Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1861-02-21
PROGRESS OF THE PREsIpENr ELECT

vested tue streets, guarded the hotel, and garri-
sone9 the passages and vainly endeavoring to
aVolu speaking, was finally compelled 10 mount
the coping of the doorway of the hotel, from
which he held forth as follows
feilow citizens: l have stepped before you
merely In compliance with what appears TO be
your wish, and not with the purpose Of making a
speech. l do not purpose making speech this
AFTERNOON. | could not be heard by any but a
very small fraction of you at best, but, what is
still worse than that. have nothing just now TO
say that is worthy Of your hearing. Applause
beg you to believe that | do not now refuse to
address you from any disposition 10 disobIige
| beg of you 10 excuse me for the present rAp-
plause, during which Councilman Barney said
" That's enough."l Alderman Cornell handed
the President back through the window
MI Lincoln frequently expressed desire to re-
tire, but 1t was not until the Superintendent of
Police had sent in some OF his force to help out
the outsiders that all but the members OF the
Common Council were enabled to retire and Mr.
Lincoln retreated to his bedroom
Deputations from the Old and Young Mems
central Committees, the Wide-Awake Central
committees (EDglish and Germany the Central
campaign Club, and various other republican
organizations in the city, numbering altogether
one hundred or over, having met to make arrange
inen's Tor waiting upon Mr.. Lincoln at ~ O'Clock
In the evening, formed in line and marched
down Broadway, two abreast, to the Astor House,
when they Were ushered into the large dining
room After waiting until all things were ready,
Ihey were admitted into the Presidential presence
with rush and general scramble.
Gen. Delafeld Smith addressed Mr.. Lincoln in
speech of welcome, abiding to the fact that the
nan mad only been occupied on three occasions
for the reception of public men-once for Web
ster, once for Clay, and now for Abraham Lin
coin.
Mr.. Lincoln responded as follows:
Mr. Chairman: did not understand when
brought into this room, that was to make a
speech. 1t was cot intimated to me that | was
about to enter the room where Webster and Clay
had made speeches, and where, In my position,
4 NffrAt 81 a
men, or something unworthy of myself or my au-
dience.
| have been occupying position, since the
Presidential election, OF silence, of avoiding pub
lie speaking and public writing. have thought
upon full consideration, that IL was the proper
course for me to pursue. [Applause.
| have not bept sileLt from any petty wanton-
ness, or from any indifference TO the anxiety
which pervades the minds of men in regard to
the threatening aspect of the political affairs of
this country. / have kept silent for the reason
that supposed II was peculiarly proper should
do so, until the time arrived when, accordin to
| the custom of the country should spesk ofici-
ally; sllude to the custom of the President elect
at the time of entering upon his office, 10 submit
| his his views upon political questions. ICries of
did suppose that while the political drama at
present being enacted in this country is 50 rapidly
shifting its scenes and changing every hour, for
bidding any anticipation, with any degree Of
certainty, Of what we shall TO morrow that it
was peculiarly fitting that should see ALL up to
the last minute, before should take a position
which | might, through some change of scene
| be compelled TO abandon
repeat what ! have before stated, that when
the time does come for me 10 act, shall take the
ground that believe to be right [appl3ussl that
| think is right for the North the South the East
and for the West-for the whole country TCries
of 80 GOD, )" cheers and applause And ia doing
SO, hope to feel no necessity pressing upon me
to say anything in conflict with the Constitution
In conflict with the Union Of these States-in
Illicit with the perpetuation of the liberties of this
people, or, may add, in contra-distinction with
anything have given you reason to expect from
me. Applause.
Now, my friends, have | said enough? TCries
OF No! MOL There appears TO be difference of
opinion between you aud me, and shall insist
upon deciding the question myself GiOud ap-
Planse and Laughter, during which Mr. Lincoln
left the platform
The President elect spoke in a very loud md dis
tlnct tone, without indications Of hOaTscness He
appeared 10 be perfectly selfpossessa At the end
of his brief remarks he got in at the window evil
dently glad that the reception was over. He then
devoted about five minutes TO receiving commit
tees, and such citizens as had been abe tn make
their way through two flies Of iGquisitoTial but
polite policemen to his rooms His style Of shak-
ing hands and chatting with people is proposes.
ing. 1t Is frank, genial. unassuming, and, in a
wOrd-W estern.
Mayor Wood formerly received Mir Lincoln
yesterday in the Governors room of the City Hall
The Mayor said the city of New York had never
offered Its inequalities to man clothed with more
|
bilities than those which circumstances have de-
volved upon you. Coming inio office with dis
inembsred government to reconstruct and dis
connected and hostile people TO reconcile 1t will
require high patriotism and an elevated compre-
hension OF the whole country-ts varied interests
opinions and prejudces-tO so conduct public az
fairs as 10 bring back again our former harmoni-
Gus, consolidated and prosperous condition.
hr. Lincoln responded as follows:
MIR. MAYOR: Ii is with feelings of deep prati-
tude that make my acknowedg ements for the
reception given me in the great commercial City
OF New York. cannot but remember that this is
done by people who do not, by a ma Jrity agree
with me in political sentiment. 1t is The more
grateful because in this see that the great prin-
clples OF our Government the people are nearly
unanimous. In regard to the difficulties that com
front us at this time, and Of which your honor hos
thought nj 10 speak, so becOUingly and justly as
suppose, can only say that agree in the senti-
ments expressed by the Mayor In my devotion
To The Union, hope am behind 40 man in the
nailon. In the wisdom with which TO conduct
The affairs tending to the preservation of the Union
Tear that too great confidence may have been
reposed in me; hut am sure bring heart de-
voted TO the work. There is nothing that could
ever bring Inc 10 willingly consent to the destruc-
ton Of this Union, under which not only tue great
commercial City of New No.k, but the whole
country mas acquired its greatness except 1t be
the purpose for which the Union Itself was
formed. understand the ship To be made for the
carrying and the preservation of the cargo and so
lnRg as the shl can he saved with the cargo, il
Should never he abandoned, unless il fails the
possibility Of its preservation, and shall cease u
exist, except al the risk of throwing overheard
DOth freight and passengers So long, turn, as IL
IS possible that the prosperity and the Liberties of
The people DC prcse we'd in this Union it shall be
my purpose Mt all times TO all my powers to
aid It's perpetunt!on. Again thanking YOU for the
ICCpnIun IN ,.f,,f.p Ia oil