Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-05-11
A STORY ABOUT LINCOLN.
How He Made Would Be Adviser Feel the
Weight Of Responsibility.
Waterbury Americana

1t Is a story recalled apropos of the
tact that President Mckinley is showing
ihuch the same conservatism in his
treatment of Spanish-Cuhan complica-
tions that had previously been shown by
Mr.. tieveland-surprsng as this attitude
has been to many Republicans.
The story WAS told years ago by Mr.
Dixon OF Rhode Island a Repuhlican
congressman of prominence in war DAYS
II was when the war was still only half
over and many people at the North felt
that more vigorous policy was demand
ed There had been meeting OF promi-
neht Northern men. including governors
OF northern states. They passed resolu-
TONS that the campaign should be more
aggressive, and commissioned Mr. Dixon
to call on Mr. Lincoln. tell him OF the
meeting and read to him Il record of it's
conclusions. Mr.. Dixon saiu that he I'M
dertook the task with II good deal of sat
ISfaction. and felt like a very largest
man when he went up to the White
House one evening to deliver himself of
his mission.
Mr.. Lincoln listened without interrupt
ton to what Mr. Dixon had to say, a
silence which added not a little to the
lmpressiveness OF the latter's eloquence
When Mr.. Dixon was through Mr. Lin
coin SAID to him: Dixon YOU are a good
fellow, and l have always had a high
opinion of you. 1t is needless for me to
add that what comes from those who
sent you here is authoritative. The gov
North. What they decide must be carried
out. Still, in justice to myself, you must
remember 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 Presidents action. But
! have proposition to make to you. Go
home and think the matter over. Come
TO me tomorrow mOrniOp n / q n clock and
| 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 it.
assured that the President put a higher
value upon his abilities than he himself
supposed. Diminishing this pleasant
what should be done when the RESPONSE
bllity fell on him to decide the policy of
the President of the United States. Many
suggestions occurred to him, but one aft
err another was dismissed as lor some rea-
son out of the question. When morning
hight broke ne had not determined upon
his course. upon the policy which he was
to impose upon the President. He decid-
ed 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 re-
ception at Secretary Stewards, and Mr..
Dixon tried to get by in the crowd with
out attracting special attention. But the
long arm of the President shot out,
grabbed Dixon and dragged him one side.
I by the way. Dixon" said Mr.. Lincoln,
u believe l had an appointment with you
one morning about three weeks ago.
Mr.. Dixon said he did recall mention of
something of the sort. where have you
been all these weeks?' asked the Pres
ident. Here in Washington" said Mr..
Dixon; but to tell the truth. Mr.. Pres
ldent, | have decided never to Keep that
appointment" II thought you would not
when | made it for you, was Mr.. Lin
| coins comment
| 1t makes a. big difference when man
! has the say, when the responsibility