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