The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-03-01
INTERESTING SCENES AT THE WHITE
HOUSE AND WIILARD,S HOTEL


FAREWELL INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE PRESIDENT AND
THE COMMON COUNCIL OF WASHINGTON.
There was an interesting scene at the White
House Wednesday afternoon, the occasion being
the visit of the MAYOR and municipal authorities of
TINS city to President Buchanan, for the purpose of
taking formal leave of him. The visitors were re-
ceived with much cordiaity by the retiring Execu.
tive, who seemed deeply impressed by the solemnity
of the scene.
After general introduction to the President of
those present, Mayor Berret proceeded to address
him as follows:
Mr. President-The joint resolution adopted by
the vote of the Boards of Aldermen and Common
Council of the city of Washington, and which
have the honor to present to you so fully expresses
the respect and regard which they entertain to-
wards you, that it only remains for me to saw in
behalf OF my fellow citizens, and in which | cor
daily share, that in your retirement, on Monday
next, from the highest public station known to a
republican form of government, you will carry to
your native State and home the gratitude of this
community for the many acts of social kindness re-
ceived at your hands, and the deep interest you
have ever taken to advance the citys material in
terests, theirs and my own best wishes for your
health and happiness.
Mr.. Buchanan replied as follows:
Dir. Mayor and Gentlemen of the Corporotion-I
reciprocate with all my heart towards yourselves
the kind wishes you have expressed for me when
about to take leave OF the city Ct Washington But
L must say few words more. | came to this city,
member of the House of Representatives in 1921,
period OF nearly forty years has elapsed since
that time, during which, without a single excep
ton, have been treated with the utmost kindness
and respect by the citizens of Washington. Your
fathers treated me in the same manner that YOU
have done. Among all those who are now present
do not recognize single individual whom then
knew; but good will toward me has descended from
| foth 81 "A F. Al.
Knowing and believing that l so kindly appre
ciated by the citizens of Washington as think
deserve to be at least by them.
INTERVIEW BETWEEN THE WASHINGTON AUTHORITIES
AND Mr.. LINCOLN.
| After leaving the Executive mansion, the entir,
party proceeded to Wizards Hotel, for the pur
pose of extending formal welcome to the Presidep
elect After short delay, they were invited int
the main parlor, occupied by Mr.. Lincoln, when
after the expiration of few minutes the Presiden
elect entered the room, escorted by B. B. French
and Lewis Clephane. The former introduced Mr.
Lincoln to Mayor Berret, who addressed the Presi
dent elect as follows
Mr.. Lincoln-As the President elect under tn
Constitution of the United States YOU are soon r.
stand in tie august presence of a great nation O
| 1reemen, and to enter upon the discharge of thf
duties OF the highest public trust known to form
OF government, and under circumstances menacino
the peace and permanency of the republic which
have no parallel in the history of our country.
Is our earnest wish that you may be able, as w
have no doubt you will, to perform these duties il
such manner shall reflect honor upon Yourself
restore peace and harmony to our now distracte,
country, and at last bring the old ship of state int
the harbor of safety and prosperity, thereby de
seryedly securing the plaudits of whole world -
avail myself OF this occasion to saw that the citi
zens OF Washington true to the instincts of consti
tutional liberty, will ever be found faithful to al
the obligations of patriotism; and as their chic
magistrate, and in accordance with the honore
usage, l bid you welcome to the seat of Govern
ment.
Mr.. Lincoln replied as follows:
Mr. NayOr-I thank you, and, through you tn
municipal authorities of this city by whom you ar
accompanied, for this welcome; and as it is the frs
time IN my life, since the present phase of polite
| has presented itself in this country, that / hay
sad anything publicly within region of countr
where the institution of slavery exists | will tax
! this occasion to say that think very much of tn
Ill feeling that has existed and still exists betwee
| the people OF the section from whence | came, ant
the people here, is owing to misunderstanding be
tween each other which unhappiy prevails.
therefore avail myself of this opportunity to assur
| you, Mr.. Mayor, and all the gentlemen present
that have not now, and never have had any othe
taan as kindly feelings towards you as to the PEG
PIE OF my own section. l have not now, ard neve
| nave had, any disposition to treat you in any re
| spect otherwise than my own neighbors | hay
not now any purpose to withhold from YOU an,
OF the benefits of the Constitution, under any cir
cumstances, that | would not feel myself cor
strained to withhold from nv own peiphbors. an
L hope, in word, when we Shall become better az
quanted-and say it with great confdence-w
| shall like each other the more. Again thank yo
for the kindness of this reception
The Mayor and members of the City Council wer
then severally introduced to Mr.. Lincoln, and soo
afterwards withdrew.
| INTERVIEW BETWEEN MR.. LINCOLN AND MR.. DoUGLA:
MT. Douglas called upon Mr.. Lincoln on Wee
nesoay night, at WIZARDS Hotel, and told him tha
he sought an interview at the risk Of being mil
understood, but that the critical condition of tb
| country required every friend of the Union to la
aside partisan feeling and personal delicacy. Ii
had Just learned that there was imminent DANCE
that the Peace Conference would dissolve Withou
agreeing upon any basis of adjustment
In that event, he unprecedented that the Borde
states might resolve promptly to secede from tn
Union before any plan could be matured for refe,
ring the matters IN dispute to the people of til
several States. fearful responsibility would res
upon the President elect if the Union were di
solved under his administration, unless he di
everything in his power to save the country fror
such catastrophe. That Mr. Lincoln alone coul
now save it.
lie implored him to speak to his friends in tn
Conference, and save the country Mr.. Dougia
did not desire Mr. Lincoln to explain his views the
to him, but to speak promptly and unequiyocally t
iNeHIy-lOuF hours more and
might be too late. He reminded Mr.. Lincoln tina
he had children as well Mr.. Douglas, and i'm
plored him, sin Gods name, to act the patriot
ana to save to our children country to live a."
| Mr.. Douglas said to Mr.. Lincoln that he We
now, as heretofore, his political opponent, and e1
pected to oppose the political measures of his &C
ministration, but assured him that no partisan &C
vantage should be taken, or political capital MAJ
utactured, out of an act of patriotism which woul
preserve the Union of these States. Mr.. Dougls
added that he had now performed his duty, an
asked Mr.. Lincoln to perform his.
Mr.. Lincoln listened respectfully and kindly. an
assured MIR. Douglas that his mind was engrosse
with the great theme which they had been discus
ing, and expressed his qualification at the inte
view.
AT the close of the interview, Mr.. Lincoln caIlo
around him number of his political friends. an
consulted with them in reference to this appeal {
the Little Giant. | could not ascertain whethe
HIhey agreed on any OF the points suggested. Judg
Douglas did not ask a reply from the Presider
elect.