Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1861-02-21

| bToohtyni ana mas an interview wlh CoL
Fremont
NEW YORK, February 19.-The train
reached this city ION time n Thirty-hrst-
street depot. The President-eleet and party
| left the cars. Mrs. Lincoln and children were
| driven in a close carriage TO the Astor
| House, Mr. Lincoln and suite occupied
eleven carriages, and rode to the Astor
| House. .,. ss,t a,.
All along the route the streets were packed,
but the party had no difficulty in making
| their progress, owing to the excellent police
arrangements, and II is estimated that a
| quarter of a million of people witnessed
the future President. There was con-
tinuous cheering from the. depot to the
| hotel g.r-. r.t ,' 70
AT the Astor House, there was an immense
assemblage and cheering. The streets were
all decorated with flags, all the hotels but
the New York Hotel, and all newspaper
offices but the Day Book, displayed the
American flag. I.-
The shipping in the harbor also hoisted
bunting during the day, and the city gener-
ally, presented holiday appearance. Lin
coin dined in private, receiving no calls till
evening. ....
The President elect was formally received
Hall. : -.
The ceremonies took place in the Govern
oI's room punetually at eleven o'clock.
As early as ten o'clock the police, under
the immediate superintendenee of Deputy
Carpenter, took their station at the City
Hall, ard q space was inclosed by chains
leading to the stairs, within which none but
those having the privilege of entry to the
Governors room, were admitted. AT half
past ten, ls1ge crowd of persons had assem-
bled in the Park, awaiting the arrival of the
President elect,
A few minutes before eleven o'clock,
Mayor Wood accompanied by the members
of the Common Council and of the city press,
took up their position in the Governors
room, ard shortly afterward the shouts Of
the people outside announced that Mr.. Lin
coin had reached the City Hall. He soon
appeared, accompanied by the Committee
Of the Common Council appointed to meet
him in Albany, and was introduced by the
Chairman, Alderman Carrell, to Mayor
Wood.
The Mayor stood on one side of q table
that occupies the upper end of the room, and
Mr.. Lincoln took up a position opposite to
him, on the other side of the table. The APP
pearance Of the men was most striking.
The chief magistrate of the city, dressed
in Lis usual taste in a suit of black, black
overcoat buttoDed tightly across his breast,
looked at his distinguished visitor, and never
removed his eyes from him during the deliv-
cry of the two addresses.
The Chief Magistrate of the nation also
dressed in black, taller by head thon the
Mayor, looked calm and collected, but did
not return the steady gaze that was fixed
upon him. Mr.. Wood, in a clear distinct
voice, spoke as follows;
"Jfr. Lincoln; AS the Mayor of New
York, it becomes my duty to extend you an
official welcome in behalf of the corpora
tion. .
In doing so, permit me to say that this
| city has never offered hospitality to man
clothed with more exalted powers, resting
under gTaver responsibilities than those
which circumstances have devolyed upon
you.
Coming into office with dismembered
Government to reconstruct, and discon-
tented and hostile people to reconcile, it
Will require high patriotism and an ele-
waited comprehension of the whole country
and its varied interests, opinions and pre-
judices, TO so conduct public affairs as to
bIing It back again to its former harmonious
condition.
"If | refer to this topic, sir, it is because
New York is deeply interested. The present
political division has soTely afflicted her peo-
pie. All her material interests are para
lyzod. Her commercial greatness is endan-
Certd. She is the child of the American
Union.
"She has grown up under its maternal
care, and been fostered by l. paternal bounty,
and we fear that if the Union dies, the pres
ent supremacy of New York may die with it.
To J GU, therefore, chosen under the forms of
tie Constitution as the head of the Confed-
e1acy, we look for a restoration of friendly
relations between the States; only to be ac-
complished by peaceful and conciliatory
means, aided by the wisdom of Almighty
GCd.'
When Mayor Wood ceased speaking, a
muImur Of half suppressed applause passed
aIoutd the room, and Mr.. Lincoln spoke,
with firm, slow utterance, as follows
"Ur. Lincoln; 1t is with deep feelings of
gratitude that make my acknowledgements
for the reception which has been extended
10 me in this great commercial city of New
York. can but remember that such re-
ception is rendered by people who do not,
hy majority, agree with me in political
sentiments.
''It is more grateful on this account be-
cause it IS an evidence that in support of the
great principles that underlie our Govern
ment, the people are nearly or quite unan-
imous. In regard 10 the difficulties which
Encompass US at this time, and of which your
honor has thought fit to speak go becomingly
and so Justly, can only say that agree
with the sentiment expressed by the Mayor
on my devotion to the Union.
VI hope l am not behind any man within
the Union, but in the wisdom necessary to
so Conduct affairs as to secure the preserva-
ton of the Union, fear that | may be de-
ticient, and that too great confidence may
have been repOsed in me.
~ am sure, however, thatI at least, bring
heart devoted to the Union. There is
nothing which could ever bring me to con-
sent willingly to the destruction of that
Union, under which, not alone the great city
of New York, but the whole country, has
acquired greatness, unless it should be the
loss of that for which the Union itself was
made.
"'As uRderstand it, the ship is made for
the carriage and preservation of the cargo,
and so long as the ship can be saved with
the cargo, it should never be abandoned.
We should never cease in our efforts to save
il, so long as it can be done without throw
ing overheard the passengers and cargo.
so long as the prosperity and liberty of
this people can be preserved in the Union, it
will be my purpose and shall be my effort at
all times TO preserve that Union. And now,
Mr.. Mayor, again thanking you for the
reception that has been given me, allow me
to close my remarks"
The utmost order and silence were pre-.
served during the delivery of Mr.. Lincoln's
reply. At its close the members of the
Common Council and of the State Govern.
ment were introduced to the President elect,
and the police regulations below were re-
laxed. The restraining chains were re-
moved, and the people allowed to invade
the City Hall with a rush, and to fight and
scramble their way to the door Of the Gov
ernor's room.