Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-05-14
THE PRESIDENT.

correspondent writing from Washington
gives the following well deserved tribute to the
fidelity, integrity, moderation and energy,
that have marked the course of Mr.. Lincoln,
which will be read cordially by every true and
loyal citizen throughout the country:
81 was present at the Federal capital when
Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, was inaugurated
President of the United States. l need not
remind your readers of the trying circumstan-
ces under which that Inauguration took place.
That Mr.. Lincoln bore himself with modesty
and dignity while passing through that ordeal
is matter of history. To say that beyond a
small circle of personal friends, he received
IL Washington anything more than cold ad-
mission of his official position, would be to say
that which is not true. But from the 4th OF
March, 1861, TO the present day, President
Lincoln has, lcittout interruption, aduancea in
public esteem, confidence and admiration.
Here he Is commended warmly by men who,
as much as ever, are his political opponents.
And what is better still, he is universally re-
garded as the main pillar in the Government.
The contrast between him and his predecessor
in the Presidential office is marked, that it
doubtless has heightened the admiration of
Mr.. Lincoln felt by all classes here, for no
people have greater contempt for weak
executive and administrative head than the
people of the United States. And this feeling
in naturally strongest at the seat of Govern
ment.
But as 1 said no such feeling is entertained
towards President Lincoln. Nor is there the
same kind of admiration of him that was en-
tertained towards President jackson. Mr..
Lincoln possesses much of Andrew Jackson's
inherent irmness of purpose, and all his pa
triotic rectitude of principle. But be has also
a natural love of moderation and a genuine
let me use an expressive word in combinatson
born kindness of heart that nature did not
bestow upon the hero of New Orleans. And
yet believe that his positive influence in the
Cabinet, upon leading men here and in Con-
gress is greater than any President, since
Washington, ever acquired in the first thirteen
months OF his administration. And this, too,
in spite of the unparalleled disadvantages of
the administration of the federal government.
Every ono speaks in unqualified admiration of
his honesty--never, perhaps was that virtue
in Mr.. Lincoln so universally admitted as it is
to-day-his caution aud moderation his kind
ness of disposition, and his resolution to do
right at whatever cost 20 himself. That he
has always done what able statesmen have
deemed sswisest, discreetest, best,' probably
no one would affirm that in some things he
has oyerruled both the judgment and the wish
es of his contessedly able Cabinet is generally
understood; but that with few exceptions his
policy has been remarkable for that combina-
tion OF energy and moderation which consti
tutes the true strength and wisdom of govern.
ment is, think / may say, universally adj
mitted. sincerely believe that his election
to the Presidency was fortunate, nay will
use higher language, and say providential
event. The revolt was to be whenever Chiel
Magistrate was cOnstitutionally chosen from
the Free States, and it is difficult to fit ones
mind upon man so admirably fitted to bear
the brunt of the collision. Greater intelIects,
there are, doubtless; men more highly edu-
Gated, of more polished manners and impos-
ing presence, but the thoroughly democratic
and republican simplicity of character, the
pure patriotism and spotless integrity, the in
nate fairness, mingled with natural shrewd-
ness, and the blended moderation and firm
ness of Abraham Lincoln are qualifications
that were necessary in tho crisis, and that
good Providence supplied to onr sorely tried
Republic. And while have thus written. 1
have not said half of what have heard from
mon of all parties since came to Washington.
Gen Vieie has been appointed Provost Mar