The Republican journal., 1909-09-16
Lincoln and Hamlin.
An Interesting Contribution to Political
History nv Frank w. COwen.

Lincoln dHQ l1dHlllIl.
An Interesting Contribution to Political
History by Frank w. Cowen.
have been deeply interested in read
ing the late public addresses and news
paper articles on the life of Hon. Hanni-
bal Hamlin, and especially so in reading
the recent article in the magazine Sec
ton of the Lewiston Journal in which the
question is asked as to whether an injus-
tee was done Mr.. Hamlin in 1864. Now,
have not time to enter into lengthy
discussion of this important question, but
am frank to admit that after some re-
search in the matter my opinion is that
President Lincoln had more or less to do
with leaving the name of Hannibal Ham,
lin off the national ticket in 1854 The late
Col. A. X. Mcclure of Philadelphia and
other distinguished men in the Republi-
can party claim that he had, and have
some data among my papers which would
seem to bear them out in their state
ments, and which will briefly submit.
Some years ago, while an international
lecturer and worker for the order of
Good Templars, devoted several months
service to Ohio and while in that State
spoke in the fine old town of Cadiz not
far from the Ohio river.
Cadiz was the home of the Father of
the 14th amendment of our constitution,
the Hon. John A. Bingham, one Of the
most eloquent and brilliant orators of
ante-bellum days. He was long one Of
the most distinguished members of Con-
gress and closely identified with the great
measures which came before that body,
such as reconstruction, the great consti-
tutional amendments, and the impeach-
1o1~ hof
he had to say upon political and legisla-
tive matters during the Civil War and the
reconstruction period should be consider
ed good authority touching the stupen
dous events of that era Of our nations
history
/ had the pleasure of meeting this aged
statesman while in Cadiz and remember
that he was then over 80 years Of age
and retired from all the active duties of
life. His hair was as white as snow, and
his distinguished presence and erect bear
ing even at that advanced age left a vivid
impression on my mind. He spoke in
high terms of the eminent men of Maine
and said that our State would have had
the honor of once having President if
Hannibal Hamlin had received the nomi
nation for vice president in 1864; but, said
he, II suppose Lincoln thought it was
UctC6I W save CIlC ulC VI Vic udIlOA NY
selecting candidate for Vice President
from a rebel State rather than from
northern State like Maine "Can it be
possible, 4 said, "that President Lincoln
had anything to do with this matter him
SELF" more, sir, than a good many
might Think said Mr.. Bingham. land
furthermore that was one of the greatest
political errors and most lamentable
things that ever occurred in our history.
If there is anything of which l have rea-
son to be proud" said this venerable
man as his features lighted up with en-
thusiasm, ''it is that it pleased God to
give me strength to try to impeach An
drew johnson for his high crimes and
misdemeanors in office; but there" said
he, with far away look in his eye,
from constitutional standpoint per-
haps it was we'll that johnson escaped
conviction.
Thus he talked on and when l came to
bid him good bye and bow over his tremb-
ling hand could only say, God bless this
grand man, who once said, in great
speech in Congress just before the dark
days of secession, sour constitution must
give to Congress express power to secure
to every man of whatever race, equal
rights and protection under the law"
These were noble words, spoken by
noble man, but as to whether or
not it was the influence of President
Lincoln, whose name we love and honor,
that prevented Mr.. Hamlin from receiv-
ing the nomination for vice president l
do not know, but have always felt since
my interview with Hon. John a. Bing-
ham that an injustice was certainly done
him in 1864
Before | close let me add that always
have admired the political independence
of Hannibal Hamlin. He was reared as
Democrat, yet when his party bowed
its knee to slavery he left it and helped
to organize political party to carry out
his principles. Would that other public
men in the State and nation today were
as independent politically as was Hanni-
bal Hamlin. He believed in principle
rather than in party and was man of
strong convictions and noble thoughts.
Long will his name live, long will it stand
among the brightest stars as lover Of
justice and of right.
Nothing can cover his high fame but Heaven.
No Pyramids set off his memory,
But the eternal substance of his greatness
To which we leave him"
FRANK W. GowEN.
Waterville, September 3, 1909.