and no one ever bore it with greater fortitude. When we read of his life and the many slanderous things said of him one sometimes wonders how he was ever able to bear up under it all. It seems that our Presidents must many times remain silent during severe criticism. Theirs is the welfare of the Nation, and they have a duty to perform as its Chief Executive and must not turn from the right as they see it, however much they may be criticized. People are often too prone to criticize a President for partisan purposes; not only was this the case in LINCOLN'S time, but down to the present. LINCOLN did not hesitate to change his mind whenever he was convinced it was for the best interest of the country to do so, but every time he did so he was abused for it. He was personally abused, yet all this criticism failed to change his nature, but he went forward determined to perform his duty as he saw it. He did not spend his time abusing those who indulged in abuse of him, but went about his work determined, as he said— With malice toward none and charity for all to do the right as God gives us the power to see the right. His chief desire was to preserve the Union, that our country might be united and the flag once more be the emblem of liberty for all the people in every part of this Republic. His solicitude for the welfare of the individual soldier was many times demonstrated during those long four years by his kindness, and his sympathy and encouragement to those who were unfortunate in losing their relatives and friends in the Army was well known to all. His memorable speech at Gettysburg will live as long as time lasts as one of the greatest ever delivered in all the history of the world. His second inaugural address showed in every word his determination to prosecute the war to a successful conclusion and save the Union, and our duty when the battle was over to care for those who fought for our country, but to forgive those who fought on the other side. He recognized they were our brothers and our own people, and if this country was to again be united we must treat them as such. They fought for what they believed right, and when the surrender at Appo mattox took place the Old Flag was again acknowledged as the emblem of peace and liberty, and we can all say— Your flag and our flag, And how it floats to-day O'er your land and my land Blood red and rose red, Its stripes forever gleam; With stars that beam aright; Oh, how much it holds Your heart and my heart Beat quicker at the sight; The one flag! The great flag! The red and white and blue. It was unfortunate for the North, but more especially for the South, that he should have been taken away at a time when his service was so much needed in reconstructing that devastated portion of our country which had suffered the ravages of war. Had he lived, it is believed that the unfortunate condition which resulted after the close of the war would never have taken place. He held no enmity to the South, but it was believed his love and solicitude for the people there was such that the outrages committed after peace was declared would never have taken place had he been permitted to serve out his term and give his assistance to the people in rebuilding their homes and country. To-day our country is happy, indeed, in the knowledge that we had an ABRAHAM LINCOLN during those trying times. The people of Illinois are proud that they furnished to this country and to all the world an ABRAHAM LINCOLN who preserved this Union that they who follow after him might enjoy these blessings of a happy and a united country and that our country will be a beacon light to all the world as a land of liberty. Let us preserve these blessings to all our people. We can not be true to the flag unless we are true to the principles for which the flag stands. We are all thankful that there is no sectional feeling within our borders and the bitterness of 1861 and 1865 is gone, and that men meet without sectional quarrel and only with kindly feeling to each other. We thank God that upon this floor those from the South are here to speak in praise of LINCOLN. They had their heroes in battle whom they praise. Why should they not? Shall they be criticized for doing so? Their loved ones fought for the cause they believed just, and many lost their lives on the battle field. The example of the life and character of ABRAHAM LINCOLN is an inspiration to every individual to put forth his best efforts for his country. Times may come when people take sides upon great questions and contend for what they conceive to be the best, and it is right that such should be the case with every true American. With such questions settled by the majority, they acquiesce in what is best for the greatest number. In no other way can our Republic be preserved. We should emulate the life and character of this illustrious martyr that we, too, may render some valuable service to our country. Let us not endeavor to take from society in this world without giving something in return. With rights and privileges come responsibility. We should do our part. us perform our work so that it may be said of us, "We have fought a good fight and have kept the faith." Let ABRAHAM LINCOLN is gone, but the inspiration of his life will live forever. [Applause.] Mr. McKINLEY. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he desires to the gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Cannon]. [Applause.] REMARKS BY JOSEPH G. CANNON, OF ILLINOIS Mr. Chairman, LINCOLN was born in Kentucky, if I recollect right, on the 12th day of February, 1809. No one could have dreamed what his future would be. They have found the log cabin where he was born, the place upon which it stood, the farm upon which his father failed to make a living, and it has been purchased and endowed with $50,000 and is now tendered to the Government of the United States. It is meet and proper in my judgment that this bill should pass. We are building a great memorial here in the city of Washington to LINCOLN, and I am glad of it, as is everyone, but that memorial, located just beyond the Washington Monument, marks his service as a lawyer, as a statesman, as President. That memorial is not so high as the Washington Monument, but it is broader and longer. It is not dwarfed by the Washington Monument, nor by the Capitol, nor should it be. But, after all, if he had not been born he would not have been President. I am not a believer in special providences, but if I were I would say that he was born with a mission. Mr. Chairman, there is an old Greek myth that one of the tasks of Hercules was to meet and overcome Antaeus. He ascertained that the secret of Antaeus's strength was that every time he touched the earth his strength was renewed. So, placing his arms about him, he held him up in the air until he died for the want of sustenance. The Greek myths, many of them, tell the story of strength renewed by touching the earth. We all understand that in this country, and, in fact, in all countries, in the main the men who lead in achievements are of the generation or near to a generation that has touched the earth. [Applause.] The genesis of LINCOLN was a happy one. The family moved over into Indiana on the way to Illinois. They halted first in Indiana, and then settled in Illinois, in the county of Coles, and then over in the county of Menard. He was a boatman, then a |