Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-02-16

Masters, on behalf Of the Council, addressed
him as follows: e.
HoHorea Sir;-The pleasant duty derolve,
uponme to extend 10 you in behalf of the
citizens Of the city Of Cleveland through
their municipal representatives, a cordial
welcome to this city and community.
In extending this welcome ] am but speak
ing the voice Of our men Of business our
merchants-Whos numerous Representatives
are around me--of farmers who have largely
gathered here, Of men Of all trades avOca-
TONS professions and parties, who merge all
distinctions in that name common to them
all, and best loved by them all-Ameriean
citizen. They old me welcome you as the
official representative Of their country, chosf n
in accordance with the Constitution which
they Venerate and love. They bid me ex-
press to you their unconditional loyalty to
the Constitution and country which their
fathers transmitted 10 them, and which they
teryently hope may, by the blessings of God,
be transmitted unimpaired to their children
and childrens children.
Again, bid you hearty welcome.
On behalf of the citizens, Judge Andrews
addressed Mr.. Lincoln as follows:
Mr.. LNCoLH-lSir:-I have the homo, on
behalf Of the citizens Of Cleveland, to repeat
the welcome you have already received
through the Official organs Of the city, and to
express the great saiifaction that we all de-
rive from this personal interview,
We come to-day, sir, forgetful of party dis
tinctions, and as citizens of a common coun-
try, to tender to you the homage Of our sin
cere respect both for your personal charac-
ter and for the high station to which you
have been called by the popular viii; and
though unexampled difficulties and embar-
rassments stand upon the threshold Of your
administration, we still cherish the hope that
by the blessing Of Divine Providence you
may be enabled 50 to execute the great trust
con6ded to you as to allay excitement, cor
rect Misrepresentation, restore harmony, and
reinstate this glorious Union of ours in the
affections and confidence of the whole peO-
pie. It is true, indeed, that in the late peace
ful contest for the Chief Magistraey, we have
acted under various political organizationJ,
and have differed as TO men and measures
Yet, sir, in every enlightened effort to sup
port the prerOgatiVes and honor of thR Cen
eral Government in every determination to
uphold the supremacy of law, in every mea-
sure wisely designed to maintain unimpaired
the constitutional rights Of all the States OF
of any of the States, and in every concession,
consistent with truth and justice, that looks
to the promotion of peace and concord, there
is not a man in the Yass multitude here as
sembled to do you honor who will not give
you his cordial and earnest SUPP ort
Such, I am persuaded sir, are the views of
those represent -aRd-tO- whom, for any
further expression Of their sentiments, shall
now refer you.
Fellow citizens, have the honor of intro
ducing to you the Hon. Abraham Lincoln,
the Presid mt elect of the United States.
FellOv Citizens Of Cleveland and Ohio -
We have come here upon a very inclement
afternoon. We have marched for two miles
through the rain and the mud.
Your large numbers testify that you are in
earnest, about something: And what is that
something? Do desire that you should think
this extreme earnestness is about me2 I
should be exceedingly sorry % see such de
votion, if that were the case. But I know
it is paid to something worth more .han any
one man, or any thousand, or ten thousand
men. A devotion to the Constitution; to
the Union and the Laws; TO the perpetual
liberty Of the people Of this country. It is,
fellow citizens, for the whole American peo-
pie, and not for one single man alone, to ad-
vance toward the great cause; and in a cOun-
try like this, where every man bears on his
face the marks of intelligence, where every
mans clothing, if may so speak, shows
signs of comfort, and every dwelling, signs
of happiness and eontentment where schools
and churches abound on every side, the
Union can ReDeT be in danger. would, if I
could, instin some degree of patriotism and
confidence into the political mind in relation
to this matter think the present crisis is
altogether an artificial one. We differ in
opinion somewhat. Some of you didn't vote
for him who now addresses you. Although
quite enough of you did for all practical pur-
poses, to be sure. CHEERS andlaughter.)
What they do, who seek to destroy the
Union, is altogether artificial What is hap
pening to hurt them? / am asked the ques-
ton whether there is any change in the feel
ings and sentiments of the people2 Have
they not the same constitution and laws that
they always have had, and have they power
to change them2 Are not fugitiVes returned
as readily as they always have been? So,
again, say, the crisis is artificial It
can't be argued up, and it can't be argued
down, but before long it win die of itself
Cheers l have not strength, fellow citi-
zens, to address you at great length, and
pray that you will excuse me; but rest as
sured that my thanks are as cordial and
sincere for the efficient aid which you gave
to the good cause, IS working for the good Of
the nation, as for the votes which you gave
me last fall.
There is one feature that causes me great
pleasure; and that is to learn that this recep
ton is given, not alone by those with whom
I chance to agree, politically, but by all
parties. think that am not selfish when
say that this is as it should be. If Judge
Douglas had been chosen President of the
United States, and had this evening been
passing through your city, the Republicans
ought, in the same manner, to have come
out to receive him. If we don't make COM
mon cause and save the good old ship, no
body will And this should be so. It Is
matter of interest TO all that it should be so.
To all of you, then, who have done me the
honor to participate in this cordial welcome,
return most sincerely, my thanks, not for
myself but for Liberty, the Constitution and
Union
Ibid you all an afectonate farewell.
INCIDENTS, ETC.
Some twenty suites of apartments were
reserved by Col. Ross, of the Weddell, for
The accommodation of his distinguished
guests, many Of them being newly furnish
I'd for the occasion. The walls Of the dining
hall, and other rooms, were appropriately
3rnamented with the national eolors, pic
lures and devices. The balcony from which
he speeches were delivered was draped
with flags, and colored lamps were suspend
d from above. Mr.. Lincoln, at the close of
his remarks, was loudly and repeatedly
.heered, and several ladies presented him
With elegant bOquets, which he received,
cordially thanking them for their courtesy.