The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-04-16


a The scene In this city yesterday will never
8be forgotten. From the Oldest to the youngest
4 the impression will remain upon the minds of
= all, indelibly stamped and the picture will
descend from generation to generation as q
hallowed tradition. The Chief Magistrate of
the nation being struck Down by q cowardly
assassin at the very moment when the morn
scountry-when all his noble, Christian instincts
were directing him in the path of forgiveness
! and mercy-was an event so unexpected and SO
execrable that the whole public stood aghast
l lat the intelligence.
We can well imagine how intense must have
been the excitement in Washington when the
news spread through the city at the hour Of the
accomplishment of the foul deed. But here
! the feeling was one Of subdued grief, succeed
! ing the paralysis of horror with which its
announcement was received through the col
umns of the morning papers. Many doubted
! its truth for time; but when the people re-
membered the attempt to waylay the President
on his journey to Washington four years ago,
and the threats and prophecies which have
since issued from the rebel journals, they began
to realize the fact that the terrible story was
indeed true When there was no further room
for doubt as the official intelligence of the
I death of Mr.. Lincoln was promulgated, the sub
) FINEST spectacle ever witnessed upon the occur
1 renee of great national calamity was pre-
scented in this metropolis.
8 But one sentiment animated all classes and
6 all parties. Profound grief for the loss Of one
]; who had proved himself wise ruler in days OF
: severe trial. and as man, kind, good-natured-
q right always in intention, even when erring in
8 Judgment, according to the views of his politi-
Y were partakers in "the deep damnation of his
d taking off were manifested everywhere. Men
X Of strong nerve and snew were met on the
Y streets, pale, voiccless and fearful. In every
4 household gloom prevailed as If some domes-
e tic sorrow had visited the sacred precinct OF
r home. All political differences were banishca
8 into oblivion. There was, in fact rivalry of
q grief among those who opposed the party Of
y which Abraham Lincoln was the chosen head
VI and those who were his most ardent admirers
:s,'and supporters. One thought alone was up
!, permost, and that was that the elected OF the
y people was cat off at moment when his labors
IS had reached their most sublime climax.
4 The types and symbols Of woe; the draperies
& of mourning which hung from every building,
/ public and private the flags which had been
+ hoisted from every available point throughout
= the city, and on the thousand ships in the har.
ID Dor and rivers in rejoicing for our late victo-
81 ries, lowered to halfmast and invested with
n sable pennants, but feebly illustrated
4 the deep feeling Of the people upon
8 this lamentable occasion. The joyous sound
: of festivity was stayed. The theatres and other
ence to proclamation of the Mayor places of
81 business were closed-as indeed they might
4 have been without any official proclamation;
s for business made no part Of the dongs of this
q basy metropolis yesterday. The courts, Boards
j of Aldermen, Common Council and Supervi-
|. sors adjourned, after passing resolutions OF
z coincidence with the nation upon its bereave-
Z ment. The merchants expressed their execra-
q ton Of this cowardly assassination in forcible
a terms ut immense gatherings in Wall street and
B the Produce Exchange, and all the festivities
; announced to take place next week were, with
I; one accord, indefinitely postponed. The de-
d tails Of all these Manifestations Of sorrow at
& the great national calamity are described at
q length in our columns to-day. They will show
' how profoundly affected is the heart Of the
/ whole metropolis at the misfortune which has
beiallen he country in tho assassination Of Its
Chief Magistrate.