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THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS. – We do not know that we need to say much about this eagerly expected document, since we submit it entire to the thoughtful consideration of our readers. There is much in Mr. Lincoln’s words, particularly in regard to non-interference with slavery in the States and the delivery of fugitive slaves, to assure the South that it need anticipate no violation of its rights from his administration. We trust that he will act out his words. As to the seceded States he takes precisely the positions of Mr. Buchanan in his message to Congress at the commencement of the late session. Some persons saw “coercion” in that Message and see it in this Inaugural. We did not see it in the message, nor has any one seen it attempted. We do not see it in the Inaugural, nor do we expect to see it attempted. As the late President said, and the new one says, it is the President’s sworn duty to execute the laws unless the requisite means are withheld. Congress has withheld them, and the leading Republican Chairman of the Military Committee) who introduced the (defeated) bill to grant them, - what was called the “Force Bill” – distinctly declared his readiness to acknowledge the independence of the seceded States rather than fight them. We do not think that there can be any possibility of a resort to “coercion;” it would be the maddest of follies.
There are some very remarkable passages in the Address, which we need not specially remark upon, for of course they will attract the attention of every reader.
