Delaware State journal and statesman., 1861-02-19

The following speech % MIR. Lincoln, ct Gin
cinnati, in reply to an address from the working.
men, has not hitherto be published. We rive
both addresses;
To Abraham Lincoln, President elect of the
United States:
Sir-We the German free workingmen of Gin
ciunati, avail ourselves OF this opportunity 10
assure you, our chosen Chief Magistrate, Of our
sincere and heartfelt regard. You earned our
votes as the champion Of free labor and free
homesteads. Our yanquished opponents have,
in recent times, made frequent use Of the terms
Hworkingmen' aud ''workiugmen's meeting,n in
order to create and impression, as il tue muss Of
working men were in favor Of compromises
between the interests of free labor aud slave
labor, by which the victory just won would be
turned into u defeat. This is dispicable device
OF dishonest men. We spurn snch compromises.
We firmly adhere to the principles which direct
ed our votes in your favor. We trust that you,
the selG-reiant because sefmade man, will up
hold the Constitution and the laws against secret
treachery and avowel treason. If to this end
you should be in need Of men, the German free
workingmen, with others, will rise as one man
at your call, ready to risk tgir lisesin the effort
to maintain the victory already won by freedom
over slavery.
ar. LiEcoLNs RESPONSE.
MIR. Chairman; ! thank you and those you
|
r tenor Of this address, In so fur rs there is an
alluson to our present national difficulties, and
] the suggestion of the views Of the gentlemen
r who present this address, beg you will excuse
o me from entering particularly upon it. l deem
1t due to myself and the whole country, in the
= present extraordinary condition of the country
and Of public opinion, that should wait and
t see tho last Development of public opinion,
+ before give my views or express myself, Mt the
1t time Of the Inauguration. [Cheors. hope at
}. that time to be false to nothing you have been
10 taught to expect Of me. lChecrs
al lagree with you, Mr.. Chairman, and with tho
n address of your constituents, ia the declaration
;, that workingmen are the basis of all govern
10 ments That remark is due to them more hnn
ID to any other class for the reason that there are
e. more of them than of any thcr class. And as
your address is presented mo not only on
81 behalf Of workngmen, but uueially of ennana,
10 ! may say word as to classes. | hold the ynlut
" Of life is to improve ones condition. Whatever
We is calculated to advance the condition Of tho
We honest, struggling, laboring man, 80 far MS my
O judgement will enable me to judge of correct
as thing, am for that thing.
"A An allusion has been made 10 the Homestead
at law. l think it worthy Oh consideration, ant
ot that the wild lands of the country should bo dis
n trihuted so that every man should have tn
be means and opportunity Of beneftng bis condition
he TCheers. have SAID do not desire to ente
TO into Details nor will l.
re- In regard to Germans and foreigners, esteem
al. Foreigners no better than my other people, nol
70 any worse. Laughter and cheers They ar,
a all Of the great family of men, add ii there is ont
az shackle upon any Of them, it would be far bette
us to lift the load from them than to pile additions
,le loads upon them. Cheers. Aud inasmuch a
ne the continent of America is comparatively ueV
he country, and the other countries Of the world ar
on old countries, there is more room here compare
Z. L. IL. Al Al. 80
he uVey speaking, 'han there IS there; and itthe.
M can hetler tnelr condlnon by leaving their oil
IN. homes, there is nothing in my heart to forbi
ay them coming; aud 1 bid them all God speed
do [Cheers.
m Again, gentlemen, thanking you for your ad
he dress, bid you good night.