The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-26

There have been but few men in history
who have arisen TO such sudden prominence
after their death rs did Abraham Lincoln. He
had many enemies during his administration
Of our public affairs. but do not believe that
scarcely one OF them can now be found who
has not done something in word or deed TO
make reparation for former ill-fcellng toward
him He WAS In mind and heart the highest
development of plain man. His origin
could scarcely have been more humble.
He was the son Of q very poor and very
shiftless father Tom Lincoln Tom was one
OF those men whom poverty and Indebtedness
always followed, no matt or where lie went, for
he was always changing about from one State
TO another. seeking for some rlch-sOlled farm
where he could live without the trouble of
labor. Abraham was born in log cabin of the
rudest sort. and grew up amid its accompani-
ments, dirt and rass. OF shooting he got put
very little-less than year all tOld-Dut
nevertheless he early had an ambition 10 write
Writing paper. or. indeed, paper Of any kind.
was 50 very scarce in the Lincoln household
that Abraham was obliged 10 begin his essays
on the back of an old wooden shovel, scraped
white with a knife, and for pencil he had
piece OF charcoal. dHi. first essay, afterward
copied into an old copy book. was on cruelty to
animas-truly fitting beginning for one des-
tined 10 become the leader IN the cause against
cruelty to men. Soon after his memorable
first essay Abraham began writing short
sketches for the country people who were
much pleased with them. and thought they
saw in the boy the beginning of an unusually
smart man. And such he turned out to be
without question. And after many yicissl-
tudes in his early career winding up with the
selling of his surveyors tools-the calling he
was then following-to pay of his
debts. Abraham finally hit the
mark by beginning the study, OF
in their beginning had 10 study by the light of
a midnight candle and without teachers, but
Abraham Lincoln did not often have the
money 10 buy a candle with and had 20 go to
hi. neighbours store to read by his light.
beside being under the disadvantage
Of but small previous education. How
LAWYER Of some distinction among
the country folk and even in the higher
courts judges he.itated about deciding \
case against him after awhile. for they learned
that he would have nothing TO do with the de-
Tense of one whom he knew 10 be guilty If he
could avoid it, And when obliged 10 defends
guilty party he almost invariably lost his case.
for he would put forth little OF no effort to
bring about decision in his favor. Later
on Lincoln was elected TO the Legisla-
ture term after term, on the first occasion.
however, being obliged TO borrow money 10
buy store clothes Absolute poverty was
not 40 often his lot however. after being in
the Legislature IOr time. lot nere ne uau
better chance TO study law. and hi. practice
grew along with his popularity, which was
great nrst met him in railway train go
Ing ont West. was sitting reading book
and trying to make myself comfortable in the
crowded car. when suddenly | observed a
great commotion down near the end. Some
one who Was a fsvorite had evidently Just
come in, for all were crowding forward TO
shake hands with him.
soon recognized Lincoln in the tall angu-
lar, central figure, and was soon introduced TO
him His conversation was such that felt as
if had known him for years The next day
heard him in his memorable speech against
Douglas. who had the Presidential fever. and
was trying to work up the Missouri compro-
mise shall never forget those first words
with which Lincoln began his argument
against slavery. They were words ancient and
tried as motto and Of the greatest fitness rs
he used them: "A house divided against itself
cannot stand" That argument. heated and
at times angry on the Douglas side cool and
imprisoned on the part of Lincoln. was an
event which proved the man and his WORTH
ness to I'LL tho highest Office Of our county
Chicago Inter-Ocean.