced.
While was with Mr.. Lincoln he handed me .
note from q gentleman In an adjoining state
who was extremely importunate for the pro-
mise Of certain Office, rs specimen OF many
which he Is daily receiving. may be pardon
ed for relating what thousands ought 10 know
I" have made up my mind" said he. mot to
be badgered about those places. have pro-
missed nothing, high or low, and win not.
Bye-and-by, when call somebody TO me In the
character OF an adviser, We win examine the
the claims to the most responsible posts. and de-
eide what shall be done. As for the rest, I
shall have enough TO do without reading recon-
mcndations for country postmasterships; these.
and all others Of the sort, I viii turn over to