The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1861-02-22

assemblage, who greeted Mr.. Lincoln with
hearty cheers. The streets were decorated
with aags. All the hotels, but the New
York Hotel, and all the newspaper Offices
but that OF the Day Book, displayed the A.
merican flag. The shipping in the harbor
also boosted their bunting during the day
and the city generally displayed a holiday
appearance.
Mr.. Lincoln dined in private and received
no calls until evening.
Tho Republican clubs Of this city waited
upon Mr.. Lincoln this evening, in the hall
OF the Astor House. Dealheld Smith, Esq
addressed Mr. Lincoln in q speech OF vel.
come. in which no alluded to the fact that
the hall had only been occupied on three 90.
casions for the reception OF public men
once for Webster, once for Clay, and once
for Abraham Lincoln.
Mr.. Lincoln replied as follows:
al did not understand when was brought
into this hall that was to make speech,
Ii was not intimated to me that was about
10 enter n room where Webster and Clay had
made speeches; and where in my position
might DO expected to do something like
these men. or something unworthy myself
or nv audience. lhaye been occupying q
position of silence since the Presidential
election, avoiding public speaking and pub
lie writing. have thought, upon full con-
eidcration, that ii was the proper course for
me to pursue. (Applauss.)
have not kept silent from any party wan
tonnes or from any indifference to the anx'
iety which peryades the mind OF men with
regard to the threatening aspect OF the po'
ltical affairs of the country. have kept
silence for the reason that supposed II wa:
peculiarly proper that should do 30 until
the time arrived when, according to the Gus.
tum of this country, should speak officially
| allude to the Custom OF the President elect,
at the time Of entering upon his Office to sub.
NIT his views upon political affairs to Con-
gress. Cries, a. That's rightly l did not
suppose while the political drama, now be-
ing enacted in this country, is rapidly shift
ing its scenes, and changing every hour, for
bidding any anticipation with any degree OF
certainty to-day of what we shall see to-mor.
row. that it was peculiarly fitting | should
rec all, up to the last minute, before should
take 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 to net shall take
the course that think is right applause
that believe to be right for the North, the
South, the East, and the West, and for the
whole country. ferries of Good and cheers
and applause, and in doing so | hope to feel
no necessity pressing upon me to say any
thing in conf ct with the Constitution, in
conflict with the union Of these States, in
conflict with the perpetuation OF the liberties
of this people, or may add, in contra-ds-
tinction with anything have ever given you
reason to expect from me. (Cheers.) Now
my friends, have said enough? Cries OF
No, no.) There appears to be difference
of opinion between you and me. and shall
insist on deciding the question for myself"
Loud applause and laughter followed thi'
sally during which Mr.. Lincoln left theplat'
form and proceeded to the upper end Of the
hall where he shook hands with large mum.
Der of those present and then retired.
Crowds danced attendance around the ho-
tel until a late hour cheering AMI cndeavor-
ing to got sight Of the next President.