The Rock Island daily Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1872-1873, 1873-09-20
Ths 9ailu Arsns.
Saturday, September 20, 1879.
character Of Abraham Lincoln.

II ia IN be regretted that MIR. Charles +.
Adams in his Memorial Address on the
Iife Character, and Services of William
n Seward" should have permitted him
selrt 10 do injustice TO Abraham Lincoln
ANY attempt TO canonize MIR. Seward by de-
tracing from the merits Of his chief, weak
ems the encomiums bestowed. MIR. Adams
has claims to consideration by reason OF
his talents, aquirements, social posi-
ton, and public service; but his esu-
mate OF the character, capacity, executive
ability, and relative position OF the Ohlel
Magistrate and his Secretary OF State be-
trays a want Of Just discrimination and cor
rect knowledge of each. A greater error
could scarcely be committed than 70 repre-
sent that Mr.. Lincoln had 70 deal with
superior intellectual power when he came
In contact with MIR. Seward. The reverse
was the fact In mere scholastic aquire,,
ments MIR. Seward, never learned man,
may have had the advantage, though IN
this respect there was less difference than
is generally supposed; while in breadth oil
philosophical experience and in the force
of moral discipline the almost sell taught
and reflective mind OF MIR. Lucoln, which
surmounted difficulties and disadvantages
that his Secretary never knew, conspic,,
uously oxcelled. In the executive council
and in measures of administration the Sec
rotary had influence, not always happily
exercised. but the President was the mas.
ter mind 1t is empty panegyric TO speak
of the Secretary Of State as chief, or &c
say his suggestions, save in his wndepart
ment. were more regarded or had over
greater influence than those Of others Hi
restless activity, unceasing labors, show.
,nl ,aftnaa fupntlftnIl
exercise of questionable authority whlcl
the President deemed il impolitic to disa
VOW, led to the impression, which MI
Adams seems also To have imbibed, tina
the subordinate was the principal, an
have induced him, 10 use his own words, {
award 10 one honors that clearly belon
10 another.
Far be it from me TO derogate in I'll
least from the merits and services oil NJ
Seward for | was a witness 70 his assldl
ity and To some extent a participant an
coadiutor with him in the labors and tt
ais that the Administration eneountere
In those "trouhlous times But It WI
not necessary in stating his merits, eve
in eulogy, to undervalue and mistate Il
worth. services, and capabilities OF the r
markable man who was ut the helm nj
guided the government through storm
period. Unassuming and uupretentlo
himself, Mr.. Lincoln was the last person
wear borrowed honors. He was not afflll
ed with the petty jealousyo narrow mint
nor had he any apprehension that otht
would deprive him of Just fame He "a
10 Mr.. Seward, a. 10 each OF his counC
his generous confidence, and patiently
tened if he did not always adopt or ass,
70 the suggestions that were made,
those who knew Abraham Lincoln, or W
were at all intimate with his Adminst
ton the representation that he was sub
dnate 10 any member of his Cabinet,
that he was deficient in executive or ;
ministrative ability, is absurd. Made
a solemn occasion as was this address, a
published and sent out TO the world IN
document which purports to be not OF
euloristic but historic il is eSSent
that the errors thus spre
abroad should be corrected J
Adams had not an intimate aequai
ance with Mr. Lincoln and evidently bu
slight general knowledge Of his charact
With admitted great disappointment d
disgust he received the intelligence q
this lawyer, legislator, and political stud
OF the prairies, whom he did not know
with whom he had not associated had b,
preferred by the Republican represen
lives at Chicago over Senator from
Empire State with whom he was iutim
and familiar who had long official exp
fence, which he seems TO have consider
essential, was acquainted with legisat
management aud whose political and pa
sympathies accorded with his own
prejudices Us well as his Partially w
excited, and from the beginning he II
conceived the character aud undervalt
and moderated the capabilities and qr
tiles Of one Of the most sagacious and
markabe men of the age Gideon ",
IN the october Gdldry.