The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1861-02-20
Lincoln'sSpeech at Cincinnati.

We publish below Lincoln's speech at
Cincinnati, which, with the change of q
few words is the same he has made at all
his receptions, except that at Indianap l..
1t is the weakest, fattest thing we ever
saw, to come from an official above fence
viewer, Read it, and think Of such stuff
emanating from President of the Uni
ted Statesl 1t must be remembered, too,
that these speeches are prepared, after long
notice, expressly for the occasion: Doug
las, Bell or Breckenridge never made so
fat a speech since they we're able to spell
"acorn" 1t is disgrace to the nation,
and reproaeh upon the people who elect
ed him their ruler:
Twsnty-four hours age, at Indianapolis, the
Capitol of the State of Indiana, said to my
self that had never seen SO many people to-
gether as then stood before me; but ana no
longer able to say SO. l know what might
have been reasonably expected, from the citi-
zens of Cincinnati, but this magnificent dem
onstrati,n far ext eds my most sanguins ex-
pectation. know that the reception is net a
com pliment to me personally, but to the Pres
ident elect of the United States. Most hearth
ly do l thank you.
have been reminded that it is not given by
one political party. This is a fact demenstra-
ted by the extent of the multitude. This out
pouring is as it should be. 1t is as it should
be if Douglas had been chosen President; it is
as il should be if Bell had been chosen Presi-
dent; it is as it should be if Breckinridgs had
been chosen President; it is as it should be
when any citizen of the United States is con .
stitutionaliy elected to the Chief Magistracy.
This tremendous gathering aud unanimous
expression Of feeling could not be without the
free institutions we have enjoyed in our coun-
try for three quarters Of a century. Under
the benign influence of Heaven, hope that
these free institutions will continue to multi
ply. In few short years, my friends, you
will pass away, and l will pass away; and
also hope the diAculties of our country will
likewise pass away.
In the streets OF Cincinnati--good old Gin
cinnati--I should like to see these demonstra-
tions every four ysars-Presidents received
with all the cordial good will of the people,
and when we as a Union are enc people, and
our national difficulties and troubles are blown
to this winds forever.
Ispoke once before in Cincinnati, and at that
time addressed large portion of my remarks
to my Kentucky brethren. told them that
the Republican party would ultimately beat
the Democratic party, if they over the river
did not assume different principles. l advised
them to make the change, but it was not re-
ceived, and the result has come fully as soon
as expected. 1t has frequently been pro-
pounded to me how the people of Kentucky
ana of the South would be treated. We--the
Republican party-mean to treat you as Wash
ington, jefferson and Madison treated you.
We mean to leave you alone, and in no way
interfere with your institutions. We mean to
deal with you equally with ourselves. There
is no difference between us other than differ
enee of circumstances. ssh
sitien shall do everything in my power for
you.