Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-02-26
FIFTY YEARS ago
IN THE STAR

In IHE NIhk
The country was afforded, fifty years
ago, the striking spectacle of two Presi-
dents-elect in progress from
Je0erS0n their homes to the respective
nav;. capitals of the governments
'Ao' over which they had been
called to preside. In The Star Of Febru-
airy Is. 1851. Is a dispatch from Mont
gomery. Ala, describing the arrival there
OF Jefferson Davis. who had been chosen
as the chief executive Of the Southern
Confederacy, he having arrived Saturday.
the 10th:
President Davis arrived tonight. and
was handsomely received with firing OF
cannon and display OF nags An escort.
military and civic, with music, etc, was
also part Of the demonstration. The trip
OF President Davis from Mississippi to
montgomery was a continuous ovation.
He made some twenty-five speeches on
the route. returning his thanks for the
Complementary greeting. Crowds OF la
oies and gentlemen and military parades
with salutes Of cannon hailed his ar
rival at the various depots. Committees
from Congress and the Montgomery au-
thorities met Mr.. Davis about eighty
miles from the city and formally re-
ceived him. Two fine companies from
Columbus. Ga. joined the escort at Opeli-
ka, and all reached here at 10 o'clock
pm. A salute of cannon announced the
arrival OF the train bearing the party,
and the Presidents appearance was
greeted with shouts by the large crowd
assembled.
Mr.. Davis returned his thanks at the
depot and said he felt proud to receive
the congratulations and Inequalities of
the people OF Alabama. He briefly re-
viewed the present position Of the south
ana said the time for compromise had
passed. We are now determined to MAIN
tain our position. and we will make ell
feel southern. STEEL il coercion is per-
sisted in he had no doubt OF the result.
We will maintain our rights and our
government at all hazards We ask
nothing ana want nothing-we will have
no complications. II other states Join
our confederation they can freely come
In on our terms. Our separation from
the old union is complete. No compro-
mise. no reconstruction, can now be en-
+ X
AAesioe'Hl-elect LIncoln made his way
from Springfield to Washington by way
OF Albany, New York and
Lncoin,s Philadelphia. Ills entrance
Arrival into Washington was un-
expected and is thus de-
scribed In The Star Of February o. 1861:
This morning shortly before 6 o'clock
Mr.. Seward weuded his way down to
WIZARDS, where he remained almost
solitary and alone in the hall In front
OF the Office. to the wonder Of the few
persons about at that hour; evidently
looking Tor some one to arrive by the
train moinentarily expected. When the
trains passengers for the house did ar
rive the mystery of Mr.. Stewards so
early appearance at the hotel was in.
stantiy cleared up. for the tall figure
OF Abraham Lincoln was seen conspicuous
among them. lie was accompanied hy
Two trends only. Mr.. e. J. Alien Of New
oFk ana Mr. Lammon. Accompanied by
Mr. Seward. he Immediately retired to
parlor No. g., which with the magnificent
suite or apartments had been quietly en-
gagged for him yesterday and prepared for
his reception this morning.
He left Harrisburg at 2 o'clock this
morning. having kept his intention Of thus
coming straight through. and SO soon. to
washington entirely to himself. His late
travelling companions will doubtless ar
rive here by this afternoons train. as
per Encouragement. His earlier arrival
nere than was generally expected was, we
nave every reason to believe, the result
OF advices sent him yesterday by teIe-
graph. urging his presence in Wishing
ton at the earliest possible moment. As
oeing absolutely necessary for the sue
cess OF his administration In restoring
peace and harmony to the country as TN
m'staksbly demonstrated by the proceed.
onA
and the day before. ;"
lie is physically much weakened by
the constant labor and excitement Of the
popular ovations forced upon. him since
leaving Springfield. and was therefore
probably glad thus to have an opportu-
nifty to escape those prepared for him in
Baltimore and this city, which bada fair
to have been immense and protracted
ones.
80 quietly did he travel between Har.
risburg and this city that none Of the
railroad officials knew he was on either
train. Thus, at II am. today they were
actively preparing to send the eontem-
plated extra train over to Baltimore and
bring him over to the city this after
noon, and were aStounded on learning
that he was certainly here.
So
As soon as Mr.. Seward left him the
President-elect retired to rest, and I'D to
1 pm. had received no
disappointed visitors, though the halls
ro1l... Of the hotel were crowd
ed for hours by gentle
men on the anxious benches about Offices,
etc.. in prospective, nervously pacing to
aud fro, and buttonholing every man,
from the proprietors down to the serv-
ants. likely possibly to know when Old
Abe would be ready to receive his so in
tcrested friends
At $50 Mr.. Lincoln brcakfasted in his
sitting room. Mr.. Seward again joined
him shortly before II am. and. taking
carriage, they proceeded to tho Execu-
tive Mansion to call quietly on President
Buchanan, who was then in cabinet coun-
cil--the cabinet having been called to
meet today at $50. Mr.. Buchanan is
said to have been greatly surprised on
having Mr.. Lincoln's card so uncx-
pectedly sent up to him. He received him
and Mr.. Seward Immediately. in his pri-
vate parlor, where they had a. social and
agreeable interview OF fifteen minutes
duration, at the culmination Of which Mr..
Buchanan. conducting his unexpected
guests upstairs to his Office room, intro
duced Mr.. lincoln to his constitutional
advisers by all Of whom he was grace