The Lambertville press. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1858-1???, 1861-02-27


er by Mr.. futile.
The Speaker addressed the Presi-
dent elect as follows:
SPEECH oE r. II. TEEsE, THE SPEAKER
On behalf of the General Assembly
of the State Of New Jersey, it affords
me pleasure, sir, to welcome yon, the
President elect of the nation, to the
Capit'.l of our State. Under any cir
cumstances, it would be most fitting
that we should pay our respects to the
Chief Magistrate of the Republic; but
now that the hraye.t and wisest stand
still in doubt and awe at the posture
of our national affairs, | am happy to
give you sir, the assurances of the de-
scendents of those whose blood was
shed in the cause of liberty upon this
soil, zof the continued devotion of this
state to the Constitution and the Uni
on founded by our fathers, and that
our people win heartily cooperate
with You in all constitutional efforts
for a speedy and peaceable settlement
of the differences which now nnhappi-
ly distract oar country. We sympa-
thize with yon in the difficulties, with
| which you are surrounded, Already
havethe dark clouds of disunion OBJ
scured a portion of those stars which
Lately shone in an undivided constella-
ton but we hope that cosnsels of
wisdom and prudence will vet dispel
those clouds, aud that the close of
your administration may witness us
once more . united and harmonious
nation
Sir, Itru;t me to introduce You to
the members of this House, aad at the
same time to assure you Of their re-
Spect and best wishes for Yourself per-
sonally, and to renew to you the assu-
RANGES of our sincere desire to join with
You in every effort for the promotion
Of the interests of our common conn
try.
The speech was received with ap-
plans
Mr. Lincoln then shook hands with
the Speake", and taking his position
on the Speakers right, spoke substan
TALLY as follows
MR.. IINCoLN's SPEECH
BIZ. Speaker and GenHemen.-I
have Just enjoyed tie honor of recep.
tion by the other branch of this Leg
islature Ireturn to You aud them my
thanks for the reception which the
people of New Jersey have given,
through their representatives, to me
as representative for the time be-
ing, of the majesty ofthe people of the
United States. l appropriate to my
self very little of the demonstrations
of respect with which |" have lbeen
greeted. l think that little should be
given to any man, but it should be
a manifestation of adherence to the
Union and the Constitution.
| understand myself to be received
by the representatives Of the people of
New Jersey, a majority of whom diff
fer in opinion from those with whom
| have acted This manifestation is,
therefore, to be regarded by me as ex-
pressing their devotion to the Union,
the Constitution and the liberties of
the people. You, Mr.. Speaker, have
we'll said that this is time when the
the bravest and wisest look with
doubt and awe upon the aspect pres
ented by our national affairs IN
der these circumstances, you will read
lily see why / should not speak in de-
tail of the course shall deem it best
to pursue. Itis proper that | should
avail myself of all the information and
all the time at my command, in order
that when the time arrives in which |
must speak officially, I shall be able
to take the ground which I deem the
best and safest, aud from which | may
have no occasion to swerve.
shall endeavor to take the ground
| deem most just to the North, the
East, the West, the South and the
whole country; take it l hope in good
temper, certainly with no malice to-
ward any section. shall do all in
my power to promote a peaceable
settlement of all our difficulties.
The man does not live who is more
devoted to peace than I am (cheers)
none who would do more to preserve
it; but it may be necessary to put the
foot down firmly. Here the audience
broke out into cheers so loud and long
that for some moments it was impossi
bic to hear Mr.. Lincoln's voice. He
continued: And if / do my duty and
do right, you will sustsin me, will you
not? cloud cheers and cries of yes, )
'yes!' we will!"O
Received as | am by the members
of the Legislature, the majority of
whom do not agree with me in politi-
cal sentiment, trust that | may have
their assistance in plotting the ship of
State through this voyage, surround
cd by perils as it is, for if it should
suffer wreck now, there will be no pi.
lot ever needed for another voyage. =
Gentlemen, / have already spoken
longer than ! intended, and must beg.
leave to stop here.
After delay of some minutes, the
passage was cleared, and Mr.. Lincolit
left the hall, followed by the members
and citizens
Adjourned to Monday afternoon.
The JOINT COMPANIES REPORT -
The State Directors of the Delaware
and Raritan Canal and Camden and
Amboy and Railroad Companies
have just made their ANIMAL statement
of the affair of the joint companies