The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1900-02-05

duct While member, as secretary OF
the treasury, of the last cabinet OF
President Buchanan. The country owed
him debt of gratitude on that account
much more than for all the good SER
vice he had previously rendered ae gov
ernor of the state of New York, as SEN
| ator of the United States, or as diplo-
mat representing the nation in Eu-
rope.
| AS soon as my formal introduction as
one of the presidents private secretaries
was over, I was quite willing to get
back again behind the table while these
| three remarkable men eat before the
| fire and discussed the critical aspect of
national affairs All my remaining du-
| ties were occasional responses to de-
mands for maps and papers to be hunt
| ed for in the portfolio. Then sort of
| deep awe came upon me as their CONVEX
sation passed deliberately, slowly, from
point to point. Their especial subject
for consultation was the policy thence
forth to be pursued with the border
states, Maryland, western and eastern
Virginia, Kentucky, eastern Tennessee,
and Missouri. 1t was a subject with
which Gen. Dix, for some reason, was
supposed to be exceptionally familiar,
and concerning which he had formed
decided opinions of his own. These
views, as they were now brought out
converse tionally, were found to be very
nearly, but not quite, in accord with
those of the president and the secretary
of state. 1t wac curiously informal
and yet unspeakably important night
council. Upon the decisions made then
and there might depend the immediate
future of large populations, states, and,
in proportional consequence, the well
fare Of the whole nation, the outcome
of the civil war itself.
The long conference ended at last.
The maps and papers were restored
to the PORTFOLIO The three great men
shook hands heartily, and Mr.. Lincoln
set out homeward. 1t was raining only
eighty, but the umbrella was up and
the president walked on under 1T very
slowly, as if he were thinking. Per-
haps it was my state pride which IN
duced me to venture the question,
"Now, Mr., Lincoln, what do you think
of Gen. Dix"
He was silent for a moment.
what do I think of him. he then
said" Well! This is the first time /
ever met him. but from what he has
said tonight from the advice he has
given, I should gay that Gen. DIX is
wise very wise mani"
That was satisfactory, and we walk
ed on to the breastwork- like stone para
pet of the sidewalk at the northeasterly
corner of the White House. Here the
president hated and stood still, gazing
southwark. In that rainy, misty gloom,
it was impossible for him to see the Po-
tomac or the fort crowned nights be-
yond It, There was dimly glimmering
points of light here and there, but all
that he was staring into was sort of
symbol of the great darkness which at
that date had settled over the country.
Tears like rain were falling every
where, and the wisest as well as the
bravest confessed their utter inability |
to forecast the things that were to come. |
Not syllable was spoken during that |
absorbed, gloomy look to-
ward the south, toward the confederacy. |
Then, moving YEARLY, the president |
turned away to the portico, and [ shut |
down the umbrella Old Edward had |
oeen watching, for the door swung open
md stream of light sprang out. There
lad been a comicality on his lips, ready |
FOR speech; but the old doorkeeper
ooked into Mr. Lincoln's face, and all |
he prepared fun died out of his own.
Not toward the household side of the
mansion, but up the other stairs to his
business office, the president led the way
Us If he had yet more work to do-if
here was ever any hour when he had
lot The portfolio was left upon the
ong cabinet-council table, and / return
II to my northeast room; but / did not
eel like opening or reading any more
etters / knew more than | had ever
Known before concerning the deadly
hangers beeetting the United States,
nd also much more of the deep-think
ng wisdom and patriotism by which
hose dangers We're to be met and over
ONE. Not by clashing army corps, up
n battlefield, but by three statesmen
efore a fireplace, had the nation been
veil defended and its future salvation
n a manner assured.-W. o. Stoddard
n the Christian Endeavor World.