Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1861-02-22
The Incoming Administration.
From the Illinois Journal

occupy responsible position. Living in
the town where Mr.. Lincoln has resided
for quarter of a century-having been in
almost daily contact with him for years
past-sympathizing with him and support
ing him politically, It's but natural esat
the country should conclude that we know
something Of, and reflect his sentiments in
our columns. We have no disposition to
deny that we are familiar with the views of
the President elect, but we solemnlw af-
firm that be has not dictated a line that
has appeared in this paper since bis cleo
ton, touching political affairs. He is not
responsible for what we say, but when we
assert anything positively respecting him
or his intentions we know whereof we af-
firm. We should be false to duty did we
not urge Republicans to stand unfinchingly
by the principles on which they elected Mr.
Lincoln to the Presidency. We hnoa0 that
He will stand by them to the last. We
can afford to be just and generous, but we
cannot afford to surrender the highest and
hottest principle that ever animated man IN
political or martial contest. Mr. Lincoln
Is now speeding or his way to Washington
in few days, if he lives, his sentiments,
his policy and bis objects will be known to
the world. They viii command the ad-
mlration and support Of all good men, in
this and other lands His heart takes in
his Whole country--for that country he
will speak. act, and, if necessary lay down
his life. Let no friend of humanity, free
dom, the union, the constitution and all
the high interest Of our country even doubt,
Tor one moment, the frmneSs Of Abraham
Lincoln IN support Of them all. He re-
gards the Republican cause as just one,
and he will never desert it. Before the
blast of treason few party leaders may
bend and be swayed away, but such Will
not be the act or the fate Of the brave,
true, hberty-loving President Of our choice.
Broken by the power of slavery and the
treachery of friends he may be, but he will
never bow to either. From our knowl-
edge Of the man, we boldly assert that Mr.
Lincoln will plainly declare, in his inaugu-
raj address, his unfaltering devotion to
Republican principles. He will take pains,
we doubt not. in an address likely to have
general publication, to explain Just what
Republican principles are, When be does
this, the South will at once see how out
rageously be and the Republican party
have been belied. They will see that no
aggression upon their rights is contempla-
ted, but that every constitutional right of
every section will be protected to the full
extent Of the power of the Administration.
MIR. Lincoln believes that the People of
the United States can alter or abolish their
present system OF Government if they de-
sire to do SO. He will not stand in their
way. If the people desire to amend the
Constitution, he viii interpose no obsta-
Gle In the way of consummation of their
Wlshea. But while the Constitution stands
as it is, the supreme law of the land, be
will regard it as such, and will enforce the
laws made in pursuance of it, in obedience
Of bis oath Of Office. He cannot do less,
nor is it his disposition to do less. He
will have an oath registered in Heaven to
perform the duties assigned him by the
Constitution of his country. He a0iH per-
form those duties at erey hazard. He will
ment Of all forts, arsenals, custom houses,
post Offices, minis, revenue cutters and
other national property wrongfully with
held, and he u u hGue them, unless, in some
constitutional way, the title Of the United
States Government in such property shall
be vested in another party or parties. He
will use all the power vested in him by the
Constitution to enforce he laws of Con-
gress. THIS is hispIai. constitutional duty,
and every man who loves our Government
will stand by him in the discharge Of it,
regardless Of section or party.
We have asked Republicans to stand firm
ly by their principles. Loving cur coun-
try-the only free land on earth-we cod
not do less. We have asked that those
principles should not be deserted-not to
subserve partisan ends, not to humble po-
litical foes, but because we believe that
upon the triumph of those principles de-
ponds everything that is dear to freemen in
this land and throughout the world.
E'Nothinr great is lightly won