The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-03-15
The Presidents Inaugural.

We are quite sure that the candid OF all
parties who have given the Presidents lnan-
cural published in our hst) an attentive
perusal, will agrcO with US in pronouneins
ii wisely considered document, and sinsn-
larly free from objections. Coming into
power, ms does Mr.. Lincoln, at a time when
there has been much done by the Southern
section to provoke irritation, aud to make
forbearapes a virtue OF difficult exercise
with full comprehension Of the want oil
any adequate justification which the people
of the Cotton States have for their acts OF
treason, Mr.. Lincoln, in Language oil inier-
nal affection, declares his duties and rcspon-
sibilities. and admonishes the people OF the
seeding States to return and be again loyal
TO the Union. The statements OF the duty
of the Executive 10 execute the laws, and
his inability to regard the country in any
other light but as whole, are explicitly
made, and the consequences which must iol-
low from the opinions given arc easily per-
ceiycd.
There is no departure in the Inaugural
from the principles asserted by the people
whose votes elected Mr.. Lincoln, in the can
yass and there is in his words pledge Civ
en- to the country that, 50 far rs is practical
bic, he will maintain the integrity OF the
Union; and the language employed gives
us the right to infer, while doing this, that
nothing will be done to enforce obedience to
the laws in spirit of unkindness or i'll tenn
per towards the South. IL is well that the
Prosiden, uses words Of Cancellation when
stating his duties and responsibilities. PREF
udice and Misrepresentation have been freely
rcsortcd to to inaamo the Southern mind,
and mutual hats has been enscndercd in con-
sequence Of misunderstanding between the
different sections. Many people in eSouth
will BE- couyinccdby thoperusal Of the lnaugu-
raj that whatever the Administration may be
COMPELLED to do to sustain the integrity OF
the government will not proceed from hatred
10 them, but in accordance with conscien-
tious convictions OF public duty. As we ~
gard the Inaugural, it is peace loving, and
expressive Of desire that the differences which
exist may be adjusted without in appeal to
arms. and an carnestness OF hope that time
and patience will bring US together again
under the old constitution. While indica-
ting that the property belonging to the I'M
ion in the seeded States will be retained,
and rctaken where necessary, the President
fully comprehends the wisdom OF policy ot
peace where the ultimate fruits would be
equally US beneficial as it obtained by ioreible
measures. The President has "a difficult and
delicate work before him. In the seeding
States the machinery Of the government is
destroyed, and there are practical difficulties
which must b. encountered in enforcing the
laws which but few of the people can cont
prehend. These practical difficulties can
only DO removed by acts Of patient wisdom
and the taking OF time. We regard the ln-
augural as indicating a settled purpose to
execute the laws, but in doing this, in the
practical accomplishment Of the work, to be
guided by the spirit Of moderation, and to
keep in view always objects Of practical VAL
ue. A peaceful solution of the difficulties,
if compatible with the honor and interest
of tho country, is what every patriot desires,
and We cannot but feel that this Inaugural
of Mr.. Lincoln, 50 clear in its statements Of
duty, 50 iraternal in expression, 50 full Of
common sense, and 80 patriotic in temper,
will do much to allay the public discomfort
in the Southern States, strengthen the Union
feeling in the Border States, aud pave the
way for reconciliation aud for the ultimate
return Of tho seeding States to their loyalty
to the Union.
We group below few opinions Of the
press on the Inaugural;
From the National Intelligcncer.
We may simply say, for the present, that
Il leaves 20 conservative citizens good reason
to expect conciliatory course at the hands
Of the new President, and certainly demands
that he should be allowed TO indicate by his |
practical policy the justice or injustice Of the
hopes inspired by the pledge he makes to the
effect that his "best discretion will be exer- |
cised, according TO circumstances actually |
existing, with u view 10 peaceful solution
OF the national troubles and the restoration
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