Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1919-02-06
uartured President Most lllustrious
Example of What World Calls the
Self-Made Man.

of the occurred about
year after he went to work at New Salem. Sanga- |
mon county. remains question 1t need not |
bother any one, however because the war did |
occur and Lincoln did go into it as captain OF |
volunteers.
This might be been the turning |
point n career. Up to this time not |
found himself studying, but drifting He
does not appear to have had aim in life be-
yond the ambition to educate himself and to sue
Lincoln afterward said that his experience in
the Black Hawk gave him greater pleasure
than anything that ha him to
that time He had opportunity to distinguish
himself in that little conflict but he returned o
New Salem public Importance than
when he left it. He started but it failed,
and the debts fell upon him He was appointed
postmaster the office he held
He ran for the legislature, but was defeated But
the next election he again. and elected
and later returned for another term
Law and Politics
While he was keeping a general store he began
the study of said of his
first books of the laws of Indiana
and that about all the law he knew TO
hat time.
1t was while serving legislator in Illinois
that Lincoln the blot
OF slavery, which he began oppose with all his
might and influence After he decided retire
from the legislature started practice law,
having licensed O practice 1887. He
moved to Springfield where the remainder of his
days, o Washington 5 president,
mainly spent.
In 1916 he elected to seat in congress,
but he declined reelection and settled down to
the practice of his profession in Springfield.
Lincoln spent his spare time in the store of his
friend, Joshua Speed, rendezvous
of many prominent in that section. He
famed for his stories and for his keenness in de-
bate 1t was in this little general store that Lin
coin first Douglas debate. Douglas was
regarded far and wide a little giant in debate.
and he remarked that the store place for
him to debate any question with Lincoln
BY this time Lincoln had become something of a
politician. His party the Wing He took
lively interest in political affairs. finally took
the Wing side in a joint debate with the
Democrats. Lincoln was the last speaker IN that
debate but his deepest hold the
spectators and added greatly his reputation.
1t in Springfield that Lincoln married Mary
Todd who it is interesting also
sought in marriage by Douglas. who thus became
Lincoln's opponent love well politics,
but beaten by him in both
AS a lawyer Lincoln might have appeared lazy
to those who did not understand his methods. He
disked office work and the drawing of legal pa
pers but when a case had to be brought to the
element He was born debater and storyteller.
o point home.
He had the genius for putting the human touch to
did, and his honely SMILES and good stories
often went further than his opponents knowledge
the
Apostle Abolition.
But should be imagined that Lincoln knew
no law, that would be g mistake. often
up small hours night
ing law and studying a case while his opponents
probably would be soundy sleeping When he
court he master of his and
goes long way toward winning a verdict
The practice beginning to take a
firm hoI Lincoln OF politics
when the Missouri Compromise enacted That
reused and from that time he was
strongly for the abolition of slavery.
position known throughout coun
trv for he had stumped the East for TAYLOR years
fund OF anecdote had penetrated the East. conse
when it evident to the country that
it on a conflict between slavery
and abolition, Lincoln made O
the party firmly intrenched n the prin
cipIe O compromise with Shareholders
nominated. and was enthusiastically elected
the election 1860
He scarcely taken his seat when the
burst the country 1t trying time, and
no one suffered under 1t more than did
himself. But he meant to do his duty. and,
always had been his habit, he did it them although
it unpleasant and most difficult
When made inroads man,
homes, Lincoln had unpleasant duty o per
form. synpathized with the mothers left a
home and did what he could for their boys a tn,
front e received the mothers he
House. talked things with them, and nearl,
every one of them left feeling that boy 1
friend who looked him although lie was fa
away army corps doing his duty.
this gentle character who coldl,
struck when the
and the country getting ready rejoice a
The whole country. a
well mourned the n
south. VIII the had been disastrous
the name of Lincoln Joined memory witt
grand human, just character. who evel