The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1910-02-17
LINCOLN'S FIRST NOMINATION
Suggestions to Celebrate Its Fiftieth
Anniversary in Chicago, Endorsed
by Senator CulIOm.


few nights ago the suggestion of
Chicago newspaper that the fftieth
anniversary of the nomination of
Abraham Lincoln at Chicago for
the presidency be properly observ-
ed by grand national celebration
in that city during the middle of
next May, said:
Il was present on the memorable
occasion, not as delegate, but
among the public admitted, and it
was a grand convention. l can
see no objection to great celebra-
ton in Chicago on the fiftieth an
niversary, and | have no doubt
the people of the country will join
in making it great success. Pub
lie men cheerfully will; cooperate,
and l have no dohbt the president
will be glad to accept an invitation
to be present and deliver an ad-
dress.
Such a celebration would do
much to awaken pat iotism among
our people and promote unselfsh
love of country instead Of love of
one scheme or ambition as against
another. There is occasion for
patriotism these days as there was
when the Chicago convention was
held fifty years ago, and such cele-
brations as that proposed must be
helpful to the whole country.
The memory of the martyr
Lincoln is dear to US all. The
day has arrived when our people,
undivided, can see him at his true
wor h and appreciate his greatness.
| know his nomination was at the
time construed in certain circles as
the cause of war, but the error of
that view long since has been ad-
mitted.
The convention which it IS
suggested should be celebrated
was note worthy. 1t was a quiet
but determined struggle within
the party. | remembeT how the
delegates and audience were sway
ed as the fortunes of the leaders
changed. The supporters of
Seward were wild with Joy when
during the balloting their candI-
date appeared in the lead, just as
those of Lincoln were when their
choice showed to advantage. Ac-
tual tears were shed as their can
/ didates receded, but with all of the
enthusiasm and ardor the conven-
ton proceeded with its work IN a
most impressive manner.
ITO ME the most impressive fea-
ture of a celebration such as that
suggested would be participation
of our great men to eXtol the viz
tues of Lincoln and reawaken
dormant patriotism.
Chicago citizens generally re-
ceived the suggestion with consid-
cradle enthusiasm. Among G. a.
r. men the idea of celebrating the
anniversary was received with
much enthusiasm. 1t was said
that all of the patriotic orders in
Chicago would be glad to partiCi-
pate in commemorative exercises,
John S. Varley, head of the Union
Veterans union, hailed the prOpos-
ed celebration as fitting tribute
and said he had no doubt that the
G. A. R. and other patriotic or
CARNATIONS would gladly take it
up.
Lincoln was the greatest Of
modern statesmen, said Mr.. Var
ley, land any celebration held to
commemorate any event in his life
cannot help but foster love for
their country in the hearts OF all
classes of citizens.
THE fiftieth anniversary of the
nomination of Lincoln is an event
that particularly deserves public
notice. The convention really
marked turned point in the his
tory of the country. 1t was the
beginning of that period of suffer
ing and stress that cement forever
and with blood the ties that bind
together the states that form the
Union"