Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1863-11-25

1t is not supposed BY any one, we believe that
Mr. Lincoln is possessed OF much polish in man
ners or conservation His adherents, however,
claim for him an average amount of common
sense, and more than an ordinary kind and gen
erOus heart. We have failed TO distinguish his
pre- eminence in the latter, and apprehend the
former TO be somewhat mythical, but imagine
that his deficiencies herein being less palpabe
than in other qualities constituting n statesman
have led bis admirers greatly to over estimate
him in these regards These qualities are un-
falling guides to appropriateness OF speech aud
action in mixing with the world, however slight
may have been the opportunities afforded their
possessor Tor becoming acquainted with the usa-
ges of society
The introduction of Dlwdleism in a funeral
sermon is an innovation upon established conven-
tionatieS. which, year or two ago, would have
been regarded with scorn by all who thought Gus
tom should TO greater or less extent, be con-
suited in determining social and public proprie-
ties. And the custom which forbids its introduc
ton is founded on the propriety of the fitness of
things, and is not therefore military arbitrary, or
confined to special localities, but has suggested
to all nations the exclusion of political partisan
ship in funeral diScourses. Common sense then,
should have taught Mr.. Lincoln that its Intrusion
upon such an occasion was an offensive exhibi
ton of boorishness and vugarity. An Indian in
eulOglzlng the memories of warriors who had
fallen in battle. would avoid allusion 20 dferenc-
es in the tribe that had no connection with the
prevailing circumstances. and which he knew
would excite unnecessarily the bitter preudces
of his hearers. l. Mr. Lincoln less refined than
sayageH
But aside from the ignorant rudeness manifest
in the Presidents exhibition of Dawdlesm At
Gettysburg and which was an insult at least to
the memories of part of the dead, whom he was
there professedly 20 honor-in IL misstatement
OF the cause for which they died. it was II per-
version of history 80 fragrant that the most ex-
tended charity cannot regard It as otherwise than
willfui. That. II We DO him Injustice, our read
ers may make the needed correction re append
portion ofthe euogy on the dead at Gettysburg
-Four score and ten years ago our fathers
Drought forth upon this continent nation cOnSe
Grated to liberty aud dedicated TO the proposition
chat all men are created equal. Cheers Now
we are engaged in great civil war. testing
whether that nation or any other nation so con
secrated and 50 dedicated can long endure"
As a refutaton of this statement, we copy GER
tain clauses in the Federal Constitution:
Representatives and direct taxes shall be ar-
poriioned among the several States which NAV
5e included in this Union. according to their re
spectye numbers, which shall be determined by
adding To the whole number of free persons. in
cudng those bound 10 service for a term of years,
and excluding lnG,ans not taxed, three-fifths of
III other persons
The migration or importation of such per
hons as any of the States now existing shall think
proper to admit. shall not be prohibited by the
Congress prior To he year lc0c but tax duty
nav be imposed on such importation, not ex-
ceeding ten dollars for each person
No amendment Ia the Constitution, made
,rior to l>Os. shall effect the preceding clause 4"
No person held to service or labor in Que
State under the laws thereof. escaping into
another. shall in consequence of any law or regu
latiou therein, DC discharged from such service
n labor but shall be delivered up on claim OF
!hc party 10 whom such service or labor may be
que
Do these provisions in the Constitution dedicate
the nation to "the proposition that al men are
created equall" Mr. Lincoln occupies his present
position by virtue Of this Constitution. anu ia
~ orn 10 the maintenance and enforcement of
kese provisions Il was to uphold this Const
Ation. and the Union created By il. that our Off
GERS and soldiers gave their lives at Gettysburg
How dared he, then, standing on their graves,
slisstate the cause for which they died. aud libel
the statesmen who founded the Government
they were men possessing too much self respect
to declare that negroes were their equals. or
we're entitled to equal privileges i Chicago
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