Evening journal., 1915-12-06
New News Of Yesterday
A Book That Amused
President Lincoln
By Holland

The volumes, two in all, published
some weeks ago. which contain some
of the letters written by John Hay,
and various extracts from his diaries
should confirm the estimates Of his in
tellectual and temperamental charac-
ter as well as his achievements in
diplomacy which the American peo-
pie entertained before his death,
while serving as Secretary of State
in the second administration of Theo-
dore Roosevelt.
Occasional reference IN Mr.. Hays
diary written at the time he was
brought into daily personal associa-
tion with William II. Seward, Secre-
tary OF State in President Lincoln's
administration, reveal, perhaps uncon-
sciously, how much Hay was influ
enced by Secretary Seward. He seems
to have been, while private secretary
TO President Lincoln, in congenial re-
lations with the Secretary of State.
possibly in part because both were
gifted with a very keen sense of hui
NOR. and permitted themselves much
indulgence in II.
In fact. President Lincoln himself,
with this Secretary of State, Gov.
/ Seward. and his private secretary,
John Hay, used with JOY to have meet
ings OF an evening. which were given
up to exchange Of humorous views of
I humor-inspiring situations which had
come to their notice.
The late Frederick w. Seward, who
was Assistant Secretary of State un-
der his father, and had himself a keen
90 ..I1 ].
narrated 10 me years after he retired
4 from the State Department, some Of
/ the humorous incidents associated
+ with that department of which he had
/ recollections.
was reminded while reading the
life of John Hay of one of the anec-
dotes with which Mr.. Hay was asso-
/ ciated which was narrated by Freder-
ick W. Seward. There had been for
several weeks much anxiety in the
administration in Washington re-
specting certain military movements.
The President was much concerned
over the reports he received from the
front. AS usual, when thus disturbed,
he turned to humor for relief
zone evening"" MIR. Seward said,
"the President with his private sec
retary by his side, conspicuous figures
by reason OF the difference in size.
called at Secretary Stewards house.
They found the Secretary occupied
with some affairs of state, and he was
visably disconnected when the Presi-
dent and his private secretary ap.
peared. being apprehensive that they
brought bad news. In fact. he asked
them il they had any news that was
not good. and the President replied
that they had come on an excellent
mission.
"Thereupon Lincoln turned to John
hay and told the secretary that he
wanted 10 read some extracts from a
new book which, he said, Hay had
just picked up somewhere. 10 proved
to be a Portuguese work which trans
lated Portuguese language into Eng
lish Hay started to read the strang,
contorted sentences and in a few mo
ments both the President and his See
retary of State were convulsed will
laughter Hay read the book nearl,
through, and when he stopped Sewarl
asked him what the title of the worl
was. Hay replied, still maintaining
spirit of humor: It is English as She
Is Spoke"
"This evening of humorous literar,
adventure" Frederick W. Seward said
did both the President and the Sec.
retary of State a world of good, fol
those we're anxious days"
Copyright. 1915. by e. J. Edwards
All rights reserved)