President Abraham Lincoln was elected in November, 1860, but under the then-prevailing Constitutional provision, would not be inaugurated until March, 1861. Mr. Lincoln began his trip to Washington, D.C., in February, 1861, after indicating in a Farewell Address to his fellow Springfield residents, “I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington.” Upon his railway trip east, he made a stop in Cincinnati on February 12, 1861 – his birthday – and addressed a group including German immigrant laborers. It seems fitting to note his remarks in these pages as we celebrate Labor Day:
“I agree … that the working men are the basis of all governments … I am happy to concur … in these sentiments, not only of the native born citizens, but also of the Germans and foreigners from other countries.
I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition, but to assist in ameliorating mankind. …
In regard to the Germans and foreigners, I esteem them no better than other people, nor any worse. 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 … if there are any abroad who desire to make this the land of their adoption, it is not in my heart to throw aught in their way, to prevent them from coming to the United States.”
It only occurred to me as I was typing this note that my father-in-law, of German heritage, who I came to revere before he left us too soon, was born in Cincinnati in 1923, only a few generations after Mr. Lincoln made his stop in the Queen City. It is improbable but seemingly not impossible that he, and if so, TLOML, our children and grandchildren, are descendants of one of the men that sought assurance from Mr. Lincoln that day in 1861 that the nation he had been elected to lead would give them a fair opportunity for a better life. It is a certainty that our children and grandchildren are descendants of Irish immigrants who were derided when they landed here as limited, brawling Papists who could never be true Americans.
One might question whether our country is still as Mr. Lincoln described it over 150 years ago – i.e., whether it remains “extensive and new.” I believe that it is. The majority of Americans – ironically, certainly the vast majority of those who today seemingly most dread immigrant influences — need only drive short distances from their homes (if they need travel at all) to appreciate our vast expanses; those fearful should perhaps consider from whom they are descended. It is the courageous, entrepreneurial, industrious, open spirit of those who have entered our nation over these last centuries that has made America great. Our nation is and will remain forever “new” as long as we are willing to replenish our spirit and strength through the labor of both our native-born citizens and those who wish to join us to work to create a better life for themselves and their families.
Enjoy the Holiday.
McCoy's Noise 