The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1915-03-04
An Interview With
President Lincoln
By F. A. mitchell

edy that deprived a nation OF Its head
and at the same time made martyr
will soon be here. Those who lived
during MIR. Lincoln's time remember
him as well for that kindliness, that
| humorous pathos. which characterized
him as for the marvellous adroitness
with which he steered the ship of state
through the turbulent waters OF four
years OF war. His assassination was
one Of the most tragic events OF the
worlds history.
1t was away back in the autumn OF
1880. l was then twenty years old,
had been graduated from one of the
large eastern colleges and had selected
Journalism for profession. When
asked what was my vocation l did not
reply II am a reporter" but journal
ism" From this 1t is to be Inferred
that HAD a high opinion Of the news
paper business and a cOrrespondingly
high opinion of my own attributes. be-
ing in SO exalted calling.
My work was with a Chicago news
paper, and some time after Abraham
Lincoln's election to the presidency. of
the United States ! was directed by
the managing editor to go to Spring
field, see Mr.. Lincoln, II possible. and
get an interview. | arrived in Spring
field in the morning and in the after
noon went to MIR. Lincoln's home.
was surprised at being admitted with
out any ceremony whatever and was
ushered into q living room. wherein
sat the next president in rocking
chair. There were two little boys, his
sons, with him. the one sitting on his
shoulder, maintaining his position by
his grip with both hands on the presi-
dent elects hair. The other boy was
climbing up behind with a view to dis
llpute his brothers seat and to effect
similar Judgment on the other shout.
der t~
Mr. Lincoln was restrained from ris
ing with one boy on his shoulder and
lanother holding on to his coat collar.
HE excused himself for not doing SO
and put out his hand In very friendly
way. But he made no move to stop
the boys from their athletic amuse-
ment This did not seem to me quite
in keeping with his dignity as the
coming chief executive of a great ma
tion-to me. a Journalistic representa-
tive Of a great newspaper. However,
| i repressed my feelings and began the
interview, first drawing forth with as
much Importance as l could assume
notebook in which to lay down those
remarkable facts which the president
elect would announce through me to
the nation.
"Mr. Lincoln" l said, IL shall be
much obliged to you II you will give
me the names OF such members of
your cabinet as you may have decided
upon, II any, and what policy you in
tend to pursue. II you have settled
upon policy"
Mr.. Lincoln looked at me In so kind
iy, so fatherly a way that I believed
he would give me such information as
would enable me to astonish the
world.
IL, shall be glad" he said, ito do
anything for you In my power"
"Have you settled on your cabinet,
Mr.. LincolnT
"Oh. yes. Every member has been
decided upon"
"And your policyY'
THAT has been determined too"
There was something In his eye that
puzzled me. I.s...
would you have any objection to
giving them to meT
"None whatever. You are welcome
to It all. Nothing would give me more
pleasure than to Give
He was trying TO put his hands in
bis pocket--a somewhat difficult mat
ter with a boy on each shoulder maui
ing him-to draw forth something, but
not finding what he wanted, he con-
tinued:
1.-THE truth is that q list of my cabi-
net and an outline OF my policy are In
that desk over there, and have lost
the key" r
cast a quick glance at his eye and
saw merry spark in It, while the cor
ners Of his mouth were quirked up.
took In the situation at once. Shut
ting my notebook. arose and. abash-
ed. was about to withdraw when he
stopped me. &
'Sit down. young man." he said.
perhaps l may give you some other
points that are not locked up and the
key lost You have come all the way
from Chicago for facts. and If you
go back empty handed they won't like
1T There may be something ! can say
to help you out"
He proceeded to tell me humorous
incidents of the election that had given
him the presidency and other items
that would not pledge him to any par
ticular course. all Of which took down
verbatim. When he had finished he
shook of. the boys and. rising-l
thought that he would surely go
through the ceiling out his great
broad hand and with another OF his
kindly smiles babe me adieu. hoping
that would satisfy my Journals hun
CRY nav.
That is more than half a century
ago. The world now knows what II
did not know then-the wise patience
Of Abraham Lincoln. But what mas
fixed that wisdom and patience in the
shcc ~<u - that kindness