The Wolf Point herald. (Wolf Point, Mont.) 1913-1940, 1928-02-17
Character Of Lincoln
Withstands Times Test

(From an grafton by Representative Rathbone of Hi
nois whose father and mother accompanied Lincoln to
Ford's theatre the fateful night of April IA, 1869
How shall we estimate the greatness of rulers? Surely,
not bv the glitter and glamor which accompanied their
lives. but by the enduring value to humanity of their
achievements. Some flashed like meteors across the
horizon of their day and were dreaded, flattered, or ador-
ed. whose names are now wellnigh forgotten have crum-
bIed. whose influence on future generations is at an end.
The names of other leaders of men fade with time; not
so with that of Abraham Lincoln. His is growing great
er, more honored, and beloved every year that passes.
The place of Lincoln in history is unique. All nations
have paid their tribute to his memory. In England Lord
Charnwood has written his biography! Drinkwater has
produced the famous play that has had such a spectacular
success on both sides of the ocean, and British statesmen,
especially such a leader as Loyd-George, have them in
their policies and have come to this country and made
special pilgrimages to the scenes of LincoIn's life and
death.
AS America towers today above other countries, so
Abraham Lincoln towers above all other statesmen of the
worlds history in the spotless purity of his purposes, in
the unselfishness of his devotion to the Hottest ideals, in
his tenderness of heart, his greatness of soul, in the ma
tional unity, which was his achievement, and in the bless
ing which he conferred on humanity.
Lincoln first convinced the minds of his fellow citizens,
then won the hearts of the Nation, and now has captured
the imagination of mankind.
The prophetic words of Edwin M. Stanton. uttered at
Lincolns deathbed, have come true-"Now he belongs to
the ages" Yes. to the ages and to all mankind. Wher-
ever the human heart shall sigh for freedom wherever
men shall seek to establish Or to maintain a true, ration
al, constitutional liberty, wherever they shall strive to
achieve a national unity, there they turn to Abraham Lin
coin as their great example, their guide, who will lead
them on the pathway of duty to a glorious destiny.
The world honors Lincoln because he was the shining
example in history of the ideal statesman. In his charac-
ter he exempHfied the golden mean. He possessed that
proper balance of qualities which insures the highest sue
cess.
He had frmness without obstinacy, mercy without
weakness, shrewdness without trickery, secrecy without
deceitfulness, courage without rashness, caution without
tmidity, patience without dnatoriness, friendship without
b favoritism, ambition without selfishness.
To nv mind no human life so we'll repays study as that
of Abraham Lincoln. Examples are more potent than
precepts. We see our own souls mirrored in the life of
another. AS that life is noble, so are we enlightened and
inspired by the contemplation of it.
The career of Lincoln puts new heart in the unsuccess-
full. 1t preserves our faith in the final triumph of right.
1t teaches that character is our greatest asset, that I'M
selfishness is better than selfseeking, that forgiveness is
better than revenge, and that duty is our safest guide.
In him we see ourselves as we should wish to be-our
neglected opportunities improved, our rejected thoughts
made fruitful, our nobler impulses which slumbered awak-
ened into fullest life.
l am able to say with the utmost assurance of truth
and Judging from the words uttered by Lincoln in his last
hour, that his great heart held nothing but kindness and
good will toward all countrymen, that no one could have
rejoiced more at the return of peace, and that in his last
moments he was looking forward with the highest hope to
an era Of happiness and prosperity for all his beloved
people, North and South alike.