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Lieut. Gen. WmfieIdScotf9Uo S. A.,
after hearing several addresses made by Mr. Merwin from President Lincoln's Carriage, to the regiments gathering in Washington, „said, to the President, (quietly): ''A man of sucnTorceaiaT
moral power to inspire courage, patriotism, faith and obedience among the troops is worth to the army more than a half-dozen regiments, of raw re- cruits." "The American Soldier in a volunteer war like this, could not be treated like the Soldier of European Armies."
[See fac-similie of Gen. Scott's further strong Endorsement on next page.]
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A BIT OF HISTORY
From the New York '''Evening Post"
7
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'The Strength of the Army"
'Temperance and Discipline in the Ranks— Affairs in Congress'
A
[From the Regular Correspondent of the New York Evening Post]
-Washington. May 21, 1862.
"The news made -public today of the sharp fight at McDowell, Vir- ginia, and the advance of the rebels up the valley towards Winchester, shows plainly why General Banks moved back thirty' miles upon Stras burg. There is some dissatisfactio: I hear, in official quarters ^at- the parent lack of effective -troops w such an enormous army is on the pAy rolls. Six hundred thousand men lire ' paid every month, and if less by one hundred thousand can be found it follows that somebody pockets the money."
%. ^ ■% # ;f; % i\r-
TEMPERANCE IN THE ARMY
"Some facts published by the House from the Military Committee show that many of our highest officers are very favorable to temperance in the army. Mr. J. B. Merwin was called by President Lincoln into the army, to address the soldiers. General Scott gave him the following written intro- duction and endorsement 'I esteem the mission of Mr. Merwin to t^e army a happy circumstance, and re-
"The fac-similies reproduced here- with are exact reproductions from the^ original manuscript still in Mr. Me: win's possession. President Lincoln sought to, and did commission him as major, but red tape constantly inter-
rfered with his work. The testimonial to the warm appre- ciation to Mr. Merwin's usefulness in his great work is numerously signed by those who heard him. A few of the names it may be well to prin here as follows:
\s
quest all commanders to give him free access to all of our camps and posts, and also to multiply occasions to enable him to address our officers and men . ' '
"This is important evidence, from the greatest soldier of the country, upon a mooted subject: — -whether lec- tures, speeches or concerts have any proper place in the army. Nearly all the regular army officers contended last winter, when the Hutchinsons were here, that it was grossly im- proper for any lecturer or singer to have contact with the troops. The regular chaplain might preach and pray on Sunday, but even he should confine himself strictly to religious subjects. General Scott thought dif- ferently."
"He repeatedly said last summer and autumn that, 'The American soldier, in a volunteer war like this, could not be treated like the soldier of European armies, for he is an in- telligent being. ' General Butler said: 'The mission of Mr. Merwin will be of great benefit to the troops.' General Dix approved this, adding 'The use of intoxicating drinks as beverage is the curse of the service."
Hon. Charles Summer, U. S. S.
Hon. W. A. Buckingham, U. S. S. >n. O. H. Browning, U. S. S.
Hon. Richard Yates, U. S. S.
Hon. James Harlan, U. S. S.
Hon. Henry Wilson, U S. S.
Hon. Lyman Trumbull. U. S. S.
Hon. J. R. Doolittle. U. S. S.
Hon. James W. Grimes, U. S. S.
Hon. Timothy O. Howe, U. S. S.
Hon. David Wilmont, U. S. S.
Hon. Isaac N. Arnold, M. C.
Hon John F. Potter, M. C.
Hon. Thomas Drummond, Judge, and over one hundred others comprising the name of nearly all the State governors, beside other U. S. Senators, members of Congress an prominent citizens."
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President Lincoln's Military Order
Execi rivi M INSION, )
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The above is i fac simile of a military order, issued in- President Lincoln, to thi - General of the United St.itcs army, after Lieut. Gen. Scott, had, at his own request been r« i
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A Lecture of Absorbing Interest
Abounding in reminiscences and anecdotes descriptive of his life and achievements, by one who knew him well, who, in his life was the friend and confidant of the martyred President.
Maj. J. B. Merwin, of St. Louis, Mo.
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Facsimile of Autograph Order of Abraham Lincoln
An Evening With
Abraham Lincoln
AS long as time endures, or this nation exists the name of Abraham Lincoln will be a hal- lowed one to every liberty loving person on earth, no matter where he may be found, or what his nationality or creed, Washing- ton, the father of his country. Lincoln, its savior, are names that will never die. What memories the name of Lincoln inspires — what patriotic thoughts kindle, by the recollection of his deeds. Lincoln the reformer — Lincoln the patriot — Lincoln the emancipator. Can those of mature years forget while living the shock that came, the indignation that spread over land and sea when news of his assassination was flashed around the world.
All civilization poured its sympathy to us in the loss of the best friend that liberty had — the champion of the poor and down trodden. From first to last he was the peoples' champion. "The great commoner," he has been called. Of his glorious achievements the whole world knows. Of his assassination, ELIHU BURRITT, THE NOTED AMERICAN, writing to a friend, said: "The irrepressible conflict has come and gone. It is behind us. We can now face a new future and see God's face in it with hope and comfort.
There is one event just gone to the record of these great years, so sublime in its working upon the mind of the world, that it seems to be taken up into the ranks of those Divine Providences and Revelations that have come at intervening spaces of a thousand years to mark the history of God's dealings with mankind. Certainly not for a thousand years has the death of one man produced such an impression upon the whole of Christendom, as the sudden and most atrocious taking off of Abraham Lincoln. No American life ever had such a burden put upon it; none that has breathed on our continent ever performed a greater work. But he was stronger in his death than in his life. Living, he saw the wide and ensanguined rift in the American Union close forever its devouring jaws to open no more : dying, he closed the wider chasm between the two hemispheres. I say it reverently, by death, he made of twain one, abolishing the enmity between the Old World and New. between England and America. The fires of indignation that burst forth from the heart of the English nation at his martyrdom, and the surging flood of sympathy with our country at the bereavement with it unlocked, seemed in one day and night, to burn up and down every unfriendly sentiment to- ward our nation, that ever found expression in Great Britain.
Jefferson Davis said. "Next to the destruction of the Confederacy the death of Abraham Lincoln was the darkest day the South has ever known."
An
Evening?With Lil\COllTl
Do not fail to Hear this dis- course on His life and ser- vices as ren- dered by His friend and *P associate >P
Maj. J. B. Merwin
Of St. Louis
AT
It is unquestionably true that no man at present alive knew Abraham Lincoln more intimately than did Major Merwin. Those who fail of the opportunity of hearing him on this occasion will probably never again be privileged to listen to such a broad minded discourse by one who was so long in such close touch with the martyred President.
EVERY PATRIOTIC CITIZEN
Young and Old Should Hear This Address
The Lecture will Positively be given -whether the
weather is favorable or not, as the time
of speaKer is limited
N. B. — Lecture Committees desiring to arrange dates for this lecture address
?
An Evening With
Abraham Lincoln
THE LIFE OF LINCOLN, the record of his glorious deeds is a trumpet call to higher .deals and nobler Americanism, typifying as it does, his almost Divine nature as a man, his patriotism as a leader, his far-reaching wisdom as a ruler.
Those who lived in the anxious time of his administration will feel their blood tingle anew as they listen to the story of his deeds- a story that will live forever. It will bring back to them the memory of the tented camp field— the fife and the drum— brother arrayed against brother. I he hope. the suspense, the fear that prevailed as the battle went one way or the other. The elonous anthem of peace that went up as the struggle was ended. I he wave of horror and indignation that swept oer the land east, west, north and south, at news of his assassination. Major J. B Merwin is peculiarly fitted to speak of Abraham Lincoln, for he was his personal friend and asso- ciate in the days before he was chosen to lead the people. During his administration Major Merwm was the trusted friend of the martyred rVes.- dent and as such has a fund of memories intensely interesting, showing the character and giving an insight into the motives that prompted this great American citizen, Abraham Lincoln.
By some Major Merwin's discourse has been described as a burst or patriotic eloquence rarely equalled." but it is more than that— ij t is the heart- felt tribute of one who is living, to a friend who has gone before, recalling the acts of his life time, the noble deeds he performed.
The Life of Lincoln can be read in books, but they breathe an artificial air. In listening to Major Merwin you look upon one who was wont to grasp the great emancipator by the hand-who greeted h.m from day to day - who knew of his ideals, his hopes, his disappointments— or his faith !
Cold type spread upon inanimate paper fails to awaken your interest or kindle your memory, rousing you to a higher sense of patriotism or venera- tion for the illustrious Lincoln, as do the living breathing words of one who was at his side, and whose mind is stored with priceless memories or our venerated martyr. As one friend pay.ng tribute to another Ma,or Merwin tells many interesting facts heretofore unknown to the world at large, and all in all his discourse is one that should be listened to by every patriotic citizen. When you have listened to the story of the saviour of our country as told bv Major Merwin, you will feel that you have cause to thank the Creator that you are of the same race as Abraham Lincoln. The story of his life and deeds as told by Maior Merwin is one of enthralling interest, arousing the patriotism of the listener, young or old, to its highest pitch. An Lvening with Lincoln is an occasion that should not be missed.
■rpts from Press Notices of Major Merwin's Lecture or. Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln's Study of Shakespeare.
Major J. B. Merwin Tells Students
of University of Rochester,
How Deep It Was.
Lincoln Found Many Parallelisms Between Shakespeare Plays and the Bible. Shakespeare Wrote as Lincoln Worked, for the People.
(Special to The Telegram.)
Enthusiastic cheers were heard in Anderson Hall, University of Rochester yesterday afternoon when Major J. B. Merwin, a long- time close friend of Abraham Lin- coln, walked to the platform to give his address on "Lincoln's Interpretation of Shakespeare.'" Major Merwin had spoken before the students but a short time ago and they greeted him warmly. Many persons were present, from outside the University.
"I am indebted to that wise, great and good man, Mr. Lincoln, for most of what I have to offer you to-day," said the speaker. Mr. Lincoln's occupation of the executive chair was a triumph of the good sense of the American people. * * * * * * * .
They had a middle-class presi- dent at last. Middle-class in man- ners only, but not middle-class by any means in ability. If a man's power was ever fully tested, his was.
"In his Gettysburg oration we see a result of Mr. Lincoln's study of Shakespeare. Shakespeare, let us remember,- wrote as Lincoln worked, for all classes. No other compilation of words excepting the Bible contained so much good advice to the young, as do his works.
Many think we do not get much religion out of Shakespeare, but Mr. Lincoln saw close parallelisms between Shakespeare and the Bi- ble. Among humorists, Shakes- peare was the king. Mr. Lin- coln's success in disposing of peo- ple was often due to his keen sense of humor.
"Shakespeare, said Mr. Lin- coln^ had ever an unerring moral sense; a sense of justice, of what is due to others a sense of what is kind, what is polite, of what is proper under all circumstances. Mr. Lincoln insisted that no prepara- tion was needed for the study of Shakespeare. With the exception of a good edition with foot notes to explain obsolete words, no fur- ther aid was necessary. This is
the way Mr. Lincoln studied him. Ever)7 jewel of thought, every beaut)r of sentiment was gathered in by Lincoln. On hisj words will the leading minds of. the world alwa37s be nourished.
He has used a greater number of words easily understood in pro- portion to the amount of his writ- ings than any other author. Here is another result of Lincoln's study of the dramatist; No piece of literature now\xtant contains so many words of oW syllable as the Gettysburg speec
"Said Lincoln, wha^ point is there of morals, of manners, of econonry, of religion, that Shakes- peare has not settled; What maid- en has not found his teaching something finer than her own delicac)7? What lover is there whom Shakespeare has not out- loved? What sage that he has not outseen?
"His pla)'s bring more hope to the common people than any other writings. Shakespeare predicted the future. Mr. Lincoln sensed this, for nothing escaped him. If all other books were destroyed excepting the bible and Shakes- peare the world would still have the best literature preserved. Shakespeare's mind was like a sea to which all others in the world were as tributaries, and why should we not drink from this in- exhaustible fountain, said Mr. Lincoln. His words teach more for our use to-da)T than this year's almanac. If we only understand how, to get it. You can warm your hands and your heart both by the light of his genius. He is filled with the sap of life. "He was one of those geniuses God leaves unbridled," said Mr. Lin- coln/'that he might dip into the infinite as far and as deep as he liked/'' *******
"What can bronze or marble do for such a man as Shakespeare'Ssf £
He is his own best monument with England for a pedestal. (Rochester Democrat and Chroni- cle.)
/
LINCOLN DAY
1
AT THE
Chautauqua Sent
MAJORJ.B.MERWIN
OF CONNECTICUT ' PERSONAL FRIEND AND COMPANION OF
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Will tell with authority Lincolns exact position on the Liquor Question. Major Merwin stumped the state with Lincoln for Prohibition in 1855.
Lieut. Gen. Winfield Scott, U. S. A., said of him: "A man of such force and moral power to inspire courage, patriotism, faith and obedience among the troops is worth more than a half dozen regiments of raw recruits."
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It will be a matter of interest to many, North as well as South, to know that Mr. Lincoln had looked very favorably upon a proposal that had been made for the excavation and completion of the Panama Canal by means of the labor of the freedmen. Those close to the President at the time were aware of the fact that he favored the plan and it was for the purpose of securing the views of Horace Greeley, of the New York Tribune, and other moulders of public thought, to the plan, that he called Major Merwin to the White House on the fatal Friday, April 14, 1865, the day that he was assassinated. After the President had ex- plained this matter freely, to Mr. Merwin, recalling again those stirring ,times ten years before, when he had campaigned in Illinois with him he saidr* f" AFTER RECONSTRUCTION THE NEXT GREAT QUESTION WILL BE THE., OVERTHROW OF THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC." That evening Mr. Merwif was on his way to New York, and the following morning as he stepped from the train in that city he heard the terrible news of the assassination, at Ford's Theatre, the night before. It is unquestionably true that no man alive knew Mr. Lincoln in his public or private life more intimately than did Major Merwin.
PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S MILITARY ORDER "The Surgeon General will send Mr. Merwin wherever he thinks the public
service may require." June 24, 1862.
A. LINCOLN.
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PRESS COMMENTS
would seem absolutely superfluous. Major Merwin carries warm words of appreciation bear- ing the names of Charles Sumner, Richard Yates, who was the War Governor of Illinois; Lyman Trumbull, Henry Wilson, Austin Blair, David Willmot, famous as the author of the Willmot Proviso, and over a hundred others, including governor, senators, congressmen, gen- erals, soldiers and prominent men of the time. Nevertheless we append a few of the many. ST. LOUIS TRUTH— Major Merwin's lecture tours have won for him laurels as one of our most
brilliant orators— of more than national note. DAILY EAGLE (WICHITA)— On the platform he is a very king among literary and thinking
men. BOSTON DAILY ADVERTISER— The lecture and speaker will be remembered by all present
with unmixed pleasure and profit. THE NATION (BOSTON)— His oration has never been excelled for eloquence and power. MISCELLANEOUS— "The most brilliant and complete analysis of Lincoln's career and char- acter ever given." "Commanded the closest attention and thrilled the hearts of all." "Able— eloquent." "Forceful, graphic, eloquent." "Seldom, if ever have an audience been thrilled with such eloquence and power." "Attracts, charms, rivets attention, car- ries conviction." "His humor convulses, his imagery electrifies, his reasoning is bril- liant." "Received with the greatest enthusiasm." "A brilliant and popular orator." "His hearers were held enthralled from the opening to the closing sentence." "At the close the orator was given a veritable ovation." "A brilliant orator and a man of large experience and ripe scholarship"
ADDRESS, (for the present)
J.B.MERWIN,
Middlefield, Conn.
. . . .
Another Lecture.
"Major J. B. Merwin, of St. Louis, for thirty years editor of the "American Joubnal oi Education," will give his lecture "An Evening with .Shakespeare," in the baptist Church, at Jacksonville, 111., Friday Even- ing, 2;">th inst.
This promises to be the best lecture ever delivered in our city. Major Merwin has given this lecture iu many of the leading cit- ies of the country, including Boston, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and the leading intervening cities to crowded houses. Ex- tracts from several of the leading journals of the country of its wisdom, pathos, wit and elo- quence, were furnished in the city dailies of last week.
Major Merwin is no stranger on the lecture platform, but is known to many of our lead- ing citizens as a man of ripe scholarship, a profound thinker, a brilliant and popular orator. No man has done more for the cause of popular education in the West and South- west than he. At all times he has been a leader in the progress and improvement in our best educational facilities; nor has he neglected an opportunity for enriching his own mind with the best literature of the world. He owns one of the largest and best selected private libraries in the west.
The great dramatist Shakespeare, has been his favorite study for more than a quarter of a century aud he brings to us the largest and ripest result of this study in the lecture of the evening. He will show us more of the beauty, strength and power of Shakespeare in this lecture than we could get in a month's contin- uous reading.
No lover of poetry, learning or literature can well afford to miss this rare treat."
/?
Repertoire of Topics
An Evening with Abraham Lincoln 2. An Evening with Shakespeare 3- An Evening with Emerson
4. An Evening with Holmes
5. An Evening with Whittier
6. International Peace
7. The New Era in Education
8. Curiosity
9. Shakespeare's Estimate of Woman
10. What of it?
11. The Keys of Power
12. American Citizenship
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Seldom is a J oh 11st own aud'ience privileged to listen to as able a plat- form speaker as Major J. B. Merwin of Middled eld, Conn., who addressed a representative audience at the Grand opera house in this city last evening. Major Merwin possesses all of the qualifications of a public speaker and in his subject "Abraham Lincoln,'' he (without doubt appears at 'bis best. It is a rare privilege in these days to meet and listen to a man who had been the bosoni friend and confi- dential adviser of the chief executive of the United States a generation ago, but such is the case with Major Mer- win. As was anticipated, his lecture upon the life of fhe martyr-president was fully up to the highest expecta- tions. Although well along in years, and with the hoary locks of time dis- tinguishable, Major Merwin goes into his talk with vivacity and interest of a young man.
The lecture last evening was under the auspices of McMarfin post, No. 257, G-. A. R. The members of the post, Woman's Relief corps, Ladies of the G. A. " R., members of the common council, water board, clergy, and board of education, occupied seats up- on the stage, while the members' of the D. A. R. were present among the au- dience.
Another Lecture.
"Major J. B. Merwin, of St. Louis, for thirty years editor of the "American Journal OV Education," will give his lecture "An Evening with Shakespeare," in the Baptist Church, at Jacksonville, 111., Friday Even- ing, 2oth inst.
This promises to be the best lecture ever delivered in our city. Major Merwin has given this lecture in many of the leading cit- ies of the country, including Boston, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and the leading intervening cities to crowded houses. Ex- tracts from several of the leading journals of the country of its wisdom, pathos, wit and elo- quence, were furnished in the city dailies of last week.
Major Merwin is no stranger on the lecture platform, but is known to many of our lead- ing citizens as a man of ripe scholarship, a profound thinker, a brilliant and popular orator. No man has done more for the cause of popular education in the West and South- west than he. At all times he has been a leader in the progress aud improvement in our best educational facilities; nor has he neglected an opportunity for enriching his own mind with the best literature of the world. He owns one_pf the largest and best selflcfod . \S private libraries in the west.
The great dramatist Shakespeare, has been his favorite study for more than a quarter of a century and he brings to us the largest and ripest result of this study in the lecture of the evening. He will show us more of the beauty, strength and power of Shakespeare in this lecture than we could get in a month's contin- uous reading.
No lover of poetry, learning or literature can well afford to miss this rare treat."
The stage was decorated in patrtotSc colore. Hi" American flag- predominat- ing, and made a pretty effect. Large were draped on either side an:l in the rear while in front, at the speak- er's taMe, a finely frnm'ed picture of Abraham Lincoln graced fho flag which hUllg in folds over ttie table. Among Hi.' Bags were many carried in battle.
Commander John Karg of MoMartm po.-i presided. The program opened with a selection by a quartette com- posed Of Messrs. fiaker. Sands. Clem- ents and Delta after which Rev. B. L<\ Livingston offered prayer. The au- dience then arose anil SB>ng "America" and at i he conclusion of the lecture the quartette rendered Tenting on the Old Camn Cround. Commander Karg Introduced Major Merwin in :■ brief and appropriate speech referring tO Ihe war days and the speaker who was to follow him.
elity M ia.
Mr. Merwin said:
, round Mr. Lincoln to i
with a ts
uiner fuller acquaintance, a man ab-
.„,uteiv without conceit. He neither ,on an
fancied himseli a philosopher nor a s,„n a modest man. engaged In tht common duties of life, always equal lo tte occasion, but as the occasion grew, j Con
• ■ t sense and a great fertility ol re-
,c.es developed.- n serious ,
BOlU'i
,ion to the cause of his country „,.,,.,- swerved— a hope and a Luitb
/?
Repertoire of Topics
1. An Evening with Abraham Lincoln
2. An Evening with Shakespeare
3. An livening with Emerson
4. An Evening with Holmes
5. An Evening with Whittier
6. International Peace
7. The New Era in Education
8. Curiosity
9. Shakespeare's Estimate of Woman 10. What of it?
" 11. The Keys of Power 12. American Citizenship
Mat never- waiveriS — never failed. To all this., was added a growing -wis- dom— an integrity* absolutely * incor- ruotible. and an ability that always g- rose to the need. The face of Mr. Lin- coln, told the story, of hiis life — a life of sorrow and struggle and deep seat- jiy ed sadness — a life of ceaseless endea-ful vor to find the right, the true way. It rid
jhe
-J
would have .taken no Lahvahiter to in- terpret the rugged energy, stamped on
tthat uncomely, swarthy, plebian coun-L. tenance — with its great, orag-Hkelr- brow, and large bones, or to read, t'liel0^ deep melancholy that overshadowed^ every feature of it. But beneath this Lr ungainly, rough exterior — he wore a he golden heart. Abraham Lincoln stand she for today, and worked, for. while he|r~ M\ed, the people of all kinds, and in all places, more, than any other | "statesman" of any period in our his- tory, as 'a government. He was the most sympathetic, and a mind and character of the deepest charity, for all classes.
. Lowell, you remember, 'the great poet, spoke of him as "sagacious, pa-1d ticnt. dreading praise, not blame! morally — more than thvvt — spiritually ■ — in other words, in attributes of heart, his greatness was preeminent, •vr.ne of our great men if we realized it— -meant SO much to our hearts, or did s<» much for the "common people'! as Mr. Lincoln. Tor none of our great men is the love of lhe people so cor- dial and so warm. In none other aiv
nother Lecture.
lajor J. B. Merwin, of St. Louis, for thirty years editor of the "American Journal of Education," will give his lecture "An Evening with Shakespeare," in the Baptist Church, at Jacksonville, 111., Friday Even- ing, 2">th inst.
This promises to he the best lecture ever delivered in our city. Major Merwin has given this lecture in many of the leading cit- ies of the country, including Boston, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and the leading intervening cities to crowded houses. Ex- tracts from several of the leading journals of the country of its wisdom, pathos, wit and elo- quence, were furnished in the city dailies of last week.
Major Merwin is no stranger on the lecture platform, but is known to many of our lead- ing citizens as a man of ripe scholarship, a profound thinker, a brilliant and popular orator. No mau has done more for the cause of popular education in the West and South- west than he. At all times he has been a leader in the progress and improvement in our best educational facilities; nor has he neglected an opportunity for enriching his own mind with the best literature of the world. He owns one of the largest and best selected private libraries in the west.
The great dramatist Shakespeare, has been his favorite study for more than a quarter of a century and he brings to us the largest and ripest result of this study in the lecture of the evening. He will show us more of the beauty, strength and power of Shakespeare in this lecture than we could get in a month's contin- uous reading.
No lover of poetry, learning or literature can well afford to miss this rare treat."
\
Pound so many qualities which can serve us, in our daily life, if we lay well to heart his teaching and ex- ample.
What Lincoln would have done is a constant inquiry coming to me on ev- ery hand. There was in him that per- fect combination of humility, honesty and strength. No pride, no arrogance, none even of what ni'ost people call
lit..- 1 until em 'I
self respect— nothing done for sihow, or lor what other people would say or ,i„ „,■ tfliinl? or him: Great charity for other.-
under all circumstances: was 0 natural sister to his huni'ility.
ntly sibil
get lent »ada e ad
nts .vine
on
ties i fen i
once beginning to show the versa'; tility of Mr. Lincoln, it is difficult to pause. To appreciate his worls wo
must go into elose study of his char- acter to gert at his motives. All to? sight and application of these higher
political truths seem a sort of aceusa- i , ■. lion, -before the public mind rises, to j their level-but as these higher faetll- j .
ties become developed. Lincoln's name;
and fame rises and his worU will be ^ ^
better appreciated.
All prophetic revelation sit a minors, ' ^
as it passes human lips. It reaches US ^J.
in fragments, leaving gaps difficult to
till but evermore ennobling and Inspir-
|ing. Today we think of Lincoln as the English people think of their .blame- less ivlng Arthur, who. "Throughout
litis tract Of years, wore the White flower of a blameless life."
S3
Repertoire of Topics
AnEvcningvvith Abraham Lincoln
2. An Evening with Shakespeare
3. An Evening with Emerson
4. An Evening with Holmes
5. An Evening with Whittier
6. International Peace
7. The New Era in Education
8. Curiosity
9. Shakespeare's Estimate of Woman
10. What of it?
11. The Keys of Power
12. American Citizenship
Lincoln could be eloquent if he
would — >we remember the close of his
OhLo letter to the voters' of that state
■nce in explanation of his dealings with
Vallindingham.
Mir. Lincoln said: "Peace does not seem so distant as it did. I hope it will come soon, and come to stay, and it Amenc t0 so COme as to be worth keeping. It to aband wjjj ^hen have beeii proved that among ade. He free ,men .there can be no successful itest scie appeal from the ballot to the bullet. : shows tl and that they who take sxieh appeal successioi are sure to lose their case and pay the at these costs. And then there will appear ion of th some blaick men who can remember tions bet that with silent tongue and clenched ment. Ii teeth and steady eye and 'well poised the othei bayonet, they have helped mankind on ie opport to this great consummation — while I of learn fear that there will he some white fiment q men unable to forget 'that with malig- a cultij mint heart and deceitful speech they hove' striven to hinder it."
It has been truly said by those fully competent to judge, that Mir. Lincoln came to the point, where he surpassed all orators in eloquence, all diplomats
fades of , betweei
■try and
a is in : 'lartmen
is now
. those rand exi
We do not say much about it, it is not necessary, but there were occa- sions when Mr. Lincoln came to be in his administration of the government, greater than law — when his wisdom was greater than the combined wis- dom of all the people.
Another Lecture.
"Major J. B. Merwin, of St. Louis, for thirty years editor of the "A m ekioan Joijhn a l of Education," will give his lecture "An Evening with Shakespeare," in the Baptist Church, at Jacksonville, 111., Friday Even- ing, 2')th inst.
This promises to be the best lecture ever delivered in our city. Major Merwin has given this lecture in many of the leading cit- ies of the country, including Boston, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and the leading intervening cities to crowded houses. F.x tracts from several of the leading journals of the country of its wisdom, pathos, wit and elo- quence, were furnished in the city dailies of last week.
Major Merwin is no stranger on the lecture platform, but is known to many of our lead- ing citizens as a man of ripe scholarship, a profound thinker, a brilliant and popular orator. No man has done more for the cause of popular education in the West and South- west than he. At all times he has been a leader in the progress and improvement in our best educational facilities; nor has he neglected an opportunity for enriching his own mind with thebest literature of the world. He owns one of the largest and best selected private libraries in the west.
The great dramatist Shakespeare, has been his favorite study for more than a quarter of a century and he brings to us the largest and ripest result of this study in the lecture of the evening. He will show us more of the beauty, strength and power of Shakespeare in this lecture than we could get in a month's contin- uous reading.
No lover of poetry, learning or literature can well afford to miss this rare treat."
X
\
Temple, the lawmakers, had nev: er before to the expertenceof^e gov-
i( come tflce to face Wltta a»RG«|
€.imiUtions and situation tbart eontront-.ORG.
eil him. ' lh'
Ltacoln was as great as necWy.
Mia onr safety lay ft «M faet-that he ;sting v
„ W as just as ho was great, ami as jdern li
wise as he was just. • Mjcl t.
Gvea| is ,!1W. hut greater lS neceS- fated o
sit V
U\vastbis and .ihisonh -the latent
bat omnipotent power of character.
Vbraham LtaCOlll had every virtue. evm courage, every heroism, every fili(i; anfl every holiness. He did the
newsi ers. 1 ions fi es a ni each c uppose; jiows tl
aim cvci.,i "« Iced ot
,,,,,,, tnai won him both fame ami m- tic res, utility: Ho -n.. to pulHie.il All!eriea. her urea.ness. You MOW llrl, Mr. Lincoln eliaaiged the status ol
millions of American eitixens-- ^u.gedahelaw.d-thenauon-.H I •
gal (ribunals-the decisions od thi m\**l courts he reversed. It ™J Vbraham Lincoln who draped tak I
.ountvVs shoulders with ttie purple
, rf euui-y ,, jus,!.-, Wh..n « ft , :„an is a ..lory OH the bWW -. & Lion, the people who M ** —- nl«e this fact excite the ama.emen, o1
, ,;„„, „u. anxious days and ni,tus;m, of what the people ealled Mr. Lin- v,mrs -ex.treme moderation.
no „;iato he ami eh„se,o be str,e.-
h U1V eXecutlve of the-'best and sanest
I
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Repertoire of Topics |
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/-"fTAn Evcningwith Abraham Lincoln |
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2. An Evening with Shakespeare |
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3- An Evening with Emerson |
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4. An Evening with Holmes |
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5. An Evening with Whittier |
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6. International Peace |
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7. The New Era in Education |
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8. Curiosity |
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;. 9. Shakespeare's Estimate of Woman |
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10. What of it? |
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11. The Keys of Power |
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12. American Citizenship |
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/?
E timel professi lesident as branc ry to tl ological sary or ■ that at : "tant am' of the r mismana inies, th' n a pro'! ded and ng the b
irance ersities
FUMBE establis oung m is devo( n insur extent "sities s; sions ar ig, and ered in irefully irance, in order subject, s for ci
public sentiment of the country — wait- ing only until it should be unmistak- ably pronounced'
.So fair in mind that none ever list- ened so patiently to such extreme va- riations of opinions; — so reticent that his final decisions stand — stand solid — that the people 'have come to know the capacity and virtue which the Divine Providence made him an instrument of benefits so vast.
Mr. Lincoln did more for America th;Mi any ofther American. When it finally came home to the consciousness of the American people — that the war we were waging was a war for the liberty of a^ll nations — all peoples of the world — for the principle of free- dom itself — 'they thanked God for giv- ing them strength to endure the ^cost and severity of the trial to which he had put their sincerity, and nerved themselves for their duty with an in- exorable will
President Lincoln himself was led along in answer to prayer, led by this self sacrificing example 'of- the people — led-— as a child in a "dark night on a rugged way catches bold of the hand of its fatlher for guidance and support so he clung fast to the. hand of God, to the hands of the people, and moved calmly on with a faife that never waned through the gloom, the treach- ery, and the disasters which were mul- tiplied by this treachery.
Another Lecture.
"Major J. B. Merwin, of St. Louis, for thirty years editor of the "American Journal of Education," will give his lecture "An Evening with Shakespeare, " in the Baptist Church, at Jacksonville, 111., Friday Even- ing, 2oth inst.
This promises to be the best lecture ever delivered in our city. Major Merwin has given this lecture in many of the leading cit- ies of the country, including Boston, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and the leading intervening cities to crowded houses. Ex- tracts from several of the leading journals of the country of its wisdom, pathos, wit and elo- quence, were furnished in the city dailies of last week.
Major Merwin is no stranger on the lecture platform, but is known to many of our lead- ing citizens as a man of ripe scholarship, a profound thinker, a brilliant and popular orator. No man has done more for the cause of popular education in the West and Houth- west than he. At all times he has been a leader in the progress aud improvement in our best educational facilities; nor has he neglected an opportunity for enriching his own mind with the best literature of the world.
He owns private li
one of the largest an
d best selected . V""
it; great dramatist Shakespeare, has been his favorite study for more than a quarter of a century and he brings to us the largest and ripest result of this study in the lecture of the evening. He will show us more of the beauty, strength and power of Shakespeare in this lecture than we could get in a month's contin- uous reading.
No lover of poetry, learning or literature can well afford to miss this rare treat."
\
It was Mr. tlncoln who said. "Those soldiers who wont through those dreadful fields of battle, blood aud death— and returned not— deserve much more than all the honors we can
pay.
"But let us remember always— tihose who went through rue same fields and returned alive, put just as much at hazard as those who died, and in other countries would wear dis- tinctive badges of honor as long as they lived."
And in closing his second inaugural you remember Mr. Lincoln said.
. PEP
sistant P istry, An
a1
uiuth Co
per cot . qualiti special tiative ;
vou remember Mr. uinpwm Httlu- "" tecnnic- usc , are for him who shall have borne ^ ^^ the battle-nand fa* his widow and his 1 ^^ Orphan- to do all whidh may achieve • ^ and cherish a just and lasting peace P ^^ among ourselves and with all nations."- \
...,l.i./^' >^» iivaum^b lire iXJiiin
in such institutions as the Tuck School, training into different groups, according careers to be followed by the students While not approving of what he calls in college, he believes that the ordina tion should be supplemented in such a it practical.
/?
Repertoire of Topics
1. An Evening with Abraham Lincoln
2. An Evening with Shakespeare
3. An Evening with Emerson
4. An Evening with Holmes
5. An Evening with Whittier
6. International Peace
7. The New Era in Education
8. Curiosity
9. Shakespeare's Estimate of Woman
r
10. What of it?
11. The Keys of Power
12. American Citizenship
a Coll oadW
COU
varioi
As was expected the lecture on Abraham Lincoln, given at the Grand opera house, last evening by his close personal friend and associate, Major J. B. Merwin of Middlefkld, Conn., was of thrilling interest.
which ofessi >yster anagt He wou! y co: nd c
ia/ cts a
UT ddre sue ; to sent n tr vithi ach e, a< :duc ■rid asj th
It is a rare privilege these days to teres meet a man who knew intimately the ,F ,' principal national figures of a genera- tion ago, and when such a one is talented and brings the powers of a trained and observant mind to the dis- cussion of the men and events that made all this nation free, the pri.-ilege is still more to be enjoyed.
The members of McMartin post had worked hard to make Major Merwin 's visit to the city a pleasant one, and his reception was a fine one.
The opera house stage was beauti- fully festooned with flags, while the colors that are in the possession of the post and were carried on many a southern battle field were also on ex- hibition.
The centre of the stage was graced by a beautiful picture of Lincoln. Many old soldiers and members of the Woman's Relief corps, and J. J. Bu- chanan circle, L. G. A. R . f r ckke clergy of the city occupied seats on the plat- form, beside the mayor and aldermen, ,f tatic representatives of the board of educa tion and water board.
Another Lecture.
"Major J. H. Merwin, of St. Louis, for thirty years editor of the "American Journal op Education," will give his lecture "An Evening with Shakespeare," in the Baptist Church, at Jacksonville, 111., Friday Even- ing, 2')th iust.
This promises to be the best lecture ever delivered in our city. Major Merwin has given this lecture in many of the leading cit- ies of the country, including Boston, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and the leading intervening cities to crowded houses. Ex- tracts from several of the leading journals of the country of its wisdom, pathos, wit and elo- quence, were furnished in the city dailies of last week.
Major Merwin is no stranger on the lecture platform, but is known to many of our lead- ing citizens as a man of ripe scholarship, a profound thinker, a brilliant and popular orator. No mau has done more for the cause of popular education in the West and South- west than he. At all times he has been a leader in the progress and improvement in our best educational facilities; nor has he neglected an opportunity for enriching his own mind with the best literature of the world. He owns one of the largest and best selected private libraries in the west.
The great dramatist Shakespeare, has been his favorite study for more than a quarter of a century and he brings to us the largest and ripest result of this study in the lecture of the evening. H e will show us more of the beauty, strength and power of Shakespeare in this lecture than we could get in a month's contin- uous reading.
No lover of poetry, learning or literature can well afford to miss this rare treat."
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Repertoire of Topics |
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/^tTAn Eveningwith Abraham Lincoln |
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2. An Evening with Shakespeare |
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3. An Evening with Emerson |
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4. An Evening with Holmes |
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5. An Evening with Whittier |
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6. International Peace |
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7. The New Era in Education |
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8. Curiosity |
|
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/^ 9. Shakespeare's Estimate of Woman |
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10. What of it? |
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11. The Keys of Power |
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12. American Citizenship |
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/?
HEI\
enry C Bank
N.
nighoi h as ; need cornn need i busii juch
Commander John Karg of McManin post presided.
A quartette composed of Messrs- Clements, Baker, Sands and Colin rend red a beautiful vocal selection, afcer which the Rev. B. F. Livingston offered prayer. The audience then arose and sang "America" and after the lecture the quartette rendered another song, "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground. "
In introducing the speaker Com- mander Karg referred to the stirring days of the war, and paid a fitting trib- ute to the men who fought its battles. Major Merwin held the close attention )n'v ' of his audience to the end, his descrip- egimc tions of those stirring days and the road pictures which lie drew of the Great Jur b Emancipator being very realistic.
President Lincoln's letter to General ed. Joseph Hooker, appointing him the ess i successor of General Burnside, as n inc commander of the Army of the Poto- mac, is one of Lincoln's most character- istic utterances — it somewhat aston- ished the soldiers and officers present by its frankness and fullness of state ment as did Beecher's account of his visit to President Lincoln in 1854,
This evening Major Merwin will de- liver his lecture at St. James Lutheran church in Glnversville, and doubtless will be greeted by a large audience,
[Motning Herald \
eret
tided dene-'
y
DS LINCOLN} TEARS FLOW.
J. B. Mcrwiii'K Oration on Friend Moves Auditors.
Mayvllle, N. D., Special, July 10.— The people who gathered by thousands In the beautiful grove of native trees from all parts of North Dakota, near Mayville and Hatton, to celebrate Independence clay were greatly and deeply interested in the several addresses made on the occasion.
Hon. B. F. Spalding of Fargo, ex-mem- ber of congress, made a telling address of absorbing interest, on the problems of the day.
-The committee in chnrge had Mooed from the Minnesota state prohibition committee the services, of MaJ. J. a. Merwin, the early and long-time frierid of ■Abraham Lincoln. People came over- land a hundred miles by private convey- ance to hear the thrilling story of t" life of Lincoln from the lips of the man who knew him, worked, and walked in life with him, loved him— the plain, home- ly, humble man that all Christendom loves and honors to-day.
Tears ran down the bronzed, wrinkled faces of gray-haired men and women, as they listened to the pathetic, thrilling story of the poor boy struggling up through poverty, adversity and trial to the highest position in the nation.
Rev. Walter L. Ferris, D. D., writes as follows:
"Mr. Merwin gave the people much of Important personal history of Mr. Lin- coln, which they had never heard. It was a refreshing revelation, a real uplift to all who were fortunate enough to hear him. The speaker had been in a cam- paign for prohibition with the great Lin- coln, in the fifties, and knew whereof he spoke. MaJ. Merwin is himself a mag- nificent orator, a noble character, a great man. I wish this address might be heard by all the young men in the land."
J
tin:
Another Lecture.
"Major J. B. Merwin, of St. Louis, for thirty years editor of the "American Journal of Education," will give his lecture "An Evening with Shakespeare," in the Baptist Church, at Jacksonville, 111., Friday Even- ing, 25th hint.
This promises to be the best lecture ever delivered in our city. Major Merwin lias given this lecture in many of the leading cit- ies of the country, including Boston, New York, Chicago, St. Louis, and the leading intervening cities to crowded houses. Ex- tracts from several of the leading journals of the country of its wisdom, pathos, wit and elo- quence, were furnished in the city dailies of last week.
Major Merwin is no stranger on the lecture platform, but is known to many of our lead- ing citizens as a man of ripe scholarship, a profound thinker, a brilliant and popular orator. No man has done more for the cause of popular education in the West and South- west than he. At all times he has beeu a leader in the progress and improvement in our best educational facilities; nor has he neglected an opportunity for enriching his own mind with the best literature of the world, fie owns one of the largest and best selected private libraries in tho west.
The great dramatist Shakespeare, has been his favorite study for more than a quarter of a century and he brings to us the largest and "ipest result of this study in the lecture of the jvening. He will show us more of the beauty, drength and power of Shakespeare in this
ecture than we could get in a month's coutiu-
tous reading. No lover of poetry, learning or literature can
fell afford to miss this rare treat."
/3
Repertoire of Topics
An Evening with Abraham Lincoln 2. An Evening with Shakespeare 3- An Evening with Emerson
4. An Evening with Holmes
5. An Evening with Whittier
6. International Peace
7. The New Era in Education
8. Curiosity
9. Shakespeare's Estimate of Woman
10. What of it?
11. The Keys of Power
12. American Citizenship
n
M
The people of New England, and of the whole Country, are in a fair way to learn something of the real character and greatness of President Lincoln from the revelations made in various addresses by his friend and associate, Major J. B. Merwin, of St. Louis.
The Times, Courant, and other papers of Hartford, gave large space to a report of Major Merwin's ad- dress, at the Hartford Opera House, Sunday afternoon before Lincoln's birthday.
Members of the Hartford posts of the Grand Army of the Republic were given a special invitation to attend. The veterans entered the lobby in double file, occupying the front seats at the center of the or- chestra circle, reserved for them.
The Times said: '"Lincoln, the Christian Statesman' was Major Merwin's subject. From the time of his first meeting with Lincoln in .1852, on, tcTthe day of his funeral the speaker gave a vivid description of his noble character, using many items of conversation he had had with him, together with many an- acdotes, illustrating in the concrete, various phases of his great char- ecter. ' ' # * * * * *
The Courant said: "The Young (Men's Christian Association had a \ distinguished guest, at the Hartford I Opera House yesterday afternoon in the person of Major J. B. Mer- win, who spoke on 'Abraham Lin- coln, the Christian Statesman.' The first rows of the theatre were filled with G. A. R. men, who turned out in force to give Major
Merwin a deserved and hearty wel- come, and every reference to the man, whom they had loved so much, in the trying days of the war, was hailed with deafening applause."
"The Major certainly had his; audience with him from the very; beginning. Major Merwin gave a varied, close concrete view of Lin- i coin and his career. He said that I there had beej^2ojor_more biogra- phies of Lincoln's life published, all but one or two of them had missed the real fundamental basis, of Lin- coln's greatness that was at the bottom of it all — his religious side. He went on to explain his acquaint- ance with Lincoln, with whom he was intimately thrown from 1852, on, until the day of his assassina- tion in Washington.
Lincoln from his inate, sense of Justice, always saw conditions, from the standpoint of the other man, as well as from his own. That is what made him so success- full as a lawyer.
He was always ready for the arguments of the other side. He had thought it all out from the other man's point of view before. The sagest of philosophers, he was at times, the most ridiculous of jesters, the besflnfonEecT man on political affairs of the nineteenth century, but above all a Christian gentleman was Lincoln, realizing his own dependence on God more than those less able to wield great things, when it came to the crises. , Major Merwin ended with ablood- \ tingling eulogy for the men of the G. A. R., who saved to the world this form of government."
/
"His Thrilling and Beautiful Story;
Chaplain Writes of Major Merwin.
Connecticut Comrades Thrilled by his Story of Abraham Lincoln and the Days when Men Died for the Flag.
Comrade Fred Meyer of this city has received the following highly in- teresting letter from Department Chap- lain William F. Hilton, of Hartford Conn., relative to Major J. B. Merwin, who is to speak in the Grand opera house tomorrow evening on Abraham Lincoln
Hartford, Conn, ( >ct. 22, 1007. My dear Comrade:
Having received a letter from my friend, Major J. B. Merwin in which he speaks of your noble purpose in the effort to secure a monument or our heroic dead, and I say our dead, for in a real and true sense we are of one body — let me extend my most hearty wish that you may more than realize your object.
We hear among ourselves, as oft repeated in the quiet silence of our own gatherings, "that God may grant that the memory of the noble dead who freely gave their lives for the land they love may dwell ever in our hearts."
This is our own sentiment and ex- presses that devotion which a patient and long suffering service engenders, but the sentiment needs to be carried further into the life about us and to become the seed of a new fruitage and i hat fruitage found in those we are now among and from among whose association we ere long must disappear.
The monument must speak for us
even better than the blood of right' Abel and be a witness to that spirit which was in them who gave their lives for the land they loved; a land be- queathed in peace to those who witi where the monument stands in whom must dwell a spirit equally as sacrificing and suffering.
May the day soon come when the land shall be filled not only with school houses in which patriotism is taught; with churches where patriotism shall be baptized with the spirit of "the ( hiist" who laid down His life for all but also our resting places and habita- tions be beautiful and adorned with those silent testimonies that reveal a patriotism that is sanctified.
So I wish you great success in your undertaking.
I congratulate you in having secured Major Merwin 's services to thrill the heart and to make the pulse beat quick with his beautiful story of our Mart;. President. If he inspires you as he did us, there will, I am sure, be started a current of intense patriotic life in y-our community that will arouse the sluggish, awaken the indifferent and cause the pride to rise in behalf of that little band who loved not their 1 only to offer them as a sweet-smelling sacrifice upon the great altar of our noble land. May the good Lord prosper you in all good and bless you with His abounding grace.
Yours fraternally,
WM F. HILTON.
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mill M90j| oi]| ''in si! ii|n,iiir| id Mode
.Seldom is a Johnstown audience privileged to listen to as: able a plat- form speaker as Major J. B. Merwte of Middlefield. Conn., who addressed a representative audience at the Grand opera house in this city last evening-. Major Merwin possesses all of the qualifications of a public speaker and in his subject "Abraham Lincoln," h^ without doubt appears at his best. It is a rare privilege in these days to meet and listen to a man who bad been the bosom friend and confi- dential adviser of the chief executive
1 of the United States a generation ago,
but such is the case with Major .Mer- win. As was auticJpaited, his lecture upon the life of the martyr-president was fully up to the highest expecta- tions. Although 'well along in years, and 'with the hoary Jocks of time dis- tinguishable. Major Merwin goes into his talk with 'vivacity and 'interest of a young man.
The lecture last evening was under the auspices of McMartin post, No. 257, G. A. R. The members of the post. Woman's Relief corps, Ladies of, the G. A. R., members of the common council, 'water board, clergy, and board oif education, occupied seats iip- on the stage, while the members of the D. A. R. were present among the au- dience.
The stage was decorated in patriotic colors, the American flag predominat- ing, and made a pretty effect. Large flags were draped on either side and I in the rear while in front, at the speak- I er's table, a finely framed picture of
■■ '••"...'If-., 1 ,,■ -r-.v ■' ./,!, HYtKv OfP ,,,,,,.,
Muratam Mnnoin graced ttie Hag which hung in folds over the table,
j ;i el t i )ll at fr exi
Anion- the Bags were m.-mv carried in battle.
Commander John Karg of McMartfn post presided. The program opened ""'' ;l selection by a quartette <•<>.„- posed of Messrs. Baker, Sands, Clem- ents and OoMn aifter which Rev. B. If. Livingston offered prayer. The au- fiiewce then arose and sang "America" :i,hI :i1 the conclusion of the lectore ,h" quartette rendered Tfentlng „„ ttle ",'1 '''""i" Ground. Ottoimander Karg Introduced M .i.j..i- Merwin in & , 1"'i'"1' •''"'' appropriate speech referring I ot, ;" !l"' wai- d;i.vs .in,! ike speaker who f ti
Was bO f'nllnw him'. I
le
1 t
t: Lirr<
•nui |tJ
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,-ir '" ""''ilium, uie ^iS^.^.„, Mr. Merwin said:
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terpret the rugged energy, stamped on libit uncomely, swarthy, plebi.m coun- tenance—with its great, crag-like brow, anil large bones, or to read, the deep melancholy that overshadowed every feature of it. But beneath this- ungainly, rough exterior — he wore a golden heart. Abraham Lincoln stands for today, and worked for, while he lived, the people of all kinds, and in all places, more, than any other "Statesman" of any period in .our his- 'tory. as a govern menit. He was the most sympathetic, and a mind and Charjacter of the deepest charity for all classes'. N
Lowell, you remember, the great poet, spoke of him as "sagacious, pa- tient, dreading praise, not blame,'' morally — more than thv.'t — spiritually — in other words, in attributes of heart, his greatness was preeminent. None of our great men if we realized it— meant so much to our hearts, or did so much for the "common people-' as Mr. Lincoln. For none of our great men is the. love of the people so cor- dial and so 'warm. In none other are found so many qualities which can serve us, in our daily life, if we lay well to heart his teaching and ex- ample.
What Lincoln would have done is a constant inquiry coming to me on ev- il ery hand. There was in him that per- n feet combination of humility, honesty r( and strength. No pride, no arrogance, '( none even of what most people call self respect — nothing done for show, or for what other people would say or
(Iii or think of him! Gtretrt charity for others, under all eireuoustauices waft a naiiiral sifter to his humility.
(•nee beginning to show the versa- :" tllit.v of Mr. Lincoln, M is dilliciilt to pause. To appreciate his work we must go into close study of his char- acter to gel mi his motives. All in- lie £ sight and application of bhese higher political truths seem a sort of accusa- tion. t>efore the public mind rises, to their level — but as these higher facul- ties become developed, Lincoln* name and fame rises and his work will be bettor appreciated.
All prophetic revelation stammers, as it passes human lips. It reaches us in fragments, leaving saps difficult to fill but evermore ennobling and inspir- ing. Today we think of Lincoln as the English people think of their (blame- less Kiim Arthur, who, "Throughout ln'is tract of years, wore the white (tower of a blameless life."
Lincoln could be eloquent if be would — we remember the close of his Ohjo letter 'to the voters of that state in explanation of his dealings with VaHindinu'ham.
Mr. Lincoln said: "Peace does not seem- so distant as it did. I hope it will come soon, and come to stay, and to so come as to be worth keeping. It i ■will then 'have been proved that among free men there can be no successful appeal from the ballot to the bullet, and that they who take such appeal are sure to lose their case and pay the costs. And then there will appear some black men who can remember that With silent tongue and clenched teeth and steady eye and well poised bayonet, they Ihnve helped mankind on
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to this great consummation — while I fear that there will be some white men unable to forget that with malig- nant heart and deceitful speech thej have striven to hinder it."
It has been truly said by those fully competent to judge, that Mr. Lincoln came to 'the point, where :he surpassed all orators in eloquence, all diplomats in wisdom, all statesmen in foresight:
\\Te do not say much about it, it is not necessary, but there were occa- sions when Mr. Lincoln came to be in his administration of the government, greater than law — when his wisdom was greater than the combined wis- dom of all the people.
The peopie, the lawmakers, had nev er before in the experience of the gov eminent come face to face with the conditions and situation that confront- ed him.
Lincoln was as great as necessity, and our safety lay in the fact — that he was as just as he was great, and as wise as he was just.
Great is law, but greater is neces- sity.
It was this and .this only — the latent but omnipotent power of character. Abraham Lincoln had every virtue, every courage, every heroism, every faith and every holiness. He did the deed that won him both fame and im- mortality. He • gave to political America, her greatness. You know that Mr. Lincoln changed the status of millions of American citizens — changed the law of the nation — the le- gal tribunals — the decisions of the highest courts he reversed. It was
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Ita'a-Lara Lincoln win. draped his country's shoulders with the purple robe of eqnity and justice- When such a man is a glory on the brow <>r the
(l. '"">"• rhe people who 46 no! h co j iiize Mils fuel exeite the auia^emenil of i he Mice.
i Icnew the anxious days and nights Of what the people called Mr. Lin- eoln'fi "extreme, moderation."
He had id be and ehose to be strict- ly the executive of the best and sanest [public semtinieul of the country— wail- ing onlj until it should be umwistak- sliU"J' j a'dy pronounced. s °". ^a
So fft'ir in mind thai none ever list- .'''I*'011 enetl so patently to such extreme va- lllll'H' rlations of o])lulons — so reticent that ° eIVc' his final decisions stand— stand solid— ^or wo j thai the people have oomfe to know the u^"s al" capacity and virtue which the Divine s col,1l)i providence made him n it instrument Of benefits so vast.
Mr. 1 iiK-oln did more for America than any either American. When it linally came home to the consciousness d' the American people— 4ha1 the war ■We were waging was a war for the liberty of all nations— all peoples of the world— for the principle of free- dom itself— they Chunked God for glv. l»g them strength to endure the cs>st and severit> ol the trial to which he had put their sincerity, and nerved themselves for their duty with a.u in- exorable will.
\
president Lincoln himself was led a,°»fe In answer to prayer, led by this sef, sacrificing example of the people -led—as a child h, a dark naghi on n
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to (fugged way cat dies hold of the hand
,(,'""of its father for guidance and support, i moii so ne ciun}r f.lst to the hand of God,
uanitt0 the hands of the people, a«d moved
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all o jt .was Mr. Lincoln who said, "Those l,j^e3Pc m w soldiers who went through those till ' P W dreadful fields of battle, Wood and "st 6 "0t (leatu — aml returned not — deserve tor Se si0IV much, moa-e than all the (honors we can
moveihi*[v«y.
ou fit &'rea "But let us remember always— i.Jen WUsS those who went through the same 3 01 om 1 fields and returned alive, put. just as '?[{ much at hazard as those who died, i Gl ^ja and in other countries would wear dis- ern'! tinctive badges of honor as long as ■ con<=tihey Hved," ,
ed i And in closing htis second inaugural ; ^t? f ou a-emeniber Mr. Lincoln said, "Let a'"d use care for him who shall have borne the battle. — and for his widow and his orphan — to do all which: may achieve and cherish a just 'and lasting peace among ourselves and with all natioDS."
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EDIENCE TO LAW,
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Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well-wisher to his posterity swear by the blood of the Revolution never to violate in the
least particular the laws of the country, and never to tolerate their violation by others. As the patriots of '76 did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and laws let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor — let every man remember that to violate the law is to trample on the blood of his father, and to tear the charter of his own and his chil- dren's liberty. Let reverence for the laws be breathed by every American mother to the lisp- ing babe that prattles on her lap ; let it be taught in the schools, in seminaries, and in colleges ; let it be written in primers, spelling books, and in almanacs ; let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation; and let the old and young, the rich and the poor, the grave and the gay of all sexes and tongues and colors and conditions, sacrifice unceasingly upon its altars.
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LINCOLN MEI
Address fay ~ - « urnilTIU WHO KNEW LINCOLN
MAJOR J. B. MERW1N WMU intimately
MAJOR GENERAL ISAAC S. CATLIN U. S. A. (Retireo)
"BJ Will Preside
Sunday.February 7, 3.30F.M.
SASSSon Hall. 502 F«lton Street
Under Auspices of
CENTRAL Y. M. C. A. and BROOKLYN G. A. R. POSTS
ALL MEN WELCOME
M DAT IONS OF MAJOR J. B
1904
MERWIN, OF ST. LOUIS
jor J. 3 Merwin was brought from St. Loujs to deliver an address on A Lincoln as a Temperance Reformer, at the "Lincoln M rvic;," in the Methodist Church., February 14.
The other cnurohes united. Tn3 beautiful auditorium of this elegant church was crowded, every seat being- taken.> The weather was very d eeatle. The address made a profound .. sicn upo
people oJ 3ity, and it identified Mr. Lincoln with the Prohibition R form. Here is what the pastors say about it:
President Charles A. Blanchard, of Wheaton College: "His address was exceedingly helpful and entirely appropriate to the day and place. I wish that everyone might have had the opportunity wh i ch I enj oyed . "
Rev. Wm. Maoafee, D. D., Pastor Cary Memorial Church, Wheaton. 11 1 was much pleased with the address by Major Merwin last Sunday night. The subject of the lecture, Lincoln's Temperance Views, as well as the lecturer's relations with the great martyr president will, when known, assure a hearing with many whom an ordinary Temperance address would not attract. Besides, the lecture is wel] worth Hearing on its own merits, I know of no reason why it should not be appropriate anywhere for a union service on Sunday nigr t. "
Rev. Geo. R. Wood, Pastor, First Baptist Church, Wheaton: 11 1 desire to express my appreciation of the Lincoln Lecture de- livered by Major Merjyin at our recent union Sunday night service. To me the lecture was highly instructive and the Seeply
impressive. His settii of . coin's views on temperance was not only a high oompl t to Lincoln, but- a"*mo1ft valuable
to thecaj ion as well. WTyou on
behalf of myself nnd r otle for the privilege y u afford d us, in b r i nr i nr M a j . Me r r 1 n t o V on . ■
Rev. Walter L. 7? rris, D. D., Pastor College Congregational Cnurch, Wheaton: address of Ma j . J. B, Merwin on Abraham Lincoln as a temperance reformer was peculiarly fitting to the occasion, I v ional a: ' pi ring in every way. Mr. Mervir the people much of important history of which they had never heard. It was a refreshing revelation, a real uplift to all who were fortunate enough tc hear him. The speaker had been in a campaign for prohibition with the great Lincoln, in the fifties, and knew whercof^he spoke. Mr. Merwin is himself a magnificent orator, a noble character, a great man. I wish this address might be heard in every city in the land."
x*4
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MAJOR MERWIN ADDRESSES"
Speaks at Dinner in Pro- fessor Mace's Honor
PROFESSOR FLICK PRESIDES
Associate Professor Tanner Also
Speaks==R. S. Spencer and
N. D. Cranmer Represent
Majors on Toast List
O.ie of the most successful affairs of the season was carried out on Saturday afternoon, when the faculty, majors and minors of the historical department gave a dinner at Sims Hall in honor of Professor and Mrs. W. H. Mace, who will leave Syracuse the last of this month on a years's leave of absence.
The chief purpose of the dinner was kept a secret until the historicals wr" seated at the table, and came as a com- plete surprise to Professor and Mrs. Mace. There were over eighty whoen- joyed the delightful occasion. The din- ing hall was decorated wich flags, bunt- ing and Syracuse banners, and music was rendered on the piano while the dinner was being served. The excellent menu consisted largely of dishes com- monly used in the days of Lincoln.
At the close of the dinner Professor' A. C. Flick, acting as toastmaster, in-l trodueed Major J, B. Merwin as the speaker of the afternoon. "We are! highly honored indeed," said Professor Flick, "to have with us a man who was as intimate with Abraham Lincoln as any American, He was granted admit- tance at any time to the Union lines and to the President's study; he was; entrusted with messages which the| President would not entrust to his most, confidential secretaries. You have all come to appreciate the importance of1 an original document. Major Merwin is an original document."
Although Major Merwin is 80yearsof age and slightly infirm, his senses are stili alert and he speaks with such ease and precision, yet with such fervor and earnestness, that he is highly entertain- ing and even fascinating. His thorough intimacy not only with Lincoin but with other men who were then prominent in governmental affairs, was stamped upon every sentence which he spoke.
The Major related as if he had just come from the incidents of the day pre- ceding Lincoln's visit to Ford's Theater and his assassination. He told very ef- fectively the pathetic story of Lincoln's love for Ann Rutledge, the only woman that he ever loved in the world, and re- lated the circumstances leading up to his unfortunate marriage tc Mary Todd. I
(J*fi4w~w to, tyiQ,
When Major Merwin saw Mr. Lincoln for the first time, at Springfield, he de- clared he was the "most uncouth, un- kempt, uncombed man" that he had ever seen. Yet concerning the speech that he made that day the Major said: "Never before had I heard from human lips such pleas of human pathos and logic, so surcharged was he with ear- nestness and enthusiasm for the cause which he was pleading."
"The time came in the administration of this government," said the speaker, "when Mr. Lincoln was greater than all his cabinet, greater than all his gen- erals, greater than the government, greater than the law. He was as great a» necessity; he was as wise as he was great and as good ai he was wise/'
The Major recalled the arrogant and even hostile attitude maintained toward Mr. Lincoln both by Seward, Secretary of State, and Stanton, Secretary of War. "Mr. Seward was a good man," said he; "he always knew what was good form. Yet when he had been a member of the cabinet only two months he could not understand by what slip of the cogs God had let this insignificant man step into the shoes that he was in- tended to occupy."
Lincoln once insisted that he be al lowed to read an important letter writ- ten by Mr. Seward in reference to the Mason and Slidell affair. "If Mr. Ad- ams had received that letter just as Mr. Seward wrote it, "said the speaker, "we would have been engaged in war with England. In spite of the deter- mined hostility of his secretaries, when Mr. Lincoln said a thing had to be done it had to be done."
According to the Major, Mr. Lincoln was in favor of woman suffrage four years before Susan B. Anthony said a word about it. "I think that is what we are coming to," said he; "we can no longer shut it out. These women must be prepared for all the duties of American citizenship. We must have their co operation and moral influence before we can ever accomplish much more/'
Major Merwin here paid an eloquent tribute to his friend, the martyred pres- ident. He stated that his name is rev- erenced not merely because he was an orator, not because he was the head of the government during such a critical period, nor because he was assassinated while holding this high office, but his undying name is ascribed to the cour- age, patience, love and self-sacrifice of his great heart.
"No man's future," said he "is safer than that of Lincoln. He identified himself with the central current of American life. Within a half century this rran who was once despised, reviled and maligned has been transfigured into a character of marvelous glory and everlasting fame. Every form of gov- ernment on the face of the earth ten- dered its sympathies to the Secretary of State when Lincoln was assassinated. He saved to the nations of the world this government, with the help of the men who responded to his call. We ought to exult and be proud for the du- ties and responsibilities of American citizenship."
MAJOR MliRWIN IN
CHAPEL THIS MORNING
Major J. B. Merwin, intimate friend and associate of Abraham Lincoln, will speak at chapel this morning, 'stu- dents of the University will probably never have another opportunity of hearing a man who was m such a close relation with this great character in American history.
LINCOLN AND
PROHIBITION.
(Note. — The following letter is from Major J. B. Merwin, of Middle- field, Connecticut, who was intimate- ly acquainted with President Lincoln. He points out an, error in our article on page 10 of the June 19 issue, and gives the lamented President's exact words.) Editor The People, Franklin, Pa.
My Dear Sir: — Abraham Lincoln made speeches in Illinois in, favor of the entire Prohibition of the liquor traffic as carried on in the saloons. He said over and over again, "Law is for the protection, conservation an.d extension of right things — right conduct — not for the protection of evil and wrong doing. The Prohibi- tion of the liquor traffic saves the whole, and not a part, with a hi^h, true conservatism through the united action of all, by all, for all. The Prohibition of the liquor traffic, ex- cept for medical and mechanical pur- poses— thus becomes the new evan- gel for the safety and redemption of the people, from the social, political and moral curse of the saloon and its inevitable evil consequences of drunkenness."
Mr. Lincoln said "good citizenship demands and requires that what is right should not only be made known, but be made prevalent: that what is evil should not only be de- tected and defeated, hut destroyed.
"The saloon has proved itself to be the greatest foe, the most blight- ing curse, of our modern civilization, and this is the reason why I am a political Prohibitionist."
Mr. Lincoln said: "We must not be satisfied un,til the public senti- ment of this State and the individual conscience shall be instructed to look upon the saloon keeper, and the li-j quor seller, with all the license earth fan give him, as simply and only a privileged malefactor — a criminal.
"The real issue in this controver- sy: the one pressing upon every mind that gives the subject careful consid- eration, is that legalizing the manu- facture, sale and use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage is wrong — fis all history and every development of the traffic proves it to be — a moral, social and political wrong."
It should be stated distinctly, squarely and fairly an.d repeated often, that Mr. Lincoln was not only a practical total abstinence man; wrote for it, worked for it, taught it, both by precept and example, but that when he found from a long and varied experience that the greed and selfishness of the liquor dealers and the saloon keepers over- leaped and disregarded all barriers and every other restraint, taught by the lessons of experience that noth- ing short of the entire Prohibition of the traffic and the saloon would set- tle the question; he became an earnest, unflinching Prohibitionist. Cordially yours, J. B. MERWIN. Middlefield, Conn., July 6, 1908.
MAJOR MERWiN'S FINE LECTURE.
Given to Large Audience
in Town Hail Last
Night.
h, Hi,, town hall lasi nigh! Major B. Merwin delivered a In ting lecture on his Inti friend and associate, the Kreat and revered martyred president, Abra- ham Lincoln. The lecture was given under the auspices of the Middle County Historical society and Mans- fteld post No. 53 G. A. K.
The Rev. A. W. Hazen Introduced the speaker. Mr. Merwin launch. I
I ..in into depicting his subj in a pleasing and forceful manner which could not help but touch the :,, ,,; ,,r every admirer of Mr. Lin- coln. His opening remarks were: ••Much, as you must realize at. once, when you come to think of it, de- pends upon the point of view of the analyist a8 to wh»at will be said of both events and character at a time as exciting and revolutionary as were the years preceding and cul minating in the Civil war and its outcome. One who attempts to define the acts and motives, or to portray the scenes which constituted that drama, must be modest, and hear along with him every step of the way a specially careful and judicial state of mind in order that full jus- tice and no injustice may be done. 1 1 confess to you I am only equal to siate conditions and results as I saw them on the ground. If the facts led do not tally with your ide?3 and convictions, please do not cen- bu •■■• me for the facts."
Mr. Merwin throughout the lec- ture gave a very close inside view of the national conditions that pre vailed when Mr. Lincoln was eleel id president, of the obstacles which he ,was obliged to combat. The jealous ies among the members <>, 'net that prevailed time were
also treated by 1 im in a clear cut, expositive manner, in referring to the opinions of other great men he said, "It is no longe.r a secret nor a pari of seoret history thai Lo Palmerston, Harl Russell and Glad- stone himself wore determined the Southern Confederacy should have recognition; that this form of gov- ernment recognizing the kingship of the citizen should be broken up, destroyed, In the interests of mon- arch} I-ord Palmerston, clever, experienced, worldly-wise old man as he was, would have gone in un- hesitatingly for the recognition of the southern confederacy. Earl Rus- sell declared that we now see in the new world that which we have often seen in the old — a war on one side for empire, and on the other side 'for independence. Mr. Gladstone. the great Gladstone, was burning ;with zeal, even when official re- straints ought to have held him si- lent on behalf of Mr. Davis, and as he said, 'The new nation which Mr. Davis has made.' "
Of great interest was the letter which the speaker received a short time since from Dr. Levi Jewett of
Cobalt, and read during his lect Ce spoke about meeting Mr. Mer- win after the battle of Fredericks-
and discussed other art.
dition . general . eU Id' ";
-lad von are doing so much to enlighten the public abot Linro You I11,,st nave a fin?
store of reminiscences and recollec tions of those stirring times in the 'sixties.' "
The lecture throughout teemed with interesting factfjwhich Mr. Mer- win had gathered during the several rears that he Mid Mr. Lrncoln were so close to each other.
1 GENERAL lUNlEIIlS E AFTER BUS! WEEK
PERSONAL FRIEND OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN AND DINED WITH HIM ON DAY HE WAS ASSASSI- NATED.
Maj. J. P.. Merwin. who might justly* be called the Grand Old Man of Amer- ica, returned home yesterday. The past week was a very busy period for Ma- jor Merwin, for he traveled considera- bly and delivered twelve addresses in honor of the centenary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln in schools, colleges and churches in New York city, Brooklyn, Passaic, and other adjacent towns, to overflowing houses of enthu- siastic audiences. Sunday, he spoke in churches in New Haven and Bran- ford.' Major Merwin said that never before were there such great general celebrations in memory of the great martyr president and emancipator as there were last week. The celebra- tions were simply marvelous. Major Merwin is the only now living man who was a close personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. He was closely as- sociated with him from 1852 up to the time of his death. On the day of the assassination, he took dinner and spent 2Vz hours with him. In the near future, he will speak on Lincoln, in one' of ^he churches in Middlefield. Watch for the announcement of the date. Major Merwin is a man of ripe scholarship, a profound thinker, a bril- liant and popular orator. He was editor of the "American Journal of Ed- ucation" for thirty years. He owns one of the largest and best selected private libraries in the world. ^J [a recently celebrated his eight yjbft birthday at the home of Former "Taeu- , tenant Governor Lyman A. Mills, at Middlefield, where he resides.
1
Juno 29, 1010. Bin^hamton, N.lh
jor J. ! .
Conn.
au ibe: now living whc
Lincoln .. e: nst now be very few. tt n,
I a oi o: the few. I ; ■ '- ": five o*olook ^ ^°^>
on th atal w&4*4sg ■ , . CTashir ~o and .Mrs ^ ^J~ /
Lincoln c; me there in t! — rrii on their g*t— ^-— u_ drive. f f
■ a roo or* two where C wi i feed
him. I : his c U . ' e fHiite ouse, and to art in tl meral ion.
. e a for; daj s ago :
Doctor H rson?our state Superintendent
t s
)8ire<3 to sec you.
B
was on and how
ilefi me your letters to
It is of - fc interest to me, since I
ve taken up^Etf prese: bhe A. S. r. which
s ^tnis summer, too ] now that ' w*aar the "Orci a" only a feV hours afto? '. utterance to yon concern
any in hand after reconstruction £in< .' "■11 me too ■ la, on that da id
• long you had wit] i ':c-;"orc starting for Philadelphia^
Hew York lcfwh »u] w :' u it lest Cabinet Meeti neldf
ve yoi £kawwledge as to the exact ti i ten Mr, and
-Irs " iaeoln stafcted ffta^iho tite rroase on that drive which bro i : the . avj
I ■ - our health w ■ I , >u still lect-
; on Abra' i ilnoo] a .
Since dictating the above I have, to v/ho's *' .
A
in America and note with pleasure that von were bora in this
city, You here noi7 have yon not?
;hamton? an will you be visiting our cit; I wish w t have you lecture ALincola< '.'hat would it cost us? I an not position now to fplie an ope pou as I , Lbl; %«feChave done for mos' the years of my life- See o's Who and the n |
^f r:r two sons. I am b il if there ft ftthei all : - ! boo: . ^t^
ILL,
ear from you.
or^ "
4/
.J. B# M £ R W I N '3 Letter of July 5tl
This letter was published in Charles T. White's "Lincoln ^nd prohibition", p. 153. It was al30 printed by the- nunared by F.J. Slakes - lee on a mimeograph and circulated largely.
A copy pf this mimeographed letter is on p. 81 of F.D.B's £&o Book, No. 5.
It is also on the following page of this book as published in the Binshamton, (N.Y.) Republican, of July 10,1910.
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LINCOLN'S LAST IMPORTANT WORK
BINGHAMTON REPUBLICS
Maj. J. B. Mervin, Former Bing- hamtonian, Writes od Sublet
Martyred President's Opposition to legalized Liquor Traffic — General Ben Butler's Ideas on Building the Panama Canal .With the Emanci- pated Slaves of the South i
Dr. F. D. Blakeslee, superintendent of the Binghamton district of the An- ti-Saloon League, has just received | the following letter from J. B. Mer- | nn, who was born in this city, but j tvho now resides at Middlerield, Conn.:
"Middlefield, Conn., July 5, 1910. "My dear Mr. Blakeslee, Binghamton, N. Y.: '•I read your letter of June 30 with interest and pleasure.
"My last interview with the great ind good Lincoln is a long story, w I knew him from 1852 on to the day he was assassinated. Dined with him that day.
'•The cabinet meeting ended early, a little before 12 o'clock. I left him after dinner about 2:30 for New York, on a special mission to see Horace CJreely and submit to him a paper Mr. Lincoln had written. Lee had sur- rendered. Jefferson Davis was a fu- gitive. The great heart of President Lincoln was burdened with the prob- lem as to how best to dispose of the 180,000 colored troops with arms in their hands. Major General Ben But- ler said: 'Mr. President, I can help vou solve that problem. The terms of enlistment of these troops will not ex- pire for a year and a half. As a mili- tary measure, take them to Panama md build the canal with them. Make me a major general, put me in com- mand and we will take them over and build and own the canal. As fast as possible we will take their families; the climate is about the same as they are used to; give them some land and we will dig and own the canal.'
"What does Seward say? What does or what will Congress say? 'All fa- vorable.' What will Greely say? He was more afraid of Greely than of Jef- ferson Davis.
"I had known Greely well; had been on several missions to Mr. Greely for him. 1 could and did go many times where and when his secretaries could not go, for they were known.
- "I was not especially known. I was on General Dix's staff in New York. Had charge of the. sick and wounded ;oldiers passing to hospitals through t\e city. He telegraphed General Dix tcXsend me to Washington by first tram. I left New York Tuesday night, reached Washington Wednesday
mornVg. Ten thousand people were arounc\the White House. I held the telegran\up. He saw it; said come at ten tonigiit. It was twelve at night before heVould get away and lock up. We worked until three a. m., and then retired. Thursday night we worked on the proposition until three a. m., and still it didViot quite suit him. Fri- day was cabinet meeting. He locked all the doors atYts close and ordered our dinner brought up. He finished the paper. We \te dinner and he read it over. One Ck>er was not lock- ed. Mrs. Lincoln can\s and said: 'Abe, the Fords Theater pdople have ten- dered us a box for thMs eve, and I have accepted it. The «Jfcjits are go- ing with us, and inake no other en- gagement.' Mr. Lincoln said: 'Mary, I don't think we ought to go to the theater. Do you remember it is Good Friday, a religious day with a great many people, and I don't think we ought to go to the theater tonights Mrs. Lincoln said: 'We are going,' and with that she slammed the door enough to take it off the hinges. *You see how it is,' he said. 'We must not have a scene today.'
"We finished dinner. He read it over again. He folded up the paper, handed it to me and said: 'We have cleaned up a colossal job. We have abolished slavery. After reconstruc- tion the next great movement will be the overthrow of the legalized liquor traffic, and you know my heart and my hand, my purse and my life will be given to that movement.'
"'Mr. Lincoln, shall I make this public?' I said. 'Yes; publish it as broad as the daylight.' With that he shook my hand again and said: 'Stop over in Philadelphia and see the ed- itors there.' /p'\1~
"I stopped ove/in Philadelphia, waited until 12 (/'clock. The editors did not come. 1/ went to the Conti- nental hotel, an/l to my room, and then the news c/ime that Lincoln jiad In the morning I
been assassinateST
wenT~on-to_'New York, waited two hours to see Greely, and left the pa- per with Sidney Gay, brother-in-law to Greely, and assistant business man- ager of the Tribune. He gave the pa- per to Greely, and that was the last of it It was mislaid; could not be found. Lincoln had passed on into the eternal silence and we are not yet recon- structed.
"But we are doing something to
abolish the legalized liquor traffic. I am, first, last and all the time a Pro- hibitionist, as Mr. Lincoln was, but if I could not prohibit the traffic in all the territory of the state of New York,, if I could persuade a town, city or county to vote it out, I would do that and be thankful. Mr. Lincoln and I canvassed the state of Illinois togeth- er for three or more months in 1855. Mr. Lincoln drew the law. The Legis- lature passed it, submitting it to a vote of the people. We came near — we did carry it, but Kentucky, Mis- souri and Wisconsin poured in nearly 20,000 illegal votes in the counties bordering on those states, and then with those illegal votes counted beat us with only a little over 5,000 votes. Some hard cases voted with us. I asked Mr. Lincoln if we wanted such votes. 'Want them? Of course we do. I have lived here many years. I have never seen saints marching In battalions in Illinois yet. First the blade, then the ear, then the full corn, etc. Work with any and all who will help us,' Mr. Lincoln said.
" 'Welcome or«{ ten, ten thousand,' Lincoln said in his plain, pathetic way. 'We must meet the traffic in one of two ways. We must furnish the recruits to keep up the ever increas- ing armv of drunkards or we must take temptation out of the way of the rising generation. What way do you prefer to meet the traffic?'
"There was no continued bawl for money. We raised $2 5,000 in five days in Chicago. William B. Ogden, presi- dent of the C. & N..W. R. R., sent for Mr. Lincoln and said: 'Here is my check for $2,500. If you need more I will duplicate it whenever you call. Others gave $500. A large number of bankers in Chicago gave $500. So, now, if the case is plainly stated, as ! Mr. Lincoln put it, the money will come; all that is needed.
"Yes, I have relatives in Bingham- ton I used to know well a number of people in Binghamton. I have not been there in many years, I kn«y a. Rev. Edward Taylor, a Congregational popular preacher, very well. Went to visit him often.
"I am enclosing President Lin- coln's 'military order' and endorse- ment of- Lieutenant General Winfield Scott. General Scott said: Shall 1 make it an order or a request? Pres- ident Lincoln said: 'A request wil do,' and fCdid. do. When genera Scott was rehired Mr. Lincoln fixed-it so I could and should go when he wanted me to go. Perhaps by this time you are not greatly pleased to hear from me, and I will stop. "Most cordially yours,
J. B. MERVIN."
" (Signed)
Zi
j. b. MjjJLiJi-
f7er receiving * copy of the letter written after rw
says that U ^ ^d *»own that waB :ha.e P^ted he -U -e .— ,0 me In it.
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.J. B, MERffIN July 11, '10.
Proposes to come to my District and give 10 addresses.
Says that he was associated for 20 years with the late Dr. wm T. Harris, U.S. Commis- sioner of Education in editing the American jour- nal of Education.
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.,1or J. 3. Merwln, .iddlefield, Conn.
My dear Jajor Llerwin:-
In reply to your very l:ind letter I would say that the official title of our institution is "University of Rochester". The name of the Professor who presided in the absence of the President, was Professor Henry P. Burton.
I can hardly tell you how much your visit to Roches- ter was appreciated and enjoyed, and I shall personally never forget the opportunity to meet you, afforded by our little dinner. I keenly regret my inability to fce present at the lecture on Lincoln1 s interpretation of Shakespeare.
Wishing you many years of carrying on your good work and that these years may count frequent visits to Roches- ter, I am,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Geo. M. Fcrbes.
July 20, 1010/
liine^hamton, N.i'.
i.lajor J- 3. I.Iorwin,
Middlefield, Con_i.
Dear Major tferwin:-
Your letter Of the ftlfl i»t WSJ of exceeding interest.
. *. a nr - \x ared - '8
I enclose you a printed o 1Z lcn w~
V1. „ T -ufiVfi referred to it ir atax es
Binghamton P.epublioan. I nave ren rrui
ever since it oamo .
. t **_«,« r virvfl - .weivaa with '-hani'.e. Your suhseiuont lettere n.ve - y
«.~~ « o -,-, -f i o « i strikes i e very favor* Your proposition concern! ten ecu .tie.; s ,r
aWy„ I hU Buteltteft the sane the N]f ^r- > ice and c all
hear fro. thea in a few days ana will then ot ^e ^
I have just phone to Kr L. .rr./lor. 100 Hia street, l is the son of the Dr -aylor to *hon yonrafer in yow letter. W
Taylor wae not in hut I told Mre laylor to looV on paft seve:. of this mornings Republics for rof r:nce to her father-in-law.
She had not seen >nr letter.
jst cordially yours,
X
District Superintender vt.
\
J. B. M E R W I N July 22, '10
Astonished to see his letter of July 5, m Print. Mentions mistakes in it.
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July *3, 1910
j.incihainton, N.X.
liajor lierwin,
I'iiiulr field, Conn,
ajor . ( it/1 1 '•-
errors
I an to receipt of your f • "' "■•»■ i
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at -.:'■ oh C ;^v - •
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' ■ . . 31 '
1.11 /j "-or ■; : • 0TB d.
i ] :•■■ rora oorroc ;ei »
lie, thin re* o:
>re perfect: id *t
a litt: have ra rrod
•r. , ' •'.,:■ e ia-
£ i was mi ue
oopie iafle ii - >b,t
: waj r 1 • near
. Loned.
a1 ngtog Ltt laid ap*
ood Lc i j i rvio yc ir.
[indly bell in . tffcrat -; ;a of
o: ill 'a ■ " i i . -o.
Moat - ■,
i
4T
c irintc dent
Richmond, Missouri. 19 July 1910
Mr J. B. Merwin,
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 15, at hand and will write a short jwer. T was elected Sheriff of Ray County, llojji ny Hovember 19(5)6, "e had at that time twelve Saloons and twenty whiskey
ag Stores in the county. How we have no Saloons and no.dives. You cant "buy any hitters of any kind g± Patent Medicine that can be used as a beverage; or any percent of alcohol in soft drinks. Some of our Doctors wrote Illegal P^r/§criptions and they were indicted and fined o 100. each.
I think the above record speaks for itself as to the condition of our county. \!e hope to have State wide Prohibition after Hovember. tye are bothered some with a few fellows going to other Towns in adjoining Counties and getting whiskey. The people to inforce any law have to elect men in sj^mpathy with the law and in regard to Ray County electing the best Sheriff in Missouri, we have the same Sheriff and prosecuting Attorney- spoken of in the clipping and the above discription of the condition in Ray County tells what we are doing with the help of the people. You spoke of Col. Jacob Child, #e has been dead for years.
Wishing you success in your work and State wide Prohibition for us this fall. I remain
Respectfully
)
I Jt'c-l<juh Geo. E. Sanders
«
3/
I
J. B. MERHH July 28, 1910
a
Nicoly a German infiuel,Hay "a boy". They
aid not want to feature Lincoln's religion nor his temperance principles for fear of making their Life of Lincoln less popular.
Herndon, an avowed infidel. The liquor subsidized press opposes IteTWln's ststements about Lincoln as a Prohibitionist.
<^<&>*-t^l
S&£^Z£4>£>*^L
Aug. 4f 1910.
Bin^hamton, N.Y..
ilajor o
\ >rwin,
Sii&dlefield, Conn t
Dear Major ler.vin:-.
You wlll: reaaoibe • the criticism op33©eming Good Friday* X find c'-v.. loo" in/- at r^r alary that I entered tinder the date of
rida:,- April Hth li following; "At office until 11:30 wh it cio^eo'^ tttikr ! J i-'o the e ! • z ; • an oj?portu ity to attend ohu ■-., :.. ■ Good ibriaay," Eais ought to gentle the matter
of G:>od Fra receiving attention from all
, least in IOC.
It
■Xj-4.
I enclose you our reprint on our duplicating maqhii of ■ :r earreotod 1< ;ter* nre is no expense bo , w :r'or as n i* ■ i id J ssue*
: .:/ o.
• th ' ■ i]
J I.l.yq the follow:! g i print Boncer :■ : your interview . - ■ . ■;■,. , ' ed tern Bom news n p s o. here ie an e< par v. ha his reneari i tj E .•■■: proi ; Le : ' e ;. uor traffic folic* ii ...
bru tion«. "■•• ia as follows: nIa 1042, less that a quarter s| ; previcte ! rfould some rcfeefc i e
la bo ii3 i lave nor a d] u ■• I ii ■ land*
• ope '• Lv<
If ao :- :1a
. •".
live see i iotio] ful Llled.
er." Is - ! ed?
thou - . ' • '. SO rain, « '; ■ do - 7om : > :" 0"! •'
c i " v- atic
■ ■•: Lall r ' 3urs.
the
<&JfcQjLcdcj^/*^
•-! ■• ic1 c or ' •' -out;
S3
sZ&trg^ <&-o**— «^i_
<S*~Z<_
**6* 16, 1910.
■din^hamton, N.Y.
Middle field, Conn. £ear sir:-
** Blafeeslw «,«. CC!,iin _.
temooa ■ ...,„ ls 0l-lce ^^teri
' m Bttt0 and gnite Rev-mi- • • Hia coll.„r bonr «,„« , , TreV ^jurea.
■ .one Wtwtaad^^
"••» -o.biaaen * thp 4oetor8 to „ **
- W „ that . * tL° ^ bUBiM*« He recuests
«« cannot cori? dcr M«- t , .
»««« to ,0Ur irttw of /e8t0PfllF. / , . .TW tr«ly youra,
-Jhe-r.
Jtr
J. B. M E R W I N August 5, '10.
Discusses "Good Friday", my record in my diary under date of April lA, 1865 and my experiences in Washington.
/
\^^^^^^^==r
Q<Sa^>t't:{^%fy/Z
y-ey^.
K iv
*^tyfast^<£^
/^3L^t> /&s*-^>e
Aug
Bincjhaiaton, N.'x
jor
. Elerwin,
field. Conn.
It vras
i r IteJor Serwln:
t have yorx fcii bter of the 30th Inst.
,,++1p Aort of a miracle that I was not killed outrig&V^c little- eeovering nuch more rapidly than
Mf« . I* uoT:nstairS_ in a bat-irohe..
oletll ' >grapner. » nc m .;^-
1 -S?*! tov/ar. recovery. -.The
.tg » somewhat li i itic*
,.., - i lc n as tiiongn I GliOUlu 00
■■ -V .., : eral
. moi *W cannot
1 so s >on«
Le to t'ho idea oi ; a IT-
:■■ several* adU - W*2g
r Teat do- o i • - ^ -
i v. Vf noi 6 to take ;hat latter
oi It a succo -o -
Injury.
he infemap. Uquoi bjrafj ic. ■ ' •■ rest for your .'. ffl«
lost oordially ;y^>:-
District Superintend I
J:
/?<<
J:
.k-
5*£ ^
JL* B. M E ft W I N August 25, 1910
My automobile accident. His proposed address- es. Those he gave in Rochester. warns against my go ins to Penn Ian.
/
J<
ft
.jinjghaaton, N.Y.i
Oct. 5. 1910.
tffijor J. B. Ifierwln,
Lddlef lolfi, Conn.
JJcar Major Merwin:-*
I 3i<? no intend to neglaot you so. ^Ioclco pardon i not writing you. sooner* I "".arc bear a aerai-in valid o. ino
and this »nst b- . ■••'o! egy together with pressure •. .r :j:k.
As you prophesied I waa unable to go to the ?enn ion Lt th&t netting the ' r of the a ilo;
secretary to it me on r> listri< - the ..act
that a man
tr v.as not oo
CLd )e engaged.
cwo or th] ■ ii . unanimously to *j«nloy a man ar> us to raake a . tea
■
it is
or tooth I
It 4
, " . 1 J.Mt
.0
age i aome tl Lb • '.: on • •: I strlott
I. re . it
I havo talfced i bte
n do n >t iow we oj • '"
on flvj dietriet, as tnuoh i
or; a :
would bo well perhape. ' find ;
on Sundi ci have bo pay f : ' e b
horn : . •.. j oar oul I
an,
'
result in clc da^jree I
further preaentati* ■:
in to the 3u do ores n1 tion 1 . 3u at re 1 3 . h • "' '' »
aar> ... 3ttt thia would that even li Lg] raotioall
lndidei 6 > your speaking but what t old
have gotten t tine
a aeriea of consecutive ove i ■
In floutol . In to mi
a real . iicoeea thara o
spent in ;hs thing*
ere is the added Sanger of having burnt o- •' 30
ar • *
toeo
pn •■: ■ oaui ar«
Lth r< net to thaai
1 sent j ' I ax to
to t 0 »ut, the . • of 'Inir. ' 8«
iiot of wl^ao publiahed it wii e e 00 tion 3
N
F. D. B L A K E 8 L E E to Charles T. White, ""January 23, 19 lS
concerning discrepancies in MaJ. J.B.
Merwin's statements.
CHARLES T. WHITE
to F.D.Blakeslee, 3 letters, January
26, 28 & 30, 1918, relating to Merwin's statements.
^
("has T. White
277 Decatur St. Brooklyii,N.Y
O^-^^v (©J^
Ctias T. White 277 Decatur S1
I Jroiiklsn.iN f.Y
Chas T. White 2?7 Decatur St. Brooklyn,N.Y
-3 & r cf/('
/VH-e
tfr&HS^
- J /
w
THE CHURCH IN ACTION AGAINST THE SALOON"
.fl
OFFICIAL ORGAN "THE AMERICAN ISSUE" NEW rouK edition
WEEKLY. ONE DOLLAR PER YEAR ROLLIH 0. EVERHART. EDITOR
CYRUS P. KEEN. ASST. STATE SUPT ABNER B. BROWN. ATTORNEY
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT REV. SAM L. HAMILTON, SUPT. MAX W. BEYEf*. ASST. SUPT.
district offices up-state
Capital (Albany-). Central (syracuscI
Western (Rochester)
The Anti-Saloon League of New York
BOARD or DIRECTORS
WILLIAM H. ANDERSON. State Superintendent 156 Fifth Avenue NEW YORK CITY
SUITE 121ft FMESerTCRMN BUILOING
PHONE CftAMEACY '■* i
%tlMsrp9
REV. DAVID JAMES BURRELL. 0 0.. LLC. Pits. TRUMAR H.HAttrillH. E50. F.»5T VlCl PRIF.. REV JAMES V CHALMERS 0 0
RCV WILLIAM C SPICES, D 0 . 6 LOVtRlviLLC
RE* 1. B 5NTEET D 0 . BitGnAMTSK
REV. WILLIAM M. MORC-AM
LA F R CAVtlNJ W«7rr<TG«..
kt. ft. A I fcu'ltAN t D., bi'.MlK
rev aeci-oE cAler moor. b. d . ■ •ooito
REV. ALLAANCPR McAIMLAf. fior
June 23, 1917
.1 oor
vrt*k\
■ ■
."ttro be
M v
TO BBtE PIBLD PORCB:--
I would suggest if you
hare
:ioii
already thought of it, that yon file away the names of the Fed Cross 3ontri"hutors in all the cities in your district where hnre been published.
Your a very cor dlrl ly.
they
Stave Sulo.eJl ntendent.
o
. I
WHA /P
oarf* arc ■ ; v
:*s gif axi
• r w^
00
3 »(f taow afoirv
~ ., ,,;,,: bis uO^ ^X^3 V
*^>
r
•MOO.IA3 Bl
the cj.'s fir8^^w^^;{IC$5!^A1Aji»A^ League. At that
date there ojrthf <W "bo ti6 dttft J&^gk ffiW*?*Sf, hlBJ°^- J*"?'** voi^ 44it$rj|itin£ to compare ffi&, vsq.qx^Mm the MaJ.'s later etatewmte.
a .V3H .W XAM
aifvai!5^reatly interested in-'tehis matter, and if you ^aim $&„&#&„ a&& °he p&Mchce to help me look carefully into it I shall ftje^^eetlfcy -a *3 obliged tflrTott. I have no doubt you are equally interested witk-jaeV-'oiofj* sulrjoct^/a, ver^- interesting psychological problem, so it seemst^:^©^1,^"*.
; was impressed at O.tlan. City that the aj. did not prom^tj^l^o^'^jin- itely answer r. Russel's questions, sfesaciag in many oa8aaJ.vafto*uig™a. 'w*a&» eniSg of hi* mind, as I construed it. ' "*W*
On p. S69 Dr. R. states that Herwin willed the Lincoln order to the A.S.L. Yes, I see that the Maj. also makes that statement. ;7hat do you loaow if this?
On p. 270 liaj. says that L. when he left the partnership of the grocery store had to pay a thousand dollars of the debts of the concern. Leonard Swett is quoted as saying: -"he was to step out as he stepped in. H* had nothing when he stepped in. and he ha.<| nothing when he stepped out". 3. does not deny that L. had to pay the "1.000., "but one w'd not suppose it to he so- Awn. S+s^&y cul^i-
oes the statement on ^•3?2 '^xat !M^s^; saart.^raUr^a consult 25 Or 30 leading Judges and ^w^e*^^
upon the publication here of mTa letter to me a preaaher said to me that the statement shout master in the cabinet room when ::rs. L. told her hus- band of the theatre engagement, aecme:! improbable because at that time very little was made of Baawr vf ffia churches, Kajor . answers that by tell- ing what he knew of those observances, and I looked up in my diary and find this re cord:- "At office until 11.30 when it closed in order to give the clerks an opportunity to attend church, it being Good Friday." This was un- der the date April 14th, 1865. .. ijfadft !,:• wrote me after I had sent him this quotation: -^1^9 v^Lae off all jfy& pillions living has such a record as to (jood Frlda^V • "then tells that many have spolren to him of the assassination bein& a judgment upon iJr. L... for his so desecrating that holy day. Of course none but an almost fanatic would taBc that way, I think. Hi then again re- fers to my diary ana says:- "How singular it is, -your record of the hour of the closing of the office and the purpose] It is all so real and vivid to mo."
On p. 265 r.ussell says that M*j* H. is a native of conn. whoa 7?ho says he waa born in this city and the Llaj. confirmed to me that statement.
On pp 246--S48 Of the Proceedings of the Fifteenth ITatfl A.S.L.Conv., at Columbus, Ohio, ec. 10-15, '13, is a report of liaj. H^s Speech. He is quoted as saying that Lincoln when the proposal of taxing the licj. traff. as a war measure was up said that he w'd rather cut off his right arm than to sign such a measure, and that he did it only af«6er assurance that after the war it wfd be repealed. >o you Imow of any confirmationof this?
^ I am wondering if robert ineoln eoulu not throw light on the matter of the engagement of the box at Ford's Theatre.
I asked :Taj. !';!• why such histories as Hi . "ay's did not give the facta re^ardin? Lincoln's temp, principles and Ms religious character. In reply he said:- "I asked and insisted that Lrr. Lincoln's religious views and hie status as a total abstainer & a "Prohibitionist" sh'4 be stated. But llick- oly was a German infidel and Hay a "boy". 'They insisted they must write a "popular" Life of Lincoln. 2har these two "specialties "were not in any es- sential way an asset & the work must be. such as w'd not off end any one, so
THE CHURCH IN ACTION AGAINST THE SALOON"
The Anti-Saloon League of New York
official organ WILLIAM H. ANDERSON, State Su peri ntendent '
"THE AMERICAN ISSUE" NEW YORK EDITION ,56 F|FTH AV£NUE NEW Y0RK CITy BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WEEKLY. ONE DOLLAR PER YEAR BURRELL 0 D LL D O.M^
__...__ -„._„.„. „ „ »UITe lil* P«tJBYTr«IAN BUILOIRS REV. DAVID JAMES BURRELL. DD. LLD..\#««J,,
ROLLIN 0. EVERHART. EDITOR TRUMAN H BALDWIN E:o . F<«JT Vice Pun.
CYRUS P. KEEN. ASST. STATE SUPT ABNER B. BROWN. ATTORNEY
\phoni tmnncr i./j rev james v Chalmers d d
/~\ REV WILLIAM C 3RICER. O.D . GLOVCMVlHt
mO w\aJM
REV J B SWEET. D 0 . BmilHAMTc.il REV WILLIAM M MORGAN. D D DR F R CALKINS W>
METROPOLITAN DISTRICT REV. W W T DUNCAN. D. D.. BIOOBIV*
REV. GEORGE CALEB MOOR. 0 0 . I REV. ALEXANDER McKINLAV. T«or
REV. SAM L. HAMILTON. SUPT. ftttQL . 0 MV. GEO
MAX W. BEYER, ASST. SUPT.
district offices up-state
Capital (Albany). Central (Syracuse)
Western (Rochester)
•ft
Juse Fl, 191?
•israsa
TO :~
Youro rary cordially,
I V "
'f ■ • 'X'jUU^lc^ Om
Jt&U .inparlnteA&ant*
-^7
I
r\7 TSlltoI O 1BMO SflCI
fcl
It is iuwortent that we be elear on the eiteetien of tl* Be^onal American leeue bolng wont to %ho0nr^ho anbuoribe £1.00 a wonfch or ttoto. I enclose 00^ of u letter whieh le sent to each Jjf
l.i (, a month anbeoriber. flier a has be«n one oo'^- J^
i ilnt niv* one case I >» nrA of, of a ,'«n who
too*: offen«i» because o.i form of tho let tor • p.fter
thinking it ovur I hare slightly nodlfiort tfhe phrnse- olo$y *nd chnnjod the BOtfuonoot hut to> j.- refer to ^jj' it nttind on the imrae gene ml baais, vis: that wo .111 not -ro to tlsa xtlng tn« oxtr • unions
•the party ie to soy tV s It.
.the wr.y ';o obvJ lble nf te relay
it? not to on j in tho Sunday speech tlv
"will he sent"* but to say If you enhscrlht /1.00 c mont , or room, " lo the rii .bus*
Wo want ovory mm in evory StokUs' speooh "*
to make this point beoaufco it doss eot so an indnoeraont. It ijeto »:Orae men *;o ;o up to 1.0 by driving a peg at the , laos, who really <io not ■ for the pa:. r. %r srA
If tb»>rs are ^n-y further i«c ..fits on
tola score I would like to het.r sh^m*
> 8SW
cexlv .fcai:
"MOOJAB 3HT TBHIAOA MOIT3A H! HDRUH3 3HT
MflOY W3H ^O 3UOA3J HOOJAa-ITHA 3HT
EflOTD3Ria lO QHA08
,.<j.jj ..a a .JJsnRue s3MAi oivao .van
3H1 33W .. ' 1*8 .H MAMUBT
.a. 0 2-1?MJAHl. V 89MAI .VBD iv«n3voi- .v .V3«
■nHOMia . 0 U T33W2 B ,1 JJJ .0.0 .'.
BYJuoasa ..o .o .'..•• '■'■■ .V3H
nrj»oona ..a .a ,b< • a .V3H
3M A3QV1AX3JA .V3H
TH3aH3imn3qo3 3TAT2 ,M02H3aHA .H MAIJJ1W
YTID HHOY W3H SUHSVA Hflll 32 f
B M.UR3Tvee3fli eisr STtua
. 13MAH3 3K0H1
v
,v»
60 .ohubert .treet, 1/23/18 •
Charles .;•. hite,
277 Decatur street, rooklyn, 1T.Y. IV Bro. ,'^hite:-
It was a great pleasure to meet again at no distant day*
HAO.'i MOITiaa »fl il K1AOIA3MA -
AA3Y J13S
:n!3V3 .o nujon T1L>3 3TAT3 .T33A .H33X .=1 SUHYD
vanfioTTA ,uwo?ia a ?.3hsa
TOIHTaia HATIJ010flT3M .T1U3.HOTJIMAH .J MA3 .V3H .T1U2 .TSeA ,fi3Y3a .W XAM
3TAT3-qU 83013^10 TOlflTSta
|38udabys) JAHTXI3D .(vhasja) jatiiaD
(>12: ' . 513T23W
et you last Junday and I hope we may
■
I am enclosing copy of the letter which t-aj. ~;.errin wrote me and to which referred in my little talk at the Junday bchool. ITote taht he tells me he heard of the assassination in Bill* the night it occurred. See the state- ment on the reel slip enclose a. which he sent mo., and $or which lie must hare been responsible, that he aiC- net Imov; of it till ,#a#-fc stepped out of the trail at Hew Yor!k the' next morning. A_
rtcerain^ hand of her fiav tradioted in :;iboa*r
I read:- " r.
o me
M -V.
;o me of Irs, Lincoln's informirag her hus- n invitation to the theatre, it seems to he con- 01droydfs " ?3ination of Abraham Lincoln". On p. 11 ?ord, business manager q£ the theatre , was in the hex
^
office when the messenger came froda the '.'.liito House at half->paat ten ©•cloofc on the morning .of the 14th to 'secure a,, box for the treatment, ifrB. Lincoln, and dene: rs. Grant. "!i>: >r had aceapted an invitation from
f'O accompany htm rs. incoln tre. ?he . resi&en
. night, hut they had no knowl- 2Ception of the message at half-
had been previously invited
•e there of his intended vis past ten o'cioefc tl
I find that" " a voli^inoufl correspondence with t: j., many more I rs than . supposed.. U. .zsy., clippings sent me by him. I pi- sume you have all tie clippings c©»eo,rh'i!b&. .w' ~ addresses, have you
not? ■ ' "'; m':t '
I have reaa that the !5&3, had a ver. ?e and' v<iable library. Did he i
leave this to you, also?
Convention
As to the ;:a3.«s afe. ".'.>ofs T^o in .Amor, birthday was I.I«7 ;5
22, 'S5. r)n p. 267 o Ii '"rocV ; of 'tV. Sixteenth ITational/of the Anti-£
Saloon of America he 'confirms Hi On p. 265 the statement is made
that he was fully prepared for College at 20 B of age. but did not en-
ter college. Instead he. became a ranee editor and la-ter { One wfd sup*
PPJS^AJLi^st jhave ten some , lajefc) Cor. Jee'y of the Conn. eorn. iioc^, and «^ra!lBG "fhe " state^au^pteTT^ ain Law". tis law was adopted in «51,
%ere is a discrepancy ri^ht Iiotq on the pp of this
wa are told on p. 2§6.
volnma. >t •w! he w»d have- 'been but 16 ye«rs of tgal ^he vol referred to
.3
1b one understood you to toll mo you?Hio»# 2^ ^n«0?nferMo«rw*S %Bn'
, 272 ::erwin says that Lincoln a&< began to confer on his trip to freely on Thursday eve. In his letter to me he says that it was on "Jed. ov. and that it was continued the next eve.
Have you ever seen the record of the Interview that :or. Howard -I. Russell with the Ma J. when Russell had a stenographer take down for six hours, in »05
1
■ ■
K» OTI
0 .HA3HU0 T * ,
jHAXJJA V3R
Bincihainton, N.Y.,
60 ^chubert otreet, S/l/lo.
van^oTTA .Hwona .a nam
TOiaTc.Q I iT3M
.■p»U8 .HOTJ1H MAE .V
.Tiu 3Y36 .W X.'
I u
I arrived home lato last evening after an absence,: of «1^ .-■ ^T'"D days to find your tliroo letters. I sincerely thank you for the troub- le you have taken In the natter. But the effect upon me is depressing, rwin had sent him each lime the .Tho's tfho was revised, as woll as at the beginning, a proof of his write-up in that volume, at least that was the oase .^ith lae and my. two sons, and T have -o doubt it was the case with every one whose name appears, that the subject of the sketch xoiglit make any correction: . ^hat bhe ;;&3, allowed ;his aevseal times to bo re- turned to the publisher with his birthplace, Binghamton,and his birthdate six years out of tl?e way is too bad. It calls to mini the adage;- wT?al- sus in uno, falsus in omnibus." One does not know what to believe of his
statements xk concerning Lincoln whiolt are not confirmed by others and' as J understand it most of his utterances concerning Lincoln* s temper- ance history are suah» ..id the brother-in-law offer any remark concerning the misstatement concerning age and birthplace? .m curious to know why t • ]or seloetod Linghamton as the place for his birth, I statsd to you that he had confirmed to me that he was born here. But I am in error ~o far as a direct statement is concerned, I think. I referred to fact .as born in the ci ; residence and in replying to fctsr he "id not deny it hut referred to tnepoople he used to know ' !:ere, wl: ould seem to confirm i^y z it» but does not exactly do so.
lincoln's birtnday is r ;-. If you know, of any organ- .ii, school, association of any "Trine" ' would like me to £ive a Lin- coln tall: on that day kindly lot me kno ■.'.. I have covered this section in that way for some years past.
„ost cordially yourfl,
! .
o' ' ■/ *~tf
f
{j
i
/
*t
V* f
.7
'
vw
L^j^-J^^
. ,<- •'
f c <■
b Ljl /> /K>/
ir--,/ / 7 / ., f-I ^T-A /+**<- »>**>*-
— _. <&
LINCOLN INDORSES TEMPERANCE FOR THE ARMY. (See page 166)
in .inly. 1801, a memorial, or petition, ^ i irnc-, i i ■> n score or more Df the most Influential men In American public life, asking for the appointment of Jniues B. Merwta ns n major In the army, or to Rome i«.-i t i.-n where
In- would he able to make temperauee addresses to the ti ps in the Held and hospital, was presi nted to Pn •
Uncoln. Merwln always asserted thai 1 1 1 i — was done at Lincoln's own suggestion. Ti i i - memorial was written by Governor Buckingham, of Connecticut, on a sheet foolscap size. Following his ordinary ehstoin, l'r l.iin-oln wrote liis Indorsement on the fold of the document, as follows:
"II il be ascertained at the War Department thai the President has legal mithorlty to make an appoint- ment such as i- asked within, and Gen. Scott Is of opinion ii will be available for good, ibcn let it be done.
"July it. 1801."
A . lis
Following the President's memorandum arc two others:
"I csteecm the mission of Mr. Merwln I" tins army a happy circumstance, and request : » 1 1 commanders lo give him free access to .ill of our camps and posts, and also to multiply occasions to enable him i" iddres* our officers and nicu. Winiwlo Scott.
"July 24, 1861."
I 1] IARTMEN r or VIRGINIA.
"The mission "i Mr. Merwln will be of great benefit lo the troops, and 1 will furnish him with every fncllrtj i" address ihe troops under my command, l hope the general commanding the army win give bim such official position ns Mr. Merwln may desire i" carrj out hie object, B. F. Butler.
"Major General."
oAbrabam Lincoln— Eramer of a Prohibition Law
The Late Rev. James B. Merwin's Affidavit, Documents and Data
Telling of Lincoln's Aggressive Activity for the
Suppression of Alcoholic Beverages
By CHARLES T. WHITE, Former Commissioner of Taxes, New York City
THE CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE in this issue presents photo- graphic reproductions of original documents and data owned by the late Rev. James B. Merwin, associate of Abraham Lincoln, Congregational minister, army chap- lain, editor of the American Journal of Education, and temper- ance reformer, who died in Brooklyn on April 5, 1917, and was buried in New Britain, Conn
Merwin's contention, on and off the lecture platform, that Lincoln took an active part in a campaign for State-wide prohibi- tion in Illinois in 1855, and wrote the prohibition law, which was passed by the Legislature and defeated through gross fraud by 14,000 votes at a special referendum election on June 24, 1855, seems to be reasonably well sustained.
While it would perhaps be straining the facts, in the absence of absolute proof, to say that Lincoln was a prohibitionist, as the term is politically understood, still it remains for those who hold to the contrary to controvert Merwin and his documents.
I ADVOCATE February 6, 1919
&% /fU.
"MAJOR" MERWIN AND HIS ARMY PASS
A heavy gold watch, with an inscription on an inside case, which inscription was written by Lincoln, according to the affidavit of Merwin, turns up as a "document" tending to connect Lincoln directly with the prohibition campaign in Illinois in 1855. The watch now is the property of the family of Lyman A. Mills, of Middlefield, Connecticut.
A statement by Merwin that, because of its prophetic content, never failed to attract attention, was that on the afternoon of April 14, 1865, the day of the assassination, as he was leaving Washington for New York to see Horace Greeley on a private mission for President Lincoln, the latter said to him:
"Merwin, we have cleaned up a colossal job. We have abol- ished slavery. After reconstruction the next great movement on the part of the people will be the overthrow of the legalized liquor traffic, and you know my heart and my hand, my purse and my life will be given to that great movement. I prophesied twenty- five years ago that the day would come when there would not be a slave or a drunkard in the land. I have seen the first part come true."
"Mr. Lincoln, shall I make this public?" asked Merwin.
"Yes, publish it as broad as the daylight," said Lincoln.
This statement by Merwin never has been successfully con- troverted. Nor was the other feature of it, namely, that he lunched with Lincoln on the last day of the Great Emancipator's life, conferring over General Butler's plan for employing colored soldier help on the digging of the Panama Canal. That the plan was thoroughly discussed by both Lincoln and Butler is proved by General Butler's own narrative.
The Illinois Prohibition Campaign of 1855
The thing that Merwin had most trouble in establishing was Lincoln's participation in the prohibition campaign in Illinois in 1855. He first asserted it soon after President Lincoln's assas- sination, but other things were so much more important then than Lincoln's affiliation with temperance work that it attracted no attention.
Illinois history does not directly connect President Lincoln with the 1855 campaign. Mr. Merwin's statement to the writer, as well as to others who asked him about this particular point, follows:
"Lincoln in 1855 was a poor country lawyer, and his practice, while considerable, was anything but lucrative. Stenographers were a rarity in Illinois at that time. It would have been sur- prising if any record of a temperance address in 1855 was made. Lincoln, however, made twenty or thirty magnificent addresses for the suppression of the liquor traffic in that campaign in vari- ous cities and towns of Illinois. Many of the addresses were made on court house steps. Few were made in churches. Abra- ham Lincoln at that time was not regarded as an orthodox Chris- tian believer. Few clergymen were broad enough in their spirit to welcome him to their pulpits. In Springfield he was a regular attendant at the Presbyterian Church, although he never joined the church or subscribed to a religious creed."
With reference to his association with Lincoln and how it came about, Major Merwin said:
"After temperance campaign work in the State of Connecticut, on the solicitation of friends in Illinois, who wanted a law like the Dow law in Maine for Illinois, I went to Springfield in the early winter of 1854. There was a temperance meeting in prog- ress in the old State House the night I arrived. I went to it. After a number of addresses, there were calls for Abe Lincoln!' from various parts of the assembly room. These were repeated until finally some one went out and summoned him. He had been reading law in the State Library. When he entered the assembly room he was dressed in an absurd looking coat, with sleeves too short for him by nearly a foot. In his hurry to the call, he -had picked up the janitor's coat and put it on in his walk through the hall on his way to the meeting. There was a titter at his appearance, but it stopped as soon as he began to talk. No one ever had occasion to laugh at Abraham Lincoln when he was speaking from the heart. He made a most wonderful temperance address, far more powerful than that made by him in Springfield on February 22, 1842, and quoted in the histories.
"After the meeting I introduced myself to him, told him my mission to Springfield, and we went to his home together. I had with me a copy of the Maine law, and we sat up all night looking ,over that statute. I was a young man of about twenty-five then, and Lincoln, of course, was much older.
The Law that Lincoln Framed
"That was the beginning of the campaign for the adoption of a prohibition law for the State of Illinois. Mr. Lincoln set to work to frame a law, and he worked at it almost constantly for weeks. After he had completed it he had me take it around the State to get the views of his lawyer friends. I showed it to John M. Palmer, Leonard Swett and others. I went to the home of Judge David Davis and asked him to pass judgment on it. Davis was surly, and asked me if Mr. Lincoln had sent a retainer along to pay for the work. When I reported this back to Mr. Lincoln he was deeply hurt, as he had considered Judge Davis a good friend. He spoke to me about the incident just before he, as President, appointed Judge Davis to the Supreme Court bench.
"The law drafted by Lincoln was passed by the Legislature. It carried a referendum clause, providing for its submission to the
l
AN ACT for the Suppression of intemperance, and to amend chapter 30 of the Revised Statutes.
Section 1. Be it enacted by the people of the state nj Illinois, represented in the General Assembly, That no person shall, at any time or place, within this state, manu- facture or sell, or shall, at any store, grocery, tavern or place of trade, entertainment or public resort, or railroad or caaah or in any of the-appurtenances or dependencies of any such place, give away, contrary to the provisions of this '.act, by himself, his servant or agent, directly or indi- rectly, any spiritous or intoxicating liquor, or any mixed liquor, of which a part is spiritous or intoxicating, except S3 hereinafter provided; and ale, porter, lager beer, cider,
and all wines, are included among intoxicating liquors with- in the meaning of this act.
Facsimile of Section I, of the llliriWi Prohibition Act of 1855 d'«"edby i Abraham Uncoln. Warn tbe printed volume of the "Public Uwi of inu.ui. ,
is:,:,."
Voters at a special election in June. It also provided that some- thing like 50,000 copies should be printed for public distribution. These were parceled out to the various counties.
"The campaign was largely financed by William B. Ogden, of Chicago, and Mr. Ogden's business associates. Some of them were very suspicious of Lincoln's connection with the movement in any relation whatsoever. One Dr. N. P. Davis, a prominent physician, denounced Lincoln as a mountebank, and said that he would not serve as chairman of the State committee if Lincoln had anything to do with the campaign. He said that Lincoln was ready to join any now movement, and that his connection with the temperance campaign would hurt the cause.
"In company with Mr. Lincoln I called on William B. Ogden, who said: 'Here is my check for $2,500. As President of' the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad I can well afford to give this and much more if I can lessen drunkenness among my employees. If you want more money come back and I will have it ready for you.'
"Lincoln was the brains of that campaign. The rest of us took orders. The anti-slavery excitement was keen, and Lincoln was deeply interested in that, but lie did not relax in the campaign for the adoption of the law which he himself had framed. Wc really won that election, but. were cheated out of it in Chi- cago and in the border towns where the slavery and whisky people ran in illegal voters without let or hindrance.
"After the campaign was over, and before I left the State to go
Sent by Lincoln to Talk Temperance to Soldiers "With reference to the President's desire to appoint me as a
major I have this to say. The suggestion was bis own. He sent for me at Adrian. Michigan, and told me that he wanted tem- perance addresses made to the troops. I was accounted an effec- tive speaker at that time. President Lincoln suggested that the best way to accomplish the object was for a memorial, or peti- tion, to be drawn up asking for my appointment as a major. This was done by Governor Buckingham, of Connecticut, a per- sonal friend, and a man of great force. That petition was signed by the leading men around President Lincoln, including Senators Sumner and Wilson, of Massachusetts, Senators Trumbull and Browning, of Illinois, Harlan and Grimes, of Iowa, and many others.
' Then it was sent to President Lincoln, who indorsed it and sent it to General Winfleld Scott, the commander in chief of the army. He indorsed it and sent it to General Butler, who likewise approved of the plan.
•Then the document was sent to the War Department, where it struck a snag. .The heads of divisions then ridiculed the idea of a young clergyman, lame in the hip, being appointed a major. They 'lost' the document in the War Department, and when President Lincoln heard that it was lost he sent a message to the Secretary of War that resulted in the 'finding' of it again in short order.
"I was kept steadily at the job of talking temperance to the soldiers in and around Washington. I frequently spoke from a carriage provided for me by the President, and I reported to him every week. When I learned that some of the officers were drink-
9
*j6-jfis* -/%^A jyflho, ^^ \ 0?u^^/e-&c?^
toAntf
/i?m/
I(. Mci-win.
TIIF. "PROHIBITION WATCH"
The inscription in the watch reads:
••Presented by the friends ot temperance In Chicago to •>. corresponding secretary ot the lUluoU Main,. i.« Alliance, us a teken of ?SeI? confidence and regard ror bis untiring energy and perseverance In its
CTraleMerwL55maae KAK affidavit. October 12. 1916:
• •■n„. aforesaid watch was presented to me In tbe year ol 1805, t «' ', entatlon taking place In the editorial rooms of the Northwestern Christian Advocate there being presenl at the time the editor Of the Advocate, Mr. Watson, Abraham Lincoln and others Interested In tbe cause of State Prohl bltion at that time. Abraham Uncoln was a contributor to the hind f«u II,,' purchase of the watch, and wrote the wain, inscription Incorporated In tiiis deposition. , , , ,.
••Abraham Uncoln bad been associated with me In campaigning for more than six months, and without solicitation or prompting upon Hie part ol
anyone, and wholly, as i belleve»from personal regard, wrote the Inscrlj
already referred to."
to Michigan to do temperance work. Mr. Lincoln, after conference with others interested in our work, got up a purse, bought a handsome solid gold watch, with a heavy gold chain, and after writing an inscription which was engraved on the inside case, he presented it to me in the office of the Northwestern Christian Advocate in Chicago, in the presence of the editor, the Rev. J. V. Watson, and others."
New York watch experts have valued the watch as having cost between $200 and $300 when it was bought new in the fifties. When the writer was informed by Mr. Merwin about the inscrip- tion he asked him if he was willing to take his oath that Abra- ham Lincoln wrote the inscription for the watch, and was present at the presentation. He assented without hesitation.
"It is strange that I never thought of doing that years ago," said the Major. "That old watch and my old army pass, which Lincoln helped to make with his own hands, were the most precious things I ever owned. I lost the watch in a mud hole once during the war. and I hired a Negro to walk around in the I mud in his bare feet until he found it. I gave him twenty-five dollars
A not? given by Gen. .John A. Dlx, to Mr. Merwin In 1861, to enable blm to promote temperance among the soldiers In the Union camps.
ing to excess, I let the President know of it. This made me very much disliked by certain men in the War Department. One day Secretary Stanton sent for me and gave me a tongue lashing.
" 'Merwin,' said he, 'if you don't stop bothering around and making trouble I'll lock you up in the Capitol Prison.'
"He meant every word of it. I was much distressed about it. and reported it to the President.
" 'No, Merwin, no,' said he. 'Stanton won't lock you up. 1 would not let him do that. But. Merwin. you must get along with Stanton, somehow. I will not let him persecute you. but you must get along peaceably with him. He is doing great work in the War Department, and I can't spare him.'
"Surgeon General Hammond and I became fast friends 1 was in New York very often on hospital ships. I knew John Wilkes Booth. I think that he once talked with the President about Shakespeare. I know that he was a drunkard, and that he was bedeviled with whisky when he killed the President.
Lincoln's Last Day
"I was with the President at luncheon on the fatal Friday, the last day of his life. He was greatly concerned about the disposi- tion of the colored soldiers soon to be discharp. d. There didn't seem to he any place for them to go. Those who had borne arms did not feel like going back to the plantations. General Ben- jamin F. Butler, a very resourceful man. BUggested to the Presi- dent that the colored soldiers be used to dim a canal at Panama. Mr. Lincoln was much interested in the idea, and had General Butler send him information about it.
"That was the subject of our conversation at luncheon. Mr. Lincoln had written out a plan comprehending General Butler's ideas for digging the Panama Canal with colored soldiers, and he told me that he wanted me to stop off in Philadelphia and see some of the editors there, and then go on to New York, and ask Horace Greeley to read the plan, and tell the President what he thought of it. ^^^^
"I was in Philadelphia that night when the news of the assas- sination of the President was received. I went on the next fore- noon to New York and went to the Tribune office, where I left the manuscript containing the President's ideas with Sidney Howard Gay, the managing editor, whom I had known for many
yenrs. Mr. Gay said that he would bring it
to the attention «>t" Mr. Greeley. When 1 went
back the next day for a conference with Mr.
Greeley bo had not soon the manuscript.
Everything was in a turmoil over the death of
the President. 1 never was able to recover the
manuscript.
"That was not as serious a loss as one I
sustained in the Chicago fire. In a trunk at
my boarding house in Chicago at the time of
the tire 1 had altogether sixty-six signed letters
and notes from Abraham Lincoln. They had
reference to the work of the temperance cam- paign in 1855, ami also to the suppression of
slavery. It was accidental that the other docu- ments and papers which I still have were not
in that trunk. I happened to have them in an- other place at the time of the fire.
'"Those letters, if I had them now. would
afford the basis for a valuable book, as in some
of the letters Lincoln discussed current day
problems with marvelous ability."
patriotic address of the evening given by Dr. Paul Voelker, of BaUle___Creek_ Doctor Voelker^
was
President
College.
TheChrj
February 6, 1919
The Lincoln Pew
By LYMAN WHITNEY ALLEN
[The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, Washington, D. C, has been refurnished since the '60s, but the pew in which Abraham Lincoln used to sit remains conspicuously unchanged, the center of interest for all visitors to the historic shrine. This poem has been given to thousands of sol- dier boys who have entered the church in the past eighteen months.]
Within the historic church both eye and soul Perceived it. 'Twas the pew where Lincoln sat — The only Lincoln God hath given to men — Olden among the modern seats of prayer, Dark like the 'sixties, place and past akin. All else has changed, but this remains the same, A sanctuary in a sanctuary.
NOTES AND COMMENTS
A little more than a year ago I went to Washington to see Robert T. Lincoln about the Merwin documents. Mr. Lincoln looked them over, and then said, in substance :
"As to Merwin himself, after reading some of the things purporting to come from him, I have been forced to' the conclusion that he allowed his imagination to get the best of him. But as to these documents (referring to the old army pass and the signed petition) the signa- tures are genuine. I recognize nearly all of them. My own father-in-law's name (James Harlan) is among them. I knew nearly all of the signers."'
William O. Stoddard, one of Abraham Lin- coln's secretaries, now residing in Madison, New Jersey, when asked about Merwin, said :
"I not only have read a good deal about him. but I remember him. I have no reason to doubt his veracity. He seems to be an en- tirely credible witness."
The 1835 campaign for State prohibition in Illinois receives only the scantiest recognition at the hands of the historians. Gustave Koer- ner, once Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, in his memoirs, says that the campaign was a bitter contest. There was much rioting in Chi- cago on election day. Koerner says that th-> temperance forces consisted principally of those who (like Lincoln) were opposed to the extension of slavery, and he mentions Lincoln's long-time friend, Owen Lovejoy, a Congrega- tional preacher and Congressman, a brother of Elijah Lovejoy, killed by the pro-slavery mob in Alton, Colonel Farnsworth, and others, as leaders. The printed histories carry little about Lincoln in 1855, except the overshadow- ing thing, his contest for the United States senatorship, in which he was defeated by Ly- man Trumbull. Immediately after the special election in June, the politicians of all parties turned their attention to the approaching struggle over the slavery issue, and the prohibi- tion movement seems to have been entirely for- gotten.
Major Merwin in commenting on the absence in the Nicolay-Hay life of Lincoln of a record about the 1855 campaign said :
"I went to see John Hay about that very thing. All the satisfaction I got was that he and Mr. Nicolay had no data about the 1855 campaign. When I told him I would supply the data, he said that it would be pretty sure to provoke controversy, and that the publishers would not care to consider the matter."
Where Lincoln prayed ! — What passion had his soul — Mixt faith and anguish melting into prayer Upon the burning altar of God's fane. A nation's altar even as his own !
Where Lincoln prayed ! — Such worshipers as he Make thin ranks down the ages. Would'st thou know His spirit suppliant? Then must thou feel War's fiery baptism, taste hate's bitter cup, Spend similar sweat of blood vicarious, And sound like cry, "If it be possible !" From stricken heart in new Gethsemane. Who saw him there are gone, as he is gone ; The pew remains, with what God gave him there. And all the world through him. So let it be — One of the people's shrines.
known all over this part of the country for his brilliant ora- i tory, chose as his subject, "The Heart of Abraham Lin- coln." ,
"The greatest thing about Abraham Lincoln was his heart," Dr. Voelker said. "He; had a great and noble heart. I want to analyze that heart for you. First of all he had a great sense of humor, and humor is an aptitude of the heart. Lincoln could laugh when con- 1 fronted with the gravest dan- gers. He read jokes when) weighed down with the great | problems of State. We become | ill physically because we can- not laugh. Several of us would not be here tonight if we had had Lincoln's sense of humor and could have laughed instead of worried. He did not allow failure to worry him. He once said, 'I have failed in so many attempts that another failure does not matter.'
"A second part of Lincoln's heart was his keen sense of justice, his realization that fairness in all things is necessary.
"Another part was his rugged honesty —his unimpeachable integrity. On one occasion when Lincoln was working in a little country store, he unwittingly, in making change, gave a poor old woman three cents less than she should have had. That night he walked nine miles on a muddy road to return it to her.
"Charity was still another part of Lin- coln's heart-charity for all and mal.ee toward none. He was charitable to all living things. One day, dressed in a new, home-spun suit and shining shoes, be passed a pig caught in the wire fencing of his dirty and muddy pen. To release the pig meant destruction to his clothes and shoes, so Lincoln went on his way. After he had travelled a mile and a halt, his heart smote him. He returned, went into the pig's pen and lifted him from the wires that were making him sutler.
'"His spirit of tolerance was another great part of Lincoln's heart; so was his patience. His was the patience to fol- low through the things he knew were true and right.
"And he had the spirit of conservatism and the spirit of unity encased in his great heart, and Arough them he pre served the Union."
Dr. Voelker described Lincoln s im- mortel Gettysburg speech as a monu- ment of the finest English that has ever been penned.
*1
J.D.lffiRWlN
at
ATLANTIC CITY. H.J.,
JUL!, 1915
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
institutions the cost to the state of maintaining that proportion of them made necessary by the liquor evil is estimated at $2.70 for every dollar re- ceived in license fees.
As a source of public or personal revenue license is a pitiful mockery. The production of liquor yields to the employees of the business in wages only 10 per cent of the value of the product, while of all money spent over and above the bare necessities of life in Massachusetts, 35 per cent goes for liquor.
The moment a community is freed from liquor its fortunes rise. The city of Lynn, under a no-license policy of six years, forged to the front rank and became the first city in the world in the manufacture of shoes; and then in the first year of license it slipped back to the second city in the state, and Brockton, a consistently no-license city for nearly 30 years, today occupies the proud place recently held by Lynn.
Back in 1633 we began our attempts to regulate the liquor traffic. In that year the General Court of the Massachusetts colony enacted a statute which was the first American-made law to regulate this evil, and for nearly three centuries we have been trying to find or devise a remedy for this in- dustrial, political and moral cancer. We have tried every known kind of regulation; low license and high license, unlimited number of saloons and a limited number, state-wide Prohibition and local option. While some methods have proved better than others, in the end, all have signally failed. We have seen the organized liquor traffic with its vast wealth and political power nullify our state laws, and then parade its crimes before our people, boast of its ability to circumvent or violate our statutes and escape punishment and then because of this arrogance, to ask that we do not further legislate against it. And when the advance of Prohibition in other parts of the country has threatened the traffic, we have heard them in their desperation, point to our compulsory local option law as the panacea for the difficulties of that community and as the ideal way to regulate the sale of intoxicating poison. We have heard so much of this within and without our state that most of us believed it ourselves, for a time at least, but even con- servative Massachusetts is now awakening, and we of the Bay state have come to realize that local option is an absurd failure and that the only effectual way to regulate this traffic is its entire extermination by the federal government through the medium of a constitutional amendment.
Having been elected three times Governor of the state, and being an employer of skilled labor within the state, I have been in a position to see for myself the failure of our present system and to recognize the demand for national constitutional Prohibition.
Millions of Americans today are conscious and even militant Prohibi- tionists who have never been Prohibitionists before. This is because the great chance has but just now come to them. And, if this great oppor- tunity cannot now be grasped effectively, they will never be Prohibitionists again. That is because the great chance will never come again.
In the history of civilization, human society has been stirred at succes- sive periods by big ideas which for the moment have been of paramount importance. In not one of them, including so recent a problem as tariff
263
reform, can genuine popular interest now be arOused. Today the whole1 civilized world is unfolding a drama, which beggars description, that brings home to all, the one central idea that the renunciation of personal liberty in the matter of drinking intoxicants is a high patriotic duty and the surest guarantee of national and individual safety and prosperity.
The opportunity is here now to carry the issue of national Prohibition on to a sweeping victory. I am impelled to fight for this issue by my prac- tical experience with those problems of public administration which arise from the liquor evil. And no one who has had these problems pointed out to him can escape the responsibility of failure if he wilfully rejects the opportunity afforded by current circumstances, to make national Prohibition an accomplished fact.
Never before has public intelligence been so informed as to the true nature and extent of the drink evil and as to the remedy.
Never before has the public mind been so free of complicating cross- currents of political thought.
Never before has the propaganda against the liquor traffic been so strongly organized or so well equipped to place itself in the lead as a nation- al movement for the practical realization of its purpose.
Never before has the enemy permitted itself to be so clearly identified or to appear so odius and intolerable.
Never before has the liquor traffic so boldly thrown down the gauge of battle and declared its right to political and intellectual leadership in the United States.
You have always known that the stronghold of the liquor traffic is its political activity and that the disease that has all the while corrupted American politics has been the liquor traffic. Now at this opportune time — this moment of national destiny — the great strategy for the temperance forces is to fight liquor in the political arena; to meet them on their own ground — and drive them out.
WHAT WOULD LINCOLN DO?
By Dr. Howard H. Russell, D.D. (Including Major Merwin's Statement)
Doctor Russell first gave answer to the question, "What Would Lincoln Do" as to the use of liquor as a beverage. In a vivid way he gave the facts which he had discovered, covering the life, of Lincoln in Illinois and at Washington, showing that from the time he promised his dying mother he would "never touch that which makes people drunk" to the day of his death he was a total abstainer. He gave an interesting description of the scene at the South Fork School House, sixteen miles from Springfield, in 1846, when Abraham Lincoln made a plea for total abstinence, inviting the people to sign the pledge with him; when Moses Martin, Cleopas Breckenridge and seven other witnesses — found by Dr. Russell in recent years — were present, and, at the request of Lincoln, signed the total abstinence pledge.
In answering the question, "What Would Lincoln Do" with reference to the Prohibition of the liquor traffic, after giving other facts showing Lin- coln's advocacy of Prohibition, he introduced, as a living witness upon the
264
witness stand, Major J. B. Merwin, of Brooklyn, New York, who gave tes- timony which was of intense interest to the assembled thousands. In intro- ducing Major Merwin, Doctor Russell said:
DR. RUSSELL: As an appropriate prelude to what I have to say, I am going to introduce, once more tonight, my companions in the water- wagon tour over the Lincoln Highway, which starts from here on Friday, the Rail-Splitter Quartet of Ohio Wesleyan University, who will now sing the war songs which Lincoln heard and which Lincoln loved.
(Here the quartet sang.)
("We Will Rally Round the Flag, Boys, Shouting the Battle Cry of Freedom." "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp." "Tenting on the Old Camp Ground." "Star Spangled Banner.")
I am about to introduce a man who was an intimate friend of Abraham Lincoln, to give us his testimony first-handed. I want you to look the wit- ness in the face, hear his testimony and bear it in your hearts and minds for all time to come. But before I introduce upon the stand this witness, tonight, I want to outline a part of his testimony. Ten years ago, in 1905, having heard something of the facts in the possession of this friend of Lincoln, I invited him to come to the Grand Union Hotel, in New York City, took my best office stenographer and for six hours, three hours in the morn- ing, and three after lunch in the afternoon, I cross-examined this friend, asked a series of questions to test his memory, his competency as a witness and the facts of which he has possession, and it is a precious document which I have thought enough of to keep in my safe until, as I expect soon to do, I embody it with a volume of other testimonies with regard to Lincoln's atti- tude on sobriety and the liquor traffic.
This man is Major J. B. Merwin. He is a native of Connecticut, a grandson of a soldier in the Revolutionary War, Nathan Merwin. In the examination I made of this witness in the six hours of our interview at New York, I learned that he secured his education at the Brookfield Acad- emy in Conecticut. He was fully prepared for Amherst College at 20 years of age, but his circumstances precluded for the time and afterward for all time the pleasure of the college course. His first work after his graduation in the academy was an editor of a temperance paper in the city of Hartford, Connecticut, appropriately called "Fountain." He became the Correspond- ing Secretary of the Connecticut Temperance Society, which was the agi- tational force, the non-partisan organization for temperance in Connecticut at that time, this society after the "Maine law" had been passed in Maine, brought on the issue in Connecticut for state-wide Prohibition. The issue was successful. Neal Dow, himself, appeared before the Legislature in Con- necticut, so he says, advocated the Maine law, impressed it upon the con- sciences and hearts of the Legislature. The state had been influenced by such men, whose appointments for addresses were made by this witness — such men as Henry Ward Beecher, Horace Greeley and F. T. Barnum. We have known Barnum as a circus man, but he was an earnest and enthu- siastic temperance advocate, and took part in temperance campaigns. The
265
law was carried. During one of the meetings, just before the passage of that law, a citizen of Springfield, Illinois, heard Mr. Merwin in that meeting and he came to him and said: "When this work is over here, if you will come to Springfield and give an address to Springfield's citizens upon the question of the Maine law, I will not only pay your expenses, but will pay you also a reasonable fee for your services." Soon after the Maine law had passed in Connecticut in 1851, Mr. Merwin went out to Springfield, Illinois. The meeting had been arranged in the hall of the House of Representatives of the state Capitol at Springfield. The Legislature was not then in session. He found the hall crowded with people when he arose to address them. After he had finished the speech, giving them an outline of what the Maine law was, and as was suggested by members of the committee, an appeal upon the general subject of temperance and the need of the enactment of law to save the people from the curse of drink. When he finished, his speech, after the applause subsided, there came a call here and there over the house, "Lincoln!" "Lincoln!" "Lincoln!" and it was a very persistent call, a very earnest call, and as Major Merwin looked over to the left, he saw on a low chair, there, a peculiar tall, awkard looking individual rising from the chair. He unfolded his long arms and his still longer legs and started toward the platform. Mr. Merwin says that he was the most unique, uncombed, un- kempt, awkward individual in his notions and his appearance, that he had ever yet seen. As he came forward there was a question in Merwin's mind as to whether this interruption at the close of the address was favorable or unfavorable. He strided up to the platform, bowed to Mr. Merwin, laid his hand upon the secretary's desk in the House of Representatives, and began his speech. Very soon all trouble of mind passed away from the heart of Mr. Merwin for he began, and gave in twenty minutes, a most earnest appeal upon the subject of law. Law, its mission, its scope and its purpose, and went on to say that law is made for protecton of the right, for the protec- tion of the home, the church, the school, the children. Never was a law made for the protection of wrong, and the time had come, he said, in the progress of the temperance reform when law was necessary to be invoked in order to further the progress of the temperance campaign. He said, we have tried local option, we have tried the work of persuasion, by various organizations. The Washingtonian movement has swept over the land and a great many have been convinced, and a great many have gone back under the stress of continued temptation, and the time has now come when the iron hand of law must be put upon the liquor traffic. This thought he de- veloped in a most eloquent way. Mr. Merwin asserts that he had heard Beecher, Webster and Phillips, but for twenty minutes he never heard a more earnest appeal for law as applied to a great moral reform than he heard on that occasion. He felt that he could hear every heart beat in that vast concourse of people. When Lincoln finished there was the silence of deep thoughtfulness. He said it seemed five minutes, the people were in profound and respectful silence. Then Mr. Lincoln turned to him and in- vited him to come with him to his home. Mr. Merwin hesitated a little and spoke to his host. He wondered what kind of a home he would find. He went to Mr. Lincoln's home and they talked together of this young temper-
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ance reformer and the future president and martyr until the break of day. For the conclusion of my speech tonight I want to introduce this man, Major J. B. Merwin. I want to ask him some questions on the witness stand here tonight. I want to propound to him, interrogatories, that will follow up what I have said, justify and warrant my statements and put it into your hearts and minds, a living testimony that you can carry with you always, and know absolutely where Abraham Lincoln stood and what he would now do upon this great question.
DR. RUSSELL: Now I think if you will all give careful attention you will hear every word that he has to say. I am going to ask your age in the first place Major.
MAJOR MERWIN: Well I should pass for a young man but I was eighty years old last May. Hss ***-+- * S1-3
DR. RUSSELL: I want you next, Major, to tell these people whether or not the statements I have already made with regard to the testimony you gave me in New York about these matters — whether these statements are correct or not.
MAJOR MERWIN: Absolutely! Absolutely correct. Every word of it. Mildly stated.
DR. RUSSELL: I want now to ask a few questions about your intimacy with Abraham Lincoln. When did you first see him?
MAJOR MERWIN: In 1852 I went to Springfield as you have described.
' DR. RUSSELL: Spent the night with Mr. Lincoln?
MAJOR MERWIN: I did.
DR. RUSSELL: And you had co-operation with him in temperance work from that time on?
MAJOR MERWIN: That is correct. Until he was assassinated, from that time on.
DR. RUSSELL: How did you come to be related with him during the Civil War?
MAJOR MERWIN: He invited me to come to Washington.
DR. RUSSELL: Where were you at that time?
MAJOR MERWIN: At Detroit, Michigan.
DR. RUSSELL: What were you doing in Michigan at that time?
MAJOR MERWIN: I was the agent of the Michigan State Temper- ance Alliance at that time when Lincoln wrote for me to come to Washington.
DR. RUSSELL: What did he want you to do at Washington?
MAJOR MERWIN: He wanted to have me speak to the soldiers in the camps about the city of Washington and other places.
DR. RUSSELL: Did you do that?
MAJOR MERWIN: I did that for four years.
DR. RUSSELL: What conveyance, if any, did you use in the early meetings around Washington?
MAJOR MERWIN: Mr. Lincoln gave me his carriage to go here and there, wherever necessary.
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DR. RUSSELL: Now, in addition to your work in the temperance line during the Civil War, what else did you do at Mr. Lincoln's request?
MAJOR MERWIN: Behaved myself.
DR. RUSSELL: What other commissions did he give you?
MAJOR MERWIN: Well, some of the regular army officers thought that the volunteers should obey the law of the land and not give way to sepa- rate influences, to drink, and Mr. Lincoln urged me to go before the soldiers, and speak to them to preserve their manhood and their integrity, and not go home wrecks as they would have gone had they yielded to drink.
DR. RUSSELL: What request did he make to you with regard to drinking officers or inefficient officers?
MAJOR MERWIN: That was a pretty serious question, for a good many of the officers felt as though as officers they were perfectly safe but liquor never respects the man. It gets him.
DR. RUSSELL: Now with regard to drinking officers, did he ask privately for reports from you with regard to the efficiency of the service in this regard and did you give him such reports?
MAJOR MERWIN: I did as far as it was proper, perhaps, more some- times. It was between him and me however. The regular army officers did not like the reports and they made a fuss about it, and put every obstacle in their way, yet Lieutenant General Winfield Scott — shall I read it?
DR. RUSSELL: Yes, you may.
MAJOR MERWIN: Lieutenant General Winfield Scott, I have the facsimile of his letter, it says: "I esteem the mission of Mr. Merwin to this army a happy circumstance and request all Commanders to give him free access to our camps and posts and also to multiply occasions to enable him to address our officers and men. — Winfield Scott."
DR. RUSSELL: So that you had a commission from General Scott in 1861 to carry forward this temperance work among the soldiers.
MAJOR MERWIN: I did.
DR. RUSSELL: That was at the request of whom?
MAJOR MERWIN: Mr. Lincoln.
DR. RUSSELL: What happened to General Scott a little while after that date?
MAJOR MERWIN: General Scott, you know, passed away early and the officers said: "Why that is old, that is stale, Scott died, we don't want to hear anything more about that."
DR. RUSSELL: After he died did you have another commission issued to cover your work?
MAJOR MERWIN: I did. And Mr. Lincoln issued that commission. He said, "The Surgeon General will send Mr. Merwin, wherever he may think the public service may require," that is, wherever Mr. Lincoln wanted me to go inside the lines or outside the lines, but he charged me always to speak for total abstinence and nothing short of that!
DR. RUSSELL: Have you the original order that Mr. Lincoln wrote?
MAJOR MERWIN: Yes, sir, I have it.
DR. RUSSELL: Please produce it.
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MAJOR MERWIN: I have it written with his own hands and there is not wealth enough in the state of New Jersey and the other states of the Union to buy it. And I have willed it to this Anti-Saloon League, which has done so much and is doing so much good.
DR. RUSSELL: This is to be placed in the future in the Lincoln tem- perance memorial buildings. This will be enshrined permanently in the future according to the will of Major Merwin, which has been duly executed already. Now, Major, I want to ask about your relation with Mr. Lincoln in connection with his spirit of prayer during the Civil War. I'd like to have you tell these friends about Mr. Lincoln as a praying man.
MAJOR MERWIN: Many, many times Mr. Lincoln and myself went into his private office and he knelt down and prayed as only one could pray that God would give him wisdom to bring this country out of its trouble into the light and glory of American independence. We are a hundred mil- lions of people here today my friends, not disintegrated as they arc in the kingdoms of the old country, but a united people, and that unity has come by virtue of what Abraham Lincoln did for the law of the country and the people of the country by the help of the people of the country.
DR. RUSSELL: What special times were there when he was most concerned and most anxious to have prayer with you, what special occasions, Major Merwin, when there were defeats?
MAJOR MERWIN: When some soldiers, some officers, and God only knows the awful toll that this country paid to the liquor traffic by the mis- management and failure of the officers of the army. It would chill your blood this warm day for me to stand here and tell you how these brave sol- diers faced orders and obeyed orders when they knew that it meant certain death. A soldier must obey orders.
DR. RUSSELL: You mean to say that some orders were given by officers who were under the influence of liquor?
MAJOR MERWIN: That is true.
DR. RUSSELL: I want you to tell the people in connection with these prayers, whether Mr. Lincoln himself led in prayer when you bowed together.
MAJOR MERWIN: He did often. He says, "I must go and seek help beyond human help. The officers have betrayed me. The officers have failed. I must go to the infinite Father himself and lay the burden before him," and he did over and over and over again. Lincoln was a God-fearing man.
DR. RUSSELL: That reminds me to ask you to tell the people about your chaplaincy which led up in a measure to this relation in prayer service. Did Mr. Lincoln make you a Chaplain? Did he ask you to be ordained as a minister?
MAJOR MERWIN: He did and he wrote a special letter to a friend of his at Adrian, Michigan, asking him to ordain me but says he, "Don't spoil him."
DR. RUSSELL: After that chaplaincy and your appointment, where did you serve, in what parts of the field?
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MAJOR MERWIN: Wherever Mr. Lincoln wanted me to go.
DR. RUSSELL: Was it especially in the hospitals or sometimes in the hospitals?
MAJOR MERWIN: Yes. I served as visiting chaplain to all the hos- pitals in the department of the East, and I have General McDougal's indorse- ment of my work in that direction.
DR. RUSSELL: Major, I want to come back to the Illinois campaign. The Prohibition campaign was conducted by what organization?
MAJOR MERWIN: By the Illinois State Maine Law Alliance.
DR. RUSSELL: Where were the headquarters?
MAJOR MERWIN: In Chicago.
DR. RUSSELL: Can you name some of the officers or supporters of it?
MAJOR MERWIN: Yes, I will mention one man particularly who was very much interested in this work of Prohibition which Lincoln carried on so successfully and vigorously, and that was William B. Ogden, at that time president of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, and he said to me, "I want to have you bring Mr. Lincoln in, I want to see him and talk with him about it." When we went to call on him he gave Mr. Lincoln a check for $2,500 and said if you need more money come to me and I will duplicate that check cheerfully. We can better afford to meet the traffic by taking temptations out of the way when we meet it by its results, and Mr. Lin- coln made that so plain that we raised all the money that was necessary in the state of Illinois. He says, "You have got to meet this one way or the other. You have got to meet it by taking temptation out of the way, or you have got to meet it by furnishing recruits to keep this army of drunkards good, and the better way common sense teaches us," Mr. Lincoln said, "is to take the temptation out of the way by prohibiting the liquor traffic." I want that settled. I want these evangels of the press to speak to the hundred millions of people of Lincoln as a Prohibitionist. I am tired of this everlasting rehearsal that Lincoln "set up" here and there, whisky. He was at one time in company with a man, in a grocery, who insisted that they sell whisky and when Lincoln reproved him, the man would not stop, Lincoln withdrew and had more than a thousand dollars of the debts to pay. Lincoln said, it was a conscience debt of his. He worked ten years to pay it, and paid every dollar of it with interest.
DR. RUSSELL: Now it is a fact, then, that Mr. Lincoln took part in the preliminary agitation, took part in the submission of the question to the people and co-operated in campaigns by many speakers in different parts of the state of Illinois?
MAJOR MERWIN: All over the state. I know it because I was with him day after day and night after night. And also after the campaign ended when he made me a present of this.
DR. RUSSELL: Have you anything in your possession relating to that campaign which you can show the people?
MAJOR MERWIN: Yes, I have it here.
DR. RUSSELL: Where did the watch come from?
MAJOR MERWIN: I suppose it is an English watch. It was a pres- ' ent to me from friends of temperance in Chicago, and Mr. Lincoln, at tha,t
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time, in 1855, clearly saw that we must prohibit the liquor traffic, and Mr. Lincoln wrote the inscription that was put into that watch.
DR. RUSSELL: What is the inscription?
MAJOR MERWIN: "Presented by the friends of temperance in Chicago to J. B. Mcrwin, corresponding secretary of the Illinois Maine Law Alliance, as a token of their confidence and regard for his untiring ener- gy and p'erseverence in its campaign, 1855, for Prohibition." I want to fix in your mind, brethren and sisters, that Mr. Lincoln then and there, without any solicitation or prompting upon the part of anyone, drew this inscription that is on the watch.
DR. RUSSELL: Now, Major, let's come back for a moment to Wash- ington again. I want you to tell the people about that Grant story.
MAJOR MERWIN: You know the story is that when Grant had won some victory that some people were complaining about Grant's drinking habits, and the story goes that Mr. Lincoln only said: "Well, I would like to know what brand of liquor it is so that I can get some for some of the other Generals." Now the facts are that Lincoln had that marvelously wonderful ready capacity that if there was no story to illustrate the point on the spot, to conceive it and tell it as though it was original. When Lin- coln denied that he had made that statement, he said: "I am not obliged to resort to a story that was two hundred years old before I was born." That is the fact about that story, Abraham Lincoln instead of saying that he wanted to know where Grant got his whisky, that he might send a barrel to some of the Generals. He said, he did not say it and that was an old story two hundred years before he was born. He never was guilty of per- petrating or telling any such incidents as that, because the toll was too heavy on his soul and on the soul of the mothers and fathers who sent their boys to the war from the results of drinking.
DR. RUSSELL: Do you want us to understand that Mr. Lincoln didn't say that? It went out as a false statement in the press made up by some- body which Mr. Lincoln disowned, and had recalled that it was told by somebody 200 years before he was born, and that he didn't say any such thing. That is simply a false statement in itself.
MAJOR MERWIN: That is correct and I wish the papers could state that fact so distinctly and clearly and plainly that the people, the hundred millions that we are, might know it.
DR. RUSSELL: Now, let us come to the last three days of Mr. Lin- coln's life and your relation to him at that time and the last words that he spoke to you before you parted from him. Will you give us the narrative of the three days briefly.
MAJOR MERWIN: The war had closed, Lee had surrendered. It was on the great heart of Lincoln, "What shall we do! What shall we do with the nearly 200,000 colored soldiers with arms in their hands." Ben Butler says: "I can suggest to you a proposition that will relieve you." "Well," Lincoln says, "it will relieve me very much." He says: "The thing to do with the colored soldiers is to dig the Panama Canal and we shall own as we must own, ultimately that canal and the thing to do with the colored
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soldiers is to dig the Panama Canal with them as a military measure," and he sent me to Greeley to know whether Greeley would consent to it.
DR. RUSSELL: Were you engaged in the preparation of that, upon the last morning of Mr. Lincoln's life?
MAJOR MERWIN: We started to write it in the evening but the pressure was so great in front that his mind wasn't quite clear and he says: "Come tomorrow morning and we will write the thing and I will get it clear." I went the next morning, and he wrote on it. That is how I come to dine with him that day that he was assassinated. I was there to hear his message with regard to digging the Panama Canal with the colored troops.
DR. RUSSELL: Were you present when anything was said about the meeting at Ford Theater at that night?
MAJOR MERWIN: Why yes. Will you please, while I tell it to you in an honest, humble way, please, to remember that Mr. Lincoln said to his wife, "Mary, I do not think we ought to go to the theater this evening be- cause it is with a great many of our best people in the country a sacred day." Mrs. Lincoln said she didn't think anything about that nor care anything about it. She was going. The Ford Theater people had tendered, for them, the use of a box. Then he said again: "Mary, it seems to me that it is not a proper thing for us to go to theaters upon a religious day, Good Friday," and he was very conscientious about it, but she said that they were going and that ended it.
DR. RUSSELL: Now, state, please the last words Mr. Lincoln said to you before he parted from you that day, as you parted from him to go on the commission to Greeley and said, "Good-bye" what did he say in parting?
MAJOR MERWIN: He said: "Merwin, with the help of the people we have cleaned up a colossal job. I prophesied 25 years ago that the day would come when there would be no slaves and no drunkards in the land. 1 have lived to see one of those prophecies fulfilled. The next movement on the part of the people will be the suppression of the liquor traffic by law," Said I, Mr. Lincoln, that seems to me a very important statement. Shall I publish it as from you? Mr. Lincoln turned, and says he, "Merwin, pub- lish that as broad as the daylight shines."
DR. RUSSELL: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, if anyone wants to ask any questions, it will be in order.
MAJOR MERWIN: If any one wants to ask any questions I will ans- wer them briefly. I hope the papers will stop this constant reiteration on the part of those engaged in the liquor traffic in stating that Lincoln didn't believe in Prohibition. He believed in it as profoundly as he believed in his own being.
A DELEGATE: Mr. Merwin, will you tell me how you know Mr. Lin- coln wrote that Prohibition law for Illinois?
MAJOR MERWIN: Yes, with great pleasure, too, because he said of it when it was written: "I know it will hold water, but I want to know whether it will hold whisky or not." He sent me to 25 or 30 of the lead- ing judges and lawyers of the state of Illinois with a copy of that law to submit to them to see whether it would hold Prohibition and be
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effective. I thank you very much for tin's opportunity to look into your faces and tell you these facts modestly ahout Lincoln, as I knew them from actual ohservation day after day and week after week, and year after year.
AMERICA'S GREATEST SHAME
By Rev. Homer W. Tope, U.D., of Philadelphia Four hundred years ago a remarkable scene was enacted on this Amer- ican continent that had far-reaching and mighty results in the formation and development of American civilization. On the Isthmus of Panama stood a little band of soldiers, dismayed by the dread silence of the vast wilder- ness, disheartened by the difficulties of the craggy Andes, and discouraged by other obstacles, not seen, which rumor brought to their ears. One man, alone, stemmed the tide of defeated purposes. He was the leader. Step- ping to the front, he drew with his sword a line running east and west on the sand, and, pointing to the south, said:
"Soldiers, on that side of the line are toil, hunger, nakedness, the drenching storm, battle and death; on that side," pointing to the north, "lies ease and safety. But on the south lies Peru and its untold wealth; on the north, Panama and its poverty. Choose, each man, what best becomes a brave Castillian. For my part, I go to the south."
Having said this, he stepped to the southern side of the line. Twelve soldiers, a muleteer, and a minister of religion joined him; the rest went aboard their ship and returned to Panama. Nothing has ever been heard of those who returned, but the exploits of Pizarro and his little band won the best of South America for their King, gained a wonderful prestige in their day, and .inscribed their names in great capitals in that book which numbers its pages by centuries. They made the choice between shameful defeat and cowardice on the one hand and victory and power on the other.
Crucial Moment Arrives
To the American citizen, ,in various times of history, has come that same crucial moment. In the convention of Virginia of 1775, in old St. John's Church, Richmond, when the colony was trembling in balance between the shame of suhmisson to the mother country's oppressions and thorough in- dependence, the choice again rang out in the memorable words of Patrick Henry: "There is no retreat but in submission and slavery. I know not what course others may take, but, as for me — give me liberty or give me death;" and the fame of Henry is as eternal as the great American common- wealth which he so largely aided in forming.
Now, in every age there is some great burning question of the hour, and only one, that overshadows every other, the crucial one of the times, one that underlies, as a basis, every other problem, the settlement 6f which de- pends upon the choice of the citizen.
Choice Must Be Made In every case it .is a choice between shame and degradation on the one hand, and justice, righteousness, power and glory on the other. All other things are subsidiary to it. In the colonial days it was freedom from for-
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eign oppression. In later times, it was for the freedom of our citizens on the high seas, that no American should be impressed into the service of an alien power. In more modern period, within our remembrance, we an- swered, in the Spanish war, the old question of Cain in the affirmative, that we are our brother's keeper. We placed ourselves on record that as long as a free heart pulsates in the American nation and while she retains her iron thews and sinewy strength the downtrodden and oppressed everywhere shall see a rainbow of hope in the flash of the American saber and in the detona- ting roar of her artillery the thunder of God's wrath on the heads of those despots whose iron heels are crushing them into the mire.
What is the great flaming question of the present, at the basis of every problem of the times, that presents itself to every citizen, however humble, than that crime of all crimes, the breeder of poverty, the mother of all shame and sorrow, the despoiler of the home, the curse of suffering wife and child, and the bitter enemy of God — the legalized liquor traffic of today?
On the brow of our great country rests the diadem of supreme wealth and prosperity; with raised arm, and seen of all the world, she holds aloft the torch of liberty and equality; by her side is girded the sword of intel- ligence and education; her feet are shod with the Gospel of truth and right- eousness; but — a shameful thing — her beautiful garments are befouled by the pollutions of the monster, drink, whose slimy trail, leading 'back to the dawn of recorded time, is marked all along with tears and blood, with dev- astation and death. Upon the back of this monster rides every problem which causes us the twinge of shame. We are troubled by the high price of living, perplexed by the masses of the unemployed, worried by the contest of capital and labor, grieved by the evidence of poverty in a land of plenty, and shocked by the ramifications of the social evil. The liquor traffic is the basic force neath all.
Shameful Contrasts
What patriotic American is there today but proudly asserts his nation possesses the acme of civilization and is in the van of all progress; and that, cryptic in our humanity, is the best of all time and clime. And quite rightly so. Yet when I consider that other peoples, with less opportunity, poorer enlightenment, and miserable environment have forged ahead of us in this vital question; that heathen Sparta, as Plato asserted, banished all drunken- ness and debauchery from her territory, that the ancient Germans, accord- ing to Froude, were admired by Caesar for "their abstinence from wine;'' that the infidel Mohammedans have a positive general law adjuring all liquor and drunkenness — aye, have had it since the days of Mahomet; that be- nighted Russia has utterly banished liquor from her territories; that Ice- land has utterly cast it out, — when these things come before me I must say with Shakespeare's Dtuphin:
"Reproach and everlasting shame Sits mocking in our plumes."
This Moloch of the liquor traffic has burdened our prosperity with a weight of woe and crippled the finances of our people with a burden of debt for which there is no return save a Dead Sea of desolation. It has been estimated that the annual liquor bill of our country is two and a half bil»
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