Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1905-02-09
LINCOLN IN 1853,
His characteristics as Springfield
Lawyer at That Time Are
, Interesting.

AS the anniversary OF Lincoln's BIRTH
day comes round each year it is the GUS
tom to think OF him chiefly as he was dur
ing the four memorable years OF the war.
His greatness as then manifested is most
commonly contrasted with the obscurity
and uncouthness of his youth-as rail-
splitter, as postmaster and storekeeper.
But a no less interesting comparison Is
that Of Lincoln in his years OF waiting
the years previous to 1854.
In 1853, 50 years ago. Abraham Lincoln
was Springfield lawyer OF some local
note as one of several leaders In Illinois
whig politics. He was man OF A years
of age; a man who in middle lite, had
failed to secure any OF the prizes that he
really cared for 1t is true that he had
served several terms in the legislature.
ard had even been to congress for two
years. But he had achieved no especIa.
recognition. had taken part in no impor-
tant political movement. and was simply
one OF many in his opposition to the ex-
tension OF slavery into the new states AS
a campaign speaker he was already well
known in the west. His droll humor, his
relentless logic. his keen perception OF
approaching political changes. made
him easily chief among the wings. AS
citizen of Springfield. he was living Qul-
city. in an unpreten tious house-which
was. indeed, all that his slended means
permitted-bringing up his young chill
dren. The statement sometimes hearC
that at Springfield ne seldom attended
church has recently been contradlcteu
by citizen of that place. who remem-
bers that MIR. Lincoln not merely attend
ed church regularly, but was very
prompt in paying his pew rent
This man of A little dreamed OF what
lay before him. At an age when most
men, at least in the present day. are IL
sight OF the career BY which they are
afterwards remembered. Lincoln was
simply plain attorney, a country law
yer, though he happened TO live in city,
with some political ideas and tremen-
dous will waiting TO be put to the strain.
He was good man. just and kindly, but
as yet his moral and religious nature had
not been stirred to the depths. But for
- years and more he had been Flooding
away at the duties that came to him,
sharpening his wits and laying I'D re-
serve Of patience. Of courage. of know
ledge of men, for the crisis which ne
knew could not be long postponed.
A year later the hour of destiny ar
rived, and Lincoln knew his time had
come. The repeal of the Missouri COM
promise in 1854. and the controversy
over the states Of Kansas and Nebraska,
brought the question OF slavery Itself
sharply before the people OF illinois, The
share which Stephen A. Douglas took in
this affair on the side OF popular SOW
ereignty," with its bearing on the extern
sion Of slavery. gave Lincoln his oppor-
tunity. In those famous debates when
the tall. awkward Springfield lawyer
met the brilliant and famous statesman,
and deIeated him on his own ground.
Abraham Lincoln found himself. He
publican party was formed, Lincoln de-
Iiberately threw away a senatorship In
order to force the issue Of slavery In the
territories directly before the country.
and thereby became the logical leader OF
the new platform. "A house divided
against itself cannot stand" was the
platform. He stood upon 1t fearlessly.
and faced the future ready TO meet It's
unknown crises in whatever positica OF
leadership be might be placed.
How he met the crash Of war, all re-