The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1902-12-21
"rhe Fame Of Lincoln"
Times-Demoerat.

New Orleans Times Democrat
1t is interesting to remark that not few news
papers OF ample influence in the Southern conf
monwealths agree that the placing OF Abraham
Lneoln's portrait in Mssssippi's Hall Of Fame
is in keeping with enlightened public sentiment IN
the Southern States 1t may be remembered that
We commended Director Rowland's act the mo-
ment we learned of il, and that our editorial ar
| tele awakened a spirit Of protest in certain
circles in the State OF Mississippi 1t may not be
arnss now to state that not only has the Northern
press been gratihed with the Southern recognition
Of President Liaeoln's just character and Jus;
fame but that in almost all the Southern states
newspapers Of weghty influence have sustained
the position taken by the Tiines-Demoerat Inc
Nashville American states that the placing OF
the great enaancipators likeness in Mississippi
capitol happily illustrates the trend Of the
time" The Atlanta Journal says that Director
Rowlands act indicates that the Southern peo-
pie are learning more rapidly that their North
ern countrymen to apprase accurately the value
OF the great characters in the civil period Of
our history. The Houston Post, in we'll con-
sidered article, takes similar view OF the ques-
ton.
The time is come" says The Post when
looking across the little scarlet line which we re-
joiee to know is tading--slowly but surely fad
ing--into forgetfuness, can dispassiorately
meet the eyes looking hither and take the meas
ure Of their honest depths, when can admire
the heroic figures linncd against their love and
PRIDE without dsparagng those that stand
against the background of OUR own enduring rec
ord,-wheh, indeed, critical contemplation can be
trusted to render fair judgment of character
and motive and catholic sentiment may indulge
in praise both for the statesmen and heroes who
preserved the Union and for those who in equal
PATRIOTISM and high purpose sought its dissolu-
ton. These reflections suggested by a con-
troversy in which the New Orleans Times Dem
ocrat is involved because it approved the accept
ance of portrait Of President Lincoln, presented
by his son, Robert T. Lincoln upon the socita-
ton Of the director Of the department Of archives
OF Mississippi to be placed in the new capitol"
Continuing, The Houston Post says:
Recognizing Mr.. Lincoln's virtues is not APP
proving the cruel aspersions OF his early partisans
against the men of the South. Indeed it is but
reciprocal Of process which is already at work
among the historians and pubcists OF the North
Prof. John w. Burgess Of Columbia university. in
late work on the civil war period ranks Mr.
Davis in character and ability as the equal If not
the superior Of Mr.. Lincoln. Hon. Charles Fran
els Adams OF Massachusetts, has recently paid
General Lee tribute OF exalted patriotism and
humanity in refusing to wage guerrilla warfare
President Roosevelt only the other day went out
OF his way in a speech at the dinner to Justice
bravery
OF the men who wore the blue and the men who
wore the gray. Even Senator Foraker the one
time hre-eater Of Ohio has introduced bill for
marking the graves OF Confederate soldiers who
died in Northern prisons
1T matters not what President Roosevelt said
in his calow days, nor what he has done in re-
speet to Southern problems in the maturer DAYS
OF his official responsibility History has written
and study is confirming the greatness Of Lincoln
not without fault Of character nor without the hui
man shortcomings which stressful crisis devel-
oped, but still greatness Of heart and head hal.
lowed by tragedy that sweetens his memory--a
greatness that the South was quick to realize in
the very hour OF his removal and which we shouId
all rejoice to acknowledge as product Of Amer
lean civilization and possession Of our Common
country
In this candid tribute we do not 1--we Dsvi.
or Lee less, nor dim their glories. nor shane
their memories nor dishonor the cause they IN.
held. Rather we hold DIP him and then, alike as
different types of the splendid manhood and the
noble patriotism that have made American eov
eminent the light of the world and that will nra
serve IT equally from dismemberment, distension
and decay"
1t is becoming increasingly clear to sober.
minded critics that the viewpoint taken bv n.
Post is not only historically accurate but also ~
ltically wise, and wise politically for the r.asor
that 1t is accurate historically. We earnestly be-
lieve that public sentiment in every So,,;hsr,
community from the Potomac to the Rio Grande--
from Richmond to Observation-Disclosures the DI,cir,
OF President Lincolns portrait in Mississinn;'s
capitol