The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1891-12-17
EDITOR PETERS LECTURE.
A Very interesting Talk About
Abraham Lincoln.

A large audience gathered last evening
In the Y. NJ G. A. hall to listen to lee
ture on Abraham Lincoln by Bernard
Peters, editor and proprietor of the Brook
lyn Times. Mr.. Peters held the unbroken
attention of his hearers for an hour and a
half. and treated the subject in mastery
manner.
In part he spoke as follows: "There are
two events in the life of this republic
which stand forth prominently in the
pages of it's history The first is known
as the Revolution, the other as the Rebel
lion. There are two characters which
stand out in unique and solemn grandeur
in these two events, George Washington
and Abraham Lincoln. The latter has
won for himself place in the affections
Of the people only second TO that Of the
one who shaped this republic:
Tn 1853 peculiar discussion arose in
Illinois over the slavery question. IL was
between Abraham Lincoln and stephen A
Douglas. Mr. Lincoln had served in the
Illinois Legislature and one term in Con-
gress, but he was not generally known
Later on this debate involved the seating
of a United States Senator Abraham
Lincoln understood every point in the
question, and presented his arguments
with such skill that his name soon spread
over the Union. Douglas was elected Sen
ator, but Lincoln gained the Presidency in
that debate.
When the convention met Mr.. Lincoln
was nominated for president, and this
honest, clear-headed son Of the West was
chosen chief magistrate OF the United
States. His election marks an epoch in
history. the Importance of which can not
lie adequately estimated.
The interval between the election and
Inauguration was full of sensational
events; The eyes Of the country were
turned to Springfield, ILL.,, where this
plain man, over whom this stir was
caused, lived. lt was indeed trying
time for these A., 900 900 of people.
On Feb IL, 1861, Mr., Lincoln bade his
friends and neighbors goodby Ii is said
that at this leave taking tears stood in Mr..
Lincolu's eyes and that every one wept.
That journey to the capitol was remark
able. IL was far more sublime In its
character than that journey Of George
Washington to the capitol to be the first
President of the United States. At every
centre of population, Mr.. Lincoln stopped
and made few remarks On Feb. ~,
Philadelphia was reached. Here he was
invited to raise flag over the famous
Cradle of Liberty. He then proceeded
TO Harrisburg where ne made brief
address to the members OF the State Leg
islature. He was here persuaded by his
friends TO stop these public demonstra-
tions, ii being believed that he was to be
assasinated when he passed through Bal
timore. Mr.. Lincoln then passed quietly
through that city and made his way to
Washington.
The next important event was the inau-
guration. His address was unique in
style and stands unsurpassed among other
addresses of like character.
When Fort Sumpter was fired upon the
spirit Of the country arose as one man,
and when President Lincoln called for
1000 men, the call was answered; and
when he called for 800, 600 men the call
was again answered.
events that followed. They are part
of history. There is only one event which
deem worthy Of mention, and that as it
so we'll illustrates the spirit OF the man
from the West-the issuing of the eman-
cipation proclamation.
When IL came time for the election OF n
President opposition was shown TO Presi-
dent Lincoln, but it was the sincere and
unalloyed patriotism of this leader which
showed the country that ne should be re-
elected, and he was. The inevitable was
realized when Gen. Lee surrendered to
Gen. Grant, and the policy OF President
Lincoln was shown as the best.
IL would be as though Gods blessings
had been showered on the South II the
madman's hand had been stayed that
slew Abraham Lincoln.
What country we have to live for, and
to die for if necessary. The memory of
the death of Abraham Lincoln should he
the highest patriotic inspiration. George
Washington and Abraham Lincoln pre-
served il. May God embalm the memo
ries OF their deeds in our hearts forever.