Evening journal., 1898-03-31
An OLD STORY OF LIECOLEs
BUT IT POINTS A MORAL CON
CORNING THE, PRESENT WHITE
HOUSE SITUATION.

BOl II GOALNlo "A AIDtNAl4 OO-N-
CORNING THE, PRESENT WHITE
HOUSE SITUATION.
The story was told years ago by Mr..
Dixon, OF Rhode Island, a Republican
congressman of prominence in war
days. IL was when the war was still
only half over and many people at the
North felt that more vigorous policy
was demanded. There had been a meet
ing of prominent Northern men, in
Guiding governors OF Northern States.
They passed resolutions that the cam
paign should be more aggressive, and
commissioned Mr.. Dixon to call on Mr.
Lincoln, tell him of the meeting and
read to him q record of it's conclusions.
Mr.. Dixon said that he undertook the
task with a good deal OF satisfaction,
and felt like very large-sized man
when he went up to the White House
one evening to deliver himself OF his
mission.
Mr.. Lincoln listened without inter-
ruptiOn to what Mr. Dixon had to say,
p silence which added not q little to
The impressiveness Of the latters elo-
quence. When Mr.. Dixon was through.
Mr.. Lincoln said to him: 'Dixon, you
are a good fellow and / have always
had a high opinion of you. 1t is need
less for me to add that what comes
! from those who sent you here is au-
thoritative. The governors Of the
Northern States are the North. What
| they decide must be carried out. Still,
in justice to myself, you must remem-
Der that Abraham Lincoln is the presi-
lent OF the United States. Anything the
president of the United States does,
right or wrong, will be the act of Abra-
| ham Lincoln, and Abraham Lincoln
win by the people be held responsible
| for tho presidents action. But l have
n proposition to make to you. Go home
/ and think the matter over. Come to
me tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock,
| and I will promise to do anything that
you by then have determined upon as
the right and proper thing to do. Good
night"
Mr.. Dixon left the White House feel
ing even larger than when he entered
IL, assured that the president put a
| higher value upon his abilities than he
] himself supposed. Dismissing this
l pleasant thought, he consulted with
himself as to what should be done
when the responsibility fell on him tc
decide the policy of the president Of the
United States. Many suggestions oc-
Cured to him. but one after another
was dismissed as for some reason out
of the question. When morning lighi
broke he had not determined upon his
course, upon the policy which he was
to impose upon the president. He de
cded he would not go to the White
| House that morning. He did not g
the next day nor the next.
Indeed. three weeks went by befor
he saw the president. Then II was a
a reception at Secretary Stewards, ant
Mr.. Dixon tried to get by in the crow
without attracting special attention
But the long arm of the president shO
| out, grabbed Dixon and dragged hin
to one side "By the way, Dixon" sal
: | Mr.. Lincoln, 81 believe L had an ap
, | pointment with you one mOrnin
about three weeks ago" Mr.. Dixo,
| said he did recall a mention of some
| thing Of the sort. where have yo
been all these weeks?" asked the presi
dent. Here in Washington" said M
/ Dixon; ''but to tell the truth, M
l President / have decided never
| keep that appointment" 'I thougl
= 4 you would not when 1 made It for you
y Twas Mr.. Lncoln's comment.
:. 1t makes a big difference when
- man has the say, when the respons
bility rests individually on him, rs
= / what he will do or refrain from d,
7 ing Waterbury American.