The Washington herald., 1917-02-13
PATRIOTS PAY HONOR
To ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Former Speaker Cannon Relates
Anecdotes of Martyr President.
HAD MET LINCOLN FREQUENTLY
Was Ideal Man of Perfected Race.
Says DR.. Gordon.

The spirit of Abraham Lincoln passed
throughout the United States yesterday
and found a fulfillment Of the great Pres
ident's dream and a continuation of the
work for which he gave his life-a unified
nation.
In recalling Lincoln's exemplary life
and eulogizing his deeds and achieve
ments. in commemoration of the anniver-
sary of his birth. the nation must have
felt the presence of the national hero and
every American seemed inspired to
truer patriotism and realization of their
duty TO this country and to humanity.
Perhaps the largest local demonstration
was held in the First Congregational
Church last night. Veterans, who sur
vived the war of Lincoln's time, gather
ed with their sons and daughters and
an immense audience to pay tribute
Gray Heads Prominent
1t was . patriotic gathering. In look
ing over the vast audience one was at
tracted by the patch of white which was
formed by the gray heads of the veterans
assembled in seats Of honor In the front
of the church. Everywhere American
flags and bunting of the Stars and Stripes
were in evidence. The pulpit was draped
with a large flag. In front of the altar
rail stood a bronze statue of Lincoln.
was the telling of personal "reminiscences
of President Lincoln by Representative
Joseph G. Cannon, of Illinois.
He said that he never had the honor
of knowing Lincoln Intimately" but he
met him on many occasions, principally
in political conventions.
Representative Cannon declared that he
did not like 10 "reminisce, because that
is a sign that you are growing old"
Did Not Realize Greatness.
whenever I heard Mr.. Lincoln speak
drew long breath when he was fin
ished and said to myself, That Is Just
how 1 would have talked" continued
Representative Cannon.
He said taht Lincoln never realized that
he was a great man, nor did his friends
or associates. Mr.. Cannon believed that
Lincoln was eminently equipped mentally
and spiritually for the work which he
was called upon to do.
"Mr Lincoln was n great politician -
the speaker declared. and added. 81 have
no patience with the man VINO abuses
politicians"
Rev. DR.. James Logan Gordon, pastor
of the church, made an impressive ad-
dress, In which he dramatically pointed
to the statue Of Lincoln before him and
said, you are looking on the saddest and
sweetest face which ever gazed on hu-
msnity in the past 1000 years"
Amid applause. DR.. Gordon declared.
President Lincoln was a prophecy of
coming manhood. He was what perhaps
the ideal man and perfected race will
some day come to be. He was the ideal
for the future man and woman. Let us.
therefore, do our work well, for we are
doing It for the world and for all ages"
- arAa aet thin abnnt
Americans Is their spirit. and especially
their spirit which goes marching on
after their death"
DR.. Gordon said that Americans would
always remember Lincoln for his orig
tnality of thought, his eloquence, his hon
esty, his heartfelt sympathy, his heart
of tenderness, his moral convictions and
old fashioned religion.
The exercises were presided over by A.
P. Tasker past commander of the De-
partment of the Potomac. D. A. r., un-
der auspices of which body the demon
stration was held in conjunction with the
woman's Relief Corps. Legion of Loyal
Women, Ladies of the G. A. R., Sons and
Daughters of Veterans. Spanish War
Veterans and their auxiliaries.
In his Introductory remarks, Mr.. Tasker
said that the flag and cross should be
regarded as one.
Present the Flag.
presentation OF the colors was made
at the opening of the exercises while
the audience sang THE Star Spangled
Banner" led by the Marine Band.
Prayer was offered by Rev. DIR. Charles
T. Fultz, member OF Lincoln Camp. Sons
of Veterans. Vocal selections were given
by Mrs. Ethel Holtzclaw Gawler, Earl
Carbauh. and Mrs. William T. Reed. Col
John Tweedalc. L. S. A, read Lincoln's $
Gettysburg address.
In Congress, in the schools, at public
demonstrations, at gatherings of patriotic
societies, at meetings of citizens associa-
tions and in the homes of Washington,
honor and homage was paid to the men,
ory of Lincoln.