The independent. [volume] (Oskaloosa, Kan.) 1860-1874, 1865-03-18
Mr.. Lincoln's Inaugural Address.

idential Office, there is less occasion for
an extended address than there was a,
the first. Then statement made 10
detail OF the course to be pursued. seem
ed very fitting and proper; but now, at
the expiration Of four years. during
which public declarations have been
constantly called forth on every point
and phase Of the great contest which
still absorbs the attention and engrosses
the energies of the nation. little that is
new could be presented.
The progress of our arms. upon which
all else chiefly depends.i is As well known
TO the public as to myself. and i, is. /
trust. reasonably satisfactory and en-
couraging to all. with high hope for the
future. -
No prediction in regard 10 it is ven
tured. On the occasion corresponding
to this four years ago. all thoughts were
ap1iously directed to an impending civi!
war. All dresded it, all sough, to
avoid it.
While the inaugural address was be.
ing delivered from this place, devoted
altogether to saving the Uoion without
war. insurgent agents were in the city
seeking TO destroy it withou, war; seek
ing to dissolve the Union and divide the
effects BY negotiation.
Both parties deprecated war. but one
Of them would accept war rather than
let It perish. and the war came. One
eighth Of the whole population we're col
ored slaves. not distributed generally
over The Union. but localized in tho
southern part Of it. These slaves con-
s,i.u'ed a peculiar and powerful interest.
All know that this interest was, some
how, the cause Of the war. To strength
en-. perpetuate aHd extend this interest
was the object for which the insurgents
would reud the Union by war. while the
Government claimed no righ, 10 do more
than to restrict the territorial enlarge.
ment of it. a 90
Neither party expected for the ~ar
then inaugurated the duration which it
has already attained neither anticipated
that the cause Of the conflict might
cease even before the conflict itself sho'd
cease. Each looked for an easier tr;-
umph. and result less fundamental and
astounding; both read the same Bible
and pray 10 the same God. and each iu-
vokes His aid against the other. Ii,
may seem strange that any man should
dare to ask jus, Gods assistance in
wrinsing their bread from the sweat Of
other mems faces; but let US Judge not.
that we be not judged. The prayer OF
both should not be answered: that neilh
er has been answered, the Almighty has
His own purposes. "Woe unto this
world tecause Of offenses. for it must
needs bethat otfenses come; but woe 10
the man by whom the otfense come,h." ~
1t We shall suppose that Americas sla
very is one OF these oATenses, which in
the providence Of God mus, needs come,
buS which, having continued through
his appointed time. He now wilTs to re-
move, and that He gives to both North
and South this terrible war, as the woe
due TO those whom the ofiense came.
shall We discern therein any departure
from those divine attributes which those
believing in living God always ascrbe
TO Him? tI siiii - ,sb 2.
Fondly do We hope, fervently do we
pray, that this mighty scourge OF war
may speedily pass away. Yet God
wills to continue it until all the wealth
piled up by the bondmsn's four huE-
dred and Fifty years Of unreqaited labor
shall be sunk, and until every drop Of
blood drawn by the lash shall be paid
by another decision with, the sword.-l
As was said three thousand years ago,
SO sill it must be said, that '.the iudg.
ments Of the Lord are true and righ,e.
BUS altogether" With malice toward
none. with charity for all, with iirmness
% the right, As God gives US to see the
right. le. US strive on to finish the work
We are in. TO bind up the nations wounds,
md care for him who has borne the bat
lie. ard for his widow and his orphans,
md TO do all which may achieve and
;herish a just and lasting peace among
ourselves and with all nations.
0,ax a 10