The Washington herald., 1910-02-13

| concerning some proposition: But viii
| Kentucky stand pat?' D Kentucky"
| exclaimed the Senator. Then d YOU
cried Mr.. Lincoln, with warmth. But.
much as he loved his native State, there
were points on which he would put his
| foot down even to her.
L remember at one time, when going
toward the White House, meeting Mr..
Sweat, distinguished politician from
| Illinois. He said he had left Mr. Lin
coin in tears. He had been describing
the death of a friend in Illinois. who had
been mortally wounded al Shiloh After
the President had heard the narration,
he said: Sweat. you must stop Just
there; 1 can't hear any more OF this.
and he burst into tears.
with all his simplicity and unac-
quaintance with courtly manners, his
native dignity never forsOok him in the
presence Of critical or polished strangers.
but mixed with his angularities and bon
hommie was something which spoke the
fine fiber Of the man; and while hts
sovereign disregard Of courtlv ccnven-
tionalities was somewhat ludicrous. his
native sweetness and straightforwardness
of manner served to disarm criticism and
impress the visitor that he was before a
man pure. self-poised, collected, and
strong in conscious strength.
The simplicity Of manner in ali inter
views showed his total lack Of considera-
ton Of what was due his exalted station.
lie had an almost morbid dread Of what
he called, "a scene'-that is. a demonstra-
ton OF applause such as always greeted
his appearance in public. The first sign
OF a cheer sobered him; he appeared sad
and oppressed, suspended conversation.
and looked out into vacancy; and when It
Was over resumed the conversation lust
where IT was interrupted with an obvious
feeling OF relief
The simple habits Of Mr.. Lincoln were
so well known that it is a subject for sur
prise that watchful and malignant trea-
son did not sooner take that precious life
which he seemed 70 hold lightly. He
had an almost morbid dis. Ike for an es-
cort, or guard, and daily exposed himself
To the deadly aim OF an assassin. One
summer morning passing by the White
House at an early hour, I saw the Presl-
dent standing at the gateway. looking
anXiously down the street; and. In reply
10 salUtatiOn. be said Good morning.
good morning, am looking for a news
boy when you get TO that corner 7 wish
you would start one UP this way There
are American citizens who consider such
things beneath the dignity OF an official in
high place
Going out Of the front door Of the
White House one morning, he met an Old
lady who was pulling vigorously at the
door bell, and asked her what she wanted.
She said that she wanted 10 see. Abraham
the Second The President, amused, asked
who Abraham the First might he. if
there was second? The old LADY. re-
Piled, Why, Lor' bless you; we reed
about the first Abraham in the Bible. and
Abraham the Second IS our President
She was told the President was not in his
Office then, and when she asked where ne
was. she was told. Here he is Nearly
petrifled with surprise. the old lady man
aged 10 tell her errand, and was told 10
come next morning at 8 o'clock. when she
was received and kindly cared for by the
President"
My friends" he said, in a clear. fun
voice, 1t is an easy thing for men 10 run
this flag UP TO the top Of the staff. but il
viii take the whole nation 20 keep II
there A shout rang out from the null
utUGe. one Of those wild impUlsive echoes
of d thousand hearts. which bespeak the
enthusiasm Of untried strength. Il seem
ed an easy thing TO the people. with the
tramp Of those 10000 new troops in their
ears, 10 keep thousands Of Star Spangled
Banners skyward; but before many days
had passed, the rush Of fugitive feet. as
they fed along those very pavements.
proved how prophetic was that simple
Err+rh IF TB~asFEavr z