The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-21
ABRAHAM LINcoLN's WIT.
, Master stroke That Paved u Way
for Attention..


Prof. Smith. for many years suparin-
tendent of the city schools OF Burlington.
Iowa, related to the writer a story about
Lincoln which ne asserted has never tefo-e
been printed and all who knew that coed
man will testify to his moral incapacity
for coming such a story. His statement 10
the writer was that he and Prof. Newton
Bateman. of Galesburg. Ill, wete with the
speakers on the platform as members OF
the Republican central committee. or as a
subcommittee to accompany Mr.. Lincoln
on This occasion. The Incident occurred at
one OF the joint meetings between Stephen
A. Douglas ana Mr. Lincoln during the
memorable senatorial campaign Of 1853.
The tive gentlemen referred TO. Mr..
Douglas. and many other persons OF dis
tinction were with the speakers on ths
platform Douglas opened the debate with
a speech OF an hour and half. He seemed
TO be all inspired by the occasion the i'm
mediate presence of his wife and the large
and appreciative audience, to surpass him
self His argument and uratory were con-
vincing and nverpowering His title to the
cognOmen. Little Giant" given him by
his friends. was fully demonstrated By his
eloquent performance.
As point after point was made amid the
applause OF his friends and admirers they
grew more and more confident and elated
while Lincolns friends were correspond
ingly discouraged and depressed. So elo-
quent and convincing was his address that
Prof Smith leaned over and whispered to
his friend and colleague, Prof. Bateman:
"Bateman. We are licked this time Lin
coin can never answer this address: the
crowd is so carried away with Douglac
that it will he impossible for Lincoln to
get hearing" wait and see" was the
reply of Bateman.
During the delivery OF his opponents
address Mr.. Lincoln sat with legs crossed.
head bowed. eyes partially closed. and
countenance as expressonless as parch-
meut. When Douglas had concluded his
address and taken his seat. Mr.. Lincoln
remained seated. allowing the friends OF
Douglas to cheer and shout TO their hearts
content. He then arose and walked slowly
and deliberately to the front OF the plat
form. raised himself to his full height. and
looked over his audience for a little with
out uttering syllable.
He then began to unbuttOn and slowly re-
move a long linen buster which covered
a conventional suit OF black. After folding
it with great care and elaboration. he
handed It TO some one just back OF him
and said in his clear. penetrating voice.
that reached every ear in his now quiet and
expectaut audience. Young man hold that
while | stone Stephen
The effect was electrical and all that
Mr.. Lincolns friends could have desired.
Douglas eloquence was forgotten. The
audience was quick to catch the force and
point OF this play on words. They laughed
and cheered aud were at once placed in
that receptive attitude tina. was necessary
for MIR. I.incoln's successful reionder.
Mr. Lincoln had, by this master stroke of
wit. secured the good will and kindly at
tention OF his hearers while lie proceeded
to stone Stephen with arguments which
have permanently enriched political litera-
ture and made the speaker the first Re
publican President OF the United States