The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-08
A STORY ABOUT LINCOLN.
How He Made WOuld-Be Advise
Feel the Weight of RESPONSIBILITY.


Feel the Weight of Responsibility.
Waterbury American.
1t is a story recalled apropos of the fact
that President Mckinley is showing much
the same conservatism in his treatment OF
Spanish-Cuban complications that had pre-
viously been shown by Mr.. CleVeland-sur-
prising as this attitude has been to many
The story was told years ago by Mr.. Dix
on, of Rhode Island, a Republican congress
man of prominence in war days. 1t was
many people at the North felt that more
vigorous policy was demanded. There had
been a meeting of prominent Northern men
including Governors of Northern states
They passed resolutions that the campaign
should be more aggressive, ana commis-
stoned Mr.. Dixon to call on MI. Lincoln,
tell him of the meeting and read 10 him a
record of its conclusions. Mr. Dixon said
that he undertook the task with good
deal of satisfaction, and felt IKE very
large-sized man when he went up 10 the
White House one evening to deliver himself
Mr.. Lincoln listened without interruption
to what Mr.. Dixon had to say, silence
which added not little to the Impressive
ness of the latters eloquence When Mr.
Dixon was through Mr.. Lincoln said to
him: Dixon, you are a good felloW ana
have always had a high opinion OF you. IL
is needless for me to add that what comes
from those who sent you here is authori-
States are the North. What they decide
must be carried out. Still, In justice TO my
self, you must remember that Abraham Ian
coin is President of the United States. Any
thing that the President OF the United
States does right or wrong, will be the act
of Abraham Lincoln, and Abraham Llncon
will by the people be held responsible for
the Presidents action But L nave prop
ositlon TO make to you. Go home and think
the matter over. Come to me tomorrow
morning at o'clock, ard Will promise TO
do anything that you by then have deter
mined upon as the right and proper thing
to do. Goodnight -
Mr.. Dixon left the White House feeling
even larger than when he entered 1t, as
sured that the President put higher value
upon his abilities than he himself supposed.
Diminishing this pleasant thought, ne con-
done when the responsibility fell on him to
decide the policy of the Presldent OF the
United States. Many suggestions occurred
to him. but one after another was dismissed
as. for some reason. out OF the question.
When morning light broke he had not deter
mined upon his course, upon the policy
which he was to impose upon the PRESIDENT.
He decided he would NOT go 70 Ihs w nlte
House that morning. He did not go the next
day. nor the next.
Indeed three weeks went by before he
saw the President. Then it was at recep-
ton at Secretary Stewards, and Mr.. Dixon
tried to get by in the crowd without attract
ing special attention. But the long arm or
the President shot out, grabbed Dixon ana
said Mr.. Lincoln. Il believe / had an. ap-
pointment with you one morning aoout
three weeks ago" Mr. Dixon said he did
recall mention of something OF the sort
Where have YOU been all these weeks %
asked the President. Here in Washington,
said Mr.. Dixon but, to tell the truth, Mr.
President. ! have. decided meyer 10 KEEP
not when made ii for you, was Mr.. Lin
coins comment.
1t makes big difference when man has
the say, when the responsibility rests indi-
vidually on him. as to what he will do or
refrain from doing.