The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-02-20

"'"~AeA' ~ VioOa Suot umlu or conservative
voters might not be frightened, they opposed
1t, and the great conspiracy eliminated in the
choosing of Abraham Lincoln as the first Pre-
sident elected upon the antislavery platform.
Since the election events of the most start
ling character have followed upon each others
heels with miraculous rapidity The South in
view of the tendency of the doctrines of the
dominant party, has felt compelled to resume
temporarily the rights which the several States
coded to the general government. The seces-
s'on movement Is not one of few fanatics
Its Decentralization Davis, Alexander II
stephens, Herschel v. johnson and others
are known to be among the ablest men
in the country, and up to this time firm friends
Of the federal Union. But, as the inaugural
address of Mr.. Davis implies, the old Union
no longer exists; it has been broken up by the
abolitionists, and the South takes its affairs
into its own hands, We do not see how Mr.
Davis and his friends could have pursued any
course other than that which they have adopted
Had they not placed themselves at the head OF
he excited people in their section we should
have had civil war month ago.
Upon this state OF facts, the question now re-
ours as to the present duty.of Mr.. Lincoln. He
has been constitutionally elected as President,
ard We are to support him so far as he is found
equal to the emergency. AS he says no Presi-
cent since We confederacy was formed has had
% difficult task as that which is before him
Perhaps !! may be as well that the President of
The United States should have some work other
han the distribution of the spoils. "Out
safety" And if Mr.. Lincoln is really ami
mated by the spirit which pervaded the
breast of Washington, he may yet be
able to surmount all the difficulties of his
position Few men have had such an opportu
nifty to win undying laurels. True, Mr.. Lin
coin did not begin well. His Indianapolis
speech was i'll timed, and made bad
impression; his tariff palaver for the Pennsyi
vanians was uncalled for and absurd, and his
familiarities with the people-telling stories
and inquring out young women who had sent
him foolish letters about his whiskers-quite
beneath the dignity of the Office to which he
has been elected. Since he crossed the from.
from physical exhaustion or OF account of
some hints which he may have received from
his ssgacious Premier, has confined himself to
short, formal speeches of recognition, and his
speech last night at the Astor House to the
republican clubs, exhibited more dignity and
TACT than he has hitherto shown. This is
we'll, and we trust that he will now put away
-: 1;,l IL
ously to the great work before him. Already
we find the conservative republicans ready for
any sacrifice that is needed to save the country,
which il, briefly, the platform Of Mr.. Seward,
in whose political experience Mr.. Lincoln must
place great faith. We make all allowances for
the fact that the latter is mere village poll
tician, raised to giddy height by mere
accident, and doubtless dazzled by sue
cess; but in Mr.. Seward we see the ex-
perienced statesman and the sagacious party
leader. Mr.. Lincoln should carry out
Mr. Stewards idea even, if he is compelled to
sacrifice his own party. The world will lose
nothing by that. Parties must change as events
change, and Mr.. Lincoln's true friends will
never desert him, nor will the politicians leave
him while he retains the spells. The sacrifice
demanded of Mr.. Lincoln is very simple. 1t is
to offer such concessions as will keep the border
slave States in the Union, and open the way for
the reconstruction Of the confederacy. II Mr..
Lincoln acould enrol his name by Tic side Of
Washington's, he should recommend in his IN
dsq,Tol constitutional amendments on The Csittea
den basis. This avo,cal should be fouo,oed by a
message calling Congress together, in order that
the matter may 90 TO the people. None bit Cebi-
net Offices TO be filled until the great question is
settled