The Portland daily press., 1864-06-04
MISCELLANY.
An Englishman on President Lincoln.

Ia speech delivered by George Thompson,
the great progressive English orator, in Wash
ington, few weeks since, he paid the follow
ExSg hisS4 tribute to the mind and heart of
the American Presiden (:
am happy TO know that in the casis of
the nations fate, when the future has 10
be determined by your present action, the
people OF The United Stetes are represented,
IN the person OF their elected Chief Magis-
trate. by man so worthy OF esteem and con-
fdence as the present incumbent of the Presi-
DENTAL chair. Enthusiastic and long contin-
ued applause. A man, not only upright and
honest, but sagacious and far seeing. A man
who, six years ago, said:
- house divided against itself cannot stand.
TINS Government cannot endure permanent
ly, half free and half slave" lApplause.
VINO declared his own opinion, aud that OF
millions OF the American people, when he
said:
Il do not regard this matter ofslavery as a
very little thiag'-this keeping of one sixth
portion OF our population in state of oppres-
sion and tyranny, unequalled in the world !;
neither do tue American people they re-
gard II, not as very little thing, but as q
cast moral eca" lApplausel
WHO said:
IF We take exceptions to the Declaration
OF Independence, which says that all men are
equal, where shall we stop? Ii that declara-
ton is not the truth, let us get the statute
books 10 which II is written, and tear it out
Hi Is the truth, let us stand by 1t. Let it be
our charter. I" Applause.
Who said that:
The representatives of the people, gather
ed within Independence Hall, when they put
forth the declaration that men are born equal
and endowed by their Creator with the in
aiienaoie rights OF life, liberty and the pur-
SUIT oil happiness, gave a majestic interpreta-
ton TO the economy OF the universe.
That 1t was their lofty and wise, and noble
understanding OF the justice OF the Creator TO
his creatures-to all his creatures-to the
whole great family Of man. In their enlight-
ened belief, nothing stamped with the Divine
image and likeness was sent into the world to
be trodden upon, degraded, or imbruted by
their fellow men. They grasped, not only the
race OF men then living, but they reached for
ward and seized upon the furthest posterity.
They lighted beacon TO guide their children
and their chidren's children, and the count
less myriads that should inhabit the earth
through all future ages Applause.
These were the words Of Abraham Lincoln
when he stood before the people oil Illinois six
years ago, seeking at their hands the honor
able position Of their represeutative In the
senate ChamAer Of this House. Tonight /
quote them as the words OF Abraham Lincoln,
President of the United States, whose govern
ment is represented, and ably represented, at
the court of every civilized nation on the face
OF the earth. [Cheers
To day Mr. Lincoln, with a willing people,
and brave and devoted army and navy, has
the power to give effect to these solemn and
EN- hattie NO d-; and the expectation and be
lief of all good men, The hope and prayer
OF every lover OF the human race, that he viii
give them effect; Icheers and as his illus
trious predecessor, the first President, was
the chief founder OF American independence,
he may be known hereafter as the lberator OF
America from slavery; that Washington and
Lincoln may go down 10 future ages, linked
IL bic sings and fame togetherihe, one the ie-
Hrerer. the other the regeneration of his coun-
try. Immense Applause.
$50 shall they both forever rest
By all their co untryis wisES 9 best.
When spring, with dewy fingers cold,
Shall come TO deck their hallow'd mould
She, then, shall dress a sweeter sod
Than fancy's feet have trpd
There honor, o. pilgrim gray,
Shall come TO bic their honored clay:
And freedom shall awhile repair
To dwell, weeping hermit there