Evening star., 1922-05-30
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MARYLAND and Virginia.
Lincoln.

Lincoln.
Today, fifty-seven years after his
death, the nation dedicates to Abra-
ham Lincoln a memorial here in the
city of his great services and his su-
preme sacrifice. And today, almost
six decades after his life e. led, his
merits as a man and his incompatible
value to the nation are reckoned more
highly than ever before. as they will
continue to be appraised in rising val
uation in the future.
This long lapse Of time in the crea-
tion Of national memorial to him be-
tokens no lack Of appreciation. In one
way it is well that tie time of its con-
ception and execution has been long,
for in consequence the symbol that
rises upon the banks of the Potomac
river is doubtless more adequate' and
lastingly impressive than if it were of
earlier achievement.
A gigantic figure of the Lincoln
who served in the supreme crisis OF
the republic sits within a temple-like
structure with the face turned toward
the Capitol. So may the spirit of Lin
coin watch in confidence as the ma
tional destiny is achieved.
Abraham Lincoln was known to the
people of this country for but a short
time-in truth, less than a decade.
He gained nauonal notice first in his
defeat for tre Senate in the contest
which has hsen called the first skir-
mish Of war between the states. Ameri-
can history might have been greatly
different if he had been successful in
that campaign.
When he came to Washington he
was but little known to the people.
He entered the White House at the
most difficult time in the history of
the country. Conflict was certain.
How would this man of such slight
experience in public life, of such paro-
chial activity, who had appeared for
a brief space in Congress and had
passed out Of sight as failure there,
conduct the affairs of the nation in
such a crisis?
For a little more than four years
Lincoln served as President, four
years of the greatest suffering for
him, of the most tragic trials, of the
most stubborn problems. the most
grievous anxieties. The country did
not know him fully when his life was
cut short, just when he was most
needed. 1t had to wait to learn of his
true greatness, to discover from the
unfoldment Of the details of his serv-
ice how remarkable was the spirit
that sustained him and through him
sustained the nation.
The Lincoln that the American peo-
pie know today is the Lincoln of reve-
1ation, for not many could at the time
know fully the man of sorrowful
service who was compelled to admin
lister to war-torn country. Fortu-
nately there has been an amplitude Of
biographical revelation, and with all
the disclosure of Lincoln's ,labors and
IhOuSQtS anu IIlOI1N6S anu dCllOlS
there has come not only no lessening
OF honor but a steady increase of rev.
erence for the man and gratitude for
his services.
Now today the nation honors him
once more. as it has honored him
often in the past, but this time with
especial significance. In the presence
Of a great multitude words are spoken
that are carried to millions through
out the land, words Of appraisal and
Of inspiration. Few, indeed, there will
be tonight who have not caught the
echo of the dedication here in Wash
ington Of the nations monumental
tribute to the man who was chosen
for the highest office, who accepted
service with prayer for guidance, and
who went forth courageously for the
four years Of his duty with pity and
mercy for all and with unfaltering
fAith in the righteous outcome Of the
nations supreme trial.