New Orleans daily crescent. [volume] ([New Orleans, La.]) 1851-1866, 1861-05-17
N&u OrIeans DuiLp Crescent
FRIDAY MORNING, MAY II, 1851.
LINCOLN H,a. LINCOLN.


Abraham Lincoln was once a member Of the
House of Representatives of the Congress Of the
United States. He did not achieve any particular
distinction, either oratorcal!y or intellectually Az
q rough Western man and teller Of uprened
stories, which possessed a certain amount Of yul-
gar wit, Lincoln became rather popular in the lower
grades Of Washington society. In barroOms and
in lower resorts, the coarse, roughbeWed rail
splitter Of Illinois became renowned for his whisky
drinking capacity and the g2.St0 with which he
violated the recognized rules Of civilization. In
short, in New York parlance, Abraham was @
"b'hoy." lie only remained one term in Congress
Whether he became dissatisfied with the situation
or his constituents concluded that his health re,
quiredhis presence OF home we know not Suffice
it to say that they managed to elect successor.
Now, although Abraham is no more fit to be
President than hppopotamus is to be master Of
ceremonies at one Of Queen Victoria's state draw
ing rooms. still he was by no means fool Or al
idiot while in Congress. Then lie possessed Ger
tain amount of common sense and common hon
csty because he was a believer in Henry CLAY
and his heart had not become corrupted with the
lcprous embraces of Abotionism. In witness
whereof, we submit the following extract from a
speech delivered by him on the 18th day of Janu
Appendix to the Congressional Globe, Firat Sos
sion, Thrtieth Congress, page o.. Mr.. Lincoln ther
observed:
Any people anywhere, being inclined and hay
ing the power, have 7'ight to rise up and shake
off the existing Government and form a new one
that suits them better. This is g most valuable
a most sacred right--a right which, we hope an[
believe, is to iberate the world. Nor is this right
confined to cases in which the whole people OF al
Government
ANY portion of such people that can, may reVolu
tionize, and make their 01ye of SO much Of the
territory as they nhabit. More than this, q ma
jOrHy Of any portion of such people may reTolu
tiOniZe, putting down a minority, intermingled
with, or near about them, who may oppose theil
movements. 1t is quality of revolution not to &c
by old lines Or old laws; but to break up both
and make new ones.
The above is a complete Endorsement by Lincoln
of everything that has been done in the South
from the beginning of the accession movement
The approval is as full and unqualified as it is com
prehcnsive It iustifes and authorizes everything
that has been done.
President Lincoln, however, entertains different
views from those expressed by Congressman Lin
coin. He now proposes to crush out, by fire and
sword, people who intend to reduce to practice
the very principles he earnestly incuCatcd in lSi6
If he was honest then, he cannot be but dishonest
now.
We care nothing about the past or present hon
esty patriotism of this functionary-forw would
not give fig for either-and only reproduce the
above quotation to show the world what manner
of man we have to deal with. If lie did SPEAK
honestly in l848, he has falsfed so often in Marcel
and April, 1861, that his reputation will be covered
with eternal ignominy.