Lincoln on Democracy

"THE MAJORITY SHALL RULE"

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 Lincoln and Union, 1861 195 in electing me, yet we must adhere to the principle that the majority shall rule. By your Constitution you have another chance in four years. No great harm can be done by us in that time-in that time there can be nobody hurt. If anything goes wrong, however, and you find you have made a mistake, elect a better man next time. There are plenty of them. "THE SHIP CAN BE SAVED, WITH THE CARGO" Reply to Mayor Fernando Wood, City Hall, New York [FEBR U AR Y 20, 1861] President-elect Lincoln received a rousing reception in New York City, even though its mayor had earlier proposed seceding from the Union and setting up a free city. This was Lincoln's subtle response, couched in the metaphor of the ship of state. Mayor Fernando Wood later supported the war effort-for a time, anyway. MR. MAYOR-It is with feelings of deep gratitude that I make my acknowledgment for this reception which has been given me in the great commercial city of New York. I cannot but remember that this is done by a people who do not by a majority agree with me in political sentiments. It is the more grateful because in this reception I see that, in regard to the great principles of our government, the people are very nearly or quite unanimous. In reference to the difficulties that confront us at this time, and of which your Honor thought fit to speak so becomingly, and so justly as I suppose, I can only say that I fully concur in the sentiments expressed by the Mayor. In my devotion to the Union I hope I am behind no man in the Union; but as to the wisdom with which to conduct affairs ...