The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1883-02-08
Lincoln at an Informal Reception,

The Rev. G. VanSantvoord describes
in the February Centary, "A Reception
by President Lincoln" at which he was
q spectator. and of which tbs following
are characteristic paragraphs:
About twice week, after the official
and other privileged visitors had taken
their departure, the doors of the Presi-
dents reception room would be thrown
open to whomsoever might be waiting
without. Happening to be there on one
of these occasions, Ientered with score
of these expectants; and curious to OBJ
serve the character and process of this
informal audience given to the people.
| stationed myself in a corner near the
President, where l could hear and see
all that was going on. The notes re-
ferred to were jotted down soon after,
the interview. SO
President Lincoln's appearance 10 too
we'll known to need particular descrip-
ton. The tall, thin, wiry form, which
no burdens seemed able to bend, and no
amount of labor to deprive of elasticity;
the calm, rugged, honest face, grave
and deeply melancholy when in repose,
yet wont to be lighted up under she in
fuence of some humorous saly-these
are familiar to the world. He was clad
plainly, but becomingly, in . black,
broad-cloth suit, nothing in all his dress
betokening disregard of conventionalify,
save. perhaps, his neat cloth slippers.
which were doubtless worn for comfort.
He was seated beside plain, cloth-cov-
cred table. in commodious armchair.
When this visitor had withdrawn, an
immense specimen of man presented
himself. Broad-shouldered, robust,
with thews and sinews to match his
great height, and withal an honest,
good-natured countenance-an seemed
to mark him as belonging to the hardy
yeomanry of the West. He sidled awk-
ardly to the President, seeming almost
afraid to accost him, but after some
hesitation contrived TO say, that being
on visit to Washington, he simply
wanted before leaving to see the Presi-
hands with him. He found a kindly
reception, and after some Introductory
civilities, Mr.. Lincoln ran his eye Gu
riously over his huge caller, surveying
him from head to foot, and then saying
with Il humorous look and accent ff
would be hard to describe, 81 rather
think you have little the advantage of
me in height; you are taller man than
l am."
81 guess not, Mr.. President replied
the visitor, with the self-abnegating air
of one who seemed to regard any claim
on his part, of possessing an advantage
over the Chief Magistrate; as an ofense
little short of treason-'sthe advantage
cannot be on my side"
eyes, it is " was the rejoinder, II
have apretty good eye for distances,
and I think l can't be mistaken in the
fact of the advantage being slightly
with you. measure six feet, three and
a-half inches in my stockings, and you
go, think, a little beyond that"
The man still demurred, insisting very
respectfully that the precedence in the
matter lay on the Presidents side.
'It is very easily tested" said the
President, and rising briskly from his
chair and taking book from the table.
he placed it edgeways against the wall,
just higher than his head. Then, turn
ing to his doubling competitor for the
nonce, he babe him .'Come under"
This the man did not do at once, paus-
ing with flushed face and irresolute
look, as if not certain how far he might
venture to trust the lion in his playful
mood, his countenance the W. wear
ing bewildered. half-frightened, and
yet half-smiling expression that was re-
ally comical to see.
Come under, say" repeated the
President, in more peremptory tone,
and then the visitor slowly complied.
'Now, straighten yourself up, and move
your head in this ,"-suiting the
action to the word. This being done,
Mr.. Lincoln added, "Now you hold
the book and be sure not to let it slip
down hairs breadth, and will trv."
Planting himself accordingly under
meath the book, and moving his head
from right to left, it was found that he
fell a trife short of the others measure
nIent ''There," said he, sit is as
told you. knew couldn't be mista-
ken. rarely fail in taking mans
true altitude by the eye."
Eyes, but Mr.. President" said the
man. his courage, amid the merriment
of the company, beginning to return,
'.you have slippers on and I boots, and
that makes difference.
'.Not enough to amount to anything
in this reckoning" was the reply. "You
ought at least to be satisfied, my honest
friend, with the proof given that you
actually stand higher to-day than your
President"