The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1898-03-26
AN OLD STORY OF LINCOLN.
But 1t Points Moral Concerning the Pres
ent White House Situation.
Waterbury American. }

This story was told years ago BY Mr..
Dixon, of Rhode Island, Republican
Congressman of prominence in war days.
1t was when the war was still half over
and many people at the North felt that a
more vigorous policy was demanded.
There had been a meeting of prominent
Northern men, including Governors of
Northern States. They passed resolu-
lions that the campaign should be more
aggressive and commissioned Mr.. Dixon
to call onssMr. Lincoln, tell him of the
meeting and read to him record OF its
conclusions. MIR. Dixon said that be I'M
dertook the task with a good deal of salts
faction, and felt like very large-sized
man when he went up to the White House
one ewing to deliver himself of his mis-
sion.
Mr.. Lincoln listened without Interrupt
ton to what Mr.. Dixon had to say, ST.
lence which added not little to the i'm
pressiyeness of the latter's eloquence.
When Mr. Dixon was through, Mr.. Lin
coin said to him: "Dixon, you are a
good fellow and I have always had high
opinion of you. 1t is needless for me to
add that what comes from those who sent
YOU here is authoritative The Governors
of the Northern States are the North.
What they decide must be carried out.
Still in justice to myself, you must re-
member that Abraham Lincoln is the
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
Lincoln will by the people be held re.
sponsible for the Prsident's action. But
have a proposition to make to you.
Go home and think the matter over.
Come to me tomorrow morning at 8
O'Clock, and I will promise to do any
upon as the right and proper thing to do.
Good night"
Mr.. Dixon left the White House feeling
even larger than when he entered it. as
sured that the President put higher
value upon his abilities than he himself
supposed. Diminishing this pleasant
thought, he consulted with himself as to
what should be done when the resposi-.
bility fell on him to decide the policy of
the President of the United States. Many
suggestions occurred to him, but one
after another was dismissed as for the
reason out of the question. When morn
ing light broke he had not determined
upon the cause, upon the pollcy Which he
was to impose upon the PRESIDENT. He
decided he would not go to the White
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 an re-
ception at Secretary Seward's and Mr..
Dixon tried to get by the crowd without
attracting special attention. But the long
arm of the President shot out, grabbed
Dixon and dragged him one side. "By
the way, Dixon,'' said MIR. Lincoln, 81
believe I had an appointment with you
one morning about three weeks ago."
Mr.. Dixon said he did not recall a men,
ton 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 never to
keep that appointment. 81 thought
you would not when made it for you, -
was Mr.. Lincoln's comment.
1t makes big difference when man
has that to say when the responsibility
rests individually on him, as to what he
will do or refrain from doing.