The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1908-02-20
Governor Davidson.S Sends Classic
Letter in Commemorative Of
Lincoln's Birthday
FINDS HIM NATIONS PRIDE
Governor Warmly Applauds Acts of Ma
lions First Martyred President in
Letter to Republicans of
Racine and Kenosha

Governor James O. Davidson is vim
ing a great deal Of favorable comment
in this and other states on account Of
the letter which he wrote in declining
the invitation to attend the Lincoln
Club banquet in Racine on Wednesday
evening. It is doubtful if any Wiscon-
sin man ever paid a better tribute to
Abraham lincoln than that paid by the
Governor in his letter. He said:
II am in receipt of your cordial in
vitation to attend the annual celebra-
ton of the birth Of Abraham Lincoln
under the auspices of the Lincoln club
of Racine. 1t is with sincere regret
that [ am obliged to advise you that
the demands upon me are so great at
the present time that I can not accept.
Ono other character in American
history inspires more respect and ad-
miration throughout the world than
Abraham Lincoln. All nations recog-
nize III him a man who, by his honesty,
sincerity and ability, won the affection
land respect Of the people, and when
we reflect on his broad humanity and
devotion to truth we realize something
of the magnitude Of mind that mark
ed man chosen by the great creator
for a gigantic task. He accomplished,
under God, great things and made
reputation that can never be furnished.
He will be more and more appreciated
as the history of his day will be better
understood. His patriotism was as lofty
as his sympathy was broad. With him
difficulties only served to develop new
energies and manifest his undying de-
votion to the peoples welfare. He
moved onward in the paths Of duty
according to the lights that God vouch-
safed him. His appeal to arms to save
the union and to sustain the rights Of
man was a stimulus to freedom through
out the world. Encouraged by his
example the lovers Of liberty Of all
lands were stimulated to continue to
struggle against oppression and tyran-
ny, and we are all better for the heroic
example of his life and work, and yet,
bitterness, mingled with great sorrow,
those long anxious years during which
he guided, with steady hand the ship
Of state amidst the darkest storms. in
to the harbor Of safety. He had enter
ed the border Of the promised land and
could see with prophetic eye the future
glory Of the republic he had saved, and
yet he was not permitted to enjoy the
triumph of his great achievement.
In the bitterness Of sorrow there
is still occasion for gratitude. The
dark cloud was fringed with golden
edge and we can say, thank God, he
lived to see the promised land toward
which, with patriotic faith, he had so
long been journeying. We hope that
the freedom which was bought by Lin
coin S life and the lives of his faithful
soldiers may ever be cherished by the
American people.
Under the leadership Of Abraham
Lincoln slavery was banished from the
United States, and in the struggle for
It's destruction the principle of human
liberty was more firmly established
than before
It is indeed fitting that an association
like your own meet on Lincoln 5 birth
day and bring to the attention of the
people, and especially those who become
the future citizens of the republic, the
virtues Of this simple hearted man who
lived only for the service Of mankind.
8 In the life Of Abraham Lincoln the
private citizen and the public servant
have model which, if faithfully initial
ed, would make this land of ours
heaven upon the earth"