Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-09-16
The Name of Lincoln.

The London Spectator, in an article on
the subject of the causes that are drawing
England and America together says:
I'VE do not think, as Mr.. Adams seems
to think, that it is chiefly due to English
admiration for the wealthy the successful,
the masterful. Thoughtful Englishmen do
not admire certain aspects of American life.
and those aspects are peculiarly the outcome
of wealth, success and masterfuiness. We
believe that the approach is due to the fact
that the two nations, by the interchange Of
literature and art, and by the frequent in
tercOurse of personalities, are realizing that
they have in truth common national ideals
that are shared by no other nation are
realizing that by joint effort those ideals
will be attained and that by contrary eff
forts they will be wrecked. 1t is sufficient
explanation.
IF proof Is asked for, we think we can
prove our point. Who Is the American best
known in England, most respected, most
loved? Unquestionably Abraham Lincoln.
Take any great popular gathering of En-
glishmen and speak to them of Mr.. Lin
coln and response, intelligent and SYM
pathetic is certain. But will Mr. Adams
tell US that this typical American. who Is so
universally respected In England, represents
the wealthy. the successful. the masterful?
If so. the people of England have strangely
misread the life and character of Mr.. Lin
coin
What magic seems now to attach to Mr.
Lincoln's name? While President he was
the object Of as much abuse and ridcuis IN
England as here at home In fact. all Of the
SANDERS and gross caricatures that were
produced here were reproduced there. His
ungainly figure. his unconventionalties CT
speech and action his quaint sayings about
men and measures, were all accepted in
England at their anti-Union American value,
and contributed somewhat to the feeling
that the south must certainly win the fight
How could any cause succeed which was
committed to such a raw and outlandish in
dividual?
England necessarily, reached an appre-
citation of the real Lincoln at little later
day than his enemies did here at home. But
she reached 1t in time to pay suitable tri-
butte to his character and genius when he
was killed. and then both press and orators
Joined in the general Judgment that the
United States had lost its greatest man.
Since then. we may easily believe, the name
OF Lincoln has steadily grown upon En-
glishmen of education and character until
now, as the Spectator puts it, he is the
best known. most respected and most
loved" OF Americans In English eyes.
At home here he has had a marvellous
fortune His name in less than forty years
after his death, is conjured with by all par
ties. Some of his warmest praises are
sounded by men who fought in the ranks of
the confederacy. Henry Watterson who
wore the gray, has more than once toured
the south and filled it's public halls with au-
diences come to hear the story of Lincoln
eioquentiy recounted. And, Teller. in an at
tempt to justify his recent change from
republicanism to democracy, describes him
self as Lincoln democrat and insists
that if Mr.. Lincoln were alive today he
would be member of the democratic party
That statement shows the power of Won
derful character whose work while he was
President was for all time