; if the Northern States knew what
support is secured to them by that power, the chief of all others,
public opinion, we are justified in believing that the present crisis
would come to a prompt and peaceful solution.

It is a fixed fact that the nineteenth century will see the end of
slavery in all its forms; and woe to him who opposes the march of such a
progress! Who is not deeply impressed by the thought that, on the 4th of
March, at the very hour when Mr. Lincoln, in taking possession of the
Presidency at Washington, signified to the attentive world the will of a
great republic, determined to arrest the conquests of slavery, the
generous head of a great empire signified to his ministers his
immutable resolve to prepare for the emancipation of the serfs. In such
coincidences, who does not recognize the finger of God. I am, therefore,
tranquil: Russian opposition has failed, American opposition will fail.
There will be American opposition; there will be, there is such already,
in the very surroundings and cabinet of the President. We have just seen
how it seeks to enervate his resolutions, to pledge him irrevocably to
that wavering policy, more to be dreaded for him than the projects of
assassination about which, right or wrong, so much noise has been made.
Nevertheless, this evil has its bounds marked out in advance; he whom
God guards is well guarded. If you wish to know what the Presidency of
Mr. Lincoln will be in the end, see in what manner and under what
auspices it was inaugurated; listen to the words that fell from the lips
of the new President as he quitted his native town: "The task that
devolves upon me is greater, perhaps, than that which has devolved on
any other man since the days of Washington. I hope that you, my friends,
will all pray that I may receive that assistance from on high, without
which I cannot succeed, but with which success is certain." "Yes, yes;
we will pray for you!" Such was the response of the inhabitants of
Springfield, who, weeping, and with uncovered heads, witnessed the
departure of their fellow-citizen. What a _debut_ for a government! Have
there been many inaugurations here below of such thrilling solemnity? Do
uniforms and plumes, the roar of cannon, triumphal arches, and vague
appeals to Providence, equal these simple words: "Pray for me!" "We will
pray for you"! Ah! courage, Lincoln! the friends of freedom and of
America are with you. Courage! you hold in your hands the dest