The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1866-01-08

we believe, would not be entirely unlike the
late banking law of New York, which has re-
ceived very high commentator. But it is no
part OF our purpose to explain the nsodus op-
erand by which the present evils of high
prices may be escaped.
In closing we will simply say, that we lock
upon high prices, perhaps for years to come,
as near akin to public necessity. The ex-
cess of demand over the means Of supply in
svftably causes high prices; the deprecated
value of our currency has the same tendency.
So long as both or either of these causes con-
tinue, the effect must be submitted to, and no
amount of scolding or fault-fnding will light
en-, much less remove, the burden.
For years-all through the war-polltical
economists have predicted financial crisis, a
crash, and a general smash-up; in other words,
they have predicted almost universal prostra-
tion of business, failure and bankruptcy
| The close of the war was to produce reaction
sure. This was predicted with certainty. But
such an evil has not come; it will not come,
for you cannot fail a peoplefr e from debt, and
that is the general condition of our people.
The people are the creditors of the Govern
ment as never before, but they owe but it'll
to the Government, to the Banks, or to each
other. Instead of bankruptcy and ruin, our
inheritance from the war is high prices; GER
tainly less evil than we anticipated. This
evil must be borne, and may as well be borne
patiently for a season; and by and by the gov
eminent will work itself clear of its financial
perplexities as it has of the rebellion, the wis
dom of Congress will prompt Lawmakers to
allow the currency to return to its normal con-
dition and channels, banks wilredeem in the
precious metals, the great law of demand and
supply will regulate the volume of currency,
croalsers will deny that they have ever dis
trusted the faith of the government, the earth
will regularly revolve upon its axis, and the
country will go ON in its career of prosperity
Pres. Lincoln's Temperance Consistency.
When the Convention was holden in Chi
cago, which nominated Mr.. Lincoln for the
Presidency in 1850, a respectable gentleman o.
my acquaintance in Massachusetts, - not
OF his (Mr. LIS party,-was induced to take
the opportunity in company with several dele
gates and others interested in the objects O
the Convention, to go out to Chicago and spend
few days in visiting that section ofour coun
try. Whilst the Convention was in session,
which lasted several days, our friend Mr.. r.
the gentleman alluded to, took the occasion to
visit Rock river, in Illinois, the four lakes in
Wisconsin, and to make several excursions
out upon lake Michigan, returning to the city
in season to join his friends upon the adjourn
ment of the Convention. In very few min
utes after the final balloting was had and Mr..
Lincoln was nominated, it happened that
train of cars started upon the Central Rail-
road passing through Springfield, the place OF
Mr.. LIS residence, and Mr.. R. took passage in
the same. Arriving at Springfield he put ur
at public house, and lettering upon the from,
door steps, had the curiosity to inquire of the
landlord, where Mr. Lincoln lived. Whilst
giving the necessary directions, the landlord
suddenly remarkeJ-"There is Mr. Lincoln
now, coming down the sidewalk-that tall,
crooked man loosely walking this way; if you
wish to see him you will have an opportunity
by putting yourself in his track" In few
moments the object of his curiosity reached
the point our friend occupied, who, advancing
towards his person, ventured to accost him
thus, 'Is this Mr.. Lincoln P'' "That, Sir, is
my name" "My name is r. from Plymouth
County, Massachusetts,, and learning that you
have to-day been made the public property Oh
The United States, have ventured to intro
luce myself with view to brief acqualnt
ance, hoping you will pardon such patriotic
curiosity in stranger" Mr.. Lincoln receiv
I'd his salutations with cordiality, told him nc
apology was necessary for his introduction 1
and asked him to accompany him to his resi-
lence. He had just come from the Telegraph
office where he had learned the fact of hi
nomination, and was on his return home whe1
our friend met and accompanied him thither
n Arriving at Mr.. LIS residence, he was intro
duced to Mrs. Lincoln and the two boys, and
entered into conversation in relation to the
Lincoln family Of the old Colony-the Hing
nam Gen. Lincoln of the Revolutionary army
md the two Worcester Lincoln's, brothers
who were Governors of Massachusetts anG
Maine at one and the same time. In reply tt
Ir. RS inquiry, whether Mr.. L. could
race his ancestry to either of those early fam
lilies of his own name, Mr.. L. with character
istic facetiousness, replied that he could not
say that he ever had an ancestor older than his
father, and therefore had it not in his power to
trace his genealogy to SO patriotic source as
old Gen: Lincoln of the eyolution-though
he wished he could. After some further pleas
ant conversation, chiefly relating to the early
history Of the Pilgrim Fathers with which he
seemed familiar, Mr.. r. desired the privilege
OF writing letter to be dispatched by the
next mail. Mr.. L. very promptly and kindly
provided him With the necessary means. As
he began to write, Mr.. L. approached his back
and tapping him on the shoulder, expressed
the hope that he was not spy who had come
thus early to report his faults to the public!
"By no means, sir" protested Mr.. R., 81 am
writing home to my wife, who, dare say, will
hardly credit the fact that lam writing in your
house." 90, sir" exclaimed Mr.. L. s'if your
wife doubts your ,oord, will cheerfully en-
dorse 1t, if you will give me permission; !" and
taking the pen from Mr.. r. he wrote the fol-
lowing words in clear hand upon the blank
page the letter-"I am happy to sag that
yoar husband is at the present time guest In
my house. and In due time trust you riU
greet his safe return to the bosom Of his FAINT
ly. 4. LINCOLN" This gave our friend an
excellent autOpranh of Mr. T. hac;dae hoo,;,.
witness to his hospitable and cheerful spirit.
Whilst thus engaged in pleasant converse
ton, the cars arrived that brought from Chi
cago the Committee of the Convention ap-
pointed to notify Mr.. Lincoln of his nomina-
tion.g He received them at the door, and con-
Quoted them to seats in his parlor. Our friend,
who related the interview to us, says that on
the reception of this Committee Mr.. L. ap-
peared somewhat embarrassed, but soon re-