The Lincoln Centennial Centennial
Two hundred years ago today, Abraham Lincoln was born. One hundred years ago today, on February 12, 1909, the San Francisco Chronicle published a glowing (and boy do I mean glowing) tribute to the Great Emancipator. It's all heat and no light, more like an ancient Greek paen to the Gods than a critical evaluation. But it's fun, the use of language is fascinating, and as far as I can tell it hasn't seen the light of day in a century. And it'll probably be even more interesting in 2109, so here it is, citizens of the magical future. Enjoy.
The Lincoln Centennial
A Tribute From a Nation to the Memory of Its Preserver
San Francisco Chronicle, February 12, 1909
On February 12, 1809, in a rude one-roomed frontier cabin in what is now La Rue county, Kentucky, there came into the world a male infant who seemed destined to the life of an ordinary backwoodsman. To-day mankind celebrates the centennial anniversary of the day in commemoration of the advent of a colossal figure in human history. Abraham Lincoln lived in this world fifty-six years, two months and three days, and died at the hands of an assassin. He gave unity to a continent and liberty to a race and his name will endure forever. From among those of mankind whom fate has ordained to direct and control the destiny of nations, Abraham Lincoln stands forth unique. Others have wrought nobly in the use of great power for the benefit of mankind. Others have broken out from environments as unpromising, and by sheer force of character have mounted upward to the seats of the mighty. But to no other who has so risen has it been given to combine such virtues, to fulfill such a mission, to die at the zenith of his achievements, and to leave to his posterity and to mankind a blessed memory of exalted patriotism and noble accomplishments inspired and overshadowed by a boundless and all-embracing charity.
Abraham Lincoln us the one great historic figure in whom intellect and force which raised him from a backwoods cabin to the headship of a nation were absolutely dominated by love for his country and mankind. His quaint and uncouth figure concealed a wonderful mind and a beautiful soul. There has been no other personage like him who has been made known to the world. An intellect impossible to befog or deceive, a judgment mature, solid and convincing; a prescience which unerringly foretold the resultant of the impact of conflicting human forces; a moral fiber which no temptation could strain; a faith unshaken by any calamity; a firmness which no pressure could shake; a patience unmoved by any trial or calamity; and above all and pervading all and controlling all, a soul which was a gushing and perennial fountain of human sympathy.
Such was the man whose memory we honor to-day, as our children and children’s children shall honor it as the ages flow by. He was a man whose like the world did not see before and will not see again, for he was the product of an age and environment which will not return. By superior and perfect fitness he rose out of the multitude to ride upon the waves of tumultuous human passion and firmly guide the bark to its appointed haven. And at the moment of anchorage he was slain. Amid the shades of the heroes who throng and mingle in the corridors of Valhalla the towering shadow of Lincoln is the one among them all whose memory is greenest on the earth where he once walked among men and served valiantly in his day and generation. His memory is the heritage of mankind. But most of all he loved his country and his countrymen. And at the end he gave his life for them. To-day in all honor, all reverence and all love a united, a loyal and a happy nation commemorates his patriotic devotion.
The Lincoln Centennial
A Tribute From a Nation to the Memory of Its Preserver
San Francisco Chronicle, February 12, 1909
On February 12, 1809, in a rude one-roomed frontier cabin in what is now La Rue county, Kentucky, there came into the world a male infant who seemed destined to the life of an ordinary backwoodsman. To-day mankind celebrates the centennial anniversary of the day in commemoration of the advent of a colossal figure in human history. Abraham Lincoln lived in this world fifty-six years, two months and three days, and died at the hands of an assassin. He gave unity to a continent and liberty to a race and his name will endure forever. From among those of mankind whom fate has ordained to direct and control the destiny of nations, Abraham Lincoln stands forth unique. Others have wrought nobly in the use of great power for the benefit of mankind. Others have broken out from environments as unpromising, and by sheer force of character have mounted upward to the seats of the mighty. But to no other who has so risen has it been given to combine such virtues, to fulfill such a mission, to die at the zenith of his achievements, and to leave to his posterity and to mankind a blessed memory of exalted patriotism and noble accomplishments inspired and overshadowed by a boundless and all-embracing charity.
Abraham Lincoln us the one great historic figure in whom intellect and force which raised him from a backwoods cabin to the headship of a nation were absolutely dominated by love for his country and mankind. His quaint and uncouth figure concealed a wonderful mind and a beautiful soul. There has been no other personage like him who has been made known to the world. An intellect impossible to befog or deceive, a judgment mature, solid and convincing; a prescience which unerringly foretold the resultant of the impact of conflicting human forces; a moral fiber which no temptation could strain; a faith unshaken by any calamity; a firmness which no pressure could shake; a patience unmoved by any trial or calamity; and above all and pervading all and controlling all, a soul which was a gushing and perennial fountain of human sympathy.
Such was the man whose memory we honor to-day, as our children and children’s children shall honor it as the ages flow by. He was a man whose like the world did not see before and will not see again, for he was the product of an age and environment which will not return. By superior and perfect fitness he rose out of the multitude to ride upon the waves of tumultuous human passion and firmly guide the bark to its appointed haven. And at the moment of anchorage he was slain. Amid the shades of the heroes who throng and mingle in the corridors of Valhalla the towering shadow of Lincoln is the one among them all whose memory is greenest on the earth where he once walked among men and served valiantly in his day and generation. His memory is the heritage of mankind. But most of all he loved his country and his countrymen. And at the end he gave his life for them. To-day in all honor, all reverence and all love a united, a loyal and a happy nation commemorates his patriotic devotion.
Labels: 1909, Abraham Lincoln, San Francisco chronicle
posted by Cait @ 1:06 AM
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