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ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATURE OF OHIO AT COLUMBUS

FEBRUARY 13; 1861



Mr。 PRESIDENT AND Mr。 SPEAKER; AND GENTLEMEN OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

OF OHIO:It is true; as has been said by the president of the

Senate; that very great responsibility rests upon me in the position

to which the votes of the American people have called me。  I am

deeply sensible of that weighty responsibility。  I cannot but know

what you all know; that without a name; perhaps without a reason why

I should have a name; there has fallen upon me a task such as did not

rest even upon the Father of his Country; and so feeling; I can turn

and look for that support without which it will be impossible for me

to perform that great task。  I turn; then; and look to the American

people and to that God who has never forsaken them。  Allusion has

been made to the interest felt in relation to the policy of the new

administration。  In this I have received from some a degree of credit

for having kept silence; and from others some deprecation。  I still

think that I was right。



In the varying and repeatedly shifting scenes of the present; and

without a precedent which could enable me to judge by the past; it

has seemed fitting that before speaking upon the difficulties of the

country I should have gained a view of the whole field; being at

liberty to modify and change the course of policy as future events

may make a change necessary。



I have not maintained silence from any want of real anxiety。  It is a

good thing that there is no more than anxiety; for there is nothing

going wrong。  It is a consoling circumstance that when we look out

there is nothing that really hurts anybody。  We entertain different

views upon political questions; but nobody is suffering anything。

This is a most consoling circumstance; and from it we may conclude

that all we want is time; patience; and a reliance on that God who

has never forsaken this people。



Fellow…citizens; what I have said I have said altogether

extemporaneously; and I will now come to a close。









ADDRESS AT STEUBENVILLE; OHIO;



FEBRUARY 14; 1861



I fear that the great confidence placed in my ability is unfounded。

Indeed; I am sure it is。  Encompassed by vast difficulties as I am;

nothing shall be wanting on my part; if sustained by God and the

American people。  I believe the devotion to the Constitution is

equally great on both sides of the river。  It is only the different

understanding of that instrument that causes difficulty。  The only

dispute on both sides is; 'What are their rights?〃 If the majority

should not rule; who would be the judge? Where is such a judge to be

found? We should all be bound by the majority of the American people;

if not; then the minority must control。  Would that be right? Would

it be just or generous? Assuredly not。  I reiterate that the majority

should rule。  If I adopt a wrong policy; the opportunity for

condemnation will occur in four years' time。  Then I can be turned

out; and a better man with better views put in my place。









ADDRESS AT PITTSBURGH; PENNSYLVANIA

FEBRUARY 15; 1861



I most cordially thank his Honor Mayor Wilson; and the citizens of

Pittsburg generally; for their flattering reception。  I am the more

grateful because I know that it is not given to me alone; but to the

cause I represent; which clearly proves to me their good…will; and

that sincere feeling is at the bottom of it。  And here I may remark

that in every short address I have made to the people; in every crowd

through which I have passed of late; some allusion has been made to

the present distracted condition of the country。  It is natural to

expect that I should say something on this subject; but to touch upon

it at all would involve an elaborate discussion of a great many

questions and circumstances; requiring more time than I can at

present command; and would; perhaps; unnecessarily commit me upon

matters which have not yet fully developed themselves。  The condition

of the country is an extraordinary one; and fills the mind of every

patriot with anxiety。  It is my intention to give this subject all

the consideration I possibly can before specially deciding in regard

to it; so that when I do speak it may be as nearly right as possible。

When I do speak I hope I may say nothing in opposition to the spirit

of the Constitution; contrary to the integrity of the Union; or which

will prove inimical to the liberties of the people; or to the peace

of the whole country。  And furthermore; when the time arrives for me

to speak on this great subject; I hope I may say nothing to

disappoint the people generally throughout the country; especially if

the expectation has been based upon anything which I may have

heretofore said。  Notwithstanding the troubles across the river 'the

speaker pointing southwardly across the Monongahela; and smiling';

there is no crisis but an artificial one。  What is there now to

warrant the condition of affairs presented by our friends over the

river? Take even their own view of the questions involved; and there

is nothing to justify the course they are pursuing。  I repeat; then;

there is no crisis; excepting such a one as may be gotten up at any

time by turbulent men aided by designing politicians; My advice to

them; under such circumstances; is to keep cool。  If the great

American people only keep their temper on both sides of the line; the

troubles will come to an end; and the question which now distracts

the country will be settled; just as surely as all other difficulties

of a like character which have originated in this government have

been adjusted。  Let the people on both sides keep their

self…possession; and just as other clouds have cleared away in due

time; so will this great nation continue to prosper as heretofore。

But; fellow…citizens; I have spoken longer on this subject than I

intended at the outset。



It is often said that the tariff is the specialty of Pennsylvania。

Assuming that direct taxation is not to be adopted; the tariff

question must be as durable as the government itself。   It is a

question of national housekeeping。   It is to the government what

replenishing the meal…tub is to the family。  Every varying

circumstances will require frequent modifications as to the amount

needed and the sources of supply。  So far there is little difference

of opinion among the people。  It is as to whether; and how far;

duties on imports shall be adjusted to favor home production in the

home market; that controversy begins。  One party insists that such

adjustment oppresses one class for the advantage of another; while

the other party argues that; with all its incidents; in the long run

all classes are benefited。  In the Chicago platform there is a plank

upon this subject which should be a general law to the incoming

administration。  We should do neither more nor less than we gave the

people reason to believe we would when they gave us their votes。

Permit me; fellow…citizens; to read the tariff plank of the Chicago

platform; or rather have it read in your hearing by one who has

younger eyes。

'Mr。 Lincoln's private secretary then read Section 12 of the Chicago

platform; as follows:



〃That; while providing revenue for the support of the General

Government by duties upon imports; sound policy requires such an

adjustment of these imposts as will encourage the development of the

industrial interest of the whole country; and we commend that policy

of national exchanges which secures to working…men liberal wages; to

agriculture remunerating prices; to mechanics and manufacturers

adequate return for their skill; labor; and enterprise; and to the

nation commercial prosperity and independence。〃



As with all general propositions; doubtless; there will be shades of

difference in construing this。  I have by no means a thoroughly

matured judgment upon this subject; especially as to details; some

genera

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