Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-03-06
THEN AND NOW.

"Occasional,'' in his letter to the Philadel-
phia Press, dated Washington, February 25th,
makes the following pointed observations
"Mr. Lincoln, unlike Mr.. Buchanan, labors
under the disadvantage Of coming into the
Presidency in the midst Of tempest of de-
nunciation and ridicule. The present Chief
Magistrate found all sides ready to give him a
fair trial. The country had SO much confidence
in his supposed ability and integrity that the
Republicans were almost free in their ex-
pressions OF kindness in his behalf as the DEM
ocrats themselves. Such was the auspicious
commencement Of his Administration but
what melancholy and sad close it has. Open
ing like beautiful summer day, it is going
out in clouds and sorrow. May we not hope
that in proportion as the end OF Mr.. Buchan-
ans dynasty has been unfortunate, and the in
auguration of that of Mr.. Lincoln stormy, the
latter will terminate his career the ruler OF a
peaceful and a united people
GA good portion of the nvective and satire
leveled against Mr.. Lincoln grows out of his
sudden entrance into W Washington on Saturday
morning. The Baltimore Sun of to-day eX-
pendS nearly a column Of vulgar ribaldry and
execrable English on this text. 1t is regard
ed, by such authorities as it, as an evidence of
want of courage. have heard very free COM
ments upon the movement by men of all par
ties, and the general judgment is that it was q
capital expedient. 1t is unquestionabe that
Mr. Lincoln nerer reCetUed an tnUitQtiOn from
The authorities Of Baltimore. 1t is notorious
that the greatest apprehensions were entertain
ed that some of the mob of that city were in
readiness to inflict insult and injury upon the
President elect. Would it be surprising if
they had done so /? Who does not remember,
only few years ago, when, in broad daylight,
some OF these Hends in human shape murdered
or wounded, or struck down, in the streets, a
number Of the most respected and influential
citizens3 Stabbing and killing were almost
as frequent in those days as in the days of l.
Italian feudelsm. 1t is not many weeks since
Mr.. Lipcoln's friends, when they attempted to
hold public meeting at the Holiday street
Theatre, were oyerrun and expelled by tur-
buient and savage invasion of these ruffians.
"When Mr.. Buchanan left Lancaster four
years ago, he was threatened by these rowdies
with personal violence, in any number of anony-
nous letters, and it made such an impression
upon him that, in company with few friends
he took private carriage, leaving behind his
escort and a dinner that bad been prepared for
him. There were no newspaper charges Of
cowardice against him, although animadver-
sions without number were uttered in private
circles. l will not recall the terror produced
by the National Hotel disease, so mysterious
and so fatal in its effects upon some of our best
citizens, and SO near carrying off the Presi-
dent himself. But would not most of these
facts justify Mr.. Lincoln in not making any
unnecessary exposure of his person, especially
when compared with the new indications of a
sudden assault upon the capital the day Of
his Inauguration. No opponent of James Bu-
chanan declared that he would plunge a dag
ger into his heart rather than see him mount
the Presidential chair. No wild Ex-Governor
called upon Virginia to march to the capture
OF w WashingtOn four years ago. n o influential
newspapers predicted and provoked revolution
at that time; and yet all these things have
been done since the election OF Abraham Lin
coin. But [ am crediby informed that the
motive that induced him TO enter Washington
as he did was desire to be on the spot early
in the morning, SO as to enter into consultation
with Gen. Scott and his friends, who believed
that another hours delay would be unfortunate.
The better judgment of our leading men has
been that Mr.. Lincoln Should have been pres
eDt in Washington two weeks ago; and when
we remember how wisely and we'll he has oc-
cupied his time since Saturday morning, it is
at least fair to infer that the only reason for
his sudden arrival was sincere desire TO as
sist in reconciling our national troubles