In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

Lincoln and Union, 1861 "GIVE THE GREATEST GOOD TO THE GREATEST NUMBER" From a Speech to Germans at Cincinnati, Ohio [FEBRUARY 12, 1861] 193 German-Americans had been ardent Lincoln supporters in the 1860 campaign ; from the balcony of his hotel in Cincinnati Lincoln gave this address to two thousand members ofthe German Industrial Association. A Columbus newspaper teased that "Abe . .. don't make as many jokes as he did. He fears that he will get things mixed up. ... " I agree with you, Mr. Chairman, that the working men are the basis of all governments, for the plain reason that they are the most numerous , and as you added that those were the sentiments of the gentlemen present, representing not only the working class, but citizens of other callings than those of the mechanic, I am happy to concur with you in these sentiments, not only of the native born citizens, but also of the Germans and foreigners from other countries. Mr. Chairman, I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition, but to assist in ameliorating mankind; and therefore, without entering upon the details of the question, I will simply say, that I am for those means which will give the greatest good to the greatest number. In regard to the Homestead Law, I have to say that in so far as the Government lands can be disposed of, I am in favor of cutting up the wild lands into parcels, so that every poor man may have a home. In regard to the Germans and foreigners, I esteem them no better than other people, nor any worse. [Cries of good.] It is not my nature, when I see a people borne down by the weight of their shackles-the oppression of tyranny-to make their life more bitter by heaping upon them greater burdens; but rather would I do all in my power to raise the yoke, than to add anything that would tend to crush them. Inasmuch as our country is extensive and new, and the countries of 194 LINCOLN ON DEMOCRACY Europe are densely populated, if there are any abroad who desire to make this the land oftheir adoption, it is not in my heart to throw aught in their way, to prevent them from coming to the United States. "THE MAJORITY SHALL RULE" From a Speech at Steubenville, Ohio [FEBRUARY 14, 1861] A recurring theme of Lincoln's early inaugural journey speeches was his own unimportance: it was the Constitution and the Union that mattered, not the new president. Here he responded to an address of welcome, one of seven talks he made that day. . . . Though the people have made me by electing me, the instrument to carry out the wishes expressed in the address, I greatly fear that I shall not be the repository of the ability to do so. Indeed I know I shall not, more than in purpose, unless sustained by the great body of the people, and by the Divine Power, without whose aid we can do nothing. We everywhere express devotion to the Constitution. I believe there is no difference in this respect, whether on this or on the other side of this majestic stream [the Ohio River, which separated Ohio from what was then Virginia-eds.]. I understand that on the other side, among our dissatisfied brethren, they are satisfied with the Constitution of the United States, if they can have their rights under the Constitution. The question is, as to what the Constitution means-"What are their rights under the Constitution?" That is all. To decide that, who shall be the judge? Can you think of any other, than the voice of the people? If the majority does not control, the minority must-would that be right? Would that be just or generous? Assuredly not! Though the majority may be wrong, and I will not undertake to say that they were not wrong ...

Share