nt should; but he has
not pandered to public prejudice, as only demagogues do. Not weakly
impatient to secure the approval of the country, he has not scorned to
explain his measures to the understanding of the common people. Never
bewildered by the solicitations of party, nor terrified by the menace of
opposition, he has controlled with moderation, and yielded with dignity,
as the exigencies of the time demanded. Entering upon office with his
full share of the common incredulity, perceiving no more than his
fellow-citizens the magnitude of the crisis, he has steadily risen to
the height of the great argument. No suspicion of self-seeking stains
his fair fame; but ever mindful of his solemn oath, he seeks with clean
hands and a pure heart the welfare of the whole country. Future
generations alone can do justice to his ability; his integrity is firmly
established in the convictions of the present age. His reward is with
him, though his work lies still before him.

Only less significant than the fact is the manner of his reflection. All
sections of a continental country, with interests as diverse as latitude
and longitude can make them, came up to secure, not any man's
continuance in power, but the rule of law. The East called with her
thousands, and the West answered with her tens of thousands. Baltimore
that day washed out the blood-stains from her pavement, and free
Maryland girded herself for a new career. Men who had voted for
Washington came forward with the snows of a hundred winters on their
brows, and amid the silence and tears of assembled throngs deposited
their ballot for Abraham Lincoln. Daughters led their infirm fathers to
the polls to be sure that no deception should mock their failing sight.
Armless men dropped their votes from between their teeth. Sick men and
wounded men, wounded on the battle-fields of their country, were borne
on litters to give their dying testimony to the righteous cause.
Dilettanteism, that would not soil its dainty hands with politics, dared
no longer stand aloof, but gave its voice for national honor and
national existence. Old party ties snapped asunder, and local prejudices
shrivelled in the fire of newly kindled patriotism. Turbulence and
violence, awed by the supreme majesty of a resolute nation, slunk away
and hid their shame from the indignant day. Calmly, in the midst of
raging war, in despite of threats and cajolery, with a lofty, unspoken
contempt for those false men who