Seattle daily post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, W.T. [Wash.]) 1881-1888, 1884-06-12
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.


kAALects frCm the nrSf volume OF
Bisine's new book
Mr.. Lincoln united firmness and gen.
tsnss in q singular degree. he rarely
spoke harsh word. Ready TO hear ar
gursps and always open to conviction,
be adhered tensciously 10 the convic-
tons be had hnsll, reached. Altogether
modest, he had confidence in himself,
trssted to the reasoning Of his own
mind, believed in the correctness of
hrs own Judgment. Many of the pop-
ulsr conceptions concerning hun are
erroneous.
No man WAS further than he from the
EASY. familiar, locose character In which
he IL often painted. While he paid littls
attention to form or ceremony. he was
not q man With whom liberties could be
taken. There vas bot one person in
Illinois, outside of his own househo d,
Who ventured TO address him by his first
name. There was no one IN Washington
who attempted it. Approaching Wit and
humor, he relishsd a good story, espe-
cislly If 1t illustrated truth or strength
ened an argument. and be had a vast
fund OF illustrative argument which he
used with the happiest effect.
But the long list of vulgar, salacious
stories attributed TO him were retailed
only by those who never epioyed the
privilege OF exchanging word With him.
his life was altogether a serious one
inspired by the noblest spirit, devoted
TO the highest aims. Humor was but
an incident with him. a partial relief
TO the melancholy which tinged all his
years.
de presented an extraordinary CON-
olnation OF mental and moral Qualities.
As statesman he had the loftiest ideal.
and II fell to his lot to inaugurate mea.
sures which changed the fate of millions
or living u en-. of tens of millions vet to
De born. As manager of political is
sues, and master of the art of presenting
them, he has had no rival in this coun.
try, unless one be found in jefferson.
Ihe complete discontinue of his most
formidable assailants in 1863, especially
OF those who sought to prejudice him
before tbs people on account OF the ar
rest or Naliandigham, cannot easily be
paraileled for shrewdness of treatment
and for keen appreciation of the reac-
ionsry influences which are certain to
control public opinion.
There has been discussion as to Mr..
Linsoln's religious belief. He was silent
as to his own preference among creeds.
PreIusics against any particular demon
lnation he did not entertain. Allied all
of life " tn Protestant Christianity, he
thankfully availed himself of the services
of an eminent Catholic prelate-Arch-
bishop Hughes of New York-ia a per.
sohal mission to England of great I'M
portance, at a crisis when the relations
between the two countries were disturb
ed and threatening.
Throughout the whole period of the
war he constantly directed the attention
OF the nation to dependence on God.
Throughout his entire offici Il Career
At all times with exacting duty
and painful responsibility - he never
forgot his own dependence or the de-
pendence of the people on Higher Pow |
Or. In his last public address, delivered |
TO an immense crowd assembled at the |
White House, on the 1lth of April, to |
him ON the victories of the |
Union, the President, standing, as he |
was, in the very shadow |
OF death, said reverently to his hearers:
. In the midst of your joyous express
sions, He from whom all blessings fiow |
must first be remembered"