New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-06-24
LINCOLN'S WRITINGS.
COMPLETE EDITION OF HIS WORKS.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. Compete MorhS' IT,, rd III
by John G. Ncoay and John Hay Two Toi.
umes Large octave. PIP az New-io'H' i"'
Century Co.
The story Of Abraham Lincoln is told In detail
nv himself in these two sumptuous volumes con-
tanning his speeches. state papers. correspondence
and miscellaneous writings. The two oiogra-
nhers who have been associated in compiling the
record of his private life and public career had
access to an immense amount Of fresh material
which had never been brought to light having
finished their great work, which is one OF the
most valuable contributions to American history.
they have supplemented II with an orderly and
full compilation of the writings OF the great
President with anno$ations where explanations
are requisite and with a complete index which
opens the whole treasure-house like a comDlna-
1ion lock AS work Of reference in relation 10
the political and military history Of the civil war
this collection OF Lincons writings at once takes
its place in every American library OF any pre-
tensions and 1t will never be supplanted' Ihe
volumes are printed in large letter on heavy
paper. and handsomely bound in anticipation Of
the permanent fame which inevitably awaits
them as standard books of American history.
The speeches Of the great debate between Lin
coin and Douglas and the Presidential messages.
proclamations and State papers contained in these
volumes are less interesting from the familiarity
of well-informed readers with them than the
mass OF private correspondence, very large pro-
portion Of which has never before been printed.
These letters during his earlier years were often
sentimental and not infrequently humorous. and
they reveal the characteristic homely traits and
practical talents Of this many-sided man OF
genius and destiny. During the war period
every day had its burden Of private cores
pondence for the overwhelmed with the
anxieties and responsibilities of office. Military
campaigning brought with it an immense amount
OF executive detail in vigilant supervision of the
operations Of the armies in appointments, pro-
motions and discipline Of the officers and in
dealing with deserters and State officials. To
read these pages is not only 10 revive memories
of the heroic period Of arms. but also TO gain an
appreciative idea Of the inexhaustible resources
of patience, sagacity. industry and courage dis
played by the martyr leader of the Nation.
The first address made by Lincoln as a candi-
date for the Illinois Legislature. March g.
1892 bears evidence Of careful preparation and in
innate acquaintance with local conditions. 1t
is deeply interesting as the first landmark of
political career destined to be as great 1t was
unique; and It is not without premonitions of the
responsibilities OF future leadership 1t is the
appeal of a backwoodsman accustomed to dis
cuss at the crossroads stores questions in which
the pioneer settlers OF Sangamon County were
most directly interested. The most important
OF these issues that OF internal improvements
concerning which there was division Of opinion
in the county. The young candidate for legisla-
tive honors approaches the subject with an open
mind and with homey good sense. The only
objection to improvements. he tersely says. arises
from want Of ability to pay for them. II rail-
roads and canals were to cost nothing. everybody
would be in favor Of them; but it would be folly
10 undertake works of this kind without first
ascertaining what they would cost and whether
they could ever be finished. He then points out
the advantages of d railway to be constructed
across the State and estimates the probable cost;
and since the figures high. he expresses de-
cided preference for the improvement of the
Sangamon River as a work better suited TO the
resources of the community, discussing II with
local knowledge derived from his own experience
in building and operating fatboats and in work
ing al mills.
The candidate also considers a pioneer griev-
ance, the practice Of lending money at exorbitant
rates Of interest. and advocates law for regu-
lating 1t. On the subject Of education he urges
that every one ought to be enabled to read the
histories of his and other countries 50 as to
appreciate the value Of free institutions, ITO say
nothing Of the advantages and satisfaction 10
be derived from all being able to read the Scrip
lures. and other works both Of a religious and
moral nature for themselves" Then he con-
c.udes with a characteristic passage. apologizing
for his youthful presumption in discussing so
many important questions, declaring that he
has spoken he has thought and that he will
be ready to renounce his opinions when he dis
covers that they are erroneous. and adding these
prophetic words: Every man is said to have
his peculiar ambition. Whether IT be true or not.
! can say. for one that have no other so great
as that OF being truly esteemed by my fellow
by rendering myself worthy Of their es-
TEEN. How far 1 shall succeed in gratifying
this ambition is yet to be developed | am young
and unknown 10 many oil you. l was born and
have ever remained In the most humble walks
Of life. / have no wealthy or popular relations
or friends to recommend me. My case Is thrown
exclusively upon the independent voters Of the
country; and II elected, they will have conferred
a favor upon me for which l shall be unremitting
in my labors to compensate. But If the good
people in their wisdom shall! see 1T to keep me in
the background. / have been too familiar with
disappointments to be very much chagrined"
This address occupies the first place in this
collection Of Lincoln's writings and it is char
acteristic of the hoInely fibre of his manhood.
of the sincerity and honesty of his motives, Of
his practical skill In dealing with public ques-
tons Of his sympathetic discernment of the
everyday thinking Of the masses and Of his pre-
monitions of a career Of tremendous response
bility that 1t admirably serves the purpose Of an
Introduction to two richly stored volumes.
More significant than the memorials and rec
ords OF Lincoln's legislative experiences at the
opening OF his public life are some Of the pri-
vate letters in which the characteristics and
eccentricities Of the man are revealed. One Of
the most grotesque Of his love affairs is told
in a farcical spirit in letter TO Mrs. Brown
ing written in 1888. A married friend who was
about TO visit her fathers home In Kentucky
Offered TO return with her sister IL he would
agree in advance TO marry her. Lincoln con-
scented and in due time was introduced to the
sister. who proved to be old. fat and not at all