The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1862-08-15
THE WAR MEETING AT WASHING
TON.
SPEECH OF THE PRESIDENT.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6.-The great war
meeting today was perfect success. Not
less than ten thousand persons were assem-
bled in front of the stand, which was similar
to that prepared for the Inauguration of the
President. The hour of the meeting was
announced by national salute OF thirty.
four guns, from the howitzer battery provi
ded by Captain Dablgren.
Upon the stand we're assembled number
of distinguished gentlemen. President Lin.
coin occupied seat on the right OF the
chairman of the meeting Upon the right
of the President were secretary Chase, At.
torney General Bates, Assistant Secretary
OF Treasury Harrington, and Hon. Green
Adams, Sixth Auditor, and several speak,
ers announced for the occasion.
The stairs leading from the platform to
the Capitol and every available space in
the vicinity we're crowded with ladies. The
utmost enthusiasm was manifested. The
scene was truly ,heerng. The people of the
District were responding in thunder tones of
reclamation to the call of the government
for additional troops to crush out the re.
beIlion quickly and decidedly.
The reception of the President was mark
ed with deafenipg shouts from the whole
multitude. His speech was not part of
the programme; but when the first regular
speaker had concluded, the call for the Presi
dent was irresistible After brief consul
tation with Secretary Chase and Attorney
General Bates, be good naturedIy came for-
ward. For several minutes the cheering
Was incessant. lie stood calmly awaiting
its termination before attempting to speak.
His avoidance of any allusiOn to the negro
question is regarded as very significant.
The almost universal comment is, that it
laid radlcalism on the shelf. Immediately
after having spoken. as soon as Governor
Boutwell, was introduced, Mr.. Lincoln quiet.
ly retired from the stand.
With one single exception all the speeches
made on this occasion reflected the policy of
the administration to prosecute the war for
the Union, to crush out the rebellion first,
and attend to other matters afterwards
This exceptiOn-the SPEECH of Governor
BOutweil-was sandwicbed between two
other speeches, Messrs. Chittenden's and
Sweets, both of which are known to be
exactly in the line of the policy adopted and
intended to be adhered to by the President.
The meeting closed with brilliant dis
play of fireworks, and the masses turned
hOmeward, convinced that the war has &C
tually begun in earnest, and filled with de
termination to strain every nerve to aid the
government.
SPEECH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN.
Three cheers were given for the President;
and after the band bad played "Hail to the
Chief" the President, in response to impa
tient calls, advanced to the front of the plat
form aud spoke as follows:
FELLOW CIT1zENs-I believe there is nt
precedent for my appearing before you OF
this occasion applause but it is also
true that there is no precedent tor your be.
ing here yourselves Applause and laughter
and Offer 10 justification of myself anc
OF you, that, upon examination, l bavt
found nothing in the constitution against it
Renewed applause. 1, however, have al
impression that there are younger gentle
men who will entertain you better voices
-"No, no; none can do better than your
sell; go on y and better address you'
understanding than I will or couli, aut
therefore l propose but to detain you q