Press and daily Dakotaian. (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1880-1889, 1881-03-19
SECRETARY LINCOLN.
The Worthy Son of n Revercd Sire Achieves
Position by Hard Work and Natural Tai


Chicago Inter-0ccan.
Without searching for names and
dates, but relying on mere general recol.
lection, we believe Robert Lincoln to be
the youngest man $3.50 ever called to u
place in the cabinet. Up to few weeks
ago his nomination was not expected, for
Mr. Lincoln had taken little part in pol
itices had confined himself closely to
private business, and was so little known
IN public life that the people were unable
10 Judge OF his fitness for tho position.
But the lnter-Ocean prophecies that the
more the subject is considered tho more
hearty will be the satisfaction over the
selection. And we predict that
MI. Llncoln's administration of the war
department. will not only be able and ef-
ficient, but that he will become, on gen
eral matters, one of the most trusted and
valuable advisers of the president.
There are few young men who would
nave stood in the place of Robert Lincoln
and maintained the dignity and clear
head which he has carried through fifteen
years OF would-be aattery and public at
tention. The only living son of the
greatest of presidents, one who was al.
most ldolized by the nation, an ordinary
mind would have been drawn into posi-
lions OF embarrassment, and have been
the victim, possibly, of selfish men, anx-
lous to use great man for the advance
ment of unworthy objects. Robert Lin
coin stood aloof from this, was proof
against all attempts at unwholesome
f1attery, and, conscious that permanent
reputation and success could come only
by intrinsic merit and personal excel
lence, he applied himself, quietly. mod
estly, but zealously, to the work of be-
coming the worthy son OF a worthy sire.
1t is delicate matter to touch upon,
perhaps, but Robert Hincoln has seemed
to shrink from attentions bestowed upon
INN only because he was the son of an
lllustrious father Formore than dozen
years he has been the constant recipient of
invitations to be present at various gath
erings, celebrations, etc, in all parts of
the country. Up to very late period,
these have all been declined, quietly
and without parade, but iu a manner
which revealed sometimes, IN spite of
quests of which he felt came to him only
because he bore an honored name. His
reverence for his father was so great that
he could not bear to excite gossip and
comment by appearing in places where he
felt he might not meet the public expec-
tation. 1t is only OF late,and when he has
felt that he was capable of discharginp
acceptably the duties or honors of GER
tain positions, that he has consented to
relax his former determination. Those
who were ut the great Grant meeting in
Central Music hall on the eve of the ma
tional convention will remember with
what dignity he presided, and how fav-
orably his bearing impressed the thous-
ands gathered there Unaccustomcd TO
such duties, his admirable speech on
taking the chair, and his ease and COM
posure in the face of thousands OF
curious eyes, excited universal comment
and gave rise to the frequent exclama.
ton that Robert Lincoln was ga chip OF
the old block
For the reasons enumerated, the fact
that Mr.. Lincoln has developed qualities
i'll legal and business matters which show
him to be no ordinary man, the Inter.
Ocean predicts for him a career hcnora-
bic to himself and to his country. He is
not genius, brilliant and cratic, but a
man OF talent, energy, conviction, digni
ty, and strong common sense. He is
growing man, and will be greater at til,
end of four years than he is now. He i.
a safe man, and, if we do not greatly
mistake, will have the entire confidence
of the president before many months
have passed. In short, Mr.. Lincoln, aftel
mastering success in private life by hi.
energy and native ability, has beer
called into public place, and called tt
stay.