Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1925-02-11
The Swing OF Power.

The best comment on the life and
character of Lincoln the writer mas
read was written by Robert G. niger
soil. AS this is probably out of print,
we will publish it some time for the
readers benefit. He describes Lincoln
as a man of humorous temperament
who sometimes told rather broad sIor-
les. But these things were superficial
Once he dared the pOmpous and arlsto-
cratic Charles Sumner OF Massachus-
etts to take off shoes with him and
measure back to back in their STOCK
inc feet. to see who was the taller.
Edwin M. Stanton after meeting Lin
coin in the fifties, referred to him con-
temptuously as "the giraffe. Know
ing this slight, Lincoln later appointed
Stanton secretary of war. He was VIII
ling to overlook personal insults for
the good of the nation. He picked a
winner in Stanton and completely won
his heart
An interesting comment has been
made on the swing of power from one
end of PENNSYLVANIA Avenue to the
other in that with a weak president
Congress becomes strong ana cohtro!s
national affairs When a strong presl-
comes
Significance as a collection of order
takers. -,
Federal power was weak until An
drew Jackson came in. There had been
strong presidents before that but the
national idea was young and the ola
states rights theory dominated even
the White House.
Jackson proved strong ana as
sertiye president. A Southerner, ne
souelched defiance on the part OF a
southern state toward asserting It's
sovereignty over the government at
Washington. Throughout his TERMS
Jackson made a vigorous president
erring no doubt but never failing 10
meet an issue in twO-tlsted manner
With the passing of Jackson came
cycle of mice men" presidents. For
about thirty years the White House
was occilpied by a series of amlable
presidents of no great force Ihese
men are shadows in the pages OF our
history.
And during that time Congress dom
mated Webster, Clay and Calhoun q
triumvirate of brilliant minds, ran
CONGRESS- and held the attention OF a
thrilled country. Their speeches ana
acts were quoted everywhere. Ihelr
debates we're repeated in every hlgh
school and lyceum. No one was strons
enough to be president although each
wanted to be. They held each otner
in check through jealousy ana anlpi-
tion. This cycle of weak presidents
and a strong Congress eliminated III
the well meaning but futile James bu-
chanan. ;a;r
And then came Lincoln. the crisis
was on and the strong man appeared
on the scene of action. Congress pc
gan TO take orders. The people kne"
their president and stood by nm.
4 strong president did not again
annear until Grover Cleveland was
elected Cleveland showed a vigorous
personality and posterity has allowed
him the great honor his generation re-
fused to give.
MCKINLEY. the essence of dignity ana
kindliness, was a fine type OF gentie-
man He could be firm too. But ne
lacked the robust qualities OF MS sue
cessor. Teddy Roosevelt, OF whom
many men still speak with bateo
breath and glistening eyes. RooseVel'
was a natural leader and great All
erican. - :.
Taft was well meaning but not q
presidential calibre He was folloWeu
by another strong president, "oou-