The Washington herald., 1908-05-17

the patrioism Of yuur people assure me that the
government can rely on your State for such sup
port as Is in your power.
Nh LRcoln's eontenance when in repose was
the saddest l ever saw. but when he smiled to en-
courage a visitor. desired to show him the I'M
possibility cl granting his request his face would
overflow With genial good humor; and he would
usually tell an auecdote which would illustrate the
situation and invariably Induce his visitor 10 agree
with him. whether be granted or refused the re-
quest
And then, some years afterWard, when he had
been admitted 70 the privilege OF friendship with
AiT. Lincoln he tells about coming into Washing
ton on the fatal day that saw LincolHs sssassina-
ton.
The tain arrived in Washington AT an early hour.
and went to Wiliard's Hotel where We took a
nap. But being tired. oversight ourselves. When
breakfast vas over il vas too late 90 call on Pres
ident Lincoln. who received visitors al 10 O'Clock
in the morning and at oclock at night We
waited until evening and called TO see him. An
usher took cur cards He returned IN about Eve
minutes with card from Mr. Lincoln on which was
written:
4 am engaged to go to the theater With Mrs.
Lincoln. II IS the KIND Of engagement l never
break. Come with your friend tomorrow ar 10. and
SHAH be glad 20 sea you. A. LINCOLN.
Those were the last words Abraham IAncoln ever
wrote. did not preserve the card. not considering
it OF any importance for had received many such
frum the President at various times. AZ ] walked
down stairs With Judge Searies our way 0ut.
dropped the Presidents note on the floor At the
fTOnt entrance Mr.. Lincoln placing his vile
IN carriage. ! intending To pass without
inteTrupting them. but he saw and extended his
hand cordially. introduced Ju6ge SesTles 70 him.
He repeated that be would be glad 70 see as IN
the morning. babe goodnight. entered the car
Tiage. and drove away. 1t vas the last time
saw him alive,
Not Afraid to Tell the Truth.
With the politics Of that time, that to
many Of US are Just a history. Senator
Stewart was well acquainted. for he was
a part and parcel Of the times And one
fine thing about his "reminiscences is that
in them he is not afraid 70 set down plain
truths. let them hurt who they will
Stereotyped history makes light Of the
story Of how Vice President Johnson was
notified that he had succeeded to the
Presidency of this nation Senator Stew
art was one Of those who went to notify
him, and who found him IN a disgraceful
condition. Thus he narrates the incident:
After some little delay Johnson opened the door
and He entered The Vice President was u his
bare feet, and only partially dressed as though he
had hUTlc1J drawn On q laiT Of trousers and a
shirt He was occupying two little rooms about
ten feet square. and We entered Of them a sit
tingroon, while he finished his toilet in the other
II
very rlmpled coat, and presenting the appearance
Of drunken nan. lie was dirty shabby. and his
hair was matted. though with mud from the gut
ter. while he bliEked al US through squnting eyes
and lurched around unsteadily He had been on a
bender' for month, As be came into the room
We were all standing. johnson felt for a chair and
sat down. Chief JustiCo Chase sd ven sOemnly:
'Ehe President has been assassnated. lie died
this morning I have come 20 administer the oath
Of Office TO yGa
johnson seemed dazed at first. Then be jumped
up thrust his right ann up as far as he could
reach. and said in thick. gTun hoarse voice;
I'm ready"
The Chief Justice administered the oath John
son-President JohusOr-Weut back TO his bedroom,
and We retired.
Interesting, too, as showing something
Of the social manners Of Washington at
the period OF Senator Stewards early ca
reer are some of his pen pictures of men
at the nations Capitol For instance, he
tells US:
James A McDouga1 Who was Senator from Cali |
fouia al the time l entered that body was 8 re-
maTkahle character He had Tractioed law at the
bar IN Illinois with Mr.. Lincoln. and they were
warm personal friends. He was a man Of great
learning not alone IN his profession being familiar
with history and the classics but unfortunately |
after he went TO the Senate he fell a victim 10 |
alcoholic drink and said and did many queer things
One night he lell into a sewer which being /
excaYated IN front Of Stewards house. 4 policeman
saw him fan in ard asked him who he was.
Why get me out" said McDougan. I am /
Seward "