The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1864-09-15

part Of the night walking up and down, and
trying to make out what was the exact
meaning Of some Of their, to me. dark say.
ings. l could not sleep, though often tried
to, when I got on such hunt after an idea.
until had caught il; and when thought
had got it, was not satisfied until had
repeated it over and over, until had pnt it
in Language plain enough, as I thought, for
any boy [ knew, to comprehend. This was
kind of passion with me, and it has stuck
by me, for am never easy now, when am
handling thought, till have bounded II
north and bounded it south and bounded it
east and bounded 1t west. Perhaps that &C.
counts for the characteristics you observe in
my speeches, though I never put the two
things together bcfore.''
"Mr. Lincoln, I thank you for this It is
the most splendid educational fact ever
happened upon. This is genius, with all its
impulsive, inspiring dominating power over
the mind Of its possessor, developed by edu-
cation into talent, with its uniformity, it's
permanence, and its diciplined strength, al
ways ready, always available, never caprici-
ous-the highest possession of the human in
tellect. But let me ask, did you not have
law education How did you prepare for
your profession :?
"Oh, yes read aw,' as the phrase is
that is, became lawyers clerk in Spring
field, and copied tedius documents, and pick
ed up what could of law..in the intervals of
other work. But your question reminds me
Of bit Of educstion had, which am
bound In honesty to mention. In the course
of my law-reading constantly came upon
the word demonstrate. thought, at first,
that understood its meaning, but soon be.
came Satisfied that did not. said to my.
self, what do do when l demonstrate
more than when reason or prose? How
does demonstration differ from any other
proofr consulted Webster's Dictionary.
That told of certain proof proof beyond
possibility of doubt; hut could form no
idea what sort ofproof that was. thought
a great many things were proved beyond a
possibility of doubt, without recourse to any
such extraordinary process Of reasoning as I
understood demonstration to be- consult.
ed all the dictionaries and book of reference
could find, but with no better results You
might as well have defined blue to blind
man. AT last said, Lincoln, you can nev.
er make lawyer If you do not understand
what demonstrate means;' and left my si..
uation in Springfield, went home to my IA.
ther's house, and staid there till could give
any proposition in the six books of Euclid at
sight. then found out what demonstrate
means, and went back to my law studies"
could not refrain from saying. in my ad.
miration at such development of character
and genius combined, "Mr. Lincoln, your
success is no longer marvel 1t is the leg
itimate result Of ADEQUATE causes. You de
serve it all and great deal more. If you
will permit me, would like to use this fact
publicly. 1t will be most valuable in melting
our young men to that patient classical and
mathematical culture which most minds alb.
solutely require. No man can talk well un
less he is able first of an to define to him
self what he is talking about. Euclid. well
studied, would free the world of half its cal
antilles, by ba nishing half the nonsense
which now deludes and curses it. have
often thought that Euclid would be one of
the best books to put on the catalogue of the
Of the Tract Society, if they could only get
people to read it. 1t would be means of
grace"
81 think So" said he laughing; 81 vote
for Euclid"
Just then gentleman entered the car who
was well known as very ardent friend Of
Douglas. Being little curious to see how
Mr.. Lincoln would meet him, I introduced
! him after this fashion: Mr.. Lincoln, allow
me to introduce Mr.. L, avery particu-
lar friend of your particular friend Mr. Doug.
las" He at once took his hand in most
cordial manner, saying, ~ have no doubt
you think you are right, SIR" This hearty
tribute to the honesty of a political opponent,
with the manner Of doing it, struck me as a
beautiful exhibition of a large-hearted char.
ity, Of which we see far too little in this de-
batting. feImenting world.
| As we neared the end of our journey. Mr..
Lincoln turned to me very pleasantly, and
said, 81 want to thank you for this conver-
sation. I have enjoyed it very nuch." I
replied, referring to some stalwart denuncia-
tions he hao just been uttering of the demor-
alizing influences of Washington upon Nor
thern politicians in respect to the slavery
question, ''Mr. Lincoln, may I say one thing
to you before we seperate ?" Certainly,
anything you please" "You have just spo-
ken Of the tendency Of political life in Wash.
ington to deb,se the moral convictions of our
representatives there by the admixture Of
considerations of mere political expediency.
You haye become, by the controversy with
Mr.. Douglas, one of our leaders in this great
struggle with slavery, which is undoubtedly
tho struggle of the nation and the age
What would like to say is this, and ! say
it with full heart. Be true to your prin-
ciplss and Ds viH Be true to you, and God
wi1 b true to us ALL" His homely face
lighted up instantly With beaming express
ion. and, taking my hand warmly in both OF
his, he said, 81 say Amsn to that-AxEN to