The Lancaster gazette. [volume] (Lancaster, Ohio) 1863-1886, 1865-04-06
OLD ABE's SokEs.

In tho dense throng which stood ia
the mud ihfront Of theplatform from
which Abraham Lincoln delivered his
second inaugural address, as President
Of the United States, wes sober.iaeed
Individual, who. Just as the President
rose from his chair to begin the deliv-
cry Of his address, cast a glance nj the
mud beneath, at the crowd around him
and then at the distinguished assem-
bage upon the platform. and said,
very gravely: aThis reminds me Of a
tHLe joke" The FIRST words Of the in.
augural were lost to the persons with
in hearing Of that remark in q general
burst Of laughter That response
showed how widespread and firmly
fixed is the popular conviction that
Mr.. Lincoln is an inveterate joker
This conviction docs him injustice 1t
has been caused, in a great degree, by
misrepresentation yet there are on
record enough authentic stories to
show that the President takes mani
fest pleasure, both in tho telling and
in the hearing of q good story, or in
the preparation Of q capital joke
Those who suppose that such char
acteiistic is inconsistent with gravity
and wisdom very widely miSjudge hui
man character. A keen sense of hu-
NOR is Eoften associated with the
shrcwdest Judgment and the readiest
forecast, and playfulness Of manner,
and di'htness of language arc often
employed to conceal, or relieve, grave
concern or severe distress.
The so!emnity of manner and grav-
ity Of speech, popularity associated
with the memory Of the first President
Of the Republic, naturally arise in the
instructed mind, in rebuke Or repri-
mand Of any manifestation Of lcvity,
or lack Of dignity, on the part of tho
chief magistrate of the Lation. Tho
stories current in many political and
other circles, which associate Mr. Lin
coins name with indicate illusions
and coarse inferences, as fully misrep-
resent him, as in other days did sto-
rics Of nOrosencss and bitter severity,
misrepresent Washington. In all au-
thentic reports Of the employment Of
wit or humor to illustrate an argument,
evade an improper inquiry, Or avoid
elaborate statement, by Mr.. Lincoln,
aptness, shrcwdness or satire, is appa-
rent. 1t is neither inconsistent with
Presidential dignity, nor incompatible
wi,h,oficial decorum, to make genuine
hamor, or trcnchant wit an ally when
oficious committees or persistent
piacc-hunterF haunt the White House.
Fortunate is the man who can turn
aside vexed questions or pcrplexing
demands with stroke of humor5 and
it is unjust to deny true sense of
grave responsibilities clear convic-
ton of sober duty to a public man,
who indulges lively appreciation Of
the ludicrous, or exercises o gift for
satire, when fitting opportunity Of
fers.
Edward Everett, than whom no man
lin America was filter to Judge, has
placed on record his deliberate opinion
that, in all which constitutes true dug
nifty Of depor.ment,sAbr Lincoln
is gentleman This testimony over
rides the scandal current among.,tho
political antagonists of the President,
that boorishuess and grossness are his
chef personal characteristics. Let,
h1n. those who respect original, car
nest character, transparent honesty
and nnhesitating frankness, not only
! refuse to repeat but rebuke, in what.
! ever circle they meet them, urdignif
ed or indelicate Stories, which, manu-
factured and industriously circulated
for mischievous purposes, are labeled
"Old Abe's Jokes. 20. S. Journal.