LINCOLN ROOM UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY presented by Marion D. Pratt Estate 973.7^63 PU-n.3ZlA .-!!= ..'S^'-^^—. >Jil //t'cvv.^ /() . V.'^^OJ^ ( ^^^,Wt^\.^y t f) (r\,^^-l^'\,' ^1 • ( '-"l^O ABRAHAM LINCOLN SESQUICENTENNIAL IN OBSERVANCE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN 1809 -1959 DEDICATED TO The Citizens of the United States of America who expressed through their representatives in Congress a desire to commemorate this one hun- dred fiftieth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln and thus made possible the work of this Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. "Perhaps you have forgotten me. Don't you remember a long black fellow who rode on horseback with you from Tremont to Springfield same fellow yet — " Well, I am that A. Lincoln IV ABRAHAM LINCOLN SESQUICENTENNIAL 1959-1960 FINAL REPORT OF THE LINCOLN SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMISSION Washington, D.C. Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Established by Joint Resolution of Congress, approved September 2, igsy. {Public Law 85-262, 85th Congress) EX OFFICIO MEMBERS The President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower The President of the Senate, Vice President Richard M. Nixon The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Sam Rayburn MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE Hon. John Sherman Cooper (Ken- tucky), Chairman Hon. Frank Church (Idaho) Hon. Everett M. Dirksen (Ilhnois) Hon. Paul H. Douglas (Illinois) Hon. William E. Jenner (Indiana) Hon. Ralph W. Yarborough (Texas) Hon. Homer E. Capehart (Indi- ana) — (appointed to replace Sen. Jenner) MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ■^ Hon. Leo E. Allen (Illinois) Hon. Frank Chelf (Kentucky) Hon. Winfield K. Denton (Indiana) Hon. Peter F. Mack, Jr. (Illinois) , , Hon. F. Jay Nimtz (Indiana) — Vice Chairman Hon. John M. Robsion, Jr. (Ken- ^ tucky) Hon. William G. Bray (Indiana) — (apfKjinted to replace Rep. Nimtz) Hon. Eugene Siler (Kentucky) — (appointed to replace Rep. Rob- sion) .^ MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES Hon. Bertha S. Adkins (Washing- _ ton, D.C.) Mr. Victor M. Birely (Washington, D.C.) Dr. Ralph J. Bunche (New York) Dr. John S. Dickey (New Hamp- shire) Mr. John B. Fisher (Washington, D.C.) Dr. R. Gerald McMurtry (Indiana) Dr. L. Quincy Mumford (Washing- ton, D.C.) Rev. Paul C. Reinert (Missouri) Mr. Walter N. Rothschild (New York) Hon. William G. Stratton (Illinois) Mr. Jouett Ross Todd (Kentucky) (resigned August 1958) Mr. William H. Townsend (Ken- tucky) Hon. Sinclair Weeks (Massachu- setts) — (appointed to replace Mr. Todd) vn STATUTORY MEMBERS Mr. Conrad L. Wirth, Director of the National Park Service Dr. Charles W. Porter III, National Park Service, alternate for Mr. Wirth EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Hon. Bertha S. Adkins, Chairman Dr. Ralph J. Bunche Dr. L. Quincy Mumford Senator John Sherman Cooper, ex officio Mr. Victor M. Birely, Vice Chair- man Hon. F. Jay Nimtz* Rev. Paul C. Reinert Mr. Conrad L. Wirth, Secretary* *Mr. John B. Fisher (appointed to replace Rep. F. Jay Nimtz). *Dr. Charles W. Porter III, alternate for Mr. Wirth. EXECUTIVE STAFF Prof. William E. Baringer, Execu- Mr. Lloyd A. Dunlap, Administra- tive Director tive Officer Mr. John E. Allen, Assistant Execu- Dr. C. Percy Powell, Research Di- tive Director rector Mr. Adolph M. Edwards, General Richards Associates, Public Rela- Counsel tions Counsel MEMBERS OF COMMISSION STAFF Miss Margaret S. Wheeler, Secre- tary and Office Supervisor Miss Mildred F. Crocker, Secretary Miss Florence Hoagland, Clerk- stenographer Miss Catherine E. Berry, Research assistant Mr. Baxter Hargrave, Administra- tive Assistant Mr. John L. Thompson, Adminis- trative and Research Assistant Mrs. Benjamin A. Custer, Chief Indexer VIII LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL tS^^€Aa.cc4^/ny^e/rvrvoa^ "^^ NATIONAL ARCHIVKS BUI I, DI NG, Washington 25, D. C. June 30, 1960 Honorable Richard M. Nixon The Vice President of the United States Washington 25, D.C. My dear Mr. Vice Presidents It gives me pleasure to transmit with this letter the Final Report of the activities of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission in accordance with Section 5(c) of the Joint Resolution of September 2, 1957 (Public Law 85-262, 85th Congress, 71 Stat. 587). The report is an account of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year and the activities of the Commission in commemorating the birth of Abraham Lincoln. It deals in detail with the historic and memorable events which have taken place during this observance and specifically with the people and organizations that made them possible. The response to the Commission's endeavors throughout this Sesqui- centennial observance is evidence that Lincoln is truly the "Symbol of the Free Man" and as you read these pages, I am sure, you will be aware of his world-wide influence on freedom loving peoples everywhere. The members of the Commission Join me in commending the action of the Congress which made possible this observance and in thanking the Congress for its generous support of our work, which has been a gratifying and rewarding experience for us all. incerely yours , Hon. F. J.y Nimli, M. Mi»8 Beriha S. Adkins Hon. Lfo E. .■Ml»n, M. C. Virlor M. Birely Dr. Ralph J. Bunrhc Hon. Frank Chelf, M. C. Hon. Frank Church, U. S. S. Hon. Winfield K. Dfnlon, M. C. Dr John S. Dirkey John Sherman Cooper, Chairman THE rjMlMISSION Hon. John Sherman Cooper, U. S. S., Chcdrrrukn , Vice Chairman Prof. William E. Baringer, F.xecutive Director Rev. Paul C Rrinerl Hon. Everell M. Dirk.en, U. S. S. Hon. John M. Rob.ion, Jr., M. C. Hon. Paul H. Douglas. U. S. S. Waller N. Rolhsrhlld John B. Fisher Hon. William G. Stralton Hon. William E. Jenner, U. S. S. Jouell Rosa Todd Hon. Peter F. Mack, Jr., M. C. Dr. William H. Towniend Dr. R. Gerald McMunry Conrad L. Wirth Dr. L. Quincy Mumford Hon. Ralph Yarborough, U. S. S. DC LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL NATIONAI, ARCHIVKS BLIIDINC, Washingion 25, D. C. June 30, 1960 The Honorable Sam Rayburn •Tie Speaker of the House of Representatives Washington 25, D.C. My dear Mr. Speaker: It gives me pleasure to transmit with this letter the Final Report of the activities of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission in accordance with Section 5(c) of the Joint Resolution of September 2, 1957 (Public Law 85-262, 85th Congress, 71 Stat. 587) . The report is an account of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year and the activities of the Commission in commemorating the birth of Abraham Lincoln. It deals in detail with the historic and memorable events which have taken place during this observance and specifically with the people and organizations that made them possible. The response to the Commission's endeavors throughout this Sesqui- centennial observance is evidence that Lincoln is truly the "Symbol of the Free Man" and as you read these pages, I am sure, you will be aware of his world-wide influence on freedom loving peoples everywhere. The members of the Commission join me in commending the action of the Congress which made possible this observance and in thanking the Congress for its generous support of our work, which has been a gratifying and rewarding experience for us all. ncerely yours. /t__ John Sherman Cooper, Chairmam THE COM^SSIOIW Hon. John Sherman Cooper, L'. S. S., Chairman Hon. F. Jay NimU, M. C, Vice Chairman Prof. William E. Baringer, ^xeniaive Director Mirs Bcriha S. .^dkins Rev. Paul C. Reinert Hon. Leo E. .\llen. M. C. Hon. Everell M. Dirksen, f. S. S. Hon. John M. Robsion. Jr.. M. C. VirCor M. Birely Hon. Paul H. Douglas, U. S. S. Waller N Rothschild Dr. Ralph J. Bunrhe John B. Fisher Hon. William G. Strallon Hon. Frank Chelf. M. C Hon. William E. Jenner, U. S. S. Jouell Ross Todd Hon, Frank Church, U. S. S. Hon. Peter F. Mark. Jr.. M. C. Dr. William H. Townsend Hon. Winfield k. Demon. M. C. Dr. R. Gerald McMurlry Conrad L. Wirth Dr John S. Dirkey Dr. L. Quincy .Munilord Hon. Ralph YarborouRh, L. S. S. Contents Introduction The Commission and its Activities The Commission Organization Objectives .... Operating Procedure Theme .... Commission Publications Educational Program . Major Research Project Special Events and Ceremonies Awards and Decorations Philately and Numismatics . Lincoln Penny . Stamps .... State and Local Participation Lincoln Influence Worldwide National Organizations, Business and Industry Radio and Television Newspapers and Magazines. Miscellaneous Exhibits .... Painting and Sculpture . Books Appendix List of Colleges Receiving The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln ............ List of Organizations Awarded Certificates of Appreciation by the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission .... Statement by President Eisenhower Address by John B. Fisher Page XIII 1 7 7 8 10 12 14 19 31 37 52 61 61 63 69 100 127 137 142 146 146 147 152 156 169 171 172 XI Appendix — Continued Page Address by the Honorable Arthur S. Flemming . . . 1 75 Address by Carl Sandburg 177 Address by Dr. Richard N. Current 180 Address bv Dr. Allan Nevins 187 XII Introduction FEBRUARY 1 2, i960, marked the conclusion of one of the most extraor- dinary tributes to an American leader ever undertaken by the people of this Nation and our neighbors throughout the world. On that date, i year after it began officially, the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year ended — a 1 2-month period in which millions of citizens of the United States and of many other nations devoted their intense efforts to honoring the memory of Abraham Lincoln 150 years after the birth of the i6th President of the United States. In an address to Sangamon County, March 9, 1832, Abraham Lincoln declared: "Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say for one that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed by my fellow men, by rendering myself worthy of their esteem. How far I shall succeed in gratifying this ambition, is yet to be developed." The enthusiastic groundswell of activity on the part of the public media, civic, religious, educational, agricultural, labor, and industry organizations, as well as the Nation's citizens and our neighbors in foreign lands during this Sesquicentennial obsen/ance, proves that Mr. Lincoln's "peculiar ambition" has been realized. The wish of the American people, as expressed through their representatives in Congress, to commemorate the anniversary in a fitting and proper manner, signifies that they have not forgotten the virtues exemplified by him, and they intend to p)erpetuate them in the American way of life. The Congress resolved that "it is incumbent upon us as a Nation to provide for the proper observance of the birth of this great man." If a reason for celebrating the life of Abraham Lincoln needs recording, it is this: he was truly a great man. He influenced the course of history. His wisdom and innate faith in his countrymen enabled him, as President of the United States, to lead the Nation safely through the horrors of a civil war and then to "bind up the Nation's wounds" and look toward national unity. The Commission approached the observance with one basic premise — that there should be participation by all the people in our country, from all walks of life, of all ages, and that the observance should extend beyond our shores to the people of the world. This was based upon the assumption that people needed only to be reminded of the observance and that they would undertake participation through their own initiative. This approach was followed in all aspects of the undertaking and the public turned its attention to Mr. Lincoln and his life with such spontaneity and enthusiasm that one working closely with the Commission soon had the feeling that the name "Lincoln" is still magic in our land, and the principles and ideals for which he stood hold the interest of the people of the world. XIII At an early meeting, the Commission set forth three objectives: 1. To stimulate Lincoln observances throughout the year by public and private bodies at home, and abroad, if possible. 2. To encourage and to undertake itself contributions of lasting value, such as the preparation and completion of additional Lincoln his- torical works. 3. To emphasize the contribution of Lincoln's thought, ideals, and actions to the United States and the world. In this repHDrt an attempt has been made to record the evidence that all three of these objectives have been achieved. More has been written about the Great Emancipator than any other American. Over 6,000 books have been published on Lincoln. The life of Abraham Lincoln is one of the greatest and most dramatic stories in Amer- ican History. His name is one of the most revered throughout the world. His letters, speeches, and state papers, running to more than i million words, hold much that is as applicable today as when he lived. The words of his famous Gettysburg Address, House-Divided Speech, Second Inau- gural Address, are familiar not only to Americans but to freedom-loving peoples everywhere. As a frontier boy and youth, as an Illinois politician and lawyer, and as the leader of a nation, Abraham Lincoln practiced the cardinal virtues of humility, steadfastness, faith in righteousness, and the forgiving spirit. Then, too, his humor, his earthiness, and his utter lack of pretension made him one with common humanity. Herein too lies his greatness. Stephen A. Douglas, who argued, disputed, and debated with Lincoln throughout the State of Illinois, admitted that "Lincoln is the honestest man I ever knew." And when General Grant was asked his opinion of Lincoln, he replied: "He was incontestably the greatest man I ever knew." Carl Sandburg, eminent poet, author, and Lincoln biographer, speaking before a joint session of Congress on February 12, 1959, at the Abraham Lincoln Commemorative ceremony, described this man whose influence is worldwide almost a century after his death, in these words: "Not often in the story of mankind, does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is as hard as rock and soft as drifting fog, who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect." As the Sesquicentennial observance of Abraham Lincoln's birth concludes, it is particularly gratifying to record on these pages the historic and memor- able events that highlighted the year's activities and to deal specifically with the people and organizations that made them possible. Most significant of all aspects of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year is the fact that by international accord, Lincoln is recognized as transcending partisan consideration and is the "Symbol of the Free Man." The nonpartisan character of the Sesquicentennial was pointed up by composition of the Commission whose members were chosen without regard to political affiliation and by the activities of the Commission which have been devoid of partisanship. The Commission was concerned primarily that attention be directed to bringing to the American people and the peoples of the world the fullest XIV understanding of the contributions of Abraham Lincoln to democracy, in order that a deeper awareness of his greatness might become possible. Every conceivable avenue of communication to the public was employed in this undertaking: information literature, program ideas, press releases, radio and television announcements, suggestions for participation were disseminated to State and local Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commissions; historical societies; national civic, fraternal, educational, religious, and media groups ; trade associations ; labor unions ; the press ; the broadcasting media; motion pictures; clubs; societies; business and industry associations; and to interested individuals throughout the country. An international program was worked out in cooperation with the U.S. Information Agency, Radio Free Europe, the State Department, the People- to-People Program, and representatives of foreign governments. The re- sponse to these endeavors was so great that it is virtually impossible to catalog the innumerable commemorations, observances, celebrations, mag- azine articles, features on radio, television and in the press, that have been inspired by this Sesquicentennial observance. Literally stacks of material have come in from foreign countries indi- cating that the ideals and principles for which Abraham Lincoln stood are recognized as symbols of freedom by the people of the world. Through the State Department's exchange service, many lecturers on Lincoln traveled in foreign countries appearing before educational groups, schools, clubs, and heads of governments. The Voice of America shortwaved hundreds of broadcasts all over the world dealing with special ceremonies and ac- tivities of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, as well as especially prepared Lincoln programs. To indicate the scope of this undertaking and the achievements of the Commission during this Sesquicentennial Year, this final report includes a detailed account of the major projects which have been carried out. In this final report the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the various individuals and organizations who have helped to make its work rewarding by contributing to the success of this Sesquicentennial Year. The members of the Commission also wish to express their deep appre- ciation to the Congress of the United States for all that it has contributed in establishing the Commission, in providing the necessary funds for carry- ing on its work, in initiating the President's proclamation for the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year, in opening the Congressional Record to the many generous publications of Sesquicentennial events, and by honoring the memory of Lincoln in a joint session of Congress commemorative program. In closing this formal report to Congress, the Commission wishes also to record its sense of the high honor bestowed on it in having been entrusted with this important mission and to emphasize the many factors that go to the heart of the American tradition and the respect of civilized mankind for human greatness . . . the immediate influence on the emotions and thinking of tens of millions of Americans and millions more in other coun- tries that have made this a rewarding and gratifying experience. In a time of international tensions, when the compassionate philosophies of the 1 6th President can mean so much in interpreting America to the XV world, it is gratifying indeed to read the reports on Lincoln activities and the effects of the Lincoln Year observances in areas throughout the world. In 1858 Lincoln said: "Our reliance is in the love of liberty, which God has planted in our bosoms. Our defense is in the preservation of the spirit which prizes liberty as the heritage of all men in all lands, every- where." This, then, is the man whose 150th anniversary has been commemorated in this year of nineteen hundred and fifty nine. This then, is the historical image who is THE SYMBOL OF THE FREE MAN. XVI The Commission and Its Activities IN APRIL 1957 the drive began, led by the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia, to have Congress create by law a national commission to celebrate the sesquicentennial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. Bills for that purpose were introduced in the House of Representa- tives by F. Jay Nimtz (then a Member of Congress from the 3d District of Indiana), Peter F. Mack, Jr., and Leo E. Allen of Illinois, Fred Schwengel of Iowa, and Hugh Scott of Pennsylvania. In the Senate a similar bill was introduced by Senator John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky, supported by his colleagues Thruston B. Morton of Kentucky, Everett M. Dirksen and Paul H. Douglas of Illinois, Homer E. Capehart and William E. Jenner of Indiana. Enacted by the 85th Congress as Public Law 85-262 (71 Stat. 587), the Nimtz bill was approved by the President on September 2, 1957. The measure provided for a Commission of 28 members, three of whom, the President, the Vice President, and the Speaker of the House, were ex officio members. The remaining 25 members were chosen as follows: 6 from the House, 6 from the Senate; 12 appointed by the President, and a statutory member, the Director of National Park Service or his representative. The purpose and duties of the Commission were clearly stated. As expressed in the act, the Congress had established the Commission "to prepare an overall program to include specific plans for commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln." In performing this duty, the Commission was directed to "give due consideration to any similar and related plans advanced by State, civic, patriotic, hereditary, and historical bodies." The Commission was also to "give suitable recogni- tion such as the award of medals and certificates, or by other appropriate means to persons and organizations for outstanding accomplishments in preserving the writings and ideals of Abraham Lincoln, or historical loca- tions connected with his life." The legislation authorized and requested the President "to issue proclamations inviting the people of the United States to participate in and observe the anniversary of the nationally signifi- cant historic event . . . ." The bill also provided for an appropriation of funds in an amount not to exceed $10,000 for the purpose of preparing a preliminary report to be submitted to the Congress not later than March i, 1958, which was to include an outline of the preliminary plans of the Commission in order that further enabling legislation might be enacted. 541524 o— fiO- H. J. Res. 351 I!iSht8'fifth (Tonsrtss of the Bnitd ^tatts of 3imcrica AT THE FIRST SESSION Bt^m and htU at the City of JTashington on Thunday, the third day of January, one thousand nine hundred and fifty-seven Joint TUsoiodon To establlalj a LiDcoln S«sqalc«Dt«DnlaI CominiMlon. \Vhere»8 (he jear 1959 mmrks the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln on February 12, 1809; and AVhereas Abraham Lincoln served as the sixteenth President of tl>e United States; and MTiereas his life and ideals played an important part in the history of the United States during a critical period of its history; and UTiereas his spoken and written words and his philoeophy of govern- ment have continued to have influence in our Government and in our daily way of life; and ■Whereas the United States observed with appropriate ceremonies the one hundredth anniversarj- of the birth of Abraham Lincoln in 19t)9; and A\Tiereas the interest in, and respect for, Abraham Lincoln is demon- strated by over one million eight hundred and fifty thousand mople from all parts of the Nation visiting the Lincoln Memorial in Wasli- ington, District of Columbia, during the year 1956, making it the most visited memorial in the world: and Wliereas it is appropriate that his ideals and accomplishments be re- empliasized and be given wider public knowledge on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of his birth; and Whereas it is incumbent upon us as a nation to provide for the proper observance of the birth of this great man who has continued to be a force in our history : Therefore be it Retolrcd by tht Senate and Hove of Repretentativen of the United State* of .4 merim in Congre*» asteinbled. That (a ) in order to provide for appropriate and nationwide observances and the coordination of ceremonies, there is hereby established a commission to be known as the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, hereafter in this Act referred to as the "Commission", which shall be compoeed of twenty-eight members, as follows: (1) Tlie President of the T'nited States, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall be ex officio members of the Commission ; (2) Six Members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate; (3) Six Members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives: (4) Twelve members to be appointed by the President of the United States; and (5) One member from the Department of the Interior who shall be the Director of the National Park Service or his representative. (bj The Director of the National Park Service shall call the first meeting for the purpose of electing a Chairman. The Commission, at its discretion, may appoint honorary members, and may establish an Advisory Council to assist it in its work. (c) AppointnKnts provided for in this section, with the exception of honorarj' members, shall be made within ninety days from tne date of enactment of this resolution. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made. Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Commission to prepare an overall projfram to include specific plans for commemorating the one hundred fiftieth anniversary of the Dirth of Abraham Lincoln. In preparing its plans and programs, the Commission shall give due consic^ration to any similar and related plans advanced by State, civic, patriotic. H. J. Kea. 351—2 heredit«ry, and historical bodies, and ma; designate special commit- tees with representation from the above-mentioned bodies to plan and conduct specific ceremonies. The Commission may give suitable recog- nition such as the award of medals and certificates or b; other appro- priate means to persons and organizations for outstanding accom- plishments in preserving the writings and ideals of Abraham Lincoln, or historical locations connected witn his life. Sec. 3. The President of the United States is authorized and requested to issue proclamations inviting the people of the United States to participate in and observe the anniversary of the nationally significant historic event, the commemoration of which is provided for herein. Sec. 4. (a) The Commission is authorized to accept donations of money, property, or personal services; to cooperate with State, civic, patriotic, herecfitarv, and historical groups and with institutions of learning; and to call upon other Federal aepartments or agencies for their advice and assistance in carrying out the purposes of this resolution. All books, manuscripts, miscellaneous printed matter, memorabilia, relics and other materials relating to Abraham Lincoln and donated to the Commission may be deposited for permanent preservation in a National, State, or local library or museum or be otnerwise disposed of by the Commission in consultation with the Librarian of Congress or the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. ( b ) The Commission, to such extent as it 5nds to be necessary, may. without regard to the laws and procedures applicable to Federal agencies, procure supplies, services, and property and make contracts, expend in furtherance of this resolution funds donated or funds received in pursuance of contracts hereunder, and may exercise those powers that are necessary to enable it to carry out efficiently and in the public interest (he purposes of this resolution. (c^ The National Park Service is designated to provide all general administrative services. Sec. 5. (a) The Commission may employ, without regard to civil service laws or the Classification .\c« of 1M9, an executive director and such employees as may be necessary to carry out its functions. (b) Kipenditures of the Commission shall be paid bv the National Park Service as general administrative agent, which snail keep com- plete records of sncli ex|)enditures and shall account also for all funds received by the Commission. (c) A report shall be submitted to the Congress, presenting the pre- liminary plans of the Commission not later than March 1, 19S8, in order that fuKher enabling legislation may be enacted. A final report shall be made to the (^ongress no later than March 1, 1960, upon which date the Commission shall terminate. (d) Any property acquired by the Commission remaining upon its termination may be used by the Secretary of the Interior for purposes of the National Park System or may be disposed of as surplus prop- erty. The net revenues, after payment of Commission expenses, derived from Commission activities, shall be deposited in the Treasury of the United States. Sec. 6. (a) The members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be furnished transportation and be reimbursed at not to exceed $'20 per diem, in lieu of subsistence, while engaged in the discharge of their duties provided for in this resolution. (b) Service of an individual as a member of the Commission shall not be considered as service or employment bringing such individual within the provisions of sections 216, 281, 283, 284, 434, or 1914 of title 18 of the United States Code, or section 190 of the Revised Statutes H. J. Rea. 351—3 (5 U. S. C. 99) ; nor shall any member of the Commission by reason of his status as such be deemed to be an "officer of the Government" within the meaning of the Act of April 27, 1916 (5 U. S. C. 101). Sec. 7. NotwithsUndine section 2 of the Act of July 31, 1894 (28 Stat. 205), as amended (5 U. S. C. 62), or section 6 of the Act of May 10, 1916 (39 Stat. 120), as amended (5 U. S. C. 58, 59), the Chairman of the Conmiission may appoint to, and employ in, any civilian office or position in the Commission, and pay, any retired commissioned officer, or retired warrant officer, of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Coast and Geodetic Survey, or Public Health Service. The retired status, office, rank, and grade of retired commissioned officers or retired warrant officers, so appointed or employed and, except as provided in section 212 of the Act of June 30, 1932 (47 Stat. 4<)6), as amended (5 V. S. C. 59a), any emolument, perquisite, right, privilege, or benefit incident to or arising out of any such status, office, rank, or grade, shall be in no way affected by reason of such appoint- ment to or employment in, or by reason of service in, or acceptance or holding of, any civilian office or position in the Commission or the receipt of the pay thereof. Sbc. 8. There are hereby authorized to be appropriated such funds as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this resolution, in- cluding an appropriation of not to exceed $10,000 to prepare the prelimmary report and plans of the Commission described in section 5(c). APPROVED SEP -2 1257 nee Prttidtnt of the United States and Pretident of the Senate. ABRAHAM LINCOLN SESQUICENTENNIAL YEAR BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS the year 1959 niarks the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln; and WHEREAS, by spirit and by statesmanship, Lincoln brought our Union through an awesome struggle to maintain its national character and to establish the right of each citizen to enjoy the fruits of his own toil; and WHEREAS in his writing and speaking Lincoln described the nature of American democracy -- "of the people, by the people, for the people" -- with such clarity and splendor that it became the inspiration for movements toward free and responsible government the world over; and WHEREAS the Congress, by a joint resolution approved August 27, 1958 (72 Stat. 932), provided for a joint session of the Congress on February 12, 1959, to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln; and WHEREAS the Congress, by a joint resolution approved September 2, 1957 (71 Stat. 587), established the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commis- sion to develop plans for commemorating the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, and requested the President to issue a proclamation inviting the people of the United States to observe that anniversary: NOW, THEREFORE, I, DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, President of the United States of America, in accordance with the purposes of the Congress, do hereby call upon all agencies and officers of the Federal Government, upon the Governors of the States, and upon the lerican people, to observe the year 1959 as the Abraham Lincoln ■licentennial Year, and throughout this period -- and especially the week February 5 to 12 -- to do honor to Lincoln's memory oriate activities and ceremonies, by a re study of his life and and written words, and by personal rededication to the citizenship and the philosophy of government for which he f\ill measure of devotion". ^SS WHEREOF , 1 have hereunto set my hand and caused 'ed States of America to be affixed. City of Washington this jLftA day of December gav the Sec -^ >S in the year of our Lord nine- teen hundred and fifty- eight, and of the Independ- ence of the United States of America the one hundred and eighty-third. By the President: Secretary of State. THE COMMISSION The Commissioners were appointed in November 1957. The Vice President, as President of the Senate, named : Senator John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky, Senator Frank Church of Idaho, Senators Everett M. Dirksen and Paul H. Douglas of Illinois, Senator William E. Jenner of Indiana, and Senator Ralph W. Yarborough of Texas. Early in 1959, Senator Homer E. Capehart of Indiana was appointed to succeed Senator Jenner. The Speaker of the House named: Representatives Peter F. Mack, Jr., and Leo E. Allen of Illinois, Representatives F. Jay Nimtz and Winfield K. Denton of Indiana, Representatives Frank Chelf and John M. Robsion, Jr., of Kentucky. Representatives William G. Bray of Indiana and Eugene Siler of Kentucky were appointed early in 1959 to succeed Congressmen Nimtz and Robsion, respectively. Commissioners appointed by the President of the United States were: The Honorable Bertha S. Adkins, Under Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; Mr. Victor M. Birely, president of Birely & Co., Washington, D.C.; Dr. Ralph J. Bunche, Under Secretary of the United Nations, New York; Dr. John S. Dickey, president of Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.; Mr. John B. Fisher, Joyce & Fisher, Washington, D.C.; Dr. R. Gerald McMurtry, director of the Lincoln National Life Foundation, Fort Wayne, Ind. ; Dr. L. Quincy Mumford, Librarian of Congress, Washington, D.C. ; Rev. Paul C. Reinert, president of St. Louis University, St. Louis, Mo. ; Mr. Walter N. Rothschild, chairman of the board of Abraham & Strauss, Brooklyn, N.Y. ; the Honorable William G. Stratton, Governor of Illinois; Mr. William H. Townsend, attorney, Lex- ington, Ky. ; and Mr. Jouett Ross Todd, attorney, Louisville, Ky. The Honorable Sinclair Weeks, Boston attorney and formerly Secretary of the Department of Commerce, was appointed to succeed Mr. Todd, who re- signed August 1958. The remaining member of the Commission, designated as a statutory member by the legislation, was the Director of the National Park Service in the Department of the Interior, Mr. Conrad L. Wirth. Dr. Charles W. Porter III, of the National Park Service, was named as alternate for Mr. Wirth and served as fiscal adviser and Commission secretary. All members of the Commission, selected because of their particular interest in Abraham Lincoln and the reemphasizing of his ideals and prin- ciples, contributed generously of their knowledge and enthusiasm and gave unstintingly of their time to the success of the Commission's work. They received neither salary nor compensation, except reimbursement for out-of- pocket expenses of travel and subsistence incurred while engaged in the discharge of their duties as provided in the legislation. ORGANIZATION The first meeting of the Commission was held on December 11, I957) in room 5528 of the Department of the Interior Building, Washington, D.C, with Mr. Conrad L. Wirth presiding as temporary chairman. A nominating 7 committee of five members was appointed to consider names for the offices of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary of the Commission to be presented at the next meeting. The nature and scope of the functions of the Commission were discussed and a temporary advisory committee was created to outHne a program and present it to the Commission at its next meeting to be held on January lo, 1958. At this second meeting. Senator John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky w^as elected Chairman; Representative F. Jay Nimtz, Vice Chairman; and Conrad L. Wirth as Secretary. One of the first official actions of the Commission was to authorize Chairman Cooper to appoint an Executive Committee of seven members empowered to act on behalf of the Com- mission between regular Commission meetings. This was a necessary or- ganizational procedure, since many of the Commissioners lived at some distance from Washington which made it impractical to call frequent meetings of the full Commission. A small, competent committee could meet frequently, establish policy, and act promptly. The Chairman ap- pointed the following to serve on this Executive Committee: Miss Adkins as Chairman, Mr. Birely, Vice Chairman, Dr. Bunche, Dr. Mumford, Reverend Reinert, Representative Nimtz, and Mr. Wirth, with Senator Cooper as ex officio. Mr. Fisher was later named to succeed Represent- ative Nimtz. Dr. Porter served on the Executive Committee as the of- ficial alternate for Mr. Wirth. During its tenure of office, the full Commission held 10 meetings and the Executive Committee met in 25 sessions. Full and complete minutes of the 25 meetings held by the Executive Committee were prepared and circulated to all members of the Commission. At the early meetings, rules of organization and procedure were adopted, a statement of objectives drawn up, a proposed budget outlined, and additional committees set up to direct specialized activities in the various phases of the observance. These special committees and their chairmen were : Committees Chairmen Budgetary and Allocation Bertha S. Adkins Honorary Members Victor M. Birely International Program Dr. Ralph J. Bunche Mass Media John B. Fisher Schools and Colleges Rev. Paul C. Reinert Special Celebrations Senator Everett M. Dirksen National Organizations Dr. R. Gerald McMurtry OBJECTIVES In outlining their objectives for the Sesquicentennial Year, the Com- mission followed the purpose and duties as expressed in Public Law 85- 262. Carefully considering suggestions and recommendations made by the Commission members and other interested parties, and studying the work of previous commissions on similar undertakings, they compiled a program outline of objectives toward which the work would be projected. This statement of objectives was drawn up in February of 1958 with the provision that it be amplified and improved as successive meetings were 8 held and the work of the Commission progressed. The preliminary report presented to Congress on February 26, 1958, stated these objectives as follows : 1. That the Commission direct its attention to bringing to the Amer- ican people and the peoples of the world the fullest understanding of the contributions of Abraham Lincoln to democracy, in order that a deeper awareness of his greatness may become possible. 2. That the Commission encourage States, localities, and private organizations to organize for themselves observances of the sesqui- centennial of Lincoln's birth, and that it assist in plans for local observances with advice and guidance, where such are requested. 3. That consideration be given to awards of certificates, medals, or other recognition for distinguished newspaper articles or books, television and movies, dealing with Lincoln and his work. 4. That the Commission request the issuance of special stamps and coins to commemorate the Lincoln Sesquicentennial. 5. That it encourage the collection and dissemination of basic ma- terials such as manuscripts, newspapers, pictures, and maps, re- lating to Lincoln, so that such material may be preserved and made more easily available to students. 6. That it encourage and participate in a program of publications relating to Lincoln, including basic sources, guides, bibliographies, indices, and other aids to research, writing, and understanding of this great American. 7. That it encourage all communication media to participate in the observance of the sesquicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. 8. That it sponsor a group of speakers to represent it at appropriate observances. 9. That it consider, for possible recommendation to the Congress, the advisability of the Congress holding joint commemorative exercises on February 12, 1959. 10. That it do everything possible, by appropriate means, to develop among the Nation's schools, colleges, and universities, museums, libraries, historical societies, and historical offices of the Federal Government, a deeper appreciation and keener interest in the rich heritage of national experience with particular reference to Abra- ham Lincoln. 1 1 . That it seek the cooperation of Federal agencies in carrying out the purposes of the legislation. 1 2. That through these programs it seek to emphasize the principles and ideals exemplified by Abraham Lincoln and their application to the present day. The suggested objectives were not proposed as a rigid and exclusive program into which all observance activities must fit. They were offered as suggestions of the ways by which the Commission might help all the people in their approach to the commemoration of this very important sesqui- centennial. The report also outlined the accomplishments of the Commission during these first months of the planning stage and requested that Congress ap- propriate funds for the remainder of the 1 958 fiscal year in order that a stafT might be appointed, headquarters set up, and the work of the Commission get underway. OPERATING PROCEDURE Although staff appointments could not be made or actual work really begun until the Congress made an appropriation of funds, the Commission members had already given consideration to many phases of the work in preparation for the official opening of headquarters. They had consulted with Mr. Wirth of the National Park Service and members of his staff regarding such information as was available about Sesquicentennial plans of various Lincoln groups throughout the country. They had considered suggestions for projects and ceremonies presented by Col. Randle B. Truett, director of the Lincoln Museum, and member of the National Park Service staff, who had been appointed by Mr. Wirth to assist the Commission in its preliminary planning. They had discussed the qualifications necessary for members of the staff and had considered and interviewed several applicants for the executive positions. They had arranged for temporary headquarters to be set up in the Lincoln Museum and begun a search for a suitable place for p>ermanent headquarters. They had arranged for the fiscal, legal, personnel, and other units of the National Park Service to perform the housekeeping services that the Com- mission and its staff would need. Funds having been appropriated, the Commission, under the guidance and recommendations of the Executive Committee, selected a staff and began operations in the temporary headquarters at the Lincoln Museum. The Library of Congress made space available for the research staff, since their work involved extensive use of materials contained in the collections at the Library. Dr. William E. Baringer was selected to head up the Commission's staff as Executive Director. A former executive secretary of the Abraham Lincoln Historical Association in Springfield, 111., and author of several books on Lincoln, Dr. Baringer was given leave of absence by the University of Florida from his professional duties in the history department to accept this position. Dr. C. Percy Powell, Civil War historian, was given leave of absence from the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress to accept the position of Director of Research. John E. Allen, former president of the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia, was named Assistant Executive Director. The remainder of the Commission's permanent headquarters staff con- sisted of three employees : Margaret S. Wheeler, secretary to the Executive Director and Supervisor of office personnel; Catherine S. Berry, research assistant; and Mildred F. Crocker, secretary. During peak periods of activity, additional personnel was employed including Florence Hoagland, secretary; Baxter Hargrave and John L. Thompson, administrative assistants. Adolph M. Edwards, Department of the Interior, was designated as the 10 Commission's General Counsel adv^ising on matters of a legal nature throughout the life of the Commission. All matters of a fiscal and account- ing nature were handled by Manley W. Allen, Chief of the Accounting Operations Section, National Park Service. Lee White, administrative assistant to Senator Cooper, and Mrs. Elizabeth Hamer, Assistant Librarian for Public AfTairs at the Library of Congress, actively participated in the observance and were of valuable assistance to the Commission. Mr. John Allen resigned his position of Assistant Executive Director on May i, 1959. The administrative duties of the Executive Director be- came so heavy that on July i , 1 959, Professor Baringer was relieved of this responsibility in order to devote the remainder of the summer to the work of compiling the first two volumes of the Commission's major research project. Lloyd A. Dunlap, granted leave of absence from the Library of Congress where he was a consultant in Lincoln studies, was named Administrative Officer of the Commission and assumed the operation of the Commission's headquarters on July i, 1959. Formerly a member of the staff" of the Abraham Lincoln Historical Association in Springfield, 111., Mr. Dunlap was an assistant editor of The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln and is a recognized Lincoln scholar and researchist. Through the efTorts of Senator Dirksen, space was secured in the National Archives Building, Washington, D.C., and the Commission's permanent headquarters opened there officially on July 15, 1958. The space, formerly used as a storage room, was transformed into dignified offices and was visited by many thousands of Americans and foreigners seeking literature and information on Lincoln during the Sesquicentennial Year. Under the guidance of the Executive Committee, the staff began work immediately laying plans for the observance. Governors were contacted and asked to set up State commissions, historical societies, national organi- zations, Federal agencies, the communications media, Lincoln groups throughout the country, were advised of the observance and cooperation in- vited. A Handbook of Information on the Sesquicentennial was compiled and published. Plans were laid for the compiling and publication of a lasting memorial to Lincoln in the form of a major research work to be called "Lincoln Day by Day: A Chronology, 1809- 1865." By October 1958, 4 months before the Sesquicentennial Year was to begin officially, the public response to the Commission's endeavors was so great that it became evident that the Commission would need competent assistance in the field of public relations to carry out its mission. The pos- sibility of adding to the staff a person trained in the public relations field was considered and several applicants interviewed. The problem of finding a competent person willing to accept a position with such a short-lived agency presented a problem. Also, considering the fluctuating nature of the Commission's activities and workload, it was deemed advisable to entrust the public relations work to a private firm on a consulting basis rather than making any addition to the staff. Consequently, after considering presen- tation made by several companies, the Washington firm of Richards Asso- ciates headed by Robert K. Richards was chosen to handle the public rela- tions aspects of the work. A contract entered into on November i, 1958, II defined the terms of the arrangements. Richards Associates, as public rela- tions counsel, immediately prepared a proposed plan of public relations activities and, guided by the Executive Committee, organized and executed such a program. In all matters the public relations counsel worked closely with the Executive Director and his staff. A member of the Richards firm was appointed as account executive and spent full time at the Commission headquarters. In addition to handling all matters of a public relations nature, counsel personnel were responsible for originating many of the ideas and projects which were successfully executed throughout the year. They were responsible for the publication of the Commission's newsletter, "The Intelligencer." They prepared a Monthly Report of Activities which w£is circulated to all Commission members. They prepared and distrib- uted numerous press releases, spot announcements, and film slides ; arranged interviews and special features for the press and broadcasting media; assisted with the arrangements for special ceremonies and activities ; main- tained liaison with national organizations, the USIA, and other Federal agencies ; wrote speeches, prepared material for publication, and in general carried on a comprehensive public relations campaign. On many occa- sions they furnished secretarial help to the headquarters staff to assist with special projects. They attended all Commission and Executive Committee meetings as observers and advisers. THEME ADOPTED At an early meeting of the Commission, an official slogan and a seal symbolic of the Observance were approved. Many suggestions were made, but the thematic slogan adopted was: "Lincoln: Symbol of the Free Man." The official seal was executed by Garnet W. Jex, Chief of Graphics, Bureau of States Service, U.S. Public Health Service. It bore a head and shoulders of Lincoln which was a composite of several front-view portraits. Thirty-six stars representing the number of States at the time of Lincoln's death appeared on a shield to the right of the picture. Beneath the shield a sheaf of arrows was overlaid by an olive branch symbolizing Lincoln's tenure of ofBce in war and peace. Encir- cling the whole were the words, "Abraham Lincoln 1809- 1959, Sesqui- centennial Commission." The seal carried the thematic slogan "Lincoln Symbol of the Free Man" and was used in all of the literature and publi- cations of the Commission, and this theme "Lincoln: Symbol of the Free Man" was pursued throughout the year in all special projects undertaken by the Commission and by State and local Lincoln commissions and his- torical societies that participated. The enthusiasm for Lincoln and the observance of his 150th Birthday Anniversary spread like a prairie fire throughout the country and into many foreign lands. The Sesquicentennial celebration continued with increasing momentum until February 12, i960. Requests for material and publications poured into headquarters; hundreds of pieces of mail arrived each day; telephones rang with requests for material, suggestions, 12 assistance, and cooperation. The workload engendered by this terrific response, while extremely gratifying, made it impossible to complete some of the major projects by March i, i960, which was the termination date of the Commission. It was necessary for the Commission to request the Congress to grant an extension of time to June 30, i960, with no additional appropriation of funds, for the completion of these projects and the writing of the final report. 13 Commission Publications THE DEMAND for special publications and "use materials" developed and distributed by the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission and cooperating agencies indicated the extent of the activity throughout the world supporting the Lincoln Year observance. Reorders of several Com- mission publications were needed to meet the demand. In all, more than 2 million pieces of literature were distributed by the Commission — much of it in response to requests by individuals and organizations. Millions of additional pieces of literature were distributed by the U.S. Information Service through its 89 oversea USIS posts. At the beginning of the Lincoln Year Observance, the Commission se- cured Post Office Box 1959 establishing the mailing address of "Lincoln, Box 1959, Washington, D.C." This address was publicized and publica- tions were offered to radio and television listeners and viewers, to readers of newspapers and periodicals throughout Lincoln Year who wrote to that address. During peak periods as many as four mail sacks a day were arriving at this box number. Letters and postcards requesting publications and material averaged more than 100 per day throughout the entire year. Mail was received from every State in the Union, including the new States of Alaska and Hawaii, and from many foreign lands in more than 30 languages. Most important of all the publications issued by the Commission was the "Lincoln Day by Day Chronology"; which will be discussed in detail in another section of this report. Handbook of Information The first publication undertaken by the Commission was a comprehensive Handbook, since it was agreed that this was the most expedient way to reach the general public and stimulate observances of the Sesquicentennial. The Lincoln Sesquicentennial Handbook of Information was published in October 1958. It was an illustrated booklet designed especially to aid State and local groups, schools, and organizations to devise their own programs. Printed on pages measuring 6 by 9 inches and with a paper cover, the Handbook could be mailed at minimum cost and the size made it a handy and easily read reference tool. The Handbook of Information was just what the name implied. It contained background information on the Commission and its objectives; a brief chronology of important historical dates in Lincoln's life; the "Short and Simple Annals of Abraham Lincoln," including a reproduction 14 15 of a brief biographical sketch in Lincoln's own handwriting; outlined special projects of the Commission; included a section on program suggestions for each month in the year; listed famous quotations on various subjects extracted from Lincoln's writings and speeches; and a Selective Bibliography. Seventy-five thousand Handbooks were printed and distributed to schools, national organizations, press, radio, television, magazines, and established mailing lists. Requests for additional copies necessitated a second printing of 100,000 in January 1959. This supply of 175,000 was completely exhausted bv the end of the year. As this final report is being written, the Government Printing Oflfice re- ports that an additional 1 1 .000 Handbooks have been sold through that agency at 20 cents each, and requests are still being received to the extent that the Government Printing Oflfice is running another printing of this publication. The Lincoln Ideals Despite the volumes that have been written about Abraham Lincoln, the Commission recognized that no historian had ever attempted to summarize briefly the precise ideals which governed his living. A handsome booklet, approximately 5/2 by 8/2 inches with a paper cover, titled The Lincoln Ideals, was compiled and published in March 1959, under the auspices of the Commission. It was made available to the public free of charge upon request. To point up Lincoln's personality and principles in his own words, the compiler used a topical approach. The quotations were divided into eight broad subjects covering as nearly as possible, Lincoln's life and career. Under each subject heading were words which illustrate his thoughts and actions in that area. From them, it was hoped, an image of Lincoln's character would emerge. Most of the quotations were passages from a longer letter or speech, although in a few instances entire selections were reproduced. In every case, an effort was made to minimize the violence done to meaning by quoting out of context. The text employed in compil- mg The Lincoln Ideals was in all cases The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Easier, Marion Dolores Pratt, and Lloyd A. Dunlap, Rutgers University Press, 1953. The first printing of this publication in March 1959 was for 100.000 copies, which were distributed through radio and television announcements and newspaper notices to individuals on request and in bulk to organiza- tions on request. Overwhelmingly popular demand required a second printing of 50,000 in April, and a third printing of 10,000 in December. This total of 160.000 copies was exhausted by early Januar\- i960. The response from the public for this booklet was a veritable f^ood. By March 1959, the demands were so great that it became necessary to con- tract with Advertising Distributors of Washington to package and ship bulk orders of the "Ideals" and other publications, and to handle the in- dividual requests coming into Box 1959 and the Commission headquarters. 16 Individual requests were received from all States, the District of Columbia, and the territories. Whether by a wandering broadcast signal or word of mouth, the news reached people in many foreign lands too, for letters came in from India, British Honduras, Lebanon, Peru, Canada, Switzerland, Cuba, Japan, the Philippines, and many others. Hundreds of requests which arrived after January i960 went unfilled, since budgetary and time limitations precluded the advisability of any additional reprintings of this publication. The Intelligencer A third important Commission publication was its official newsletter, The Lincoln Sesquicentennial Intelligencer — a name selected because of its popularity circa 1809. Issued periodically throughout Lincoln Year, the Intelligencer was distributed to national associations, labor unions, fra- ternal and governmental groups, media, and interested individuals. Or- ganizations were encouraged to place volume orders for distribution through their own channels. The newsletter highlighted events in the observance of the 150th Anniversary, gave dates and places of upcoming events, de- scribed celebrations, activities, and various types of participation which had taken place throughout this country and foreign countries. The Intelligencer was printed on pages measuring 8/2 by 11 inches. Five editions were issued during the Sesquicentennial Year varying in length from 4 to 12 pages. The first issue, published in January 1959, consisted of four pages of copy and in addition to other items included such news stories as the issuance of Lincoln stamps; minting of a new Lincoln penny; the joint session of Congress to be addressed by Carl Sandburg; radio and television sp>ecial programs planned; press and periodical cover- age ; news of special exhibits and displays of Lincolniana. Seventeen thou- sand copies of this first issue were printed and distributed to established mailing lists. Requests which came in made it necessary to run off an additional 14,000 copies to meet the demand. An index to the snowballing activity in the observance is found in the size and circulation of the ensuing issues of The Intelligencer. The second issue, published in March 1959, went to 6 pages of copy with a circulation of 30,000. The third and fourth issues contained 8 pages each and had a circulation of 35,000 each. The fifth and final issue of The Intelligencer, published in February i960 at the close of the Sesquicentennial Year, con- tained 12 pages and had a distribution of 35,000 copies. This final issue was an overall summary of activities throughout the year, carried a full-page picture of Abraham Lincoln on the cover, was illustrated throughout with pictures including those of the Commission members and a double-truck picture montage of special events highlighting the Sesquicentennial Year as the center spread. Beginning with the second issue, The Intelligencer was printed as a self- mailer, thus conserving cost of envelopes, stuffing, and permitting bulk rate mailing at a considerable saving. 541524 O — 60 3 ^ 7 Abraham Lincoln Said . . . To supplement The Lincoln Ideals, a small pamphlet of Lincoln quotes titled simply "Abraham Lincoln Said . . .," designed for distribution at the height of the tourist season in Washington, was compiled and published in April 1959. This was a three-fold pamphlet measuring 3^4 by 6/2 inches, folded size. Imprinted on the inside cover page were these words: "This is Lincoln Year, as proclaimed by the President of the United States. Citizens of this nation and others throughout the world are honoring the memory of Abraham Lincoln, who was born 150 years ago, and whose compassionate philosophy as a Symbol of the Free Man has been preserved through his writings and speeches. Here are selected excerpts from the words of Abraham Lincoln." One hundred thousand copies were printed and distributed through sightseeing buses, to visitors at the Lincoln Memorial, and on 14 commercial airlines, both foreign and domestic. The pamphlet proved so popular with school groups and tourists that a second printing of 100,000 was required in May 1959; a third reprinting of 50,000 in July; and a fourth rerun of 50,000 in August. This total of 300,000 copies was exhausted by the end of Washington's tourist season. Lincoln Line-a-Days The Lincoln Line-a-Days consisted of several pages of one-line Lincoln quotes designed as "filler items." Thirty-five hundred copies were dis- tributed to newspapers, magazines, labor publications, Negro and foreign press publications and house organs. They were used extensively by the printed media, with many publications using them on a regular basis, running one in each issue. Summary Report of First Six Months Following the first 6 months of operation of the Sesquicentennial Year, a kit of materials summarizing the accomplishments of the Commission was prepared and distributed to all Members of Congress, the Governors of the States, members of the Commission, and other interested parties. Assem- bled in an attractive white paper cover were : ( i ) a letter from Commission Chairman Cooper outlining the activities and accomplishments of the Commission during the first 6 months of the Lincoln Year; (2) a listing of the Commissions' publications and their distribution to that point; (3) "Abraham Lincoln Said . . .," (4) The Lincoln Ideals, (5) The Hand- book of Information, (6) "The Lincoln Line-a-Days," and (7) the three issues of The Intelligencer. It was hoped that this informal report would call attention to the various activities which had been accomplished and serve as an inspiration for continued and additional cooperation. The success of this first 6 months' activities summary was evidenced by the numerous requests received for additional copies of the kit. When the limited supply was exhausted, requests were made for additional copies of the various publications to be disseminated through schools and other public organizations. 18 Educational Program ONE OF THE early official actions of the Commission was the develop- ment of a program of participation in the observance by the youth of America. In accordance with its basic policy that Americans should have an opportunity to renew their appreciation of the great attributes of Lincoln, it was the Commission's desire to do everything possible, by appropriate means, to develop among the Nation's schools, colleges, and universities a deeper appreciation and keener interest in the principles and personality of Abraham Lincoln. The Committee on Schools and Colleges, under the chairmanship of Rev. Paul C. Reinert, approached this project with the primary mission of emphasizing Lincoln's honesty, his ideals of democracy and the brotherhood of man, in a general school participation program. In outlining its educational program, the committee sought the advice and counsel of the U.S. Office of Education of the Department of Health, Edu- cation, and Welfare; the National Education Association and its many affiliated groups. A planning meeting was held on September 5, 1 958, which resulted in specific objectives and suggestions for procedure. At a followup meeting on September 17, 1958, representatives from four national organi- zations were present : ( i ) The Service Center for Teachers of History of the American Historical Association; (2) the National Council for Social Studies; (3) the American Library Association; and (4) the National Education Association. It was decided at this meeting that the school program should be broken up into three segments: (a) elementary schools, [b) secondary schools, and (c) colleges and universities, with particular emphasis on the secondary school age group. Cooperation was solicited from the many State and local parent-teacher groups and other teacher and educational associations. Magazines and publications in the educational field were particularly cooperative in pub- lishing Sesquicentcnnial material, bibliographies, feature articles on Lin- coln, and program suggestions. Other national and local organizations, including several State Sesquicentcnnial Commissions, joined in this en- deavor, encouraging participation by conducting Lincoln Essay Contests and sponsoring special projects. These will be discussed in more detail in the "State Activities Section" of this report. Elementary Schools An intensive promotional campaign was undertaken through teacher's magazines and other educational publications to reach all of the elementary schools in the country and encourage participation in the Sesquicentcnnial Year. Teaching aids and program suggestions on the Lincoln theme, as 19 well as stories on Lincoln, were carried in these publications. The Chil- dren's Services Division of the American Libran,' Association published a bibliography of the 10 best children's books on Lincoln in their April issue. The Handbook of Information on the Sesquicentennial and other Commission publications were offered to teachers, and many thousands of requests from both teachers and children were received. The effective- ness of this promotion was pointed up when several valentine and birthday greeting cards were received from children addressed to Mr. Lincoln at Box 1959. Washington, D.C., indicating that in the minds of children Abraham Lincoln is still very much alive. As part of the railroad industry's contribution to the Lincoln Sesqui- centennial program, the Association of American Railroads published a cartoon booklet entitled "All Aboard. Mr. Lincoln!" and furnished i million copies without cost to the Commission for distribution to elementary' schools. The 16-page paper booklet was a picture-story narrative, printed in color and featuring Lincoln's association with the railroads through his lifetime. In chronological order, the booklet pointed out how Mr. Lincoln viewed the importance of rail transportation in the economic development of the Nation and became a staunch advocate of railroads as early as 1832 when he stated that ". . . nothing can equal in utility the railroads." His efforts on behalf of railroads, first in the Illinois State Legislature and later in Congress; his train trips, both in private and public life; his career as an attorney for several railroads: and his advocacy of a railroad to the Pacific climaxed in 1862 when, as President of the United States, he signed the act authorizing the construction of the first transcontinental rail route, were included. It told of Lincoln's famous inaugural trip by train; his visits to the fighting fronts during the Civil War, and his creation of the U.S. Mil- itary Railway Service. The story ended with the funeral train taking the martyred President's body back to Springfield aboard the "Lincoln Car," built especially for him while he was President. "All Aboard, Mr. Lincoln!" accompanied by a' lesson plan for teachers, was widely distributed and used in the elementary schools throughout the country. Both the booklet and the lesson plan were prepared by the School and College Service of the Public Relations Department of the Association of American Railroads. Another generous contributor to the school program was the John Han- cock Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Boston, Mass. This organization made available to the Commission without cost 50,000 copies of a 14-page pam- phlet titled "Abraham Lincoln, The Great Emancipator." This was a condensed biographical sketch of the i6th President, including a brief discussion on his birth and family background and sections under the head- ings of: "Education," "Down the Mississippi," "War, Politics, and Busi- ness," "In the Illinois State Legislature," "Lincoln and Slavery," "President of the United States," "Beginning of the Civil War," "Freedom for Slaves," and "Now He Belongs to the Ages." Written in simple, direct language, this booklet presented the highlights of Lincoln's career in a manner which could be easily understood by school- children. A paragraph appearing under the name "Abraham Lincoln" on 20 the front page described the contents of the booklet in this way: "Born in a log cabin, he ascended to the White House; attending school less than i year, he became a great orator and writer; beset with disappointments and defeats, he rose above them to become one of the most revered and beloved of statesmen in all history — so reads the remarkable career of Abraham Lincoln." The contributions of the American Association of Railroads and the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company proved particularly effec- tive in the elementary school program of the Commission. Secondary Schools On the recommendation of the Schools and Colleges Committee, and the National Education Association, the Commission chose to concentrate on the secondary schools of the United States insofar as a direct program was concerned. After surveying the many ways in which suitable observ- ance could be undertaken, it was agreed that the young people of America should have an opportunity to make a worthwhile contribution. Hence, it was decided that at the high school level, participation in various kinds of appropirate activities would be suggested to the schools, and that at the conclusion of the Sesquicentennial Year a volume would be published repre- senting some of the outstanding contributions on the part of high school youth. This decision to promote creative student productions that would merit publication in a Sesquicentennial volume to be called Abraham Lincoln Through the Eyes of High School Youth, it was felt, would provide a thoughtful appraisal of Lincoln as he is seen by this age group — an appraisal marked with a newness, a youthful vigor, and a directness that could come only from young Americans who appreciate what Lincoln means today. Having arrived at this course of action, the Commission contracted with the National Education Association in November of 1958 to undertake the supervision and implementation of the secondary school project. The NEA agreed to contact schools and encourage any and all kinds of creative effort on the part of the students; to prepare and distribute (subject to Commis- sion approval) a brochure to lead to student preparation of original Lincoln material in the various categories; to assemble and judge the entries; compile and edit the manuscript for Abraham Lincoln as Seen Through the Eyes of High School Youth. Under the guidance and supervision of the Committee on Schools and Colleges and in coordination with the Commission's Executive Committee, the National Education Association began work immediately on this project. Their first action was to set up a Committee for the Observance of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial in High Schools. Members of this committee were chosen from a wide range of interested persons representing 15 educational groups concerned with public, private, and parochial secondary schools throughout the United States, and served as an advisory body to the NEA project. In addition to Mr. William Carr, executive secretary of the NEA, and Mr. R. B. Marston of the NEA staff 21 as director of the observance, the members of the advisory committee and the organizations they represented were: J. E. Bohn, American Association of School Administrators. Dr. Mary R. Dearing, American Historical Association. Albert N. D. Brooks, American Teachers Association. Dr. Wilhelmina Hal!, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Dr. George E. Watson, Chief State School Officers. Dr. Howard E. Row, Citizenship Committee, National Education Association. Paul Berteloot, Classroom Teachers, Wyoming Education Association. E. F. Sagehorn, Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. Mary Beth Wackwitz, National Art Education Association. Dr. Regis Boyle, National Association of Journalism Directors. Walter E. Hess, National Association of Secondary School Principals. James C. Nicholson, National Association of Secretaries of State Teachers Associations. Rev. John Green, National Catholic Educational Association. Dr. Eunice Johns, National Council for the Social Studies. Winston D. Brown. County and Rural Area Superintendents. The NEA Advisory Committee was in agreement that no nationwide contest would serve the purpose envisioned, but rather that secondary schools — both junior and senior high schools — all over the country should be encouraged to commemorate the Lincoln Sesquiccntennial in any way which they felt appropriate. In this way, young people would be encour- aged to express their reactions to the inspiration of Lincoln through many diflferent channels. In other words, this secondary school project was not to be considered a contest but a great opportunity for learning. On March 19, 1959, the Commission was advised that the pamphlet on "Programing the Lincoln Sesquiccntennial in American High Schools" was completed. This 15-page pamphlet with an attractive illustrated paper cover measured 6 by 9 inches in size. It stressed that all kinds of material concerning Lincoln in whatever category would be welcome, such as essays, poetry, music, artwork, dramatic productions, assembly program, speeches, commencement exercises, research papers, and sculpture. It stated that the purpose of this project, to select outstanding examples of the response of youth to Lincoln and incorporate them into a volume, was twofold : ( I ) these materials were considered as exemplifying the kind of inspiration young people found in one of our greatest American heroes and leaders; and (2) these materials in themselves could serve as further in- spiration to generations of young people yet to come, who might also produce their own response to the greatness of Lincoln. All schools were invited to submit original work which students developed as they read and thought about Abraham Lincoln. Accompanied by a covering memorandum and the Commission's Hand- book of Information, this "Programing" pamphlet was distributed to all high school principals of public, private, and parochial schools in the United States which numbered approximately 29,000. The brochure of materials was followed up a few weeks later by a second memorandum as a reminder of the Sesquiccntennial Year project. De- spite the fact that it was late in the school vear when information on this 22 project was distributed, and the deadline for entries was cited as July i, 1959, the response was most gratifying, with materials submitted from 32 States. Many schools continued the Lincoln programing in the curricu- lum when they reconvened in the fall of 1959. Materials to be included in the Abraham Lincoln as Seen Through the Eyes of High School Youth were selected by the NEA Advisoiy Committee. Dr. Jean D. Grambs, lecturer in education at the University of Maryland, compiled and edited the manuscript, which was submitted to the Com- mission's Committee on Schools and Colleges for further review and editing. This publication contained, in addition to selected examples of student original materials. Suggestions for Teachers, Selected References and Source Materials. It has been distributed to the nearly 29,000 secondary schools throughout the country to be used as a reference in future studying of Lincoln. A few excerpts from this manuscript indicate that the Lincoln story inspired students to create poetry, to write stories, to do scholarly research in original sources, to paint murals, sculpt figures, compose music, design pageants, present valedictory speeches at graduation, and to read the in- spiring literature of poets and writers on this great American. They represent the talent, the idealism, the understanding, of young people who, because of their particular study of Lincoln, will become wiser and more dedicated citizens. Example i. An assembly program produced by the Speech Arts Depart- ment at the E. R. Snyder Continuation High School in San Diego, Calif., is described by the student author, Ronald Page : In the weeks that preceded the Lincoln holiday, our speech and drama classes were a "walking volume on Lincoln," with daily contributions of prose and poetry, dramatic readings, etc., and the library want files being filled with requests for books on Lincoln. With this, the stage was set for the introduction of the idea for an assembly of some sort to commemorate Lincoln's birthday. . . . The idea arose, "Could we have a play?" The latter was decided upon almost at once. ... So the long period of research began — books, papers, magazines, bulletins, all types of printed materials, began to pour into the dressing room where my assistant and myself kept our office. . . . Out of such efforts came a play, with accompanying tableau scenes, that re-create the stirring events of Lincoln's story. Example 2. In poetry, students brought out the wonder of youth that from the frontier, having little of worldly goods, could come this greatness. Nancy Woekle, a student at the Providence High School in Chicago, 111., submitted this poem : LINCOLN Quite young was he He studied at night When he had to see By the dim candle light. What the books would say. And worked diligently all the day. He walked many a long mile His thoughts were for others, For something worthwhile — He made us all brothers — For that was his way. For that was his way. 23 Example 3. Victor Sancricca, student at St. Gregory High School in Detroit, Mich., submitted the following essay: ABE LINCOLN AS AN EXAMPLE FOR YOUTH Abe Lincoln's life is a good example for the youth of today. Abe walked many miles one day to return change to a person whom he had shorted while a clerk in a store. How many people today would go out of their way like that to perform an act of honesty to someone? Lincoln had no prejudices. He obtained emancipation for the Negro slaves who were working in the cotton fields. He didn't think that they were inferior to him. Abe loved to study. While he worked in a general store, he would stretch out on the counter and study his grammar. At night in his home, he sprawled out on the floor and studied by the light of the burning logs in the fire place. The Lincoln family wasn't rich nor influential. Abe got to be President by hard work. He walked to school barefoot and often toiled the fields all day. Too many youths today think that if you come from a family which isn't very well ofT, you haven't a chance in the world. But Abraham Lincoln's life proves that idea erroneous, and is a challenge to modern youth to know the true values of life. The story of Lincoln, his speeches, writings, and anecdotes about him, were a tremendous reservoir of inspiration for the young people. . An Eng- lish teacher in the Carey Junior High School at Cheyenne, Wyo., re- ported on the response of youngsters in a class for exceptional children: "In many cases, this was the first real motivation for doing well in pen- manship many of these pupils had had. . . ." Another teacher reported the inspiring effect the story of Lincoln, the Orator, had on a juvenile home school boy in Knoxville, Tenn., who had a speech defect: "There is a psychological reason for D.'s feeling so keenly about Lincoln's numerous speeches. His inability to give recitations was helped immeasurably while he was with me and his effort with Mr. Lincoln's Gettysburg Address was one of the most beautifully done. You see, I had worked very hard on his speech and had tried to not have him avoid the sounds which gave him trouble. As our school was coming to a close, we had planned an open house for the parents and friends. D.'s summary of Lincoln's life had been awarded a blue ribbon, which it proudly bears now, by judges who were competent for making such decisions." From a tuberculosis hospital in Texas came the story of one of the pa- tients, who, as part of her special education class was able to write a re- search paper on the life of Lincoln, "describing the hardships and the happy times of his life, up to his Presidency; then presenting other events to his fatal day. ..." In transmitting the paper, the special class in- structor wrote: "She and other patients were helped by her study." One of the most interesting activities was the search students made of materials that others had written about Lincoln. The Benjamin Franklin High School in New York City participated in the Lincoln celebration through a competitive poetry reading contest. Five student finalists, picked from the various English classes, read their selections to the entire student body. In a similar vein, the students of South High School in Minneap- olis, Minn., presented a program of the music that was popular during Lincoln's boyhood, and Civil War songs. 24 The reading of Lincoln's most famous speeches — The Gettysburg Ad- dress and the Second Inaugural — was typically a high spot in many grad- uation and commemorative programs. Many schools took trips to Lincoln-Land to visit Lincoln memorials and historic scenes; others pre- pared special exhibits for display in the schools or in downtown store windows; teachers showed films and colored slides of the Lincoln country to augment the study of Lincoln. In concluding the volume Abraham Lincoln as Seen Through the Eyes of High School Youth, Dr. Grambs wrote : The above are but a few of the many ways in which teachers worked with youth in celebrating the Lincoln Year. These techniques are not new: they have been utilized by master teachers for many, many years. As we look at the volume of student materials we can see how richly they produce creative and insightful work on the part of young people. Behind this volume of student selections is the work of dedicated and interested teachers. Lincoln provides an unusual source of inspiration. Though the Sesquicenten- nial celebration finishes with the end of 1959, there is ever increasing reason to continue to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln. The Commission acknowledges with deep appreciation the assistance and cooperation of the many educational associations and publications in promoting this successful project. A particular vote of thanks goes to Mr. William Carr and Mr. R. B. Marston of the National Education Association, who supervised the school observance, and to Dr. Jean D. Grambs, who undertook the monumental task of compiling and editing the manuscript. The support and interest of teachers and administrators in the schools is duly recognized since without their active interest, many of these programs could not have been adopted. And above all, our thanks to the many young contributors whose work is a bright omen for the future of America. Colleges and Universities In their overall planning for an educational program, the Commission's Committee on Schools and Colleges did not overlook those institutions of higher learning, the colleges and universities of the country. While Lincoln was not a college man, he is nevertheless a favorite campus personality, especially in the departments of history, political science, social science, and allied areas. Shortly after it was established, the committee compiled, published, and distributed, through the cooperation of the National Educa- tion Association and the American Council on Education, a four-page pamphlet on "Suggestions for College Sesquicentennial Activities." This pamphlet was a call to colleges and universities to participate in the Lincoln Year activities and pointed out that several colleges already had announced plans for 1959. It contained the objectives of the Commission and outlined 13 suggested projects which might be incorporated. There were 24,500 of these "Suggestion" pamphlets distributed. Hundreds of colleges and universities responded to the call by participating in the Sesqui- centennial observance in various ways. Many colleges planned observance activities throughout the year, par- ticularly those in the three "Lincoln" States — Indiana, Illinois, and Ken- 25 tucky. It is impossible to record here the hundreds of observances held in the institutions of higher learning throughout the country. We can, however, cite a few instances which are typical of the cooperation received. The University of Illinois held a symposium on February 1 1 and 12, 1959, with outstanding Lincoln scholars making up the panel. The Lincoln College of Lincoln, 111., presented a Lincoln Convocation and Bradley University at Peoria named its new Library, "The Lincoln Library." Wesleyan University at Middletown, Conn., held a major exhibit called "Lincoln Memorial" in the Olin Library. Lincoln Memorial University at Harrogate, Tenn., presented the Lincoln Diploma of Honor to Professor Baringer, executive director of the Lincoln Commission, who also gave the commencement address. Miami University at Oxford, Ohio, combined the observance of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial with the Sesquicentennial anniversary of the founding of the university. The Graduate School of St. Louis University held its 3 2d annual series of graduate lectures in honor of Lincoln. Pomona College of California had a Lincoln Day on May 9, 1959, featur- ing: Justin Turner, Honorary Member of the Commission, in an address on "An Appraisal After 150 Years"; a reenactment of the Lincoln-Douglas debates; and an evening concert by the music department presenting "The Music of Lincoln." The Annual Founders Day Convocation on May 6 at Indiana University featured music from the Civil War period. The University of Nevada adopted the Lincoln Sesquicentennial as the theme for its 1959 commencement ceremony. Rollins College in Winter Park, Fla., mounted a superb exhibit of Lincolniana and observed the Lincoln Sesquicentennial with a moving, well-attended series of ceremonies. Prof. A. J. Hanna, vice president of the college and an eminent American historian, personally directed the Rollins program of activities. A letter from Andrew F. RoUe, assistant professor of history at Occidental College, Los Angeles, Calif., is typical of the college and university par- ticipation in the Lincoln Year Observance. Professor Rolle wrote : ... It occurs to me that you would be interested in what one small college has already done to celebrate Lincoln's Sesquicentennial anniversary. On February 12-13, i959j Occidental College held a 2-day celebration. Featured speaker was Prof. Allan Nevins, formerly of Columbia University. Nevins addressed an audience of 900 persons upon the topic "Lincoln and the Crises of the Civil War." A panel led by Professor Nevins on the subject "Lincoln's Meaning for Americans" was also held and its membership included: Prof. Rodman Paul, California Institute of Technology; Prof. Andrew F. Rolle of Occidental; and Messrs. Justin Turner and Ralph G. Lindstrom, board chairman and president, respectively, of the California Lincoln Sesquicentennial Committee. A major library exhibition from the F. Ray Risdon collection on Lincoln and the Civil War was also opened. Occidental's Risdon collection at Los Angeles is the largest of several such collections in the West and com- prises approximately 35,000 items, including manuscripts, books, memorabilia, etc. 26 The college also sponsored a dramatized reading of various original Lincoln letters which was heavily attended on two consecutive nights. Another session on Lincoln, utilizing the same Occidental panel and UCLA's Prof. Brainerd Dyer, was held at the Humanities Building of UCLA on March 6, 1959. Enthusiasm for Lincoln studies has been great in southern California, and we believe that Occidental has been prominently responsible. These per- formances and several other conferences with students attracted television and radio coverage. These are only a few instances of the impact of the Lincoln Sesquicen- tennial Year at the college and university level. Original plays, radio and television scripts, dramatic programs were written and produced; exhibits were arranged, bibliographies compiled, research papers prepared; Lin- coln's writings and speeches were studied. As the result of a suggestion sent out by the Commission in reference to Lincoln's issuance of the first annual national Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, many colleges playing Thanksgiving Day football games devoted their halftime ceremonies to observance of Lincoln and the Sesquicentennial Year. Land-Grant Colleges Hold Special Celebrations In cooperation with the Land Grant College Association, letters were mailed to the 68 land-grant colleges and universities in the United States, reminding them that it was President Lincoln who signed the Morrill Act into law on July 2, 1862, and suggesting that they plan a special observance of this anniversary date. The Morrill Act provided for the establishment of the land-grant colleges. Replies indicated that some of the colleges ran special announcements in campus publications and on campus radio broad- casts; special feature articles were published in campus magazines; and special commemorative ceremonies were held in 12 institutions: Southern University at Baton Rouge, La.; University of Vermont, Burlington; Uni- versity of New Hampshire, Durham; Oklahoma State University, Still- water; Montana State College, Bozeman; Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, Cambridge; Clemson College, Clemson, S.C; New Mexico State University, University Park; University of Connecticut, Storrs; Rutgers-The State University, New Brunswick, N. J. ; Pennsylvania State University, University Park ; and the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln The major direct project undertaken by the Commission in connection with the program for colleges and universities grew out of the knowledge that there existed a need for an authoritative work among these institutions, many of which were at the present in possession of very meager, or in many cases untrustworthy, sources for study of Lincoln. Historians and Lincoln scholars who were consulted agreed that the nine-volume set of The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, published by Rutgers Uni- versity Press in 1953 ^"<^ edited by Roy P. Basler, is generally considered the definitive text of Lincoln's writings and speeches and an authoritative basic reference work. It was decided to explore the possibility of making this work available. R. C. Dovell, president of the History Book Club of 27 Stamford. Conn., advised that a reprint of The Collected Works would be accomplished in 1959, and that if a sufficient quantity were ordered by the Commission they could be issued as a Sesquicentennial edition . . . and purchased at a nominal price. After due consideration, the Commission concluded that these volumes of The Collected Works would give a wider knowledge to Lincoln's spoken and written words and his philosophy of government, which have so influenced the American heritage, and would stay in the schools for generations to come as a monument to the Sesquicentennial observance. Agreeing that this would be something of lasting value, and in many ways the most constructive thing the Commission could do, they allocated a portion of the school program budget to purchase 1,000 sets of The Col- lected Works of Abraham Lincoln at a special price of $15 j>er set. The original price of $115 per set had prohibited many colleges from making these books available to their students and thus denied hundreds of thou- sands of young Americans the opportunity of access to documents which are truly a part of the national history. The frontispiece in each of the nine volumes carried the words '"Special Sesquicentennial Edition,"' a picture of the official Commission seal and "Authorized by the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, Washington, D.C., 1959." An imprint of the official seal was embedded in the back cover. The Collected Works of Abraham Lincohi, consisting of approximately 5,000 pages, comprises all of the known Lincoln writings in 6.870 docu- ments. With each State paper, letter, and comment placed in its proper historical setting and significance, these handsomely bound volumes expose the authentic Abraham Lincoln, in his oivn words, free of legend and of the personal bias of biographers. To read Lincoln in his own words, is to meet an individual ver\' different from the Lincoln of humorous folklore and sentimental narrative. Full-page photographs, from the earliest known camera study to the final official Presidential portrait, depict this indis- putable and indispensable American. To a large extent, this work reveals Lincoln as President: his planning, speaking, writing, and meeting the ever-changing and sometimes threat- ening tides of politics and war: the dignity of his public utterances and of the official correspondence of the President; his orders to his generals and to his Cabinet. In all of his writings, there is evidenced a highly developed style which was also instinctive, natural, and inseparable from his person- ality in all of its manifestations. No existing study of Lincoln does so much to explain the man and none gives such a clear picture of the direc- tion of the Civil War. The data contained in this basic reference work have been supplied by the finest scholars in the field under the general editorship of Dr. Easier. Desiring to eflfect the widest possible distribution of this important work, the Commission outlined a definite procedure to be followed. Each member of the Commission was asked to designate six colleges, universities, or other institution of higher learning each of whom would receive a set of The Collected Works. The cooperation of the Members of Congress was solicited and each Senator and Representative was ofTered the opportunity 28 to designate one institution in his particular area as a recipient. Lists were maintained and cross-checked to avoid any dupUcation. The enthusiastic response of the Members of Congress in assisting with this project was most gratifying. Many personally presented the volumes in official ceremonies at the various institutions and took advantage of the opportunity to empha- size the activities of the Sesquicentennial Year. Nationwide publicity re- sulted from this participation. Excerpts from a few of the letters received at Commission headquarters are typical of the reaction to this project. The president of Bradley University, Peoria, 111., wrote: On behalf of the students, staff, and board of trustees of Bradley University, may I express our appreciation for your thoughtfulness in sending us this fine literary addition to our recorded information on the life of your colleague emeritus from the State of Illinois. From the president of St. Martin's College, Olympia, Wash. : We have already acknowledged the receipt of the nine-volume set of "The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln," but we would also like to take this opportunity to express our more personal thanks to you for this most generous gift to our college. We assure you that the set will be put to excellent use by our faculty and students. From the president of Ouachita Baptist College, Arkadelphia, Ark.: Our library did not possess this set of books ; and since we have recently begun a graduate program in American Studies, we are trying to bring up to date reference materials on all the U.S. Presidents. For this reason, we are doubly indebted to your Commission for making possible this appropriate work. From the director of Oakland City College, Oakland, Calif.: We appreciate having this reference collection. It should be extremely valuable in the work which is done in American History, American Institutions, and Political Science. Congresswoman Edith Green of Oregon wrote: I appreciate your thoughtfulness and that of your fellow Commissioners in making this gift possible. It is my intention to present these books formally to Portland State College shortly after my imminent return to Oregon. May I take this opportunity to thank you and through you the members of the Com- mission for the superb job which you have done during this Sesquicentennial Year in reawakening the Nation to a fuller understanding of what America's greatest President has meant to us and to the world. From Congresswoman Florence P. Dwyer of New Jersey: May I add my belief that this particular Commission program seems to me a most constructive and effective means of spreading awareness of the Lincoln heritage. Congressman Denver D. Hargis of Kansas wrote : Congratulations on the fine work that you and your staff are doing in calling worldwide attention to the words, deeds and high ideals of a great American. Listed in an appendix are the institutions which received The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, together with the name of the Commission 29 member or the Member of Congress responsible for their designation as a recipient. In addition to this listing, sets were presented to the 123 high schools which contributed to the "High School Youth" project; to each of the 50 State libraries ; and to each of the reading rooms in the House of Repre- sentatives and the Senate. Some 50 sets were presented to the National Park Service for distribution to libraries at various Lincoln historical sites; and the remainder of the i.ooo sets has been given to the Library' of Congress to be used in the International Exchange Program. Mr. Dovell of the History Book Club wrote : ... I believe your group's presentation of the sets to college libraries, which otherwise would have gone without, was a constructive and far-reaching project. "The Collected Works" thus made available to students should expose many- generations of students at their most impressionable age to the wisdom and humil- ity and genius that was Lincoln. This alone constituted an immeasurable contri- bution to the Sesquicentennial observance. 30 Major Research Project Undertaking ANOTHER of the Commission's earliest steps and perhaps the most . important grew out of a desire to accomplish some scholarly and important project that would be of lasting value and endure over the years as an aid to scholars and researchers working in the Lincoln field. After due consideration of the various projects which might be undertaken and consultation with Lincoln scholars and historians, it was agreed that the greatest contribution could be made by providing for one, large scholarly project — a day-by-day chronology of the life of Abraham Lincoln — which would serve as a major historical guide to researchers, writers, and Lincoln scholars. This program having been adopted, consideration was then given to preparing a chronology of the war or presidential years only, since this period had not previously been covered. It was the consensus of opinion, however, that it would be forever regrettable if the Commission did not seize the opportunity of the Sesquicentennial to do as complete a work as possible. Four volumes, entitled Lincoln Day by Day, had been pub- lished some years ago by the Abraham Lincoln Association of Springfield, 111., but they were issued before such important manuscript sources as The Robert Todd Lincoln papers were open to the public and before such notable published sources as The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Easier, were published. Now that these sources were available many, many blanks in the Lincoln Day by Day could be filled. To present to the public in general and the scholarly world in particular, a comprehensive, carefully documented Lincoln chronology seemed there- fore a particularly worthy project for the Commission. Such a chronology, recording day by day, and, for the crucial war years, even hour by hour and sometimes minute by minute, where Lincoln was, whom he saw, and what he did would be a monumental piece of research and was to be so thor- oughly done that it would stand as the definitive work in this area. Advisory Committee Appointed The Executive Committee of the Commission felt that it did not have the specialized competence to give the proper policy direction to this project and recommended that an Advisory Committee be named which would be responsible to the Executive Committee and through it, of course, to the Commission. Subsequently, the Commission's Chairman, Senator Cooper, appointed such an Advisory Committee with L. Quincy Mumford, Li- brarian of Congress and a member of the Commission, as Chairman. 31 Other members of the Advisory Committee, selected for their knowledge in this field were: Roy P. Easier, editor of The Collected Works of Abra- ham Lincoln and Director of the Reference Department in the Library of Congress; David C. Mearns, author of The Lincoln Papers and Chief of the Manuscript Division in the Library of Congress; Clyde C. Walton, Jr., director of the Illinois State Historical Library, which has important Lincoln collections and custody of the files of the Abraham Lincoln Asso- ciation; and Paul M. Angle, director of the Chicago Historical Society, editor and author of numerous works on Lincoln, and the only surviving editor of the original chronology. Since speed was of the essence in getting this project underway, the Advisory Committee lost no time in organizing for action. Their first meeting was called on September 30, 1958, the day after the committee had been named. Recognizing that it did not have the time to give the con- tinuing supervision and editorial review necessary to the success of the project, the Advisory Committee recommended that an editor in chief be appointed to take general responsibility, to prepare an overall plan of operation, and to supervise and review the work of the main compilers and the final manuscript. This recommendation was approved and the Com- mission was extremely fortunate in obtaining the services of Earl Schenck Miers of Edison, N.J., as editor in chief. Author of a number of books and an editor of wide experience and distinction, Mr. Miers was formerly head of the Rutgers University Press and the Westminster Press. In addition, his knowledge of the Lincoln field, both recorded sources and personalities, was most impressive. The two main compilers for the chronology were Dr. William E. Baringer, the Executive Director of the Sesquicentennial Commission, who would be responsible for the period of Lincoln's life preceding January i, 1861 ; and Dr. C. Percy Powell, the Commission's Research Director, who was respon- sible for the Presidential years. Four assistant compilers, Mrs. Arline Custer, A. J. Fahy, Margareth Jergensen, and Helen-Louise Simpson, were named to assist Dr. Powell in Washington on the volume dealing with the Presi- dential years. Two researchers, James T. Hickey and Roger Irving, were assigned to work in Springfield, 111., under the supervision of Clyde C. Walton. Mrs. Marion D. Pratt, assistant editor of "The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln," was consulted. The Commission's Administrative Officer, Lloyd Dunlap, contributed valuable assistance in checking final proof, coordinating all phases of the work, and generally supervising arrangements for publication. The Illinois Historical Library contributed space for the project headquarters in Springfield and the Library of Congress made space available for the researchers and compilers in Washington, D.C. The editor in chief and the six assistant compilers were not members of the Commission staff, but were engaged on short-term personal service contracts. In addition to insuring competent personnel, one of the first concerns of the Advi-sory Committee was to assure itself of the cooperation of the Abraham Lincoln Association. As already noted, the association had pub- lished the first four volumes of the Lincoln Day by Day. Its files con- tained notes, made in the course of preparing The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln for publication, that filled in some of the gaps in the 32 Day by Day; and more importantly, it held the copyright to the four volumes. George W. Bunn, Jr., of Springfield, president of the Abraham Lincoln Association, and the trustees of that organization, upon being assured that the new chronology was to be of the highest scholarly caliber, generously assigned to the Commission the association's rights in the already published volumes. The Commission appreciates the willingness and spirit of cooperation of the Abraham Lincoln Association of Springfield, 111., in releasing its copyright and for their excellent assistance in the preparation of the new volumes. Although the project was an ambitious one, by mid-November 1958, it was felt that excellent progress was being made. In Springfield, 500 entries to fill gaps in the Illinois period had already been compiled and forwarded to Dr. Baringer. Dr. Powell, whose team had an earlier start, was at a point where they anticipated beginning compiling the manuscript for volume III within a week. Questions of editorial style and format had been largely resolved. It had been decided to use The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln as a model for punctuation, spelling and text, in all quotations attributed to Lincoln. This was based on Mr. Miers' feeling that the Commission's Lincoln Chronology and The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln "must stand as the monuments to Lincoln Scholarship in our generation, and as such they should claim this unity." By January of 1959, the Advisory Committee reported that the program which had been undertaken leading to publication of the three volumes in the "Lincoln Day by Day" series was progressing satisfactorily and that the preparation of the manuscript was well underway. Copy for the manu- script was being prepared from several sources: the four original volumes of the Lincoln Day by Day; corrected and added to from The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln and the Robert Todd Lincoln papers in the Library of Congress; the manuscript collection in the Illinois State Historical Librarv' and the courthouse records of 20 counties of the Eighth Judicial Circuit in Illinois. Also, the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia had been working for a period of years documenting the war years. At the suggestion of Commissioner Victor M. Birely, a member of the Lincoln Group, who was familiar with the value of this work, the Commission purchased some 4,200 cards containing entries of original source material from the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia. The format of the previously published volumes of the "Day by Day" had been discarded as uneconomical. Although the entries for the lUinois period were to be greatly expanded, it was felt that the four volumes cover- ing the period before the first inaugural could be compressed into two by using a different format. An additional large volume would be needed to cover the war years and include the index for the three volumes. Many sources of material were tapped and checked. For example: Mr. Walton brought to the October 21 (1958) meeting of the Advisory Committee a four-page memorandum of new sources of information avail- able only in Illinois; the editor in chief obtained access to other research material from Bruce Catton, who gave pemiission for the project to use the extensive research materials compiled over the past 2 years for his Cen- tennial History of the Civil War. Lincoln experts and collectors, such as 541524 0—60 4 33 Paul Angle, Ralph Newman, Philip Sang, and Carl Haverlin, were also consulted and of valuable assistance. The new research work was entitled: Lincoln Day by Day: A Chronol- ogy, i8og-i86^ and consisted of three volumes bound in a dark blue buckram with maroon background for the gold lettering. Inscribed on the front cover of each volume is a reproduction of the words "I was born Februarv^ 12, 1809. in Hardin County, Kentucky" in Lincoln's handwriting taken from an autobiography he prepared and sent to his friend Jesse W. Fell, of Bloomington, 111., on December 20, 1859. This new three-volume "Lincoln Day by Day" more than doubles the information contained in the earlier chronolog\-. Volumes I and II are comprised of the original four volumes, plus new material which covers events in Lincoln's life from his birth until January i, 1861. Volume III contains all new material and brings the Lincoln record forward from his inauguration as President to his assassination on April 14, 1865. In his introduction to the new chronology', Editor in Chief Miers writes : Today, a century and a half after his birth, the magic of the man has no geographical boundary. The echo of his thoughts is heard in many lands: his strength of purpose remains vigorously alive wherever people, throwing off the many guises of human oppression^ struggle toward the self-determination that he described so beautifully upon a hillside in Gettysburg To distinguish history from myth, fact from prejudice, or even a genuine document from a forgery would be a task of considerable perplexity were it not for two contributions to historical scholarship for which the present generation must be long remembered. The first of these achievements was the publication in 1953, under the general editorship of Dr. Roy P. Easier, of "The Collected Works of .Abraham Lincoln." The happy decision of the Lincoln Sesquicen- tennial Commission to support the compilation and publication of the present three volumes of this chronologv- adds the other accomplishment. The two works, following the same texts for Lincoln's writing and speeches and employing the same symbols for identifying manuscript sources, are designed to be used together, yet each makes its own distinct (and, in some respects, unique) con- tribution to our understanding of the man and his age. - Mr. Lincoln left his own record in many places, and even here "opened himself to men in different directions." The world would know him best in his First and Second Inaugurals, his letters to Mrs. Bixby and the parents of Colonel Ellsworth, his Gettysburg Address, the eloquent passages in his messages to Congress, and so to the world, he became a statesman of epic vision who possessed the heart and so often the tongue of a poet. . . . .Another Lincoln can be found in the musty archives of courthouses. . . . The Lincoln his generals knew, his Cabinet knew, his wife and children knew — so day by day did the whole man emerge, and to chart that phenomenon for future historians is the function of these volumes. . . . Keen mind, open heart, strong will, trust in the people for whom he believed he fought — the enduring greatness of Mr. Lincoln may very well stem from the simple fact that no one can break his continuity as an idea or an ideal. In a report to the Executive Committee on July 21, 1959, the Advisory' Committee recommended that "to make the chronology the really effective research tool it can be, not only for the scholar, but for the nonspecialist as well, a subject index is essential. Only a simple 'name and place' index had been planned, but there was strong feeling on the Committee that this 34 compilation, which will certainly not be redone by this generation, should include the apparatus necessary to give it maximum usefulness." This recommendation was approved and Mrs. Arline Custer was named as chief indexer to work under the supervision of the Commission's Research Director Powell and Administrative Officer Dunlap. The "Lincoln Day by Day Chronology" was published by the Government Printing Office. Volumes I and II were completed and available to the public on February 15, i960, at $2 per copy. Volume III, which required more time in preparation, since it contained new material and the subject index for all three volumes, went to the press on June 30, i960. One thousand sets of this major research publication were purchased by the Commission and distributed to libraries and learned societies throughout the country. The Members of Congress were asked to assist in distributing this work to deserving institutions in their particular areas and once again gave their enthusiastic cooperation. The "Lincoln Day by Day Chronolog>'" received many excellent reviews in newspapers throughout the country. Space limitations permit the quoting from only two. John Stepp of the Washington (D.C.) Evening Star called it an "Epic Historical Research." In his review, he said in part: The designers of this epic piece of historical digging had scholars in mind as their chief beneficiaries when they adjusted their sights a year or so ago. And scholars can be forever grateful for the neat accumulation of old and new leads which this chronology provides for the endless task of researching Abraham Lincoln. But another class of reader benefits as well. This is the less studious but nonetheless avid crowd which regards Lincoln as the finest human being this country ever produced. ... In the relentless parade of days as tersely chronicled here, a Lincoln somehow closer to us emerges. . . . Editor in Chief Earl Schenck Miers, and his band of advisers and subeditors, deserve a great deal of credit for breathing life into a project that could have been dull enough to make a scholar yawn. The Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, sponsor of the project, could have wound up its year's activities on no finer note. Reviewing the volumes in the Chicago Tribune, Ralph G. Newman had this to say: The cumulative work of some of the greatest Lincoln scholars, this project represents the achievement of more than 35 years of research, painstaking study of records, newspaper files, courthouse archives, and a minute examination of every word of the known writings of Illinois' greatest son. . . . Publication of these volumes is the great contribution of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Com- mission. . . . this is a precise, detailed biography of our i6th President, in chronological form. Its value to the scholar is self-evident; it is equally im- portant and interesting to the casual reader and student of the Lincoln story. No one studying the life of Lincoln or writing on any phase of his career or personality will be able to do a thorough job without using these volumes. . . . There will be many, many more books about Lincoln this year and in future years. There will be none more important. Symposium Held To celebrate the completion of this colossal research effort a public ceremony was held at the Librar\' of Congress on the afternoon of February 35 II, i960, when Editor in Chief Miers formally presented the first two volumes off the press to the Commission through its official representative. Miss Bertha Adkins. A symposium on "The Current State of Lincoln Scholarship," with Dr. David C. Mearns presiding, was held. The audience of several hundred Lincoln enthusiasts heard Dr. Richard N. Current, professor of history and political science at the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina, deliver the principal address. An eminent Lincoln historian and author, Dr. Current spoke on the theme of "Lincoln Unexhausted and Inexhaust- ible," exploring the accomplishments during the first century of Lincoln writing, with particular emphasis on the last quarter-century, and discussing what remains to be done in the Lincoln field. He pointed out that — Throughout the free world we shall face for a long time the task of maintaining democratic government, by democratic means, against manifold dangers that threaten from outside and in. This is one of several reasons why the Lincoln theme will not soon, if ever, be exhausted. In taking stock of recent Lincoln scholarship, Dr. Current cited such ac- complishments as Sandburg's The War Years, Randall's Lincoln the President, the opening of the Robert Todd Lincoln collection at the Library of Congress, the publication of The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, and the newly published Lincoln Day by Day: A Chronology. In a panel discussion following the principal address, four Lincoln scholars developed the symposium theme of "The Current State of Lincoln Scholarship," emphasizing the new Chronology's role both in terms of ac- complishments and future programs. Heading this scholarly discussion as moderator was Dr. Allan Nevins, immediate past president of the American Historical Association; recently professor of American History at Columbia University; presently senior research associate at San Marino, Calif., in the Huntington Library; winner of the Pulitzer, Bancroft, Scribner, and scores of other prizes ; and whose rare literary endowments have been honored by the National Institute of Arts and Letters. Other panel members in addition to Dr. Current were: Prof. Norman A. Graebner of the University of Illinois and author of "Lincoln, Conservative Statesman"; Clyde C. Walton, State historian of Illinois and a member of the Advisory Committee on the Chronology; Prof. Kenneth A. Bernard of the History Department at Boston University and an outstanding authority on Lincoln and music. This array of Lincolnologists presented an erudite and interesting sym- posium which was a fitting climax to the scholarly and cultural research project which had culminated in the publication of Lincoln Day by Day: A Chronology, i8og-i86§. The symposium, together with the dinner held that evening which will be discussed in another section of this report, marked the last official celebrations of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year. The Commission is indebted to all who contributed to this special project which will endure as a lasting memorial to Abraham Lincoln and to his "peculiar ambition" to be "esteemed of his fellowmen." 36 special Events and Ceremonies SPECIAL commemorative observances, many of them associated with certain historic milestones in Abraham Lincoln's life, revealed the scope of the Sesquicentennial activities. It was a year impressive in the variety and universality of the tribute and homage paid to this great American throughout the world. So widespread were these many activities that it is impossible to record them all, but an attempt has been made to include as many as possible in various sections of this report to indicate the overwhelming response to the Sesquicentennial observance. Senator Everett Dirksen was Chairman of the Committee for Special Celebrations which supervised and coordinated several major events and many minor ones working closely with the Commission's public relations counsel and with special committees and groups set up for particular observances. Washington Cathedral Service The first official commemoration was held prior to the actual launching of "Lincoln Year," with a special service at the Washington Cathedral, Sunday, January ii, 1959, at 4 p.m. Canon Robert A. George of the Cathedral, in cooperation with the Sesquicentennial Commission, arranged an impressive service which received extensive publicity in the various religious periodicals and encouraged similar services of commemoration in communities and congregations across the Nation. Members of the Commission attended in a body, marched in the proces- sion, and sat in the Great Choir of the cathedral. Many local organizations attended in groups. Scripture lessons were read by Senator John Sherman Cooper, Chairman, and Dr. Ralph Bunche, member, of the Commission. An extensive display of Lincolniana was provided by the Smithsonian Insti- tution and exhibited in the main entranceway to the Cathedral. Preacher for the service was the Right Reverend Richard Emrich, Protes- tant Episcopal Bishop of Michigan and a recognized Lincoln scholar. Bishop Emrich chose for his subject "The Greatness of Lincoln," using the text "By Their Fruits Shall Ye Know Them." In his tribute to Lincoln, Bishop Emrich said: So it is that we, 150 years after his birth, are able to see that no American is greater; that he was "the grandest figure on the crowded canvas of the 19th century"; that he represents the America we love as does no other man; that he abides and grows greater with the years; that there was in his simple figure an Olympian quality, a nobility and a grandeur; that he was of God; that it is fitting and proper his kneeling statue should be in this cathedral; and that all 37 of this greatness is revealed in the mood approaching religious awe which we feci when we visit his memorial. One hundred and fifty years since his birth, and the outline of his figure, towering over his contemporaries, becomes clearer with the distance. A tape recording of the cathedral services was made and presented to the National Archives, where it is preserved as a part of their collection of private gifts. Lincoln Week Launches Sesquicentennial Year The Nation's Capital was the hub of celebrations and ceremonies mark- ing the beginning of the Abraham Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year on Feb- ruary 12, 1959. The Capital Lincoln Dinner held on the eve of the birthdate (February 11, 1959) was the "kickoff" for worldwide celebrations. The ceremonial dinner in Washington was sponsored by the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia in cooperation with the Commission and at- tracted over 700 Lincoln admirers to the Stader Hotel's Presidential Room, including Government officials, foreign Ambassadors, and other notables. A large portrait of Mr. Lincoln hung on the wall back of the head table, flanked by the flags of all nations. A long list of honored guests was headed by President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, and Commission Chairman Cooper. One hundred students, two from each State, attended as guests of the Lincoln Group. These students were selected by a group of area college officials headed by Dr. Catheryn Seckler-Hudson, director of American University's Washington semester plan, which enables stu- dents of government and political science in colleges and universities all over the country to spend one semester in the Nation's Capital getting firsthand experience as observers of Government operations. A special exhibit of Lincolniana prepared by the National Archives was on display in the foyer of the Statler's Presidential Room. A second ex- hibit in the outer lobby of the foyer included 125 rare and unique docu- ments and pictures from the Lincoln collection of Broadcast Music, Inc., and the plaster casts of two of the four new Lincoln heads by sculptor Avard Fairbanks which were commissioned by BML Arrangements for this occasion were under the supervision of Repre- sentative Fred Schwengel, president of the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia, and Victor M. Birely, chairman of the dinner and a member of the Commission. Predinner music was provided by the orchestra of the U.S. Marine Corps Band. Congressman Schwengel, as master of ceremonies, presented a resplendent program beginning with the invocation delivered by the Reverend George M. Docherty, pastor of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church. Movie star Fredric March recited Lincoln's famous Gettysburg Address: the National Broadcasting Co. presented a premiere showing of "Ivleet Mr. Lincoln," a special half-hour documentary which was broadcast over the NBC Television Network later that same evening; the Right Reverend Richard S. M. Emrich, Bishop of Michigan, delivered the principal address on the subject "Lincoln and the Judgments of the Almighty"; there were remarks from head-table dignitaries; remarks by the President of the United States; special organ selections by Miss 38 Marjorie Meinert; and a special musical presentation including selections from "The Union" and "The Confederacy" by the Church of the Refor- mation Cantata Choir under the direction of Richard Bales. The Reverend Frederick Brown- Harris, Chaplain, U.S. Senate, pronounced the benediction. In his remarks, President Eisenhower gave a brief resume of the homage paid the Civil War President by statesmen the world over. Referring to Secretary Stanton's words, "now he belongs to the ages," the President continued with "But Abraham Lincoln belongs not only to the ages, but to all humanity. Immortality is his in the hearts of all who love freedom everywhere in the world." He concluded his remarks with these words: That the spirit of Lincoln be close at hand as we meet each successive chal- lenge to freedom is the earnest hope of all Americans — indeed it is the hope of freedom's sentinels wherever they stand. Pushing always ahead in our quest for a just peace and freedom for all men we can do no better than live by his prescription : "by the best cultivation of the physical world, beneath and around us ; and the intellectual and moral world within us, we shall secure an individual, social, and political prosperity and happiness, whose course shall be onward and upward, and which, while the earth endures, shall not pass away." Joint Session of Congress Pays Tribute Plans for a joint session of Congress to do honor to Lincoln on his 150th Anniversary' were underway as early as July 24, 1958, when Representative Fred Schwengel of Iowa introduced into the House of Representatives his House Joint Resolution 648 which provided for such a commemorative service. The resolution was passed by both the House and Senate of the 85th Congress and was signed into law by President Eisenhower on August 27, 1958, becoming Public Law 85-775. Both Houses of the succeeding Congress, the 86th, at the ist session in January of 1959, passed House Concurrent Resolution 57, which further implemented Public Law 85-775 by designating the Hall of the House of Representatives as the place for the commemorative joint session, and the date and time as February 12, 1959, at the hour of 1 1 o'clock. As stipulated in the law, a Joint Committee on Arrangements was ap- pointed composed of four members from the House of Representatives and four from the Senate membership. Vice President Nixon, as President of the Senate, named Senator Paul H. Douglas of Illinois, Senator Everett M. Dirksen of Illinois, Senator John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky, and Senator William E. Jenner of Indiana to serve on the committee. Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn appointed Representative Peter F. Mack, Jr., of Illinois, Representative Winfield K. Denton of Indiana, Representative Fred Schwengel of Iowa, and Representative F. Jay Nimtz of Indiana to serve. When Senator Jenner and Representative Nimtz failed to return with the 86th Congress, they were replaced by Senator Vance Hartke and Representative William G. Bray, respectively, both also from Indiana. This Joint Committee named Dr. David C. Mearns of the Library of Congress as its secretary and elected Representative Schwengel to the chairmanship. 39 ( 1 ) Consul-General LaPorte accepts Volk bust of Lincoln for people of France at Statue of Liberty ceremonies in New York Harbor. (2) Sculptor Avard Fairbanks, Commission Chairman Cooper, and Carl Haverlin preview four heads of Lincoln presented to Commis- sion by Broadcast Music, Inc. (3) Commissioner Adkins presents replica of Maness bust of Lincoln to Raijkumari Amrit Kaur, India's foremost Lincoln enthusiast. (4) Dr. John E. Washington (i), accepts honorary membership certificate from Commis- sioner Victor M. Birely. (5) Christa Reineke, Lincoln Essay Contest | winner in West Germany, receives replica of Maness bust of Lincoln from Miss Adkins. (6) Miss Adkins and Senator Cooper at meet- ing of full Commission. (7) Representative Fred Schwengel (Iowa), honorary Commission member, introduces ' head table guests at i960 District of Columbia Lincoln Group Dinner. (8) Congressmen Leo E. Allen and Peter F. Mack, Jr., represent Commission at annual wreath-laying ceremony of the Loyal Legion i at Lincoln Memorial. t ) Commissioners L. Quincy Mumford, Librarian of )ngress; Miss Adkins; and Dr. R. Gerald McMurtry at >mmission meeting. o) Don Kendall, administrative assistant to Commis- ner Bray ; Lloyd Dunlap, Commission Administrative ficer; Mrs. Betty Hamer, Information Officer for the Drary of Congress ; and Marion Burson, administrative istant to Commissioner Mack, at press preview of the acoln Day-by-Day Chronology. i) Christopher Vanier, British West Indies Lincoln say Contest winner, visits the Lincoln Memorial during our of the United States. 2 ) Nicaraguan Ambassador Guillermo Sevilla-Sacasa, dean of the diplomatic corps ; Sen- ator Cooper; and Dr. Mumford at presentation of microfilmed Lincoln papers to 90 nations of the world. (13) Joint session of Congress hears Carl Sandburg, noted Lincoln biographer, in stirring tribute to Lincoln, February 12, 1959. (14) Carl Sandburg, and TV star Richard Boone in February 12, 1959, Sesquicentennial ceremonies. (15) Commissioner John B. Fisher inspects panoramic display of Lin- coln Year activities at Honorary Members Dinner. (16) President Eisenhower makes principal address at National Lin- coln Sesquicentennial Dinner in Washington, February 11, 1959. (17) Dr. Ralph Bunche, a member of the Commission; U.N. Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold; Am- bassador Henry Cabot Lodge; Senator Cooper; and Mr. Charles Willis at presentation of microfilm Lincoln papers and collected works to United Nations. (18) Senator Cooper and Maurice Bisgyer, executive vice president of S'nai B'rith, opens the B'nai B'rith Lincoln exhibit. (19) His Excellency Egidio Vag- nozzi, Apostolic Delegate to the United States, accepts Latin trans- lation of the Gettysburg Address for the Vatican Library from Senator Cooper and the translator, the Right Reverend Edwin Ryan. (20) Prof. William E. Baringer, Commission Executive Director, examines a Volk bust of Lincoln. (21) Representative Schwengel and Dr. Bunche at Honorary Mem- bers Dinner. u u jG u o Q 4; bo ki o O -a c Si > C u u c « > -3 I- o J= 1—1 ns O . CO .^ 2 c be 9 c .2 ~ rs C« CU 3 >-■ — ' C be C C •- 0) c T ■t: c/:i > c a X oi 42 The committee and its secretary formulated the plans for the program in a series of meetings. It was agreed that the program should be one which would do honor to Abraham Lincoln and eulogize this great American in a properly appropriate manner. By unanimous decision, the eminent Carl Sandburg was invited to accept the honored spot on the program and deliver the principal address. This was only the second time in the history of the United States that a joint session of Congress was addressed by a private citizen. The other time was also in tribute to Mr. Lincoln when the renowned historian, George Bancroft, was the featured speaker at a joint session on February 12, 1866, a year after Lincoln's death. For the remainder of the program, the committee, after consultations with the Motion Picture Association of America, honored the noted actor, Fredric March, with an invitation to read the Gettysburg Address. The U.S. Army Band Orchestra, under the direction of Maj. Hugh Curry, was selected to perform the musical prelude. A choral group of cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy called "The Idlers" was chosen to present a repertoire of songs of the Lincoln period. The Honorable Sam Rayburn served as presiding officer. Reverend Bernard Braskamp, D.D., the Chap- lain of the House, delivered the invocation, and Reverend Frederick Brown Harris, D.D., Chaplain of the Senate, pronounced the benediction. Joint session of Congress commemorating the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lin- coln's birth, February 12, 1959. 43 The magnitude of the joint session was such that the arrangements of space and seating posed a problem. Much of this was a matter of protocol and thus the committee was relieved of the necessity of making a decision. The Vice President — as always in formal joint session — was seated on a level of prominence with the Speaker. Senators sat in their accustomed places in front of the Representatives on the east and west side of the main aisle. The Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Associate Justices sat to the left of the rostrum. Seats on the floor were also designated for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the chiefs of the military services, generals, fleet admirals, members of the Washington diplomatic corps, members of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, representa- tives of the Civil War Centennial Commission, and other official guests, as determined by practice and protocol, from Government departments, inde- pendent agencies, offices, and commissions. The members of the President's Cabinet took their places in front and to the right of the rostrum. Limited space in the galleries of the great Chamber made it necessary for the com- mittee to allocate only one ticket to each Member of Congress for guest purposes. Many persons seeking admission to the galleries were turned away. Carl Sandburg and Fredric March, each escorted by a committee of Senators and Representatives, took their places at the Clerk's desk to a spontaneous burst of applause. A stillness pregnant with awe and dedica- tion fell over the assemblage as Speaker Rayburn rose from his chair and approached the rostrum to call the joint session to order. Following the invocation, the U.S. Army Band presented a group of marches including "Adoration," "Spirit of Independence," "Man of the Hour," and "All-American Soldier." The Coast Guard "Idlers," under the direction of Bandmaster Donald L. Janse, gave a medley of sacred and secular music: "Lord. Thou Has Been Our Dwelling Place Forever," "America," "Dixie," "When Johnnie Comes Marching Home," "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp, The Boys Are Marching," "Ora Lee," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Taps," and the closing portion of "Lincoln's Gettysburg Address." Fredric March read the "Gettysburg Address" and received a standing ovation. Then Speaker Rayburn introduced Mr. Carl Sandburg with these words: And now it becomes my great pleasure, and I deem it a high privilege, to be able to present to you the man who in all probability knows more about the life, the times, the hopes, and the aspirations of Abraham Lincoln than any other human being. He has studied and has put on paper his conceptions of the towering figure of this great and good man. I take pleasure and I deem it an honor to be able to present to you this great writer, this great historian, Carl Sandburg. When the applause from the standing assemblage had died down, Mr. Sandburg began his eulogy of the i6th President with — Not often in the story of mankind does a man arrive on earth who is both steel and velvet, who is as hard as rock and soft as drifting fog, who holds in his heart and mind the paradox of terrible storm and peace unspeakable and perfect. 44 He described Lincoln's last journey in these words: In the time of April lilacs in the year 1865, on his death, the casket with his body was carried north and west a thousand miles; and the American people wept as never before; bells sobbed, cities wore crepe; people stood in tears and with hats off as the railroad burial car paused in the leading cities of seven States, ending its journey at Springfield, Illinois, the hometown. The white-haired, soft-spoken poet-biographer who has studied and written thousands of words about Lincoln, concluded his eulogy with the following: Today we may say, perhaps, that the well-assured and most enduring memorial to Lincoln is invisibly there, today, tomorrow, and for a long time yet to come. It is there in the hearts of lovers of liberty, men and women — this country has always had them in crisis — men and women who understand that wherever there is freedom there have been those who fought, toiled, and sacrificed for it. The applause seemed endless and many tears of deep emotion were brushed away as the joint session came to a close with Dr. Harris' benedic- tion: Our Father God, from this national sacrament of gratitude and memory, with the winged words of a prophet of our day lodged in our hearts, with the light of Thy countenance lifted upon us, send us forth into this testing, trying time with the faith and patience of Thy servant, Abraham Lincoln — like him — To be true to all truth the world denies, not tongue-tied by its gilded lies; not always right in all men's eyes, but faithful to the light within. Amen. The leaders in the field of mass communication estimated that this joint session of Congress left an impact on the American mind without precedent in the history of like ceremonies. The joint session program was tape recorded, broadcast and rebroadcast either all or in part, throughout the country. It was shortwaved through the Voice of America to many for- eign countries. It was given widespread coverage by the newspapers throughout the Nation. Perhaps the best description of this historic occasion was contained in the simple four-word headline of the Manchester Guardian (England) which read "Congress Weeps for Lincoln." In this story of the event, Max Freedman wrote : Never in living memory has there been an occasion in Washington comparable to this, so moving in its contrasts, so memorable in its appeal, so majestic in its inspiration. The discords and debate which jangle through Congress were for- gotten as the soul of America stood revealed for all the world to see. The Committee on Arrangements for the joint session reported that from the newsmen themselves there was the testimony that the Sandburg speech, for the first time and like no event in the past 32 years, brought the entire press gallery en bloc to its feet in a demonstration of emotion and applause. The continuing demand for a permanent record of these proceedings prompted the Committee on Arrangements to ask Congress for approval to have printed in book form a Government document covering the joint session of Congress and the peripheral activities surrounding it at this opening of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year. This approval was granted and the committee compiled and edited a handsome illustrated book which will serve as a permanent record of these historic proceedings. 45 Carl Sandburg's address before the joint session of Congress marking the 150th anniversary' of the birth of Abraham Lincoln is reproduced in full in the i960 World Almanac. Other Birthday Observances in District of Columbia Immediately following the joint session of Congress, the Lincoln Sesqui- centennial Exhibition in the Library of Congress was formally opened in the Great Hall. At noon the Militar\- Order of the Loyal Legion paid its annual tribute to President Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in an impressive ceremony which featured the reading of the Gettysburg Address by dramatic actor, Richard Boone, who was then portraying Lincoln in "The Rivalry'." a dramatization of the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates showing on Broad- way. Representatives of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, as well as other Government, military, and civic organizations, joined the Loyal Legion in the wreath-laying ceremony. That evening Mr. Carl Sandburg presented a second tribute to Lincoln in the Coolidge Auditorium of the Library of Congress under the auspices of the Gertrude Clarke Whittall Poetry and Literature Fund. An overflow crowd listened to his lecture over a loudspeaker system in the Whittall Pavilion, and following his address, Mr. Sandburg graciously appeared at the Pavilion to greet and speak informally to those listeners who had not been able to gain admission to the crowded auditorium. In his evening address at the Library, Mr. Sandburg spoke of Lincoln and books and of the influence of great minds upon Lincoln through his reading of their words. The audience gave him a prolonged and standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech. Thus Februar}' 12. 1959, was a memorable day in the Nation's Capital. It was a memorable day. too. in many States, communities, and foreign countries where the 150th birthday of Abraham Lincoln was observed in various ways. Nor did the observance die with the passing of this im- portant date. It continued throughout the entire year with a spontaneity and enthusiasm which was difficult to visualize. In the ensuing weeks and months, hundreds of observances were held. On February' 15, the annual Lincoln Birthday observance at the Lincoln Museum was conducted by the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia and the National Park Service in cooperation with the Commission. An outstanding feature of this program was the performance by the U.S. Coast Guard Choral Group of the Gettysburg Address set to music by Peter M. Thall. a New London. Conn., high school boy when he was 13 years old. The A. W. Mellon concerts in the National Gallery of Art paid tribute to Lincoln in a special musical program by the National Gallery Orchestra and the Church of the Reformation Cantata Choir under the direction of Richard Bales. Vatican Receives Lincoln's Famous Address A unique ceremony was held on June 17, 1959. when Commission Chair- man Cooper presented to His E.xcellency Egidio Vagnozzi, the Apostolic 46 Delesjate to the United States, a Latin translation of the Gettysburg Address engrossed and illuminated on fine parchment. These words of Lincoln which speak of government by the people, were translated into the Latin by the Right Reverend Edwin Ryan of the Cardinal Stepinac School, White Plains, N.Y. The presentation was held in the State Reception Room of the Apostolic Delegation at 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, D.C., and was attended by 23 members of the diplomatic corps and some 50 other interested parties, including press and special guests. Extensive coverage was given by television, radio, the general press, and the Catholic press. In his presentation remarks Senator Cooper said: We honor Lincoln today as the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission presents to you this classical translation in Latin of the historic Gettysburg Address to be added to other rare documents in one of the world's largest and most unusual archives — The Vatican Library ... in the hope that it will recall to all who view it and read it, the ideals and life of Lincoln. In accepting this document the Apostolic Delegate said: The address is one of the greatest documents ever issued by man. It is a great American document; it is a great human document, and I might truly say that it is a great Christian document. Father Ryan, who had conceived the idea for the presentation and effected the translation, paid yet another great tribute to Mr. Lincoln in his remarks. "In offering to the Vatican Library the Latin version of Lincoln's im- mortal address," he said, "the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission is seeking to demonstrate that America's consecration to freedom in the Order of Nature is a prelusion to the belief in freedom in the Order of Grace. Lincoln has expressed so succinctly the truth that human freedom is based upon human equality. While recognizing the inequalities of bodily vigor, of intellectual endowment, he reminds us that beneath those inequalities lies a fundamental equality, and an essential concomitant of human nature. He declares that whatever be the diversity of gifts, 'men are created equal.' " He concluded his remarks with this thought: It is our hope that this document in the language of the Roman Patriarchate will remain in the Eternal City as a testimony to the fundamental harmony that is heard when Abraham Lincoln proclaims in the Order of Nature what St. Paul proclaims in the Order of Grace — that the freedom for which the heroes at Gettysburg gave the last full measure of devotion must advance hand in hand with that freedom for which the Church's martyrs, following their Master, have laid down their lives — the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free. Memorial Services at Gettysburg Another Sesquicentennial Year Memorial Service which brought into focus an important Lincoln milestone in our American heritage took place at Gettysburg, Pa., on November 19, 1959, marking the 96th anniversary of the delivery of the Gettysburg Address by President Lincoln. 47 Lincoln's words at Gettysburg are among those most often quoted by speakers and writers and were first delivered by President Lincoln at the "exercises for the consecration" of the Soldiers' National Cemetery at Gettys- burg on November 19, 1863. The President was not the principal speaker for this occasion. He had been asked to attend and be ready with "a few appropriate remarks." The Honorable Edward Everett of Massachusetts delivered the main address, speaking for i hour and 57 minutes. The "appropriate remarks" made by Mr. Lincoln, which have lived through the ages and are familiar to every schoolchild, consumed less than 3 minutes of time. There are many versions of how Lincoln wrote these remarks he made at Gettysburg. This much is known to be authentic. Lincoln traveled from Washington to Gettysburg by train, arriving in the early evening of Novem- ber 1 8th. He carried with him the first draft of what has come to be known as the "Gettysburg Address," more than two-thirds completed. This sheet in his own handwriting, together with a second draft of the speech, is carefully preserved in the Library of Congress. On at least three occasions following the delivery of the address, Mr. Lincoln wrote it out in full in his own hand, each time making slight changes. Hence, there are a total of five handwritten copies of the Gettysburg Address. On that November 19 in 1863, the exercises at the cemetery finally got underway at high noon with an estimated crowd of 15,000 to 20,000 people. The famous words he spoke there have lived through the years as literature, although Lincoln himself was disappointed with his eflfort and said in his characteristically picturesque language that this speech "won't scour." However, to those attending the ser\'ices, Lincoln appeared as the interpreter of the political idealism of the nation. A tangible tribute to how well the speech "scoured" is an exedra which stands at the extreme southern portion of the National Cemetery at Gettysburg. The bust of Lincoln in the center is flanked by two panels — one contains a portion of David Wills' letter of invitation to the President; the other, the words of the Gettysburg Address. This is purported to be probably the only monument now standing which commemorates a speech. In arranging for the services at Gettysburg during this Sesquicentennial Year, the Commission cooperated with the Lincoln Fellowship of Penn- sylvania. Much of the credit for the success of this observance must go to the officers and members of the Fellowship and the untiring efforts of Dr. Frederick Tilberg. president: Chester H. Shriver, vice president; Mrs. Sewell E. Kapp, secretary-treasurer; Mr. Paul Roy, editor of the Gettysburg Times; and Mr. Henry Scharf, manager of the Gettysburg Hotel. More than 200 Lincoln admirers gathered for the luncheon in the hotel presided over by Henry E. Luhrs, past president of the Fellowship, to hear Representative Fred Schwengel speak on "Did He Get On and Do We Know His Name?" Referring to the Sesquicentennial observance, Congressman Schwengel had this to say: The tribute paid to Lincoln on the 150th anniversary of his birth, by Americans and freedom-loving people all over the world, has been extraordinary, appropri- ate, and eloquent. It has demonstrated beyond question that he is accepted as our most memorable and illustrious patriot. He is the most truly American American. 48 Special guest at the luncheon was Carl Sandburg, scheduled to speak at the cemetery services later, who was honored by being made "honorary president for life" of the Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania. At the close of the luncheon, the U.S. Army Band, which had journeyed from Washington by bus, gave a 30-minute concert of songs from the Lincoln era in Lincoln Square, where 96 years ago a crowd had gathered to hear a few words from the President on the eve of his Gettysburg Ad- dress. Following the concert, the band led the processional over the Lin- coln parade route to the national cemetery, where an estimated crowd of 4,000 had gathered to attend the memorial services. A few seats were provided, but most of the crowd stood throughout the hour-and-a-half-long ceremony. A dais had been erected on the grassy knoll in front of the Soldiers' Monument, the spot where Lincoln stood in 1863. Dr. Tilberg presided over the program, which opened with Maj. Hugh Curry's Army Band playing "The National Anthem" and Presentation of the Colors by a Color Guard from Camp 1 1 2, Sons of Union Veterans. The Honorable Arthur S. Flemming, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, and Mr. Carl Sandburg were featured speakers and the U.S. Army Band furnished the musical portion of the program, choosing selections that were identified with Lincoln. The invocation was given by Rev. Robert A. MacAskill, pastor of the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church, and the benediction by Rev. M. S. Hamsher, pastor of the Christ Lutheran Church of Gettysburg. Mr. Victor M. Birely, a longtime member of the Lincoln Fellowship group of Pennsylvania, officially represented the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. Two memorial wreaths were placed at the Soldiers' Monument; Mr. Sandburg placed the wreath on behalf of the Lincoln Fellowship of Penn- sylvania, and William S. Henry of Chambersburg, Pa., Son of a Civil War veteran, placed the wreath for the Sons of Union Veterans. In his address, Secretary Flemming referred to the Gettysburg Address as "one of the greatest orations of all time." "It is great," he said, "because of the fact that it was delivered by one whose whole life was completely consistent with the spirit of sacrificial dedication to the cause of freedom that permeates the address. And it is with that spirit of sacrificial dedication in mind that I want to share with you what has come to be a deep-seated concern — a concern that we in our day will make the maximum possible contribution to a 'new birth of free- dom.' And right at the outset, I want to say that I believe that you and I will make that contribution only if we are truly thankful for freedom — thankful for the heritage that has been left to us by Abraham Lincoln." The crowd of scholars, writers, teachers, students, and Civil War buflfs stood reverently and humbly as Carl Sandburg rose to speak. He spoke of Lincoln and quoted from some of his famous speeches. He talked of the Gettysburg Address, saying, "His speech on this battlefield has become, we might say, the supreme classic of American oratory and patriotism, a pre- cious psalm of mystic remembrance," and then eloquently and with deep emotion he repeated those famous words of the Gettysburg Address. 541524 O— 60 ^5 49 Hon. Arthur S. Flemming, Secretary, Health, Education, and Welfare, (left) and Carl Sandburg photographed in front of Lincoln Exedra at the Gettysburg Soldiers' Cemetery. Reporters, photographers, radio and television newsmen turned out en masse and the services gained widespread national and local publicity. The Gettysburg Times put out a special edition, reprinting the texts of the speeches in full, and a letter received from Vice President Nixon which read in part: The lesson to be derived from those noble words is still valuable today. The "great task" is still before us, the work still "unfinished," and I feel that each of us can find in Lincoln's eloquence a message which we can apply individually. By constantly striving toward Lincoln's ideal of increased devotion to the cause of liberty and freedom, each of us will be serving the same high purpose which guided one of our greatest Americans and, in so doing, advancing the precepts on which our country was founded. Other tributes were paid to Lincoln on this date. The Voice of America carried a special radio documentary, "In Search of Lincoln" over its world- wide English service. President Eisenhower, Prime Minister Macmillan of Great Britain, Prime Minister Nehru of India, and Chancellor Konrad Adenauer of Germany participated in the program which took its listeners to many parts of the world. Other statesmen who paid tribute to Lin- coln included President Kubitschek of Brazil, Prime Minister Nkrumah of Ghana, Prime Minister Rahman of the Federation of Malaya, President 50 Diem of the Republic of Vietnam, and Speaker Kato of the Japanese House of Representatives. The broadcast also included comments from a schoolboy in Malaya, a librarian in Brazil, a preacher in Ghana, and persons in other countries who were asked : "What does Abraham Lincoln mean to you?" To supplement this material, Voice of America repre- sentatives went to the Abraham Lincoln National Historical Park in Ken- tucky, to New Salem and Springfield, 111., to the Licoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., to record interviews with Americans. This excellent program commemorating the delivery of the Gettysburg Address was broad- cast throughout the world at various times on November 19. President Eisenhower closed his statement with these words: On that day, almost a century ago in the Gettysbury Cemetery, Abraham Lincoln's address was not for his countrymen alone. He spoke of human liberty and individual duty in terms that were unmistakably universal, sensing that the great conflict between the American States was of lasting importance to free men the world over. He left to them the continuing charge that government of the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from the earth. Such a man and such a message belong not merely to a single era or a single nation. They beyond to all corners of the earth, to all humanity, to all ages. Prime Minister Nehru, said, in part: We know that although Lincoln was a great victor insofar as his ideals were concerned, yet the full realization of it, of those ideals, still remains to be done in the world. And the battle, therefore, goes on in the world, a battle not so much by arms but in the minds and hearts of men. And when those who struggle in this battle for freedom think of Lincoln, they are heartened, and they feel stronger to face the great odds that confront them. Many localities held their own commemorative services on this occasion. The State Department in cooperation with the Commission participated in a worldwide mailing of 50,000 photographic reproductions of the Gettysburg Address in Lincoln's own handwriting. These were mailed to State De- partment grantees and other exchange visitors to the United States who had returned to their home countries. On this 96th anniversary of the delivery of the Gettyburg Address, the world did "long remember" what he said there. He "did get on" and we do "know his name." ^^ yWIVERSiTY L. TtUNOlS LIBRARY Awards and Recognitions PUBLIC LAW 85-262 authorized the Commission to "give suitable recognition such as the awarding of medals and certificates, or by other appropriate means to persons and organizations for outstanding accomplish- ments in preserving the writings and ideals of Abraham Lincoln." It was the desire of the Commission to honor certain individuals who had made outstanding contributions in the Lincoln field by naming them honorary members of the Commission. There was considerable discussion in regard to how these individuals should be chosen and whether the number so honored should be limited. To accomplish this work, Senator Cooper ap- pointed an Honorary Members Committee under the chairmanship of Victor M. Birely to set up the criteria for selection and to present to the Commission a recommended list of nominees. By September 1958, the committee had worked out a plan of procedure and drawn up a list of 43 names. They suggested to the Executive Com- mittee that no limit be placed on the number of persons to be awarded honorary membership, but rather that the recommended list be circulated to all members of the Commission and that each Commissioner be given the opportunity of suggesting additional names. Members of the Commission would then vote by mail ballot on the election of honorary members. The criteria for selection consisted of six categories of endeavor: 1 . Writing.— The^ criterion in the field of writing or compiling is nation- ally recognized stature in the Lincoln field, based on publications of at least one substantial work. 2. Collection. — A recognized collector whose Lincoln books and pam- phlets must be available for study and research to persons interested in the Lincoln field. 3. Promoting. — Individuals who have made a significant contribution in organizing, promoting, and maintaining Lincoln Groups throughout the country. 4. Painting. — A painter who has made a significant contribution to the Lincoln story. 5. Sculpture. — A sculptor who has made a significant contribution to the Lincoln story. 6. Drama. — A person who has become closely identified with the Lincoln story through a serious effort to impersonate the i6th President or has assumed an important dramatic role in a Lincoln play on the stage, in motion pictures, or in television. The Executive Committee approved this plan and subsequently a total of 88 individuals were elected as honorary Commission members. On 52 June 27, 1959, the Commission held an Honorary Members Dinner at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., with 30 of the group on hand to per- sonally receive their certificates from Senator Cooper and Mr. Birely. The remaining certificates were mailed to the various individuals together with a covering letter over the signature of Committee Chairman Birely. Indi- vidual news releases were prepared on each honorary member and dis- tributed to radio, television, and newspapers in their respective areas. At the same time an omnibus release was distributed to the wire services. The certificates were made up on parchment paper approximately 12 inches by 9 inches in size, with an official Sesquicentennial Seal imprinted in gold. Lettered in black were the words "Acknowledging the unusual devotion and enduring contribution of John Doe to the recollection of Abraham Lincoln and to the principles for which he stood — the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission hereby designates him an Honorary Com- mission Member." Miss Bertha Adkins addressed the dinner meeting, giving a summary of the Commission's activities up to that time. Recognizing the special guests, she said: Those of you being honored here tonight and your fellow honorary members who could not be present, have helped to keep alive the memory of one of the greatest men the world has ever produced. In honoring you, we do honor as well to his memory. Dr. Roy P. Easier of the Library of Congress responded on behalf of the honorary members. Chairman Cooper presided over the dinner program. These 88 honorary members listed below have been of inestimable assist- ance in Sesquicentennial endeavors throughout the year and deserve the highest praise for their devotion to reemphasizing Lincoln's principles and ideals. California Mr. Merrell Gage Mr. Jay Monaghan 456 Mesa Road University of California Santa Monica Santa Barbara Mr. Ralph G. Lindstrom Mr. Allan Nevins 617 West 7th Street C/o Huntington Library Los Angeles San Marino Mr. Justin G. Turner 2389 Westwood Boulevard Los Angeles Connecticut Mr. Raymond Massey Honey Hill Road Georgetown 53 District of Columbia Miss Josephine Cobb Room 14-N, Archives Building Washington Mrs. Anna V. Hausman 8623 Piney Branch Road Silver Spring, Md. Mrs. Katharine McCook Knox 3259 N Street NW. Washington Dr. Roy P. Basler Library of Congress Washington Mr. Robert Lincoln Beckwith 5169 Tilden Street NW. Washington Mr. Carlton J. Corliss 3701 Connecticut Avenue NW. Washington Mr. Lloyd Dunlap Library of Congress Washington, D.C. Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant 3d (USA Ret.) 700 Jackson Place NW. Washington Dr. Mordecai Johnson President, Howard University Washington Mr. David C. Mearns Library of Congress Washington Mr. Armin Meyer 46 10 Reno Road NW. Washington Hon. Fred Schwengel House Office Building Washington Mr. Bert Sheldon 4827 43d Place NW. Washington Col. Randle B. Truett 51 1 loth Street NW. Washington Dr. John E. Washington 463 Florida Avenue NW. Washington Florida Mr. John E. Allen Apartment 6, 391 East 4th Avenue Hialeah Prof. William E. Baringer 1219NW. I oth Avenue Gainesville Mrs. Lucy L. Hay 1240 West Vine Street Springfield Mrs. Marion D. Pratt Illinois State Archives Springfield Mrs. Ruth P. Randall I loi West Oregon Urbana Mr. Paul M. Angle 1802 Lincoln Park West Chicago Mr. George W. Bunn, Jr. Marine Bank Springfield Dr. Raymond Dooley Lincoln College Lincoln Illinois Mr. Newton G. Farr 1 1 1 West Washington Boulevard Chicago Mr. Frank J. Kinst 6655 Cermak Road Berwyn Mr. Ralph G. Newman 18 East Chestnut Street Chicago Dr. Charles W. Olsen 6558 South Halsted Street Chicago Mr. Philip Sang 1235 North Lathrop Avenue River Forest Mr. Alfred Whital Stern 1 79 East Lake Shore Drive Chicago Mr. Clyde C. Walton Centennial Building Springfield 54 Indiana Mrs. Isadore Skora 1 1 1 Washington Avenue Evansville Hon. Roy T. Combs State House Indianapolis Hon. Harold W. Handley State House Indianapolis Mr. Eli Lilly G/o Eli Lilly & Co. Indianapolis Mr. Stewart W. McClelland 3345 Washington Boulevard Indianapolis Hon. F. Jay Nimtz 5 1 1 West Colfax Avenue South Bend Dr. Louis A. Warren C/o Lincoln National Life Foundation Fort Wayne Hon. Albert B. Chandler State House Frankfort Kentucky Prof. Holman Hamilton University of Kentucky Lexington Hon. Edward S. Delaplaine Frederick Maryland Dr. C. Percy Powell 10135 Cedar Lane Kensington Massachusetts Prof. Kenneth A. Bernard Boston University Boston Mr. Edwin F. Booth 745 Commonwealth Avenue Boston Mr. Basil Brewer New Bedford Mr. Stefan Lorant Fairview Lenox Hon. Raymond S. Wilkins Supreme Judicial Court Boston Hon. George A. Dondero 518 Washington Square Building Royal Mr. William C. Ford Ford Motor Co. Dearborn Michigan Mr. Thomas I. Starr Royal Oak North Carolina Prof. Richard N. Current University of North Carolina Woman's College Greensboro Mr. Carl Sandburg Connemara Farm Flat Rock Mr. Earl Schenck Miers 5 Lincoln Avenue Edison New Jersey Mr. Elbert B. Rose 56 East Avenue Bridgeton 55 New York Mr. Harold J. Baily 165 Broadway New York City Dr. Bruce Catton American Heritage 551 Fifth Avenue New York City Prof. David Donald Columbia University New York City Mr. Carl Haverlin 589 Fifth Avenue New York City Mr. Frederick H. Meserve 148 East 78th Street New York City Mr. James S. Schoff President, "Bloomingdales" New York City Prof. Thomas Vernor Smith Maxwell School Syracuse University Syracuse Mr. Mark Van Doren 393 Bleeker Street New York City Mr. Lloyd Ostendorf 225 Lookout Drive Dayton Ohio Mr. Carl W. Schaefer 830 Leader Building Cleveland Pennsylvania Mr. Herman Blum 4651 Leiper Street Philadelphia Maj. Gen. Clayton B. Vogel (USMC Ret.) Fairwinds Farm Bedminster Mr. Henry E. Luhrs Lincoln Library Shippensburg Tennessee Dr. Robert L. Kincaid Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate Dr. Wayne C. Temple Lincoln Memorial University Harrogate Texas Mrs. Fancher Archer Littlefield Building Austin Mr. Lincoln Borglum 210 East Huntington Beeville Dr. J. J. Crume Herring Hotel Amarillo Mr. J. Frank Dobie 702 Park Place Austin Mr. Buck Hood 15 10 Wilshire Boulevard Austin Mr. John Rosenfield 3536 University Boulevard Dallas Mr. Charles A. Spears Sherman Mr. Ralph W. Steen Stephen F. Austin State College Nacogdoches Hon. E. H. Swaim Eden 56 Mr. W. Norman FitzGerald, Jr. Post Office Box 623 76 1 North Broadway Milwaukee Dr. Arthur C. Hansen 2565 North 84th Street Wauwatosa Wisconsin Prof. William B. Hesseltine Department of History University of Wisconsin Madison Mr. Lester W. Olson 5558 North Berkeley Boulevard Milwaukee Vermont Mr. Lincoln Isham West Road Dorset Honorary Medallions The Lincoln Sesquicentennial Medallion was awarded by the Commis- sion to those who made outstanding contributions to the objectives of the Commission during the Lincoln Year. Designed at the Philadelphia Mint, the medallion was an adaptation of the Lincoln Medal struck in 1 909 and was minted in limited quantities. Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission's Honorary Medallion. (Obverse side) oooooooooooooc 57 (Reverse side) The first three Medallions to be awarded were officially presented by Commissioner Bertha Adkins at the Lincoln Dinner on February ii, i960, to Mr. Carl Sandburg, the Honorable F. Jay Nimtz, and the Honorable Fred Schwengcl. In presenting the Medallions, Miss Adkins read the following citations: With the skill of a magnificent artist and a poet's understanding of men and motives, Carl Sandburg has spoken and written of Abraham Lincoln and the meaning of his life in a way which comes only from a lifetime of study of this extraordinary man. Through Mr. Sandburg's words, heard and read by mil- lions, a vast audience throughout the world has gained a greater understanding and deeper appreciation of Lincoln and his place in the hearts of all who love freedom. As a representative of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, and on behalf of the people of the United States, it is my pleasure and privilege to present to Carl Sandburg this especially mounted medal of the Commission for his unparalleled contribution to the celebration of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year with its emphasis on the ideals by which Lincoln lived. The Honorable F. Jay Nimtz, former Congressman from Indiana, while serving in the 85th Congress of the United States as a Representative, wrote and pre- sented for legislation the resolution which was enacted into Public Law 85-262 58 creating the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. Throughout his life Mr. Nimtz has propounded the principles for which Mr. Lincoln stood and by which he is remembered throughout the world. In deep appreciation of the tremendous contribution he has made to the Commission's objectives and to the continuing cause of recalling the life of this great American leader, Abraham Lincoln, it is my privilege to present, on behalf of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, this medal of the Commis- sion to the Honorable F. Jay Nimtz for his leadership as Vice Chairman of the Commission during its first year, his splendid cooperation, and for his singular efforts in making this commemorative year possible. The Honorable Fred Schwengel, Member of Congress from the State of Iowa and president of the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia, has generously and voluntarily contributed his time and talents to the observance of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year. Mr. Schwengel authored the resolution calling for the Lincoln Commemoration Ceremony before a joint session of Congress on February '2, 1959, marking the 150th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. He was active in obtaining approval of both Houses of Congress to preserve the proceedings of that joint session in published form. It is my privilege to present, on behalf of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Com- mission, this medal of the Commission to the Honorable Fred Schwengel for his energetic and rewarding contributions to the observance of this Lincoln Sesqui- centennial Year. Sesquicentennial medallions were presented to President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, and Speaker of the House Rayburn for their con- tributions in establishing the Commission and for their generous support of the Sesquicentennial Year. Left to right: Representative Fred Schwengel, Carl Sandburg, and Hon. F. Jay Nimtz, photographed following award of honorary medallions at Lincoln Dinner, '960. ^g Other recipients of the Lincoln Bertha S. Adkins George V. Allen John E. Allen Paul M. Angle Roy P. Easier Henry B. Bass Dr. Kenneth A. Bernard Catherine E. Berry Roscoe O. Bonisteel Richard Boone Louis Bridgman George W. Bunn, Jr. Bruce Catton Sargent B. Child Josephine Cobb Hon. Roy Combs John Sherman Cooper Norman Corwin Mildred F. Crocker Richard N. Current J. Doyle DeWitt Dr. Raymond C. Dooley Lloyd A. Dunlap Elizabeth Earle Avard Fairbanks Newton C. Farr Margaret Flint John Hope Franklin Andrew H. Freeman Merrill Gage William C. Gausmann Edwin Gordon Norman Graebner Dr. Jean Grambs Baxter Hargrave Robert S. Harper Carl Haverlin Prof. William B. Hesseltine Herbert W. Hill George J. Hummel Harry V. Jaffa Dr. Charles W. Jeffrey Eugene Karst Oliver J. Keller Frank J. Kinst Certificates of Appreciation In recognition of outstanding contributions and cooperation during the Sesquicentennial Year, the Commission awarded special Certificates of Appreciation to 97 organizations. The certificates were awarded in acknowledgment of "extraordinary contributions to the recollections of Abraham Lincoln and to the principles for which he stood during the Sesquicentennial Observance of the birth of the i6th President, 1 959-1 960." Names of organizations receiving certificates are listed in the appendix. Medallion were : Henry Kranz Ralph G. Lindstrom Richard F. Lufkin Katharine McCook Knox William E. McElroy Col. Henry K. McHarg R. Gerald McMurtry Frederic March David C. Mearns Earl Schenck Miers Allan Nevins Ralph G. Newman Jack M. Phelps Charles W. Porter C. Percy Powell Marion Bonzi Pratt Dr. Robert Calhoun Provine Elbert Rose Garland C. Routt Robert Russin Irving Sablonsky Philip Sang Isadore Skora Jerry Slechta William Springer Alfred Whital Stern Dr. Wayne C. Temple John L. Thompson William H. Townsend Col. Randall B. Truett Justin Turner Richard F. Upton Mark Van Doren Judge Carl E. Wahlstrom Clyde C. Walton Dr. Louis A. Warren Margaret S. Wheeler Hugh G. Whittington T. Harry Williams H. Audley Woosley Dr. Louis A. R. Yates Erwin C. Zepp Abraham Lincoln Society of New Delhi, India 60 Philately and Numismatics THE LINCOLN PENNY AT AN Executive Committee meeting on February 25, 1958, it was ^ decided to investigate the possibility of having some kind of a souvenir coin minted during the Lincoln Year. Discussions with Mr. F. Leland Howard, Assistant Director of the U.S. Mint, revealed that there were three possibilities along this line : ( i ) the minting of a special commemorative coin, such as the Daniel Boone coin; (2) the redesigning of one of the coins now in circulation; or (3) the issuance of a medal which would have no value as currency, but which could be cast and sold by the Mint. Dr. Porter, who had the original discussions with the Mint, reported that proposals for special commemorative coins were vigorously opposed by both the Bureau of the Mint and U.S. Treasury Department as being prejudicial to the coinage system of the country and because of past experiences with abuses of the use of such coins. However, a coin issued by the Treasury in the course of its normal operations was an entirely different matter. There is an established policy that a design may be changed after the coin has been in circulation for 25 years. The Lincoln penny had been in use since 1909, long past its 25-year life expectancy. Further discussions with the Mint by Dr. Porter and Mr. Fisher revealed that remodeling of U.S. coins is not very common, even after the 25-year period, since there is little tendency to redesign coins. However, the Mint was agreeable to giving consideration to a change of design in honor of the Sesquicentennial and advised that to do this no act of Congress would be required. It would be sufficient for the Chairman of the Commission to write to the Director of the Bureau of the Mint making known the wishes of the Lincoln Sesqui- centennial Commission and asking him to recommend to the Secretary of the Treasury that the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year be signalized by the issuance of a newly designed Lincoln penny. This information was reported to the full Commission meeting in April, and after discussion of the three possibilities, it was agreed to ask for the redesigning and issuance of a new i-cent piece in place of the current penny, leaving the responsibility for the design in the hands of the Mint but asking that several designs be submitted to the Commission so there would be opportunity for some choice. It was also decided to leave the obverse side of the penny as it was and change only the reverse side. Lincoln has been identified with the history of the i-cent piece through the years. The first bronze penny, popularly known as the "Indian Head," was minted in 1 864 while Lincoln was President. The law first authorizing 61 the use of the motto "In God We Trust" on American money was passed shortly before Lincoln's assassination. In August 1909, during the looth anniversary of Lincoln's birth, the "Lincoln penny" was put into circulation. The head of Lincoln (designed by sculptor and medalist Victor D. Brenner, who died in 1924) was placed on this coin only after much opposition, since sentiment had been decidedly against the use of portraits of public men on coins of the land. Abraham Lincoln was the first American to have his portrait appear on a coin. For this reason, together with consideration given to the costs involved, it was decided to leave the obverse side of the penny bearing Lincoln's portrait unchanged. Three engravers, all stationed at the Philadelphia Mint, submitted sketches for the new reverse side of the coin. The design chosen was that submitted by Frank Gasparro. It portrays the Lincoln Memorial, as viewed from the front of the entrance. Above the Memorial is the motto, "E Pluribus Unum," and above this, following the curve of the border, the words "United States of America." Below the Memorial, also following the curve, appears the denomination "One Cent." These three inscrip- tions are required by law to appear on U.S. coins. In the center of the Memorial, which is the center of the penny, there is a tiny spot. If held under a powerful magnifying glass, the outline of the Lincoln statue inside the Memorial is plainly visible. On December 21, 1958, President Eisenhower approved the recommen- dation of the Secretary of the Treasury for the minting of this new reverse side of the i-cent Lincoln coin as a feature of the Sesquicentennial observ- ance. Mint Director William H. Brett advised that minting of the 1909 design would be discontinued as of December 31, 1958, and minting of the new Lincoln penny would begin on January 2, 1959, in order that general distribution to the public could begin on Lincoln's birthday. The penny has the widest circulation of any U.S. coin and more than 125 million poured out of the Denver and Philadelphia Mints to be delivered by truck- loads during January to 12 Federal Reserve banks and their 24 branches in order to be in commercial banks for distribution on February 1 2, 1 959. Many banks throughout the country participated in the Sesquicentennial observance on Lincoln's birthday by giving a new Lincoln penny to each person who came into the bank on that day. Schoolchildren who cor- respond overseas were encouraged to enclose the new penny in their letters. USIA posts overseas made use of the new penny to call attention to the Ses- quicentennial observance. Many people snapped up the new pennies as "collector's items," particularly following a news story pointing out the small "o" used in "THE UNITED STATES oF AMERICA" as an error at the Mint. This impression was quickly corrected by artist Gasparro who said that the small "o" was not done in error but rather had been done deliberately to give design appeal to the lettering on the penny. Citing precedents for the lowercase letter, such as the Franklin Half Dollar, the Liberty Walking Half Dollar, the Peace Dollar, and several commemoratives, he said, "I did it to break up the pattern." Pictures and stories on the new penny appeared in papers throughout the country and were given wide circulation through the media of radio and television. House organs, numismatic publications, and other printed 62 Reverse side of new Lincoln penny. media called attention to the new penny and used feature stories on the background and history of the penny and the Sesquicentennial observance. The American Numismatic Association chose "Portrayal of Lincoln Through Numismatics: 1809- 1959" as the theme for its National Coin Week, April 12-18, 1959. The Numismatist, official publication of the organization, carried articles and feature stories on the Lincoln cent and urged its 15,000 members to build publicity and exhibits around the Lin- coln theme and the new Lincoln cent. In many areas, the individual clubs sought out students and collectors of Lincolniana to assist with the exhibits. This resulted in displays being placed in banks, hotel lobbies, libraries, schools, museums, department stores, and other places of business through- out the country. They received excellent coverage by newspapers, radio, and television, and were a most effective means of promoting the Sesqui- centennial Year observance. COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS The 3 years Lincoln was postmaster at the village of New Salem, 111., have received little attention from authors and historians. "Perhaps," said 63 Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield, "this relatively little known but important phase of Lincoln's career may be explained by the fact that it may not have been as dramatic as the other phases. Like the Postal Service itself, it is something taken for granted, despite its great everyday importance to all our people." Lincoln was appointed as postmaster of what he referred to as "a very small office" on May 7, 1833, and served until the office was closed on May 30, 1836. For this office he received the sum of $55.70 a year. The traditions of the Postal Service relate the following incident regarding Lincoln's postmastership : Several years after the New Salem post office had been discontinued, a postal inspector — or special agent, as they were then called — dropped into town to call upon Abraham Lincoln, at that time a struggling lawyer in Sangamon County. The agent requested a settlement of a balance of something like $17 due the Government from the New Salem post office. Lincoln rose promptly from his chair, crossed his office to an old trunk in the corner and took out a cotton rag tied with string. Untying it, he produced the exact amount of money demanded. He had held the sum intact and untouched ever since his retirement as postmaster. "I never use any man's money but my own," he said. Even before the Commission was formally organized, steps had been taken to have one or more stamps commemorating Lincoln issued during the Sesquicentennial Year. Representative Nimtz wrote to Postmaster General Summerfield in November 1957, suggesting this matter be given considera- tion by the Stamp Advisory Committee. As soon as the formal organization of the Commission was complete, the project was given immediate con- sideration and Representative Nimtz was appointed to head up a stamp committee to work with the Post Office Department and its Stamp Advisory Committee. The Nimtz Committee drew up a list of 1 2 subjects with stamp denominations ranging from i cent to 12 cents, which were recommended to the Stamp Advisory Committee for consideration. On March 29, 1958, the Postmaster General announced his approval of the recommendation of the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee that a series of four commemorative postage stamps be issued honoring the 150th aninversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. All four stamps in the series were designed by Ervine Metzl. The first stamp in this series was a 4-cent stamp commemorating the Lincoln-Douglas debates and was placed on first-day sale at Freeport, 111., on August 27, 1958. Although actually a Debates Centennial Stamp, the Post Office officially designated it as one of the four in the Sesquicentennial Series. In 1858, during the Illinois senatorial campaign, Lincoln and Stephen Douglas participated in seven debates on the principle of slavery. These debates brought Lincoln into national prominence, and although he lost the election to Douglas, Lincoln became the candidate for the Presidency in i860. The Lincoln-Douglas Debates Stamp, printed in sepia, was issued at Freeport, 111., the site of the second debate. Arranged horizontally, the stamp is 0.84 by i .44 inches in size, with the central design a reproduction of an old print showing Lincoln addressing an outdoor crowd with Douglas standing behind him. The initial quantity issued was 1 20 million. 64 The first-day cancellation used at Freeport on August 27, 1958, contained an outline map of Illinois with seven stars to indicate the seven sites of the Lincoln-Douglas debates; 735,400 stamps were sold and 373,063 first-day covers were canceled on this date. UNITED STATES POSTAGE Lincoln-Douglas Debates stamp issued August 27, 1958, at Freeport. 111. xy^I^/ioc^rz^- UNITED STATES POSTAGE UNITED STATES POSTAGE Healy Portrait stamp issued February 12, Borglum stamp issued February 27, 1959', 1959, at Hodgenville, Ky. at Cooper Union, New York. 541&24 O— 60 6 65 Lincoln Memorial stamp issued May 30, 1959, at Washington, D.C The second stamp in the Lincoln Commemorative series was of i-cent denomination and the first-day issuance was held at Hodgenville, Ky., on February 12, 1959. Hodgenville was chosen as the site since it is the nearest post office to Lincoln's birthplace. A commemorative event had already taken place here when on December 27, 1958, Commission Chair- man Cooper, Senator Thruston B. Morton, and Representative Frank Chelf, all of Kentucky, formally presented to Carl Howell, president of the Hod- genville Chamber of Commerce, the Post Office Department's cancellation die hub, especially prepared for commemorative use at the Hodgenville Post Office during Lincoln Year. The die was inscribed : "Lincoln's Birth- place, Sesquicentennial, 1809- 1959" Mr. Howell turned the die over to Postmaster Russell Parker, who began using it on January i, 1959, to cancel all mail issuing from the Hodgenville Post Office. At this ceremony, also attended by Mr. George M. Moore, executive assistant to the Postmaster General, announcement was made of the first-day issue of the new i-cent Lincoln stamp. This second stamp in the commemorative series was arranged verticially, printed in green and measured 0.84 by 1.44 inches in size. It bore the head of Lincoln from the famous portrait by George Peter Alexander Healy. After Lincoln's election to the Presidency in i860, he sat for a portrait by this famous American artist. This portrait, known as the "beardless Lincoln," is owned by the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washing- ton, D.C, and was used for the design of the stamp. Initial quantity issued: 90 million. A reproduction of the Lincoln log cabin was used for the first-day can- cellation applied at Hodgenville, Ky.. on February 12, 1959, when 1,716,792 stamps were sold and 579,862 first-day covers were canceled. The third stamp in the commemorative series was of 3-cent denomination, arranged vertically, the same 0.84 by 1.44 inches in size, and maroon in color. It featured the sculptured head of Lincoln by Gutzon Borglum which was completed in 1906 in marble and is now in the rotunda of the Capitol in Washington, D.C. The first-day sale ceremony was held at the 66 Cooper Union in New York on February 27, 1959, as a prelude to Cooper Union's own centennial year and marked the 99th anniversary of Lincoln's address there. It was on February 27, i860, that Lincoln, speaking in the Great Hall of the Cooper Union, delivered what has come to be known as his famous "right makes might" speech. As he concluded his address, the campaigner said : Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it. As a memento of this first-day-issue ceremony, the printed program car- ried a picture of Lincoln delivering his Cooper Union Address on the front cover and the first-day cancellation on the insjde. The Honorable Robert F. Wagner, mayor of New York City, gave greetings; Postmaster General Summerfield delivered the address; and Dr. Edwin S. Burdell, president of the Cooper Union, responded. Initial quantity of stamps issued was 90 million. There were 1,576,866 stamps sold in New York City on this first day of issue and 437,737 covers canceled. The fourth and final stamp in the Sesquicentennial series was placed on first-day sale at a special ceremony on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., May 30, 1959. This date also marked the anniversary of the completion of the Lincoln Memorial, the most popular shrine in the United States. The stamp, printed in blue, arranged horizontally and measuring 0.84 by 1.44 inches, featured a drawing by Fritz Busse of the head of Lincoln in the Memorial sculpted by Daniel Chester French. Cosponsored by the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission and the Post Office Department, the stamp dedication ceremony drew an audience of several hundred persons, including diplomats. Cabinet officers, Members of Congress, Lincoln enthusiasts, and scores of visitors to the Nation's Capital. Following the Presentation of Colors by the Joint Services Color Guard and an invocation by Maj. Gen. Frank A. Tobey, Chief of Chaplains, U.S. Army, the audience heard a stirring eulogy to Mr. Lincoln by John B. Fisher, a member of the Commission's Executive Committee. Secretary of the Interior Fred A. Seaton- delivered an address of welcome, Deputy Post- master General Edson O. Sessions gave the dedication address, and Mrs. Katharine McCook Knox, an honorary member of the Commission, pre- sented to the Post Office Department a reproduction of the Healy portrait of Lincoln on which the i-cent stamp in the series is based. L. Rohe Walter, special assistant to the Postmaster General, presided. Mr. Fisher closed his "Eulogy of Lincoln" with this thought : Now, in 1959, it seems possible that we shall never see his like again. This is a sobering thought, but it should be a kindling one, for upon us now, as a people, has been laid perhaps the greatest responsibility any nation was ever asked to shoulder, yet certainly not greater than we can bear. Our days are no longer than were Lincoln's, our nights are no darker, and if there is any differ- ence between his time and this it lies in the tremendous advantage that is ours, that he stood so tall before us. In such a time and at such a moment we surely can say then, from hopeful, brimful hearts : We are coming, Father Abraham, devoted millions strong, firm in the faith that was yours and is ours, secure in the conviction bequeathed by you to us 67 that right does make might and that if we but dare to do our duty as we under- stand it, we shall not only survive — we shall prevail. We walk beside you now, long-striding, our feet firmly on the ground in this most practical of worlds but with an eye always on the heavens that we might never — never — lose sight of the stars. As a memento of this dedicatory occasion, a limited number of the Commission's publication "The Lincoln Ideals" bearing the first-day cancellation were presented to an invitational list of special guests in attendance. Initial quantity of this fourth stamp issued was 1 20 million. A reproduc- tion of the Lincoln Memorial was used as the pictorial portion of the cancellation. Postmaster General Summerfield reported that 900,782 stamps were sold on May 30th at Washington and that a new record for first-day cancellation of covers was set when 894,887 envelopes bearing the 4-cent Lincoln Sesquicentennial commemorative stamp were canceled. In addition to the 4-stamp commemorative series issued by the U.S. Postal Department during the Sesquicentennial observance, many foreign countries issued special commemorative stamps in honor of Lincoln. Several States made use of especially designed cancellations. Philatelic societies and magazines were generous with their cooperation in publicizing the new stamp issues. On June 16, 1959, the Philatelic Society of Washington, D.C., hosted a reception and luncheon at the Army-Navy Club in honor of the Honorable Federico Bigi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of San Marino, who was in the Nation's Capital to preview original designs of a series of stamps to be issued by his country in commemoration of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial. Dr. Roy P. Easier presented an album of the U.S. Lincoln commemorative stamps to Professor Bigi on behalf of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. Col. Randle Bond Truett, director of the Lincoln Museum and a well- known philatelist, was inspired by the Sesquicentennial to compile and publish a new stampbook entitled "Lincoln in Philately." This paperbound, 35-page booklet contains black-and-white pictures of all stamps and phila- telic material published in the United States and foreign countries that bear a portrait of Lincoln up through the Honduras issue of 1 2 commemorative stamps during 1959. Included are some stamps which had never before been published. 68 State and Local Participation ONE OF THE most gratifying developments of the Sesquicentennial Year was the enthusiasm and sentiment with which State historical societies devoted themselves to the observance, and the additional estab- lishment of State Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commissions. During the pre- liminary planning stages of the Commission's work, Senator Cooper, as Chairman, wrote to the Governors of all States and to the mayors of the principal cities of the country asking their cooperation as an Advisory Committee and suggesting that State and local commissions or committees be set up to organize and promote the observance. Spearheaded by Governor Stratton, the Governors' Conference held in May 1958 adopted a resolution officially supporting the Sesquicentennial Anniversary. In many States, the Governors issued special proclamations to which additional proclamations were added by the mayors of cities and towns. State boards of education, historical societies, and other divisions of State governments were active in the program. This undulation of sentiment and public opinion is basically the same thing that was President Lincoln's strong support and comfort during the most dismal periods of his administration. The celebrations, commemorative programs, and other Sesquicentennial activities held throughout the country were legion. There has been no attempt to enumerate here all of the activities such as special exhibits, State and county fair participation, essay contests, speeches, programs, pageants, and innumerable other observances. In fact, it was impossible to get reports on all of them and impractical from the standpoint of space and budget to attempt to include a complete compilation in this report. The summaries which follow are based on official reports of the State commissions or historical societies where they have been submitted, or from searching the record of clippings and correspondence received at Com- mission headquarters. It is by no means a complete record. The extent to which local sections participated would make a detailed report of every- thing relating to the anniversary in the individual States, before, during, and even after the Sesquicentennial Year itself, next to impossible. Examples of State and local activities given here will illustrate the mag- nitude and variety of the nationwide observance. That many hundreds more took place is evident from newspaper clippings, reports, and corre- spondence received. There is no way of telling how many American com- munities responded, but the effectiveness of this response is recorded in other than the pages of this report. It is firmly fixed in the minds and hearts of millions of American people who participated in the observance 69 and in so doing renewed their awareness of Lincoln's place in our history, and emphasized anew the principles and ideals for which he stood. It was natural that the three Lincoln-land States of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois should be the first to set up commissions and outline intensive programming for the Sesquicentennial Year. Kentucky — where Lincoln was bom, Indiana — where he grew up, and Illinois — where he spent his adult life, began planning in 1958 for partici- pation in the Sesquicentennial anniversary so that every county, city, and hamlet would have an opportunity to pay tribute to this great statesman claimed by all three States. KENTUCKY Abraham Lincoln was born on February 1 2, 1809, in a log cabin on "Sink- ing Spring Farm" in the Kentucky backwoods. The farm was located on Nolin Creek in what was then Hardin County near the present site of Hodgenville. His father, Thomas Lincoln, could barely write his own name and was able to provide only a meager living for the family. His mother, gentle and religious Nancy Hanks Lincoln, was too frail to with- stand the rigors of pioneer livnng, and died when Lincoln was 9 years of age. From the "Sinking Spring Farm," the family, which included an older sister, Sarah, moved to a place on Knob Creek where they lived until they crossed the Ohio in 18 16 and began life in Indiana. Although Lincoln spent only the first 7 years of his life in Kentucky, that State claims him as one of its greatest native sons. As a tribute to the only native Kentuckian ever elected President of the United States, there now stands near the birthplace at Hodgenville a national memorial which en- closes the rough log cabin in which he was born. A number of other his- toric parks, landmarks, and Lincoln relics are also maintained throughout the State. In later years Lincoln recalled : I can remember our life in Kentucky; the cabin, the stinted living, the sale of our possessions, and the journey with my father and mother to southern Indiana. Before leaving Kentucky, I and my sister were sent for short periods to ABC schools. . . . The Kentucky Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission was established in 1958 and Governor Chandler appointed Dr. William H. Townsend of Lexington as chairman. Desiring to make Kentucky's observance one of the most elaborate in the country, the 37-member commission appointed Dr. Rhea H. Taylor as a full-time executive secretary to direct the work of coordinating, encouraging, and furnishing information to groups planning observances at the city and county level. Dr. Taylor maintained offices at Frazee Hall on the University of Kentucky campus. From here, the Kentucky commission directed its extensive year-long observance through coordinated efforts with other interested groups. One of these groups which played a prominent part in the plans and activities throughout the year was the Kentucky Department of Public Relations which worked closely with the commission distributing special commemorative informa- tion kits describing Lincoln historic sites, relating Lincoln lore, giving his- torical background, outlining the work of the State commission, and urging 70 vacationers to visit Kentucky's Lincoln-land during the Sesquicentennial Year. News stories dealing with some particular phase of Lincoln's life were distributed throughout the State during the year, with a special feature each month and received widespread publication. In addition to arranging for speakers, exhibits, press coverage, and the usual routine, the Kentucky commission was responsible for or cooperated in several outstanding observances. The Trek to Indiana To focus attention on the 150th anniversary and to usher in a year-long series of programs to commemorate the Lincoln tradition, the Kentucky Commission united with the Indiana Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission to reenact the journey made by Thomas Lincoln and his family when they moved from Kentucky in 18 16. Dr. Taylor was responsible for setting up that portion of the trek on the Kentucky side, and his Indiana counterpart, John E. Steege, executive secretary of the Indiana Commission, had charge when the travelers crossed the Ohio River. Two Kentuckians and two Hoosiers, properly costumed, portrayed the "Lincoln family" making the 1 25-mile trek in a horse-drawn covered wagon, starting out from Hodgenville on October 22, 1958, and following as nearly as possible the route traveled by the Lincolns 142 years before. After the "sendoff" ceremony in Hodgenville, the Lincoln impersonators moved on to Knob Creek, the point from which the original trek to Indiana actually started. While the original migration probably took some 10 days to complete, the reenactment was boiled down to 3 days, with stops being made at Elizabethtown, Hardinsburg, and Cloverport, Ky. On the morning of October 24th, they crossed the Ohio River into Indiana and made stops at Cannelton, Tell City, Lincoln Ferry Park, and Nancy Hanks Lincoln State Park, the area where the family erected a cabin and there the mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, is buried, near what is now Santa Claus, Ind. The local citizenry had been urged to be costumed and programs were held at each of the stops. In the interest of speeding up the proceedings, the costumed "Lincoln Family" and the official party of some 20 people from Kentucky and Indiana rode from town to town in automobiles. The horses, wagon, and the cow that trailed behind the caravan were transported in trucks made available by the Fort Knox Armor Center. Bands, costumed crowds, and speakers turned out to greet the travelers, and take part in the celebrations at each stop along the route. Local high school bands were on hand at Hodgenville, Elizabethtown, Tell City, and Cannelton. Louisville's duPont High School Band together with local grade and high school choruses performed at Hardinsburg, and at Cloverport, where a program was held to highlight the river crossing, the Fort Knox Post Band also participated. The Kentucky-Indiana trek reenactment served as a wonderful "kickoflf" for the Sesquicentennial observance in both States, as the journey and the various celebrations in the towns along the way resulted in a great amount 71 of publicity and called attention to the other observances planned during 1959- Springfield Produces Unique Pageant One of the most historically accurate events scheduled an>'\v'hcre in the Nation during the Sesquicentennial obsen-ance was staged at the Lincoln Homestead State Park near Springfield on June 12, 1959. Washington County, referred to by residents as "Lincoln country," wanted to do some- thing unique that would attract the attention of citizens throughout the State and show that Springfield never forgot its famous couple who gave Abraham Lincoln to the world. Mrs. Naomi Rodgers, a Springfield teacher who works in the park during the summer, came up with the original idea to reenact the marriage of Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks, which took place on the lawn in front of the Berry Cabin on June 12, 1806. Civic leaders, the State commission, and Washington County citizens accepted the idea with enthusiastic response. A day-long celebration was planned patterned after the old time "infare," the biggest social event of the season in frontier days. The historically authentic pageant incorporating the marriage ceremony was written by Mrs. Helen Lewis of Springfield and titled "A Day In June." More than 75 characters who took part were relatives, several generations removed, of the Lincolns, the Berrys, or families who were guests at the real wedding. The prologue read in part : To recall the honesty, humility, and simplicity that will always be symbolic of Abraham Lincoln's nature is to remember that his forebears were likewise an honest, humble, simple folk, living in harmony with their neighbors here in the Beechland community . . . Life was filled with danger and heartbreak and hard work. Oc- casions for lighthearted laughter were few, but when such an occasion arose the families gathered from all corners of the settlement to make merry. The fiddles sang and the children danced, and there was drinking and feasting. Just such an occasion was the wedding of Nancy Hanks to Thomas Lincoln on June 12, 1806 . . . Springfield stores closed for the festivities which began with a caravan of 21 wagons and bugaries of igth-centur^- vintage occupied by citizens in period costumes, traveling the 5 miles from the town of Springfield to the State park. The script for the pageant was tape recorded and broad- cast over loudspeakers to the 4,000 who attended, while the characters acted out the parts in pantomime. After the reenactment ceremony. Dr. Townsend read a telegram from President Eisenhower extending "greetings to citizens of Kentucky on this occasion." Hambleton Tapp of Lexington, a member of the Kentucky Lincoln Commission, delivered the principal address and spoke on the character of Abraham Lincoln. "In the character of Lincoln," he said, "were keen perception and infinite patience; deep melancholy and broad humor; earthy coarseness and delicate sensitivity: jocular irreverence and awe-inspiring spirituality; intelligent ruth- lessness and almost divine compassion; rustic simplicity and moving majesty." A luncheon, contests, square dancing on the green, and "pranks" com- pleted the day. To show the spirit of cooperation on this day-long cele- 72 bration, it is noted here that youngsters from seven schools collected $197 in pennies to help finance the project. Farmington Opened as Lincoln Shrine Another historic reenactment occurred in April 1959, when "Farming- ton," the former home of Lincoln's friend, Joshua Speed, was officially opened to the public as a Lincoln shrine. Trustees of the Historic Homes Foundation, present owner of the old Speed home just off Bardstown Road near Louisville, planned the formal opening of "Farmington" as a shrine with the reenactment on April i8th as their contribution to the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year. Lincoln, then 32 and a Springfield, 111., attorney, visited Joshua Speed, son of Judge John Speed who built the house in 18 10, at Farmington in 1841. Reenactment of the visit started at the Ohio River where a present-day Lincoln climbed into a carriage and drove to Farmington to be welcomed by descendants of the pioneer Speeds assuming the roles of their ancestors. The Atherton High School chorus and the Louisville Orchestra were on hand to provide the music. Mrs. Dwight Anderson and Mrs. Charles W. Allen, Jr., planned the dramatization with emphasis on costumes and pageantry. Barry Bingham, president of His- toric Homes, presented the keys to Farmington to visiting dignitaries to focus attention on the historical and educational role "Farmington" will play as a public building. The house has been furnished with 19th-century pieces to make it an authentic reproduction of its period. It was a busy and exciting year of Lincoln celebrations and observances in Kentucky. In addition to the cancellation stamp used throughout the year, mentioned earlier in this report, many other events of special signifi- cance took place. To name only a few: there was the dedication of a new Visitor Center and Museum at Abraham Lincoln National Historical Park in Hodgenville on May 30, 1959, by the National Park Service in which the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission participated; "Honest Abe" bargain days were held February 6th and 7th by the merchants of Hodgenville, with prizes for the best costumes and best beards; a Lincoln exhibit including Lincolniana borrowed from collectors all over the United States was a Kentucky State Fair attraction ; many schools had an all-Lincoln theme for commencement exercises: civic, fraternal, and business organizations, news- papers, radio, and television, all joined in and contributed greatly to the successful Sesquicentennial Year in Kentucky. INDIANA The State in which Abraham Lincoln spent his formative years, from age 7 to 21, merits special attention, for no commission or committee proved more enthusiastic or more thorough than the Indiana Lincoln Sesquicen- tennial Commission under the guidance and inspiration of its chairman, Roy T. Combs, and Executive Secretary H. Audley Woosley. When Thomas Lincoln moved his family to Spencer County in December of 18 16, it was still a wild, sparsely settled country-. It was here in this pioneer country that young Lincoln, raised to farmwork, began to exhibit his qualities of honesty, physical strength, and desire to learn. It was here, too, that his mother, 73 ailing of the "milk-sickness," died in October of 1818 and was buried on a knoll nearby the Spencer County farm. Indiana cherishes memories of the lanky lad who split rails, borrowed books, went to school "by littles," and grew up to be the i6th President of the United States. The multiplicity of the Sesquicentennial activities of the State again defies any attempt at complete summary. Citizens of the State of his boy- hood home celebrated the 150th anniversary of his birth in many and diverse ways and with a keen personal interest. The Indiana Lincoln Foundation, the Lincoln National Life Foundation, historical societies, civic and fraternal groups, all cooperated with the State Lincoln Commission in a joint effort to memorialize this greatest of Hoosier boys. The cosponsoring of the Lincoln trek from Kentucky to Indiana in the fall of 1958 marked the beginning of the statewide Lincoln Year celebration in Indiana as it did in Kentucky. The Indiana Commission together with its cooperating agencies outlined an ambitious program which included the origination of special celebrations, setting up a speakers' bureau, projecting an intensive school program and enlisting the aid of various organizations. The 1959 license plates of automobiles and other vehicles were inscribed with the word "Lincoln." Special events during Lincoln's Birthday month of February launched the statewide activities which continued with no letdown in enthusiasm and accomplishment during the entire year. The first of these was a Lincoln Sesquicentennial Tea at the Governor's Mansion as part of the Annual Midwinter Conference of the Indiana Federation of Women's Clubs on February 4 and 5. Highlights of Lincoln's life were portrayed and members of the Commission and the Lincoln Foundation were honor guests. On display were Lincoln items from the Statehouse Museum. On February 10, the Indiana Commission joined with the Lincoln Foundation to present a reenactment of the Bates House Balcony Speech made by Lin- coln in 1 86 1 when en route to Washington to be inaugurated President. The reenactment took place in the lobby of the Claypool Hotel, site of the old Bates House. A public address system carried the program to the crowd outside. Music was provided bv the Butler University Band and a touring choir group from Jordan College of Music. The Bates House Address was delivered by Cornie Reed, a professional actor noted for his Lincoln portrayals. Tape-recorded copies of the entire program were made available free of charge to public schools. A majority of Indiana's 92 counties staged Lincoln Day Dinners on February 12, in addition to the statewide "kickoff" banquet in the Scot- tish Rite Cathedral at Indianapolis cosponsored by the Indiana Lincoln Commission, the Lincoln Foundation, the Indiana Association of Life Insurance Underwriters, and the Indiana Federation of Women's Clubs. Dr. Lester O. Schriver of Washington, D.C., was the keynote speaker. Earlier that day he had addressed a joint session of the Indiana General Assembly in observance of Lincoln's Birthday. One of the Nation's leading speakers on Lincoln, Dr. Schriver also spoke the following day at a student convocation at Ball State Teachers College in Muncie. An original musical drama, "Sunday's Child," written specifically for the Sesquicentennial by Zayne Hauck with 13 original musical numbers 74 composed by Joanne Slater Levi, both of Evansville, was presented by the Musical Production Foundation, Inc., of Evansville on February 13, 14, and 15. In Bloomington, Ind., university students presented a three-act play "Lincoln in Indiana" on February 21 and 22. The play, produced and directed by Lee Norxelle, head of the theater department of the University, depicted the story of Lincoln from the time his family settled in Indiana in 1 8 1 6 until he left for Illinois in 1 830. Special Tribute by Boy Scouts A 2-day memorial program attracted thousands of Hoosiers to Lincoln State Park near Rockport on May 16 and 17, including nearly 5,000 Boy Scouts who were gathered in a statewide Camporall in a 500-acre corner of the park signifying Lincoln's Scout-age years among the Spencer County hills. The program included a parade of nearly 100 divisions, largest in Spencer County history; programs recalling the Civil War President's youth; a rodeo; and an old-fashioned barbecue. Senator Homer E. Capehart and Representative Winfield K. Denton of Indiana, together with Senator John Sherman Cooper, Chairman of the National Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, were on hand for the festivities. Senator Cooper made the principal address, climaxing the 2-day tribute to Lincoln's boyhood in Indiana. Gov. Harold W. Handley, honorary chairman of the Indiana Lincoln Commission, addressed the Boy Scouts at their tent-city and sounded for them the challenge of their youth — the responsibility which was no different and no less important than that carried by Lincoln. Dr. Louis A. Warren of Fort Wayne, noted Lincoln scholar and author, delivered the principal address at the pioneer village in Rockport, citing reasons for Lincoln's greatness. The Boy Scouts participated in a campfire program where a Lincoln pageant was presented by students of St. Meinrad Archabbey under the direction of Rev. Gavin Barnes. Scouts also placed a wreath at the grave of Nancy Hanks Lincoln during a memorial program there. Clubs and Groups Participate There is scarcely a club, group, or civic organization of any kind in the State of Indiana which failed to participate in the Sesquicentennial observ- ance. A few are mentioned here as examples to show the extent of this participation. The Stamp and Coin Club of the Indianapolis Club of Western Electric Employees issued a "Lincoln Year" memorial cover from Lincoln City. This was a beautiful cover featuring an engraving of the boy Lincoln studying at the feet of his mother in their Indiana cabin home and bore the new 4-cent Lincoln Commemorative Stamp and the Lincoln City hand cancel. Enclosures included an illustrated essay on "Lincoln in Indiana, 18 16-1830, The Formative Years"; a full color postcard, and a facsimile autograph of the martyred President as written in i860. A circular announcing this Lincoln envelope cachet distributed by the club said in part : . . . who are pleased to bring this item to the collcctine; public at cost, to honor the name of Lincoln in this Sesquicentennial Year and to remind the general public of the 14 years when Lincoln lived in Indiana. 75 The Indiana Federation of Women's Clubs took a very active part in the observance, adopting a "Club Study Program" suggested by the Indiana Commission and Lincoln Foundation, distributing Lincoln materials through the federation membership, assisting in the fund-raising campaign for the new Lincoln Memorial at Lincoln Park to the extent of making a $500 donation, assisting in the planning and production of plays and special programs, and selling commemorative plates and stationery depicting the site of Lincoln Park. Historical societies throughout the State planned special exhibits and programs. The Allen County-Fort Wayne Historical Society portrayed "Lincoln's Years in Indiana" at the Shoaff Pavilion in Franke Park, Fort Wayne, in a series of programs from May 16 through May 24. The pavilion was turned into a pioneer school similar to the one at Pigeon Creek in Spencer County. Richard Haupt, curator of the museum, presented two programs of folksongs of Lincoln's time on May 22 and 23. The Hillforest Historical Foundation in Dearborn County held a com- memorative program on June 7 on the terrace of Hillforest in Aurora. This mansion, built before the Civil War and the scene of many Civil War activities, made an appropriate setting for the program which included a talk by R. V. Achatz of Lawrenceburg on "Transportation and Communi- cation in Lincoln's Day" and an address by Mrs. William Hancock on "Mr. Lincoln Speaks to You." An exhibit of special Lincoln items was on dis- play in the museum room. The Reverend Neil Crawford, of Washington, was guest speaker at a Dubois County Historical Society meeting on April 9 in Jasper and spoke on the "Life of Abraham Lincoln in Indiana." Mr. Crawford, a direct descendant of the Josiah Crawford family who were neighbors of the Lin- colns when they lived in Indiana, discussed the route taken by the Lincolns from Indiana to Illinois in 1830. The Elkhart County and Elkhart City Historical Societies held a joint meeting in Goshen on May 3, with Judge Donald H. Hunter, of the La- Grange Circuit Court, speaking on "Lincoln — One of the Greatest Men of the World." A dinner meeting of the Putnam County Historical Society on March 25 at Greencastle was in the nature of a memorial to Lincoln. Dr. O. F. Overstreet related his experiences with Carl Sandburg when he visited the DePauw campus the year before and the site of the Old Grand Central Hotel where William Herndon and Jesse Weik wrote the life of Lincoln. Dr. George B. Manhart, now doing research work on Matthew Simpson and Thomas Bowman, former presidents of DePauw, told of contacts they both had made with Lincoln during his Presidency. Bowman was Chaplain of the U.S. Senate in 1864-65. Delaware County had its own Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission and cooperated in many observances and activities. One of the outstanding programs they sponsored was the convocation held for Ball State Teachers College students at Muncie on February 13, when Dr. Lester Schriver and Mrs. Mary Benadum spoke. Some of the other activities of the Indiana Commission in cooperation with the various other groups mentioned earlier included the production 76 of "Marked Corners," a drama directed by Dr. Lee Novelle at Indiana University and produced in major cities throughout the State. They ar- ranged for and participated in a traveling mobile Lincoln display which toured the State encouraging viewers to visit Lincoln-land during this Sesquicentennial Year. An original musical saga portraying the Lincoln era was presented at the Indiana State Fair; a special brochure "One Nation . . . Indivisible" was placed in each official fair program; an ex- tensive Lincoln exhibit was displayed during Fair Week ; and a longplaying record of the pageant, which was the outstanding show of the fair, was made available for distribution. Raise Funds for Lincoln Park Memorial Two major projects undertaken stand out as unique. One, a program sponsored jointly by the Indiana Commission, the Lincoln Foundation, and the State board of education, was a plan for a memorial to be constructed at Lincoln City. Funds for its construction were raised through a project conducted among the 985,000 school pupils of the State. Schoolchildren were invited to donate $1, which they would earn by their own efforts, as their contribution toward the erection of an appropriate memorial to Lin- coln. Receipt of the $1 automatically enrolled the pupil as one of the "Abraham Lincoln Schoolfellow Donors." William E. Wilson, State su- perintendent of public instruction, and other State school officials gave wholehearted support to the project which met with great success among the schoolchildren. A good example of the interest shown in this project is the contribution sent in by a 7-year-old pupil who explained that it represented : Three teeth out $. 30 Carrying out garbage . 10 Without Complaining . 05 Helping Father Carry Lumber . 10 Spreading Nuts to Dry . 03 Sweeping Floor . 10 Sweeping Walk . 10 Raking Grass . 10 Running Errand . 10 Baby-Sitting . 02 $1. 00 Mission to Japan The other major project was the outgrowth of a request received by the Lincoln Commission from Japanese schoolchildren explaining they had voted Lincoln as the "greatest man who ever lived" and asking to be told more about him. From that request grew the plans for an "Indiana Mis- sion to Japan" to tell thousands of Japanese schoolchildren about Abraham Lincoln's boyhood in Indiana. Gov. Harold W. Handley and five representatives of the Indiana Com- mission and Lincoln Foundation flew to Japan in December for a lo-day 77 speaking tour. The trip was financed from private funds. Accompanying the Governor were: Roy Combs, William E. Wilson, William Koch. Curtis Shake, and Donald E. Bowen. Speaking to thousands of schoolchildren, they told of how young Lincoln lived on the rough frontier, how he gained limited schooling but devoured books eagerly when he could get them, of how his mother died and was buried on a hill near the cabin home, and how the lad strengthened his body by railsplitting and his mind and spirit by his reading. Books and recordings were distributed to the schools. Paintings of Lincoln reading by the firelight and splitting rails were shown. This was a challenging and memorable mission and one of Indiana's great- est accomplishments of the Sesquicentennial Year. At the close of the Year, the Indiana Lincoln Sesquicentennial Com- mission met with Governor Handley to map out a permanent crusade to focus attention on Abraham Lincoln's life in Indiana and the ideals which gave him international stature. The Commission was disbanded in June i960, but the programs outlined will be taken over by the Indiana Lincoln Foundation, a private, nonprofit group formed chiefly of directors from the State-supported Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission; and a newly formed Lincolnland Development Committee, named by Governor Hand- ley. The immediate project of the Lincoln Foundation is to obtain facili- ties in the Lincoln Park area for a museum, an amphitheater, and overnight housing for visitors. The Lincolnland Development Committee, with the assistance of Congressman Winfield K. Denton, is attempting to have the National Park Ser\'ice establish a National Lincoln Memorial Park in Indiana. Convinced that the influence of Lincoln throughout the world is "almost unbelievable," these dedicated Hoosiers feel that the personal values that made Lincoln stand above other leaders of his day are equally valuable in the present space age and that youth must be made to recognize it ILLINOIS The Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year had special relevance, too, for the third of the Lincoln-land States, Illinois. When Lincoln was 21, the family moved from Indiana into Illinois, settling in Macon County. In the fron- tier village of New Salem he grew to manhood and became a respected figure. Statues and landmarks of Lincoln's Illinois life are preserved throughout the State and provoke memories of when he wais a clerk in a store, a postmaster, a captain of volunteers in the Black Hawk war, a can- didate for the State legislature, a Representative from Illinois in the U.S. Congress, and the prominence he gained during the Lincoln-Douglas de- bates through his adeptness in speech and debate — and also memories of the funeral train which bore his body back to the State from which he was elected President. Thus, when Illinois Governor William G. Stratton drew up the plans for the observance, he carefully organized them so that the calendar year of 1959 would be devoted to appropriate observances of the Sesquicentennial birth year of his State's most famous citizen. His first step was the creation of an Illinois Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission of some 50 members, 78 whose mutual interest was a knowledge of the achievements and influence of the man Lincoln. They were charged with organizing a year's program that would give a dignity and understanding befitting the historical sig- nificance of the year. They set as their goal reaching into every city, town, and hamlet in Illinois to emphasize the profound effect for good which Lincoln's 56 years of life had on all mankind. The commission, under the chairmanship of Newton C. Farr and vice chairmen, Alexander Summers and Ralph G. Newman, included some of the most prominent Lincoln writers, authorities, and collectors in the country, among them Paul M. Angle, Alfred Whital Stem, Ruth Painter Randall, Charles H. Coleman, and Clyde C. Walton. Illinois, like its neighboring States of Kentucky and Indiana, conducted an intensive and enthusiastic program throughout the year in cooperation with the historical societies and many other organizations. The Illinois Commission furnished speakers, coordinated and promoted programs and commemorative ceremonies, carried on a far-reaching school program, and engaged in numerous and varied activities. Some of these activities of particular significance are reported here to give an idea of the scope of the participation. Illinois license plates carried a "Land of Lincoln" inscription during 1959. The Illinois State News Departmental Information Service was of inestimable value ; beginning in December of 1 958 and continuing through- out the Sesquicentennial Year, they prepared and distributed press kits and releases to a wide media mailing list explaining the establishment of the commission and encouraging and promoting participation in the observ- ance. Press, radio, and television cooperated with statewide coverage. Mayor Brandt Comes to Springfield The Illinois Commission justly points with pride to the Birthday Banquet held on February 12, 1959, in Springfield which was one of the major Sesquicentennial celebrations held anywhere in the Nation. The Com- mission was successful in securing Mayor Willy Brandt of West Berlin as the principal speaker for the occasion. Mayor Brandt flew from Germany specifically to pay tribute to the Civil War President. Some 1,500 Lincoln enthusiasts attended the banquet in the State armory, including Ambassa- dors and diplomatic representatives of 2 1 countries and a special planeload of Government dignitaries who flew in from Washington, D.C. The San- gamon County Bar Association cooperated with the State commission in planning entertainment for the special guests. The Singing Illini, men's glee club of 90 voices from the University of Illinois, presented a musical program of Civil War songs and some of Lin- coln's favorite minstrel tunes and spirituals. The University Symphony Orchestra featured Copland's "Lincoln Portrait." Governor Stratton pre- sided at the dinner and Dr. Richard Paul Graebel, of the First Presby- terian Church in Springfield where the Lincoln family worshiped, delivered the invocation. Bishop William A. O'Connor, of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, pronounced the benediction. In his address. Mayor Brandt referred to Lincoln's "House Divided" speech saying that "the 79 truths" which Lincoln spoke are "perhaps even more applicable, to the present situation of the German people." Governor Stratton met the Brandts when they arrived in Springfield and accompanied them on a brief visit to the Lincoln tomb. Earlier in the afternoon, hundreds of citizens had made a pilgrimage to Lincoln's Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery at Springfield. The program was under the sponsorship of the American Legion, and National Commander Preston J. Moore spoke on Lincoln's qualities, saying they are sorely needed in this atomic age. "If the United States will but face up to its task," he said, "we can solve the life-or-death riddle of the atomic age. The solution lies in showing to the world that our way of life holds the greatest promise for struggling mankind." El Salvador President Pays Tribute An international flavor was added to the Sesquicentennial observance again on March i6 when President Jose Maria Lemus of the Central American Republic of El Salvador and an official party of 12 flew into Springfield. Governor Stratton and members of the Illinois Commission met the President and Mrs. Lemus at the airport. A 50-man National Guard Honor Guard rendered the ceremonial 21 -gun salute. A seven-car caravan transported the official party and accompanying group of State Department, press, and other representatives to the downtown area. A busy schedule had been arranged for March 17, starting with a visit to Lincoln's home at 8th and Jackson Streets at 9:30 a.m. At 10:45 ^■"^• the President and his party were received by Governor Stratton at his State- house Office and at 11:15 a-rn? President Lemus addressed a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly in the House chamber. The galleries were filled to capacity and floodlights beamed down to record the scene for filming for television and newsreels. The President's speech was devoted to a eulogy of Lincoln. Later in the day the party drove to Oak Ridge Cemetery where the President placed a wreath at Lincoln's tomb. Nationwide Boy Scout Pilgrimage American youth, through Scouting, paid its respects to Lincoln's memory and to his accomplishments in a 5-day pilgrimage program which included the 14th Annual Boy Scout Pilgrimage to the tomb of Abraham Lincoln at Springfield on April 26. The start of this national Scout tribute to Lin- coln was made in September 1958, when Postmaster William E. McElroy, chairman of the pilgrimage and a member of the Illinois Lincoln Com- mission, and Joel Eastham, cochairman, met with Governor Stratton and unfolded their plan of action to place the 1959 pilgrimage on the agenda of the National Sesquicentennial Commission Calendar of Feature Events. They conceived the idea of inviting Scout representatives from the various States and territories, and making this pilgrimage one of the outstanding events of the Sesquicentennial Year. The logistics involved in planning and carrying out a project of such magnitude required a tremendous amount of time and efTort not only on the part of the committee directly responsible 80 but also the various organizations who cooperated. These included the Illinois Sesquicentennial Commission, the National Lincoln Sesquicenten- nial Commission, the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Springfield Illinois Civil War Roundtable, and many other civic and fra- ternal clubs and organizations in the Springfield area. Governor Stratton, as honorary chairman, extended invitations to Gov- ernors of all States and territories to participate in this great youth event by designating an Eagle Scout to attend as his State's official representa- tive. Each scout wore a woven-cloth, especially designed Lincoln emblem. More than 10,000 Boy Scouts moved into Springfield for this special tribute. They were housed in the fairgrounds' Emerson Hall, in tents and barracks at New Salem Park, some at Camp Illinek on Lake Springfield, others at Camp Lincoln and Washington Park. The entertainment program included tours of the Statehouse, State Of- fice Building, Lincoln's tomb and home, and the New Salem State Park. On Sunday, April 26, the Scouts attended Springfield churches, lunched in the Hotel Leland with honor guests Governor and Mrs. Stratton, In- diana's Governor and Mrs. Handley, and members of the Regional and National Sesquicentennial Commissions. Following the luncheon, the pilgrimage parade to the Lincoln tomb took place. Thousands of spectators lined the parade route from the Spring- field Courthouse to Oak Ridge Cemetery and then followed along for the ceremonies at the tomb. The parade was made up of 10 sections, each headed by a band preceded by massed American flags. Leading the pa- rade was the renowned 33d Infantry Division Band which also provided concert music preceding the ceremonies at Lincoln's tomb. Directly be- hind the band marched the 50 Eagle Scouts representing the Governors of the States and territories, carrying their respective State colors and directly behind them came the official cars with distinguished guests. More than 500 Scout units, each carrying their unit flag, added color and pomp to the spectacle. Thousands of out-of-town visitors attended the ceremonies and heard Governor Handley deliver the address at the tomb-site ceremonies. Monday, the last day of the pilgrimage, included a hike on the Lincoln Trail, followed by a dinner and presentation of trail medals as a climax to the convention. Every State in the Union participated in this greatest of youth tributes to Lincoln. Illinois Historical Society Contributes The work of the Illinois Commission was enhanced by the participation and cooperation of the Illinois Historical Society. Two of their most out- standing contributions were the arranging, in cooperation with the State commission, for the Mobile Museum of Lincoln History and a special exhibit in the Homer-Lincoln Room of the library. The Mobile Museum project was under the supervision of Clyde Wal- ton, Illinois State Historian and Commission Secretary. Housed in a 35- foot truck, the exhibit included prints and drawings of the Civil War President, letters, documents, and other Lincoln memorabilia. Arranged as a permanent exhibit and financed by the State, the museum toured the 541524 O— 60- 81 State of Illinois throughout the year, visiting cities and towns and especially schools in communities where children had no access to such historical material. The special exhibit of original Lincoln documents displayed in the Homer-Lincoln Room of the State Historical Library attracted many vis- itors. This library has the largest collection of Lincoln documents in the world with the exception of the Federal Government's holdings in Wash- ington, including more than 7,000 books on Lincoln (many in foreign languages), 1,199 papers including a draft of the Gettysburg Address pur- chased with contributions from schoolchildren, and a sizable donation from Marshall Field. The center of the display was the originals of 10 Lincoln letters repre- senting different aspects of his career. The first of the letters is one that Lincoln wrote on July i, 1834, when postmaster at New Salem. It is the earliest known letter in his handwriting. The last letter is one that he wrote on December 20, i860, after his election as President. Between the two are letters to members of his family, friends, and political associates. Governor Stratton directed that reproductions of these 10 original letters be published in a 24-page booklet for distribution among Lincoln enthusiasts and scholars. The first distribution of the booklet was made to the guests in attendance at the Lincoln Dinner in Springfield on February 12, 1959. Cities and Towns Contribute Many Illinois cities and communities set up their own Sesquicentennial committees or commissions, and, working in cooperation with the State commission, contributed greatly to the successful observance throughout the State. The activities of the Peoria Lincoln Sesquicentennial Committee, under the chairmanship of Dr. Louis A. R. Yates, is cited here as a typical example of community participation. Peoria's Mayor Leiter issued a proclamation designating February 6-13, 1959, as Lincoln Week in that city. The Lincoln committee was active in planning and assisting in special ceremonies and observances such as the dedication of the new library at Bradley Uni- versity, which was named "The Lincoln Library." They conducted special programs for grade school, high school, and college students, including an art poster contest, special plays, skits, and assembly programs. A special 3-week-long exhibit of Lincolniana was displayed in stores, banks, and other public places, and Lincoln programs were held at clubs, organization meet- ings, and YMCA and YWCA classes. The prairie State of Illinois remembered well its Lincoln heritage, and the tributes to its martyred President will not die with the closing of the Sesquicentennial Year. Rather, the participation of this third Lincoln- land State in the Sesquicentennial observance served to rekindle the flame of Lincoln tradition that burns in the hearts of its citizens and perpetuate the teachings of this great man for future generations. Action in Other States While official State Sesquicentennial commissions or citizens' committees were not established in ever}' State in the Union, it is evident that the 82 observance reached into every State and territory. Of the 19 States that did have official organizations, some naturally proved more active than others, particularly those States in which Lincoln spoke or visited. CALIFORNIA The Lincoln Sesquicentennial Association of California, a nonprofit or- ganization incorporated to celebrate not only Lincoln's 150th birthday anniversary, but the succeeding Centennial Anniversary of the Civil War years as well, was very active. The Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission of the State of California, established by the State legislature, was not officially organized until the fall of 1959, since the legislative act creating it did not take legal efTect until September, but once organized it took an active part in the observance. Lincoln Day programs were conducted at various colleges and high schools by the Lincoln Association of California. One outstanding activity of this group included a series of monthly talks given at the Abraham Lincoln High School by association members Mort Lewis, Francis Bow- man, Merrell Gage, Raymond Kooker, Ralph Lindstrom, and Justin G. Turner. This was a pilot program and proved so successful that arrange- ments were subsequently made to conduct a similar series with the same speakers at other high schools in the area. An Essay Contest conducted at the Abraham Lincoln High School offered five awards ranging from $50 to $250 to the winning contestants. These awards were made possible through the courtesy of the Lincoln Savings & Loan Association. A printed volume of the 10 best essays submitted is in preparation and will be pub- lished during the fall of i960. In addition to newspaper features and special radio and television programs, inspired by both the association and the State commission, many other activities were conducted throughout the State. One of the greatest personal contributions was made by Justin Turner, who not only gave generously of his time and talent to speak before schools, organizations, and public gatherings throughout the State, but also made available for public showing from his excellent collection more than 50 items of Lincolniana. After the formal showing of this exhibit in the Los An- geles County Museum, popular demand carried the display to libraries and universities throughout the State. Under the auspices of the U.S. Information Agency, Mr. Turner traveled to London with the exhibit, displaying it for 6 weeks at the University of London and the University of Durham conducting a lecture series in connection with the exhibit. Gov. Edmund G. Brown issued an official proclamation on November 19, 1959, calling for continued observance through i960. He chose the date of the 96th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address for the proclama- tion, since it was "a most appropriate time for memorial programs." In his proclamation. Governor Brown said : It is fitting that plans, exhibits, publications, celebrations and appropriate programs should emphasize the greatness and value of the life and character of Abraham Lincoln. His historical stature never stops growing. 83 Culmination of the Sesquicentennial Year's activities was a commemo- rative dinner held February 8, i960, at the University of California under the auspices of the association and in cooperation with the State Lincoln Commission. Presentations and citations of appreciation were awarded to Lincoln scholars and collectors, and a souvenir program including a keepsake of the facsimile page of Lincoln's Sum Book, his earliest "collected work," was distributed to dinner guests. CONNECTICUT The Connecticut Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission was established under the chairmanship of J. Doyle DeWitt and representative citizens and organizations joined with the commission in setting up programs for the observance. The Lincoln Year activities in this State enjoyed good coverage in newspapers, radio and television, and other of the communi- cations media. Outstanding events in the State's program were two major exhibits. An excellent exhibit of Lincolniana was held in the Olin Library at Wes- leyan University, and an exhibit of "Lincoln Portraits" was on display at the Court Hall in Hartford during the month of February 1959. Typical of the participation by posts and chapters of national organiza- tions was the Lincoln program held by the arts and literature group of the American Association of University Women which included a panel eval- uating the life of Lincoln. Attention was focused on the Sesquicentennial observance throughout the year by programs in schools and exhibits by historical societies. IDAHO Idaho's Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission was under the leadership of acting chairman, Edson Deal. Through their efforts, a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives of the Idaho Legislature was addressed by Senator C. A. Bottolfsen on February 12, 1959, to honor the memory of Abraham Lincoln. Choosing as his subject "Abraham Lincoln the Universal Figure," Senator Bottolfsen cited quotes from many world figures including: Lord Shaw, a leading English legal authority, told the American Women's Club in London that he considered Lincoln one of the five greatest lawyers of the past. Lloyd George of England said: "I doubt whether any statesman who ever lived sank so deeply into the hearts of the people of many lands as Abraham Lincoln did. ... In his life he was a great American. He is an American no longer. He is one of those giant figures, of whom there are very few in history, who lose their nationality in death . . . they belong to mankind." Georges Clemenceau, great French Premier of World War I, paid this tribute to Lincoln: "One of the greatest men that ever lived, great by thought, great by feeling, and great by action." In closing his address, the Senator left this thought : Never in the history of our wonderful nation has there been such a need for unity, patriotism, and understanding and a willingness to fight for the principles 84 such as face us today. Undaunted, Lincoln fought for the principles he espoused after a long series of defeats and disappointments. Are we to be charged with being less patriotic and less inspired? Lincoln said: "Men will pass away — die; but the principles of our great Republic will live forever." That is, of course, may I add, if we are alert and as faithful as he was in perpetuating this Divine pattern for the free people. The Idaho Commission was most cooperative in circulating material provided by the National Lincoln Commission to newspapers and maga- zines for feature stories and in distributing Lincoln material and publica- tions throughout the schools. IOWA While the State of Iowa established no official Lincoln Commission, the citizens of Iowa took an active part in the Sesquicentennial observance through the combined efforts of Congressman Fred Schwengel, the Harlan- Lincoln Restoration Commission, and the Iowa State Historical Society. Congressman Schwengel, an honorary member of the National Com- mission and a well-known Lincoln enthusiast and collector, was responsible for the formation of a committee to advise and coordinate activities. Under the chairmanship of Superintendent William J. Peterson of the State his- torical society, this committee, although loosely knit, was responsible for many observances throughout the State. Their first program was a dinner meeting held on the Iowa Wesleyan campus at Mount Pleasant, December 13, 1958, jointly sponsored by the State historical society and the college with the avowed purpose of bringing together all lowans interested in Lincoln and Lincoln lore. Dr. Peterson presided over the program which included a penetrating talk by Dr. J. Raymond Chadwick, president of Iowa Wesleyan, on the "Harlan-Lincoln Tradition at Iowa Wesleyan"; college players presented "The Lonesome Train," dramatization of the reactions of people as the Lincoln funeral train traveled a thousand miles through seven States ; Congressman Schwen- gel introduced the speaker of the evening. Prof. William E. Baringer, Ex- ecutive Director of the National Lincoln Commission. In addition to servicing the more than 500 newspapers in Iowa with press releases and stories on Lincoln and Iowa, this group secured the cooperation of the radio and television stations throughout the State. They also arranged for the Lincoln Day program at the 58th General Assembly of the Iowa State Legislature on February 12, 1959. President Chadwick spoke on "Abraham Lincoln and His Friends"; Representative William E. Darrington talked on "Abraham Lincoln: Is This Your Life?"; and the Iowa Wesleyan College Players again presented "The Lonesome Train." While the general assembly was still in session. Gov. Herschel Loveless appointed 10 lowans to serve on the "Friends of Lincoln, Inc.," an organ- ization whose purpose was to stimulate the proper observance of the anni- versary and to especially consider promoting interest in a bronze monument of Lincoln and his son by the distinguished sculptor, Fred Torre. This group held several meetings during 1959, deliberating over the proper lo- cation for the statue and the best means of raising funds for the project. 85 Hundreds of Iowa communities observed the Sesquicentennial Year in schools, service and study clubs, from the pulpit, and in many other ways. It is said in Iowa that no Lincoln's Birthday since igog has been more widely commemorated or fervently observed. The Harlan-Lincoln Commission, administered by Larry L. Belles of Iowa Wesleyan College, engaged in many activities for the Sesquicentennial observance and issued a proclamation stating that the "restoration of the Harlan-Lincoln Home shall begin during the Sesquicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth year, igsg." An illustrated booklet, "The Harlan-Lincoln Tradition at Iowa Wesleyan College," by Dr. R. Gerald McMurtry was reprinted and widely distributed. The descendants of James Harlan (Iowa Wesleyan's fourth president and appointed Secretary of the Interior by Lincoln) and Abraham Lincoln all lived and played in this home which is one of Iowa's greatest historical sites. Other activities of the Harlan-Lincoln Commission included: A Founders Day Program at the college, with Dr. McMurtry as principal speaker for the convocation; local school essay contests; graduation ex- ercises at the Mount Pleasant High School featured speeches on both Har- lan and Lincoln; many newspaper articles concerning the restoration of the Harlan-Lincoln Home, including a picture section of the museum in the Des Moines Register and a series of articles prepared by four Iowa newspaper editors which ran as a continuing series in a majority of the papers throughout the State; a special television show on "Harlan-Lincoln Tradition at Iowa Wesleyan College" was produced and presented; in- formation concerning the progress of the museum and the tours arranged were released through local radio stations; several special exhibits were set up, including one for the Midwest Old Settlers & Thresher Reunion attended by over 50,000 people. As a final tribute to the Great Emancipator, the Iowa State Historical Society devoted a commemorative issue of its publication, The Palimpsest to Lincoln and the Sesquicentennial observance activities. KANSAS Observance of Lincoln Year in Kansas was incorporated into that State's own Centennial observance. Perhaps the outstanding celebration was the reenactment of Lincoln's tour through Kansas which he began on Novem- ber 30, 1859, sponsored by the Kansas Centennial Commission in coopera- tion with Leavenworth and Atchison civic groups. The celebration started at Elwood where Lincoln entered Kansas and delivered a speech that evening. From there the caravan proceeded to Troy where Lincoln spoke on the following afternoon, to Doniphan where he spoke and spent the night, and then to Atchison where he delivered the preview of his Cooper Union speech that evening, and Leavenworth where he spent several days. Although Lincoln spent 3 days making the trip from Elwood to Leaven- worth in a horse and buggy, the reenactment was staged in i day. Towns along the route planned appropriate ceremonies, and thousands of Kansans turned out to view the carrias;e in which Lincoln rode from Atchison to 86 Leavenworth which was a feature of the caravan. This carriage is now at the Fort Leavenworth Museum and made the tour on a lowboy truck. On May 24, 1959, a special Lincoln Gettysburg Address plaque was dedi- cated at Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka. An original Lincoln head was created for the plaque by sculptor Warner Williams. The bronze plaque, the first of several Lincoln features to be erected in the new Lincoln Garden at Mount Hope, contains the complete Gettysburg Address and is mounted on a granite base atop a stone pedestal for easy reading. Thus, while Kansas was busy with the observance of its own Centennial, it did not forget to pay tribute to the man, Lincoln, who visited there in 1859- MASSACHUSETTS Gov. Foster Furcolo proclaimed the month of February 1959 as Amer- ican History Month in Massachusetts, and urged that appropriate exercises in the schools, churches, and other public meeting places mark a rededica- tion to the great lessons and sacrifices to be found in over three centuries of their history. The State legislature did not officially establish a Lincoln Commission, but the Governor appointed Carl E. Wahlstrom, judge of probate court of Worcester and a great Lincoln admirer, to act as a sort of one-man commission to supervise the Sesquicentennial observances in that State. Judge Wahlstrom presented speeches and lectures throughout the State to church groups, service clubs, Lincoln groups, schools and universities. He encouraged commemorative activity in the schools, particularly during the month of February. He assisted in the celebration held at the Hay Library at Brown University and made it a point to see that there was good press, radio, and television coverage of all Lincoln activities through- out the State. The Lincoln Group of Boston held several commemorative programs, including a spring meeting in April which featured Judge Wahlstrom speaking on the "Aftermath of Lincoln's Assassination" and Jordan D. Fiore on "The Sermons of the Various Funeral Services for Abraham Lin- coln." Richard F. Lufkin of the Lincoln Group presented an illustrated lecture on "The Married Life of Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd" before the Women's City Club of Boston in April and to the joint meeting of the Bostonian Society and Massachusetts Historical and Genealogical Society on May 6. This illustrated lecture was also featured on WHDH-TV's "Dateline Boston Program," along with a "Tribute to Abraham Lincoln" by the Russian author Leo Tolstoy and a lecture by Barrett Williams. The program titled "Abraham Lincoln in Boston" featured a map of Lincoln's 1848 visit to Boston which was distributed to 50,000 people who mailed in requests. Boston University presented a series of weekly "Lincoln Programs" in the Lincoln Room of the Chenery Library. The program on February 1 1 featured a recording including "Ballads of the Civil War" sung by Hermes Nye, with guitar readings by Carl Sandburg, Walter Huston, and others. On February 18 a program of readings was presented, with some 87 favorite Lincoln selections in poetry and prose given by Mr. Paul Ellison. The February 25 program consisted of a recording of Carl Sandburg's "A Lincoln Preface"' and a sound film of Merrell Gage's "The Face of Lincoln." This film was produced by the Cinema Department of the University of Southern California, and won an Academy Award for the best short film of the year. The only accompanying prop to the one- person film is a slowly revolving bust of Abraham Lincoln. An exhibit of photographs, books, and other items from Lincoln collections was featured throughout the month of February in the university library. Typical of school participation in Massachusetts was the graduation exercises at the Taunton High School which were dedicated to the memory of Abraham Lincoln. MICHIGAN The State of Michigan which gave such loyal and heroic support to President Lincoln during the critical years of 1861-1865, joined with the Nation and the whole world in paying tribute to him as the exponent of real democracy during the Sesquicentennial observance. The Dearborn Historical Society, with Floyd Haight as chairman, was designated as the official organization to supervise and coordinate the obser\'ance activities in that State. As was the case in many other States, the first official action of this society was to plan and participate in a joint convention of the Michigan Legis- lature on February 1 2. They secured Dr. Mordecai W. Johnson, president of Howard University and an honorary' member of the National Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, as the speaker for the occasion. Dr. Johnson feels a deep sense of personal indebtedness to Abraham Lincoln since he is a child of slaves. His address before the legislature was a stirring eulogy to the Great Emancipator and these concluding paragraphs of his talk touched the hearts of all who heard him speak : How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of them that bear the glad tidings of emancipation, glad tidings of Union, but, above all, the glad tidings of a man inwardly driven by universal respect for all mankind, a. man wholly committed to the Union which was "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal," a man masterful in sincere and simple communication of the truth, a man pure in his heart toward every individual human being with whom he came in contact, neglecting none, a man reverent of all his powers and using them up in a great Cause as if they were but wax under a lamp, a man unequivocal in his beliefs, diligent in his purposes to restrict and to overcome evil, but filled with a compassion so deep and beautiful that he always loved his vexy enemies. Do you tell me that the history of the United States says that slavery- was abolished and the Union was preserved by the victory of the Civil War? I tell you it is not so. There was one place in America where the slave was always free: there was one place in America where the Union was ne%'er broken — there in the heart of .Abraham Lincoln. That is why we love him, black and white, North and South. That is why they love him in every Nation in the world. 88 That is why they will love him a thousand years from today. For he was liberty. He was Union. He was freedom. The Dearborn Historical Commission carried out an intensive campaign throughout the year. They planned and participated in the promotion of Lincoln programs throughout the State during Michigan Week in May; arranged various Lincoln exhibits in the public schools, colleges and uni- versities; contacted each of the service clubs throughout the State and assisted them in planning Lincoln programs during the year; planned and promoted a special ceremony for the observance of the Gettysburg Address anniversary; and received excellent publicity in all communications media for the Sesquicentennial activities. Ann Arbor set up its own Lincoln Sesquicentennial Committee and appointed Roscoe O. Bonisteel as chairman. One of the outstanding proj- ects of this organization was the inclusion of Lincoln programs at the National Music Camp at Interlochen, Mich. This National Music Camp is made up of approximately 1,500 young people and the 5 programs relating to Lincoln were most effective. In addition to the five musical programs, Mr. Bonisteel addressed the assembly of the camp on the subject "Portrait of Lincoln," using two little-known Lincoln letters as the basis of his talk: one to Governor Seymour of New York and the other a letter to a relative in Oregon. The programs were tape recorded in order to be available for later use. The intensive campaign carried out by the Ann Arbor committee achieved terrific results. Each minister in the area was contacted and asked to offer a "Lincoln" sermon sometime during the year and most of them complied. In cooperation with the public library and citizens of the community, they displayed Lincoln books at the book fair in May 1959, and assisted the library in increasing its Lincoln collection by appealing to citizens possess- ing Lincoln lore to make them available. They compiled and circulated bibliographies of 36 Lincoln plays on hand at the library, and encouraged and assisted organizations who presented them as an observance program. They take pride in the fact that each service club in Ann Arbor put on a special Lincoln program sometime during the year. They cooperated and assisted in commemorative efforts of the University of Michigan, the Dear- born Historical Commission, and various cultural committees throughout the year. The special projects undertaken by the Ann Arbor committee were supported by banking institutions and several generous individuals. Other cities and institutions throughout the State also actively partici- pated in paying tribute to Lincoln. An unusual Lincoln exhibit was on display at the Public Museum in Grand Rapids. Mrs. Jean Keresztesi, museum staff artist, painted special backgrounds for the six large cases used, inspired by old maps, scenes of Lincoln's inaugurations and pictures of the Ford Theater. Helen Martin wrote in the Grand Rapids Press of one project as follows : On the exactly proper day of February 12, Lincoln School for Mentally Hand- icapped Children will hold an open house. . . . This event is for parents, friends, and contributors to the school — a place which to my mind serves to illustrate Lincoln's famous comment: "I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to im- prove not only his own condition, but to assist in ameliorating mankind." 89 Michigan State University at Lansing chose the date of February 12, 1959, as an appropriate time to dedicate and display the Jewell F. Stevens Lincoln collection which they had acquired. Initial forerunner of the land-grant college system, Michigan State had been seeking for some time an outstanding Lincoln collection "to symbolize the interest of our great Civil War President in signing the Morrill Act which created the land- grant system." The Stevens collection contains more than 1,000 pieces, including some 700 bound volumes, 300 pamphlets, letters, manuscripts, maps, and pictures. NEW HAMPSHIRE Gov. Lane Dwinnell appointed a large number of outstanding New Hampshire citizens to serve on the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission of his State and named former House Speaker Richard F. Upton of Con- cord and Prof. Herbert W. Hill of Dartmouth College as cochairmen. Through its various committees, the commission encouraged Sesquicen- tennial activities by contacting schools, service clubs, patriotic organiza- tions, granges, labor unions, and churches. In cooperation with the State librarian, a Lincoln bibliography of chil- dren's books was circularized to all public libraries in the State and special book exhibits were displayed during the anniversary week of February 9 through 13. Arrangements were made for Lincoln exhibits to be dis- played at the New Hampshire State Library, the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the Dartmouth College Library. A commemorative program was held at the joint session of the New Hampshire General Court on February 1 2, with Dr. Edwin P. Booth of Boston University, noted Lincoln authority, delivering the main address. There were two unique projects of this commission which gained wide- spread publicity throughout the State. One was the showing of a large mahogany desk used by President Lincoln while in- the White House. After his death, this desk was presented to Mrs. Lincoln by the President's Sec- retary', Mr. Nicolay. Publicity and photographs of the desk, now in the possession of a New Hampshire descendant of Mr. Nicolay, were widely used. The second special project was of great interest to citizens throughout the State. Through the efforts of the commission's committee on publicity and publications, five of New Hampshire's outstanding historians were requested to write articles concerning phases of Abraham Lincoln's visit to their State in February and March of i860. Historian-authors of the five articles were: The Honorable Elwin L. Page, retired Supreme Court Jus- tice, who wrote on "Lincoln at Concord"; Prof. John Lynch, St. Anselm's College, on the subject of "Lincoln at Manchester"; Prof. Philip Marston, University of New Hampshire, on "Lincoln at Dover"; Dr. William G. Saltonstall, Exeter Academy, on "Lincoln at Exeter"; and Dr. J. Duane Squires, Colby Junior College, on "Mrs. Lincoln in New Hampshire." Copies of each of the articles were mailed to all New Hampshire newspapers well in advance of each release date. The first article of the series was scheduled for release on February 26, with subsequent articles to follow at 90 weekly intervals. This series proved of unusual interest and was published by a majority of the newspapers throughout the State. NEW JERSEY Named to the New Jersey Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission by Gov. Robert B. Meyner were Earl Schenck Miers of Edison, Lester H. Glee of Princeton, and Wilfred H. Jayne of Lakewood. Here again, the commis- sion actively worked with schools, businesses, and civic organizations en- couraging commemorative programs throughout the year. Notable among the many celebrations and programs held was the one sponsored by the New Brunswick Historical Glub in cooperation with other neighboring historical societies, and Rutgers University. The ceremonies were held on February 20, 1959, to commemorate President Lincoln's visit to New Brunswick in 1861 with an address by David G. Mearns from the Library of Gongress. The 49th annual dinner of the Lincoln Association of Jersey Gity held on Lincoln's Birthday in Jersey Gity paid special tribute to the Sesquicen- tennial observance. This is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States, having been organized in 1865. Edward Friedericks, his- torian for the association, delivered the principal address at the meeting. Earlier in the day, memorial ceremonies were held at the monument in Lincoln Park. Harry Dinsmore, president of the association, placed a wreath on the Lincoln Monument and delivered the address. The ROTG unit from St. Peter's Gollege and several Boy Scout troops participated in the ceremonies. Newark observed the Sesquicentennial of Lincoln's birth and the 50th anniversary of the Newark Museum by holding art sessions of the museum's junior art classes in a window of Bamberger's store for several days. Young- sters worked in the window on subjects dealing with Lincoln's life using pastel, crayon and wash, cut paper, papier mache, and other art media. Another creative idea was employed by the Garden Glub of Saddle River, N.J., as their contribution to Lincoln Year. Using the theme "Lincoln Lore" for their 18th Garden Show held in September 1959, they used a picture of Lincoln on the front cover of their programs. To carry out the theme, they designated the gift corner as "Nancy Hanks Kitchen." Flower arrangement classes had titles symbolic of Lincoln's life such as "Humor," an arrangement featuring flowers of sunny tones; "Gourage," bold use of color; "Love Eternal," a nosegay for Mary Lincoln; and one arrangement called "Pure in Heart," a composition using all white flowers with this descriptive quote, "His heart was as great as the world, but there was no room in it to hold the memory of a wrong." NEW YORK New York, the State where the Honorable Abraham Lincoln closed his speech at the Gooper Institute with: "Let us have faith that right makes might, and in that faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it," conducted a massive Sesquicentennial program. The New 91 York State Commission on Historical Observances was designated as the coordinating agency for the year's activities. Under the chairmanship of Senator Ernest I. Hatfield, they reemphasized the principles and teachings of Lincoln in many special observances throughout the State, and en- couraged participation by the schools, business, and civic organizations. Many national organizations, communication enterprises, press associa- tions, magazine publishing houses, radio and television networks are head- quartered in New York City and their activities have been noted in other sections of this report. One of these activities in which the State com- mission cooperated was the hour-long program entitled "The Living Lin- coln," broadcast by Radio Liberation to the Soviet Union on Lincoln's Birthday, featuring Carl Sandburg. An exhibition of Lincolniana including ever\'thing but split rails was prepared and displayed by the New York Historical Society over a period of 6 months. It included portraits and pictures of Lincoln, his Cabinet and his family: an engraving of the Cooper Union speech: large, colorful campaign posters from the 1864 Presidential election: devastating political caricatures of Lincoln: handwritten notes to the Civil \Var generals and Cabinet members; and many other memorabilia of the Lincoln era. One of the major celebrations in the State was held in Hunter College, New York City, on Lincoln's Birthday under the auspices of the New York County Organization of the American Legion. A resplendent program was presented in a dignified and impressive manner. Musicians were provided by a grant from the Recording Industries Trust Fund obtained by the cooperation of Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians. Proclamations of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Celebration Day were issued by Mayor Wagner of New York City and Governor Rockefeller of New- York State. Louis Nizer. master of ceremonies, interspersed the program of speakers, music, and dramatic presentations with appropriate stories. This ceremony received wide press coverage and served as a launching of the Sesquicentennial activities in the State of New York. OHIO The Ohio Lincoln Sesquicentennial Committee was established early in 1958 by the then Governor, C. William O'Neill. Under the chairman- ship of Earl W. Wiley of Columbus, the committee immediately outlined a vigorous and ambitious program which was implemented throughout the State and its eflFects felt far beyond Ohio's borders. Responsible for much of the success of the Sesquicentennial Year in this State was Erwin C. Zepp, director of the Ohio Historical Society and executive director of the committee, and R. L. F. McCombs who served as executive secretary. By Januan,' 1959, Michael Y. DiSalle had replaced Mr. O'Neill as Gov- ernor and Mrs. James B. Patton succeeded Mr. ^Viley as chairman of the committee. Governor DiSalle issued a proclamation designating 1959 as "Abraham Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year" and recommending that throughout that period special honor be done to Lincoln's memory. The Lincoln Committee and the citizens of Ohio took the Governor's 92 proclamation seriously and determined to make Ohio one of the outstand- ing States in the observance. This they accomplished. A resolution was passed in the House on February 9 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth, and his address to a joint session of the 54th Ohio General Assembly on February 13, 1861. A similar resolution was passed in the Senate on February 1 1, 1959. Some of the activities carried on by this committee are as follows: wrote letters to all 48 Ohio college presidents encouraging campus obser- vation and received a most satisfactory response; cooperated with the stafT of WBNS-TV, Columbus, in production of an hour-long documentary, "The Visitor" ; featured a Lincoln theme at the annual meeting of the Ohio Historical Society; furnished funds for Explorer Scout Michael Cochran to represent Ohio at the April 26 ceremonies at Lincoln's tomb in Springfield, 111., and conducted a statewide publicity campaign. Five New Publications A series of five booklets were published and distributed by the committee during the year: 5,000 copies of A Lincoln Reading List; 5,000 copies of The Ohio Lincoln Calendar, a day-by-day account of the time Lincoln spent in Ohio in 1859 and 1861, and of the progress of his funeral train across the State in 1865; 5,000 copies of The Critter in Marble, an account of Lincoln's posing for a bust in the winter of 1860-61, now in the Ohio Statehouse; 2,500 copies of Lincoln's Other Scrapbook, based on an un- published Lincoln letter in the Galloway collection of the Ohio Historical Society which throws light on the publication of the Lincoln-Douglas de- bates by the Columbus firm of Follett & Foster; 2,500 copies of During Two Journeys. The latter is in two sections: "On the Way to Washington," a narrative of Lincoln's overnight stay in Columbus en route to his in- auguration; and "On the Way to Springfield," the story, based on con- temporary records, of April 29, 1865, when Lincoln's body lay in state in the rotunda of the statehouse in Columbus. Robert S. Harper, public information officer of the Ohio Historical Society, compiled the "Reading List" and authored the four booklets. The publications were distributed to a large mailing list of libraries, schools, and colleges; hundreds of requests came from all States of the Union. At the suggestion of the Librarians' Committee, a bookmark was designed carrying a picture of the T. D. Jones bust of Lincoln and the quotation: "The things I want to know are in books." A total of 250,000 were printed and distributed in wholesale quantities to libraries and schools. Also a quantity of 15 by 20 reproductions of a Brady photograph of Lincoln was purchased for free distribution. The committee was cosponsor with the Ohio State University in the publication of In the Name of the People, a compilation with commentary of the campaign speeches of Lincoln and Douglas in Ohio in 1859, viewed as a continuation of the famous debates of the previous year. Authors are Dr. Harry V. Jaffa, Ohio State University, and Dr. Robert W. Johannsen, University of Illinois. 93 Lincoln Sesquicentennial Test Effective Dr. John F. Cady, chairman of the Department of History , Ohio Univer- sity, Athens, instigated a competitive test for high school students soon after the committee was formed. His plan was carried out by Mrs. Mildred T. Schwab of the Hamilton public schools, with the assistance of Dr. Ronald E. Shaw. Miami University. They devised a loo-question, multiple-choice test for which a careful reading of a standard Lincoln biography was thought to be adequate preparation. The test was administered by the Ohio scholar- ship tests division of the State department of education, with the cooperation of the high schools of Ohio. Completed answer sheets were submitted from 5,926 students, representing 373 schools in 86 of the 88 counties. Prizes awarded were a first, statewide prize of $250, offered by the historical society, five district prizes of $100 each, and 103 book prizes ofTered by the Lincoln Committee. Plaques Installed — Cachets Issued Another important project executed by the committee was the arrange- ments to install bronze plaques to mark various sites in Ohio associated with Lincoln. Erwin Frey, sculptor, of Ohio State University, was com- missioned to complete the three plaques which measured 18 by 1 1% by /a inches. The sites chosen to be marked were : site of the Weddell House in Cleveland where Lincoln spent the night of February 15, 1861 ; site of a balcony in Cincinnati where he spoke on September 17, 1859; and the chamber in which he addressed the 54th Ohio General Assembly on February 13, 1 86 1, in Columbus. The Cleveland and Columbus plaques are to be installed on the looth anniversary of the dates memorialized. To the great interest of stamp collectors, the committee issued a series of 1 1 special cachet covers commemorating Lincoln's associations with Ohio. Lincoln stamps were used and the covers were canceled at the places and on the anniversary dates designated. An edition of 1,000 was quickly exhausted, which enabled the project to pay for itself and leave a sum with which a special folder was printed in which the covers could be pasted in sequence. The Dayton Historical Society cooperated extensively with the committee and the State historical society in the Sesquicentennial activities. Of par- ticular note was the publication of a commemorative book entitled "Mr. Lincoln Came to Dayton." The book was the result of a 20-year research project. Authored by Lloyd Ostendorf and published by the society, it recounts the people, events, and circumstances concerned with Lincoln's historic visit to Dayton on September 17, 1959. The Ohio Committee was constantly heartened by the enthusiastic par- ticipation of historical societies, schools, libraries, art museums, veterans' organizations and auxiliaries, patriotic groups, civic and social clubs. The impact on Ohio's Lincoln observances throughout the State and the Nation is still to be observed in the number of requests received for the series of booklets. 94 PENNSYLVANIA The General Assembly of Pennsylvania adopted a resolution on January 9, 1959. establishing a State Lincoln Sesquicentcnnial Commission. A sec- ond resolution was passed on February 10 urging the members of the assembly to reflect upon the life of Abraham Lincoln, a legislator himself, and on the anniversary of his birth "to hold forth his example as that which we would have every American emulate." The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission located in Harrisburg was designated to act as the official Lincoln Commission and actively coordinated and participated in the many observances throughout the year. In Philadelphia, the Blum- haven Galleries conducted a series of commemorative observances and published Lincoln articles in their "Blumhaven Digest." The Pennsylvania Publishers Association ran a contest for the best editorial on Abraham Lincoln. Recipient of the first prize was Robert H. Fowler of Mechanics- burg for his editorial dealing with the 96th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address in the Harrisburg Patriot-News. A living memorial to Lincoln stands at Wilkes-Barre through the eflForts of the Wyoming Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolu- tion. This organization chose Arbor Day to plant a tree on the grounds of the Wyoming Monument in honor of the i6th President of the United States. Colleges and universities held special exhibits and ceremonies such as the one at Allegheny College on May 19 which featured an open house in the Lincoln Room and Tarbell Balcony of Reis Library, a special lunch- eon, and an address by David C. Mearns of the Library of Congress. Gettysburg College sponsored the Third Annual Civil War Conference in November, choosing the theme of "Lincoln and the Civil War" in ob- servance of the Sesquicentcnnial Year. A series of lectures by five eminent historians were presented dealing with different phases of Lincoln and the Civil War. Distinguished authorities, historians, authors, and Lincoln buflPs from all over the country attended the conference and participated in the 3-day meeting. One of the most active groups in the State was the Lincoln Fellowship of Penn.sylvania, who cooperated throughout the year with State and local activities pertaining to Abraham Lincoln. They solicited the aid of other interested groups and launched a fund-raising campaign to erect a heroic- size Lincoln statue in Lincoln Square at Gettysburg. Their major achieve- ment was the memorial ceremonies held on the anniversary' of the Gettys- burg Address which has been discussed previously in this rep>ort. WASHINGTON The State of Washington established no special commission for the Sesquicentcnnial anniversary, but Gov. Albert D. Rosselini requested the Washington State Historical Society to supervise and coordinate the cele- bration. Director Bruce LeRoy and the staff of the society focused their energies on the problem of working out a statewide observance and with the advice and assistance of several experts in the field: Judge Matthew W. Hill, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; Robert Hitchman, member of the board of curators of the society; Dr. Norman Thomas, professor of 95 history at the College of Puget Sound ; and Joel E. Ferris, president of the Eastern Washington Historical Society. The State of Washington con- tributed more than its fair share to the success of the observance. As in many other States the initial observance was held on Lincoln's Birthday with a memorial service at the joint session of the State legislature. Under the chairmanship of Mrs. Thomas A. Swayze, the program included an address by Judge Hill, music provided by the Whitman College Choir, and participation by members from both houses of the legislature. Especially imprinted envelopes bearing the inscription, "Washington Observance of the Abraham Lincoln Sesquicentennial Celebration Spon- sored by the Washington State Historical Society," were used throughout the year. The society also prepared and supplied on request a "Manual of Information" to assist local historical groups, civic clubs, schools, col- leges, and other organizations in Sesquicentennial program planning. The University of Washington featured "A Choral Reading" from the works of Abraham Lincoln in Februar)'. Various local historical societies and civic groups scheduled a Lincoln program for one or more meetings during the year from material provided by the society. The quarterly issue of "News Notes of the Washington State Historical Society" with statewide distri- bution carried continuous reports on the Lincoln Sesquicentennial and suggestions for participation. A year-long exhibit was conducted in the Tacoma Museum consisting of Lincoln relics, letters, and other memorabilia assembled from private Lincoln collections, as well as, the museum's own collection. The Col- lectors Club of Seattle, Inc., presented a 45-frame exhibit of philatelic Lincolniana in a public display during the month of April. This consisted of stamps carrying Lincoln's picture, Lincoln cachet envelopes, and other pictures relating to his life and career. A major project which resulted in a capacity audience and statewide publicity was "An Evening With Matthew Brady," conducted by the Wash- ington Historical Society. Lantern slides and the projector used by Brady in his lectures were featured. Dr. Norman Thomas, expert on the life and important achievements of Bradv, spoke on the Brady collection, said to be the finest of its kind in the United States. The society received so many requests for a repeat performance, they planned to reschedule this program for a showing in 1 960. The largest project undertaken by the society as its contribution to the national celebration was a census of all Lincoln materials or related items in private hands throughout the State of Washington. Starting with a statewide publicity program on this project and continuing it through the year, they brought to light many collections of real importance. A report of the Lincoln census, including a checklist of the findings, is being com- piled by the State historical society as a special contribution to the scholarly world for this significant year. WEST VIRGINIA Gov. Cecil H. Underwood appointed a West Virginia Sesquicentennial Commission in the fall of 1958 and issued a proclamation for the observ- 96 ance of Lincoln Year by all citizens of the State. Under the chairman- ship of Mr. Kyle McCormick of the Department of Archives and History, the Commission instigated and cooperated in many activities bringing a renewed interest in Abraham Lincoln into every comer of the State. They sponsored and promoted 12 Lincoln Day dinners, furnishing excellent speakers and assisting with the program plans. A statewide meeting was held in Charleston, with Representative Charles A. Halleck of Indiana as the principal speaker. Several hundred statuettes, reproductions of the "Lincoln in Sapphire" bust, were distributed and Lincoln speakers were furnished for commemorative assemblies in schools during the year. Lincoln's participation in the formation of the State of West Virginia was emphasized in several ways. A Department of Archives publica- tion on this subject was distributed. A feature story was prepared and distributed to all news media and published in 25 newspapers throughout the State. The historical society awarded money prizes to schoolchildren for winning essay contests on the subject and reviewed more than 100 scripts which were submitted. The Upshur County Historical Society presented an outstanding pro- gram on the "Life of Lincoln" at Wesleyan College and cooperated with the State commission in many Sesquicentennial observances. Radio and television announcements and feature programs commemorat- ing Lincoln were broadcast from time to time during the Sesquicentennial Year. WISCONSIN Gov. Gaylord P. Nelson appointed the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Com- mittee of Wisconsin with Jerry Slechta as chairman and issued a proclama- tion urging the people of Wisconsin to participate in the year-round Lin- coln commemoration activities. The effective work of the committee was evident when, at the close of the Sesquicentennial Year in February i960, the Governor commended the group for its outstanding work and addressed special letters of commendation to several individual members of the committee. The Sesquicentennial had special significance for the citizens of the Badger State due to the memory of two visits Lincoln made to Wisconsin. His first visit was occasioned by the Black Hawk war in 1832 when he spent 2 weeks in the area around Beloit as a member of the mounted troop called the Independent Spy Company. His second visit occurred when he was invited by the State agricultural society to deliver an address at the State fair in Milwaukee. This address proved to be the only one in his career devoted solely to the problems of farmers. He spoke of the blending of schooling with occupational training, thus forecasting the course which would eventually lead to the modern system of vocational education. He closed with the hope that — ... by the best cultivation of the physical world, beneath and around us, and the intellectual and moral world within us, we shall secure an individual, social, and political prosperity and happiness . . . which, while the earth endures, shall not pass away. 541524 0—60 S 97 Sesquicentennial events were launched in Wisconsin with a "kickoff" program held in the Milwaukee Arena in November 1958, featuring the eminent Carl Sandburg. This set the stage for the many activities and observances which followed during the year through the entire State. On Lincoln's Birthday, the committee cooperated with the Milwaukee Civic Progress Commission in a commemorative dinner program at the Eagles Club. To call attention to Milwaukee's celebration of the Sesquicenten- nial, a huge electric sign was placed on the tower of City Hall reading "Observe Lincoln Sesquicentennial." Speakers, exhibits, and program material were provided for schools and organizations. Committee member Jack Phelps traveled extensively, lec- turing and exhibiting his personal collection of Lincolniana, as well as assisting with many of the special projects undertaken during the year. Historymohile Tours State It is difficult to select examples of Wisconsin's activity from the hun- dreds of programs and events which took place, but perhaps the project of most lasting value was the Historymohile which toured the State for a 9-month period, stopping at some 155 cities and communities. This was a joint effort of the committee which was responsible for the financing and routing of the Historymohile and the Wisconsin Historical Society who prepared the exhibit and furnished the curators who accompanied it. Civic-minded industrial groups and priv-ate citizens contributed funds for the project. The '"Meet Mr. Lincoln" exhibit carried by the History- mobile was created by Donald R. McNeil, acting director of the historical society, and members of his staff. It included dioramas, or three-dimen- sional scenes in miniature, portraying the early phases of Lincoln's life, portraits, historical documents, and materials related to the period. Visits to the various communities were coordinated with observance programs of groups and organizations. Teachers planned classroom studies to coincide with the visit. Pin ribbons which carried a Lincoln portrait and Sesqui- centennial observance inscription provided by the committee were distrib- uted by the thousands along with great quantities of Lincoln literature, pamphlets, and other material. Newspapers, radio, and television stations throughout the State gave excellent publicity to the Historymohile visits and were responsible to a great extent for the huge crowds and enthusiastic interest shown in this exhibit. Wisconsin State Fair Program The Wisconsin State Fair celebrated the centennial of Lincoln's visit there in 1859 with a ceremony in front of the grandstand on August 25. Committee Chairman Schlecta officially presented to Governor Nelson a rare and valuable page from Lincoln's State Fair address. The page was purchased from Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Tenn., and is a treasured item in the archives of the State historical society which already possessed one other page from the famous manuscript. The Fifth Army Band provided the music for the commemorative program which followed. 98 An exhibit booth was set up where literature was distributed and a 7/2- foot "Lincoln Hat" constructed by the Phelps family was used to receive donations from the 700,000 fair visitors to support the Sesquicentennial activities in the State. Also on exhibition was the Historymobile. The Sesquicentennia' Committee received the cooperation of historical groups, teenage groups, the fair association, and other interested organizations on this very successful Recognition Day at the fair. Historical societies and Lincoln groups in the State gave wholehearted cooperation to the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Committee. Typical is the work of the Lincoln Fellowship of Wisconsin which, in addition to spon- soring exhibits and commemorative ceremonies, devoted the February issue of its "Historical Bulletin" to Sesquicentennial activities; distributed a special lo-page newsletter on a roundup of events; and prepared newspaper stories and feature articles relative to the celebration. DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA The Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia under the leadership of President Fred Schwengel participated enthusiastically in the Sesquicen- tennial celebration. Several members of this group were members or honorary members of the National Commission. In fact, it was within this organization that the original idea for the creation of a National Lin- coln Sesquicentennial Commission was born and through their efforts that interest grew to the point where Congress enacted the law establishing such a Commission. The major observances sponsored by this group in co- operation with the National Commission have been covered in other sec- tions of this report. Throughout the year, the Commission called on them as a group and as individuals for assistance on various projects of national scope and such assistance and cooperation was given willingly and whole- heartedly. One meeting of the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia, held in January' i960, resulted in news stories in major papers across the country. At this meeting Carl Haverlin, honorary member of the Commission and well-known Lincoln buflf, spoke on "The Last Best Hope of Earth." He proposed that the peoples of all nations subscribe to the philosophies of Lincoln in a concerted effort toward world peace. Calling the Lincoln heritage "the most potent weapon that the free world can wield in today's conflict of ideologies." Mr. Haverlin suggested that — i960 be the year we put into effect the Lincoln Plan for World Peace which would encompass the idea that all mankind and all nations should conduct them- selves in the spirit of the words: "With Malice toward none; with charity for all ; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right. ... to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace . . . with all nations." Observing that the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year was drawing to a close, the noted Lincoln enthusiast expressed confidence that the American people will continue to remember the words and the actions of Lincoln, "that the principles he propounded will continue to be guideposts for free people everywhere." 99 Lincoln Influence Worldwide CHAIRMAN of the Committee on International Participation was Dr. Ralph T. Bunche, Under Secretary of the United Nations. Under his direction the committee, which included Representative Peter F. Mack, Jr., and Senator Ralph Yarborough, outlined a prospectus for an all-inclu- sive foreign program. Valuable assistance was given the committee by Mr. Armin N. Meyer, Deputy Director, Office South Asian Affairs, of the State Department, who volunteered his services. More than any other American, Abraham Lincoln has something to give to everyone. His image as the symbol of the free man grows in the hearts of people the world over. The Sesquicentennial celebration abroad showed a growing hunger among the millions of the world to seek ways of working toward a goal of understanding and peace. Examples of Lincoln's life in- spired organizations, institutions, and individuals in some 90 foreign countries to cooperation in spreading his ideals and principles throughout the world. There was no set pattern of participation — each country cele- brated according to its own customs. The international program was worked out in cooperation with the U.S. Information Agency, Radio Free Europe, the State Department, the People- to-People program, the International Friendship League, the Common Council for American Unity, and representatives of foreign governments. In all of this the Commission acted as coordinator and clearinghouse, and in many cases as originator of the ideas. Early in the year Chairman Cooper wrote to all foreign Ambassadors in this country regarding the Sesqui- centennial program. The replies indicated the deep awareness that free- dom-loving peoples everywhere have for Lincoln's contributions to mankind. A letter from the Ambassador of Norway called attention to the fact that a statue of Lincoln, given by the State of North Dakota to the people of Norway on July 4, 19 14, stands in Frogner Park, Oslo, and that a ceremony at the statue has become a traditional part of their July 4th celebration. The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia wrote: "We are well aware of the fact that Lincoln did so much in championing the principles of democracy, tolerance, and brotherhood, and we do revere him as one of the greatest statesmen of all times, beloved by the American people as w-ell as people from other lands. He shall always remain in the memory and hearts of the people whom he inspired and gave hope." The Ambassador from Colombia wrote: "There is in all of us a deep feeling of appreciation and admiration for this great President. . . ." From Afghanistan: ". . . the name of Abraham Lincoln dwells in our hearts and Afghans have great appreciation of what Lincoln did for all humanity . . . ." From Greece: "Abraham Lincoln is well known in my 100 country, since Greece's establishment and existence are due to our unswerv- ing and lasting faith in the same principles he stood and fought for." These are only a few excerpts from the many letters received from the foreign Ambassadors expressing the feelings of their countrymen and in many cases outlining plans for Sesquicentennial observances in their individual countries. MICROFILM PRESENTED Evidence of Lincoln's worldwide influence by the many activities and intense interest in the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year in foreign countries prompted the Commission, at the suggestion of Commissioner John B. Fisher, to make a lasting contribution to those countries in the form of a microfilm reproduction of the Abraham Lincoln papers in the Library of Congress. This project grew out of a special event which occurred in April 1959. Gifts of important research materials for the national libraries of Canada and the United States were exchanged in ceremonies in Ottawa during the observance by both countries of National Library Week, April 12-18. Dr. Roy P. Easier presented to Canada's Prime Minister, on behalf of the Library of Congress, a significant group of Lincoln materials for the National Library of Canada. The Prime Minister, in turn, presented to the Library of Congress an important body of materials relating to U.S. economic history. The U.S. gift to Canada included a microfilm of the Library's Robert Todd Lincoln collection of papers of Abraham Lincoln made possible through the generosity of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. This extensive collection of more than 14,000 documents includes letters, tele- grams, memoranda sent to Lincoln, and the drafts of his own letters, state papers, and addresses, which tell in large part the story of his administration. The impact of the microfilm presentation to our Canadian neighbors was such that it prompted the Commission to explore the possibility of making this enduring record of Lincoln's career and times available on micro- film to other countries so that his philosophy and ideas might be better understood and remembered. Arrangements were made with the Library of Congress to reproduce 82 sets of the microfilm, each set consisting of 94 reels, for distribution to those countries were microfilm facilities are avail- able for showing. Those countries not possessing microfilm facilities were presented with the nine-volume set of The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln. Two symbolic presentations were made by Senator Cooper: on October 20, 1959, to Dag Hammerskjold, Secretary General of the United Nations; and on February 5, i960, to the dean of the diplomatic corps in Washington, D.C., His Excellency Doctor Guillermo Sevilla-Sacasa, Ambassador of Nicaragua, who said in his acceptance speech : The thoughts of Lincoln since their conception, have been permanently clear and functioning as a doctrine, thus enlightening and guiding humanity, feeding and making stronger the tree of liberty and maintaining the spirit of democracy. The everlasting words of Abraham Lincoln sparkle with the splendor of the centuries and extend over the world with infinite meaning. lOI Senator Cooper {center) presents microfilm of the Lincoln papers to Nicaraguan Ambassador Sevilla-Sacasa, dean of the diplomatic corps {left), in ceremonies at the Library of Congress. Right: L. Quincy Mumford. The microfilm of the Abraham Lincoln papers which I have just received from the distinguished Senator John Sherman Cooper, on behalf of the Honor- able Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, has the noble function of conveying to the present generation the light of Gettysburg and the immense fortitude of the Great Emancipator who with the strength of his idea and the enthusiasm of his struggle granted freedom to the peoples and glorified a world. I accept them as tokens of your great nation's good will and friendship for the peoples of the world and for their enduring philosophy which will inspire pro- ponents of democracy everywhere. Microfilm sets of "The Lincoln Papers"' were presented to the following foreign countries: Ceylon Iran Pakistan Ghana Tunisia Brazil Costa Rica Vietnam El Salvador Nicaragua Venezuela Belgium Finland Luxembourg China Norway Sweden Indonesia Thailand Greece Israel Sudan Morocco Argentina Chile Dominican Republic Guatemala Peru Austria Canada France Iceland I tab- Portugal Switzerland Australia Japan Republic of Philippines India Lebanon Turkey United Arab Republic 102 Union of South Africa Uruguay Netherlands Colombia Federation of West Indies Spain New Zealand Denmark United Kingdom Ecuador Ireland Burma Mexico Germany (Bonn) Malaya The "Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln" were presented to the fol- lowing countries: Afghanistan Panama Liberia Nepal Korea Bolivia Yemen Jordan Paraguay Guinea Saudi Arabia Cambodia Libya Ethiopia Laos Honduras STATE DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATION Active participation in Lincoln Year by the Department of State helped to spread Lincoln's "gospel of democracy" throughout the world. At the request of the State Department's International Educational Exchange Service, the agencies under contract to arrange the programs of foreign leaders and specialists in this country attempted to give these exchangees an opportunity to learn more about Lincoln by scheduling visits to his home in Springfield, arranging for attendance at special Lincoln events, and distributing Lincoln materials to them. President O'Kelly of Ireland and President Lemus of El Salvador both made trips to Springfield, 111., during their state visits to this country in 1959 to pay tribute to Lincoln. The 202 American elementary and high school teachers and the 62 Amer- ican lecturers and research scholars in the field of American studies who were abroad under the Department of State's sponsorship made a signi- ficant contribution to the worldwide recognition of Abrham Lincoln's role in American history. American missions abroad participated in the celebration in appropriate ways and stimulated observances by foreign governments, institutions, so- cieties, and individuals. The Sesquicentennial anniversary was the subject of many lectures and articles during 1959 by Americans who were overseas under the cultural exchange program. Professors, research scholars, and specialists in American history took part in observances planned by American Foreign Service posts throughout the world. Several members and honorary members of the Commission made trips abroad under the auspices of the State Department for the specific purpose of lecturing on Lincoln. Dr. Roy P. Easier, authority on the life and writings of America's i6th President, completed a lo-week lecture tour of Iceland, England, France, Holland, Germany, and Austria. Dr. Paul Angle, director of the Chicago Historical Society, visited Japan in February 1959 for a month of lectures on Lincoln before university audiences and English-speaking societies. Jay Monaghan of the University of California at Santa Barbara lectured on Lincoln in Central and South America. 103 Prof. Richard N. Current, while spending the academic year at the University of Munich as exchange lecturer on American history, made a i2-\veek tour of India lecturing in New Delhi, Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras on such topics as "Lincoln and the Negro," "Lincoln and Asia," and "Lincoln and Civil Rights." Lloyd Dunlap. consultant in Lincoln studies for the Library of Congress, toured the Sudan and the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland speaking to student groups, service clubs, and public affairs forums on "Lincoln's Role in American History" and "The International Significance of Abra- ham Lincoln." Dr. Ernest Samuels of Northwestern University, who was lecturing on American literature at several universities in Belgium, gave a special Lin- coln lecture in Brussels on February 12. Prof. William Hesseltine of the University of Wisconsin, an expert on Civil War and the Reconstruction period, completed a 3-month tour of the Middle East and South Asia lecturing on Lincoln in Iran, Afghanistan. Ceylon, and Pakistan. Dr. R. Gerald McMurtn*', director of Lincoln National Life Foundation, made a 3-month tour of Korea, Formosa, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaya, Singapore, Thailand, Manila, and Hawaii, where he spoke about the ideals and character of Lincoln. John B. Fisher, member of the Commission's Executive Committee, vis- ited the Caribbean area to confer with Government officials and educators, make numerous public appearances before adult groups and schoolchildren, and to conduct several interviews and radio broadcasts about Lincoln and the work of the Commission. His itinerary included Antigua, Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica, where he spoke in West Indian schools and col- leges and before civic groups as the new democracy of the Federation of the West Indies joined the free world's celebration of the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. Representative William G. Bray, member of the Commission, extended Lincoln Year programing to West Africa when he made a tour of that part of the world on other matters in the fall of 1959. He lectured on Lincoln and the Sesquicentennial observance, and distributed statuettes, busts, and information kits in major cities of Ethiopia, Kenya, Dar-es-Salaam. Uganda, Belgian Congo, Nigeria, Ghana. Liberia. Senegal, French West Africa, and Morocco. Bertha S. Adkins, Chairman of the Executive Committee, took advantage of every opportunity to talk of Lincoln and the anniversary activities while traveling in foreign countries. As a U.S. representative to a seminar on "Participation of Women in Public Life," sponsored by the United Nations in Bogota, Colombia, in May iq59. she distributed Lincoln statuettes to 25 representatives of the countries in the Western Hemisphere and presented one to the wife of the President of Colombia, explaining their significance. In June, at the Inter-American Commission of Women held at the Pan American Union in Washington. D.C.. she presented 40 of the statuettes to the delegates attending that conference. During a trip to Finland in August, she presented one to the mayor of Helsinki and one to the president of the Finnish-American Society and spoke on "Abraham Lincoln — Symbol 104 of the Free Man" at the annual American Day weekend as a guest of the society. Again in November, as a member of an official delegation from the United States to Poland, Miss Adkins presented five Lincoln statuettes to various Government officials of Poland. U.S. INFORMATION AGENCY The cooperation of the U.S. Information Agency in Sesquicentennial planning began soon after the establishment of the Lincoln Commission was accomplished. George V. Allen, Director of the Agency, had the vision to see in the pro- motion of the Lincoln anniversary abroad ''an unusual opportunity to pre- sent fundamental American principles and beliefs to the world." Through all the varied divisions of the USIA which included the Voice of America, International Press Service, International Television Service, Division of Motion Pictures, Information Center Services, and the People to People program, an impressive international program was planned, prepared, and executed, which yielded lasting positive impressions of this country and made the true saga of Lincoln and the news of his Sesquicentennial an- niversary available to uncounted thousands of persons around the globe. A coordinating office was set up as the focal point for the multitudinous worldwide activities, with Mr. Sergent B. Child as liaison officer. The Com- mission forwarded Sesquicentennial information to this office for dissemina- tion to the proper divisions or oversea jx>sts and they in turn channeled all reports on USIA Sesquicentennial activities through this coordinating office. In June 1958, Mr. Child and Mr. Argus J. Tresidder of USIA met with the Commission's Executive Committee to discuss their projected plans for participation in the observance. By early November a Lincoln Sesqui- centennial packet had been forwarded to all posts. This impressive dossier, prepared under the supervision of Henry B. Kranz, cultural affairs specialist in the International Press Section, contained: 30 original essays written by Lincoln scholars; 8 articles prepared from speeches, letters, and thoughts of Lincoln and comments in verse and prose of Lincoln's contemporaries; a Lincoln chronology and bibliography; and 71 glossy photographs of Lincoln. Subsequently, other features sent abroad on the Lincoln theme included plays, documentary material and recordings, visual arts material, foreign-language biographies, "free-standing" photo panel exhibits, radio scripts on major Sesquicentennial events in the United States, specially prepared pamphlets, and Commission publications. Three films: "Abe Lincoln in Illinois," "The Face of Lincoln," and "Lincoln, a Background Study," were distributed and widely used. An original documentary film called "In Search of Lincoln," written by USIA staff member Hugh Whittington and produced by the Division of Motion Pictures, had many showings in various countries throughout the world. The Voice of America, International Television Service, and the International Press Service gave extensive coverage to all major activities in this country and disseminated the material to oversea posts by shortwave, press release, and other avenues of communication. Some 70 books on Lincoln were trans- lated into foreign languages. Lincoln essay contests were successfully pro- 105 moted in many of the countries. Several countries issued special Lincoln Year commemorative stamps. It is impossible to enumerate all of the activities in all of the foreign countries. Specific examples of the scope of the observance throughout the world are given here as an indication of the participation. In each instance the example cited was duplicated or paralleled many times over in a majority of the countries. The divisions and oversea posts of the USIA, the State Department, the People-to-People program, all cooperated with the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission and with each other to bring to the general population of the foreign countries an awareness of the significance of the Sesquicentennial observance and of the place Abra- ham Lincoln holds in histon,' as the "Symbol of the Free Man."' That their participation was extremely effective is attested to by the voluminous reports and stacks of printed material, photographs, and other documen- tation sent to the Commission headquarters. AFGHANISTAN Afghanistan was particularly responsive to the Sesquicentennial activi- ties. Stories received coverage in all major Afghan mass media on Lin- coln's birthday, and the following months saw heav\' use of exhibits, lec- tures, plays, and other activities in the cultural field. The most popular feature was the film showings which were used many times. At the annual exhibition of the Kabul Stamp Club, April 15-17. an entr\- by USIS drew a great deal of attention. This exhibit included the new Lincoln stamps, Members of the Commission staff look on as John B. Fisher (right) shows medallion to Sergent B. Child (left). Medallion was presented to Mr. Fisher by the Federa- tion of the West Indies durine his lecture tour in the island. 106 first-day covers, old Lincoln issues taken from personal collections of USIS officers, and photos of Lincoln stamps. ARGENTINA In Argentina the Sesquicentennial was observed in many ways through- out the year. One of the major commemorative programs was held July 19, 1959, when the director of the Lincoln Library assisted the mayor of Lincoln, Argentina, in unveiling a large bronze bust of Lincoln mounted on a pedestal in the civic square. Inscribed on the bust in Spanish were the words "From the People of the United States to the People of Lincoln, Argentina, on the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Abraham Lincoln and the 94th of the Founding of the City." Two students read their prize- winning Lincoln essays and were presented with Lincoln medallions. Copies of Carl Sandburg's book were presented to the city library and a p>ortrait of Lincoln was given to the student center of the high schools in the city. A Lincoln bust was presented to the university student center and another accompanied by a plaque to the Club Lincoln, leading social club of that city. Five hundred copies of Lincoln literature were given to the director of the Lincoln Normal School for use in his history classes. A telegram from the mayor of Lincoln, Nebr., was received and read to the audience. The celebration received photo coverage by Sucesos Argen- tinos, the commercial newsreel, which distributed films in theaters through- out the country, as well as wide press exposure and accompanying articles in the major printed media. Appropriate ceremonies were arranged for the placing of four large bronze plaques bearing the inscription in Spanish: "Of the People, by the People, and for the People." These plaques were placed: in the Lincoln Library; outside the building housing the Avellaneda Branch of the Lin- coln Library; at the main branch of the library; and on a public building in Calle Lincoln. During the months of May and June the Lincoln Library sponsored a slogan contest. Entrants were required to complete the slogan Abraham Lincoln was a great man because . . . (in 25 words or less)." Roine medallions provided by the ICS were given as prizes to the juvenile group of winners and copies of Sandburg's Abraham Lincoln were presented to the adult winners. This slogan contest was so well publicized and so successful that similar contests were held at the binational centers in Cor- doba, Rosario, and Tucuman. AUSTRIA An outstanding evening program was held on February 12 in Amerika Haus, Vienna, featuring an address by Dr. Heinrich Drimmel, Austrian Minister of Education, one of the most eloquent speakers in the Austrian Government. Dr. Drimmel paid a warm and remarkably well-informed tribute to the greatness of Lincoln. Translations of his address received wide distribution in English as well as in the native tongue. Austria's foremost political radio commentator. Prof. Vinzenz Ludwig Ostry, devoted an entire program to Lincoln produced from materials supplied by USIS. 107 A special Lincoln bookmark, prepared in both English and German, carry- ing Lincoln's picture and selected quotations, was widely distributed to patrons of the Amerika Haus, libraries, and schools. BELGIUM The USIS in Brussels officially inaugurated their new cultural center on Lincoln's Birthday, naming it "The Lincoln Library." The ceremony was attended by a capacity crowd consisting of Ambassadors, counselors, USIS officers, Belgian officials, and cultural personalities. The program in- cluded a lecture on "Lincoln and the Quest for Order," delivered by Dr. Ernest Samuels, professor of English at Northwestern University and Ful- bright visiting professor of American studies in Belgium for the academic year 1958-59. The lecture dealt with revealing the development of Lin- coln's character, political stature, and qualities of leadership through an analysis of his speeches, public statements, private notebooks, letters, and anecdotes. A special exhibit of Lincolniana was displayed, and a large bust of Lincoln mounted on a specially constructed stand remained on dis- play at the entrance of the library throughout the year. BRAZIL In accordance with its policy of commemorating a historical event annually, the University of Bahia chose Lincoln as the university's theme for 1959. Several essays written by Lincoln scholars were translated and presented to the rector of the university who arranged for their publication as a single volume with the university's imprint. This publication was widely distributed throughout the university, the binational centers, and the USIS cultural centers in Brazil. Twenty 15-minute radio programs depicting Lincoln's life were pre- pared and produced. President Kubitschek participated in one of the programs, portions of which were later used in the Voice of America's special Gettysburg Address anniversary broadcast. CEYLON The demands for showings of the film "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" were so great that some requests had to be turned down. An example of the interest in this film is found in the USIS records which show that between the dates of February 1 2 and 28, it was viewed by 62,000 people in 14 major cities. The display of publicity and feature stories appearing in the press at the time of Lincoln's birthday prompted the U.S.S.R. press attache to ask one editor why "so much American propaganda on Lincoln" was ap- pearing. The editor replied "Lincoln is not propaganda, but Democracy." COLOMBIA The Colombian Chamber of Representatives issued a sp>ecial proclama- tion in admiration and respect of the ideals of Abraham Lincoln and pre- sented an engrossed copy of the document to the USIS post in Bogota. The Colombian Government also issued regular and airmail }X)stage stamps commemorating Lincoln. 108 COSTA RICA On September 8 the binational center in San Jose sponsored the organi- zation of Asociacion Lincoln de Costa Rico (Lincoln Association of Costa Rica). This group was comf)osed of outstanding professional leaders, especially of the legal profession, all dedicated to the study of Lincoln's ideals and credos of democracy. USIS and Embassy personnel assisted the asso- ciation in many of the Lincoln commemorative endeavors during the year. GREECE The ceremony in Athens on May 29 for the purpose of presenting and awarding prizes to the three top winners of the Lincoln essay contest proved to be of particular significance. A capacity crowd heard addresses by the Deputy Prime Minister, a Greek Member of Parliament, the U.S. Embassy Charge d' Affaires, and other leading citizens. The entire program was tape recorded by the Greek National Broadcasting Institute for delayed broadcast. There was enthusiastic newspaper coverage and the leading Greek cultural publication, Nea Estia, devoted the greater part of its regular July issue to stories and pictures centered around the ceremony, including the full texts of the three prizewinning essays. Reports received at Com- mission headquarters indicated that, apart from being an impressive demon- stration of homage to Lincoln, this ceremony served to enhance greatly the prestige of the Hellenic-American Union in the eyes of the Greek public. HAITI All reports of public acceptance and participation in the many Lincoln Year observances in Haiti indicated that deep impressions were made on many. The Sesquicentennial activities enabled the Haitian-American Institute to gain considerable prestige, and as a result will be viewed with even greater respect by important intellectuals, university elements, and other key contacts throughout the country. One of the outstanding cere- monial Lincoln observances was the unveiling of a special plaque by U.S. Ambassador Gerald A. Drew at the dedication of the Abraham Lincoln Auditorium of the Haitian-American Institute in Port-au-Princc. This ceremony received wide coverage by newspapers, radio, and television. Two outstanding personalities deserve special credit for the participation in the lecture series program. Educational exchange grantee Marjorie Breunig gave many talks on Lincoln to various groups, augmenting her lectures with the showing of the film "The Face of Lincoln." HONDURAS A special ceremony was held February 12 at the Presidential Palace at which U.S. Ambassador Robert Newbegin presented a Volk Lincoln bust to President Villeda Morales of Honduras, to reiterate American faith in the Honduras Government. The speeches of the President and the U.S. Ambassador were published in pamphlet form by the Honduran Govern- ment and widely circulated. 109 At another ceremony in the binational center, Director of Mails Alfonso Alvarado was featured speaking on the life of Lincoln and discussing the Lincoln commemorative stamps issued by the Honduran Government. Awards were presented by Ambassador Newbegin to the two Hondurans who designed a special seal for the first-day cover of the seven Lincoln stamps issued. The Director of Mails published his own small pamphlet on Lincoln and the Lincoln stamp issue, which was inserted into the first- day covers mailed by the binational center. Dr. Rayford W. Logan of Howard University received much publicity and prominence on his lecture series programs throughout the islands. In appreciation of his contribution to the Sesquicentennial observance, Dr. Logan was giv-en a formal reception by the U.S. Ambassador. EL SALVADOR The name "Abraham Lincoln" has always had a revered place in the heart of the Salvadoran people. He has often been quoted and frequently linked with their own national hero. Father Jose Simeon Canas. Against this background a concentrated Sesquicentennial program was developed and implemented through the USIS, the binational center, the Salvadoran Ministry of Culture, and coordinated efTorts with all forms of mass communications media. El Salvador wound up its Lincoln Year activities with a ceremony on November 19 observing the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. At the conclusion of the program, scrolls of appreciation signed by the U.S. Ambassador were presented to Salvadoran Government officials for their valuable participation and cooperation in the year's commemorative activities. One unusual project which gained wide coverage was the children's art contest conducted in the elementar\- schools. This contest acquainted thousands of children with Lincoln's life and resulted in a popular colorful exhibit of their interpretation of various phases of his life and career through the media of watercolor and crayon. A selected group of the drawings were shipped to the United States and displayed at the Kentucky State Fair Lincoln exhibit, the i960 Lincoln dinner in Washington. D.C., and other public functions. ENGLAND The first major event of the year in England was a wreath-laying cere- mony on February 1 2 at the foot of the towering bronze statue of Lincoln in London's Parliament Square. Prime Minister Macmillan, U.S. Am- bassador Whitney, and other leaders of Parliament attended and partici- pated in the program which attracted television, newsreel, radio, and national press coverage. On the same date a similar observance was held in Manchester where the Lord Mayor and the U.S. consul general placed a wreath at Lincoln's statue in that city. British historian J. R. Pole of London University wrote a 36-page book- let entitled "Abraham Lincoln and the British Working Class'' regarding 1 10 the contact between Lincoln and the British trade union movement. The English Speaking Union enthusiastically agreed to publish the work with an introduction by Mr. Robert Willis, chairman of the Trade Union Congress; 30,000 copies were printed and distributed. On the evening of February 12, Ambassador Whitney appeared on the popular "Tonight" program on BBC-TV. The Ambassador read ex- tracts from John Hay's Civil War Diary and added recollections of his grandfather's association with Lincoln. An estimated 7 million people viewed the program. A major project of the Sesquicentennial observance was the locally written and produced exhibit "Abraham Lincoln, 1809-1865." This 1,500- square-foot exhibit used 35 panels, detailed texts, 133 photos, posters, and press releases to tell Lincoln's life story chronologically, highlighting the philosophy of his thoughts upon the two major issues confronting the United States at that time — slavery and the Union. The exhibit exam- ined Lincoln's relations with Great Britain and the sympathetic response he evoked from British trade union leaders and the workingmen. It was first shown in the Tea Centre, London, February 1 2-28. Later it was moved to the public library in Manchester, the Newcastle Art Gallery, and under the sponsorship of the English Speaking Union on to Scotland where the Ambassador opened the exhibition in Glasgow. A second exhibit "Abraham Lincoln's America Today" was photocopied to meet popular demand, and during the lo-month period it was shown in 25 British cities in art galleries, museums, libraries, and civic buildings. In addition to these two main exhibits, two additional valuable Lincoln collections were borrowed. Ambassador Whitney arranged the long-term loan of documents, letters, and other Lincoln memorabilia from the Hay- McClelland collection at Brown University. Displayed originally for 4 weeks in the British Museum, it was then included in the showings of the major exhibit in six cities. The other collection was that of Justin G. Turner of California, referred to earlier in this report. FEDERATION OF THE WEST INDIES Among the activities in the West Indies was a unique project which resulted in focusing attention on the Sesquicentennial Year. The Trinidad and Tobago Federal Road Walking Association sponsored a "Lincoln An- niversary Walking Race" on May 10 with the assistance of USIS in the arrangements and planning. Contestants were required to walk the course from the gate of the naval station at Chaguarams to the American consulate, a distance of 9 miles, to commemorate Lincoln's walk of the same distance to help a sick friend. The association plans to make this "Lincoln Memo- rial Walking Race" an annual event. The trophy, designed especially for this occasion, is a scated-Lincoln statuette with silver leaves surround- ing its base. It will be rotated from year to year and each winner's name and the year of his achievement will be engraved on one of the leaves. Aside from the main racing event, the program included appropriate speeches and program. The trophy was on display in front of the Amer- ican consulate together with a four-sided Lincoln exhibit. Ill' A very successful Lincoln essay contest was held, with 56 schools repre- senting all 10 territories of the West Indies Federation participating. Win- ner of the grand prize w-as 17-year-old Christopher Vanier of St. Kitts Grammar School, who received an all-expense-paid month's tour of the United States under the auspices of the U.S. Information Agency and the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. His itinerary included a week in Washington. D.C., where he visited Lincoln shrines and exhibits and met several Members of Congress; a tour of "Lincoln-Land" States and their historic p>oints of interest with stopovers at Chicago, Buffalo. Philadelphia, and New York. In his prizewinning essay which was read into the Con- gressional Record by Chairman Cooper, he said : . . . For Lincoln is loved and respected by people who have never seen Amer- ica, people who will never see America and people who do not wish to see Amer- ica. He has monuments to him in England, books about him in Chinese, and interest in him from Australia to the West Indies. He is a guide and an example to administrators of freedom everywhere. . . . He believed with Wordsworth, that other great humanitarian, that God did not intend even the meanest and plainest of people to exist divorced from good, or from equal opportunities for good. . . . FINLAND The USIS post in Helsinki used a unique idea around which to center the Sesquicentennial activities in Finland. They requested a chair which had been used by Lincoln to be shown in a leading Finnish department store's exhibit of chairs of famous people. The Lincoln Museum in Washington responded to this request by loaning a Lincoln chair which was flown to Helsinki in time for the exhibition. To identify the chair an enlarged pho- tographic copy of the Gettysburg Address in Lincoln's handwriting was hung beside it, together with an enlarged copy of Lincoln's signature. Pictures and stories of the chair were featured in all major newspap>ers and magazines, as well as on broadcasts throughout the countr\\ A Helsinki furniture de- signer commented that the chair's harmonious proportions and lines might very well suggest ideas to Finnish designers and furniture makers, since it was one of the most valuable and sensational chairs of the entire exhibit. FORMOSA The Chinese Nationalist Government of Formosa issued a commemorative stamp in two denominations as part of their participation in the Sesqui- centennial. First issue was made at the Taiwan Post Office in December 1959. Called the "Leaders of Democracy" stamp, both denominations bore portraits of former Chinese President, Dr. Sun Yat-sen, and Abraham Lincoln, with the flags of both nations in the background. A precedent was set with this issue since it was the first stamp issued by a Chinese Govern- ment to bear the picture of a foreign individual. GHANA In cooperation with U.S. Ambassador Flake and appropriate officials of the Ghana Government, USIS produced invitations and programs for the 1 12 opening ceremony of the new American Embassy building in Accra on February 1 2. The printed programs carried a reference to the Sesquicen- tennial and a Lincoln theme was carried out all through the ceremony. A special commemorative Lincoln stamp was issued by the Government of Ghana. Under the People-to-People program, some 500 first-day covers of this stamp were sent to other countries. During his trip through Africa, Congressman William G. Bray left an Alvastone bust of Lincoln with the USIS post in Accra to be presented to an appropriate recipient. On February 1 2, i960, ceremonies were arranged for the presentation of this bust to the library of the University College of Ghana. ICELAND The significance of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial was brought to the attention of many people in Iceland through a radio quiz program when Thorolf Smith, a Lincoln scholar for 18 years, appeared as a contestant. Choosing as his topic "Abraham Lincoln," he emerged as the winner of the 10,000 Icelandic Kronur prize and was presented by USIS with the six- volume set of Carl Sandburg's Abraham Lincoln. Speaking of Lincoln in his extemporaneous response to the awards, Mr. Smith said: "His ken was not limited by the Mississippi and Atlantic, he was the whole world; and as far as I can judge, Abraham Lincoln possessed the qualities I appreciate most of all, and which I think benefit us most; perseverance kindness to all people, and justice." An estimated 80 percent of all radio set owners in Iceland followed the quiz series. Later in the year Mr. Smith published a "Biography of Abraham Lincoln" and publicly thanked the USIS and the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Com- mission for their assistance in helping him obtain pictures and information sources for this work. Publicity surrounding the radio quiz program and the publication of the book resulted in much interest in Lincoln throughout all of Iceland. INDIA No other country participated in the Sesquicentennial observance more actively or more extensively than India where Abraham Lincoln, widely known and respected, is revered as the greatest of Americans and venerated on the same level as Mahatma Gandhi. Actually the first international observance of Lincoln Year took place on November 15, 1958, in the United States during a visit by Rajkumari Amrit Kaur to Washington, D.C. On that date, Princess Amrit, one of India's foremost Lincoln scholars and a world leader in women's affairs, was presented with a replica of the Maness bust of Lincoln by Miss Bertha Adkins, Chairman of the Commission's Executive Committee. The Rajkumari, secretary to Mahatma Gandhi for 15 years, has studied extensively the writings and biographies of the world's great freedom leaders and was inspired by the similarity between Gandhi and Lincoln in their ideals and philosophy of life. Through her leadership the India Lincoln Study Society was founded 541524 O— 60 9 ' I 3 and now boasts some 125 members. They are spearheading a drive for the establishment of an Abraham Lincoln Memorial Museum in New Delhi in which the works of Lincoln and other great democratic leaders will be maintained. The USIS report on press coverage, radio placement, statistical listing of audiences, distribution of pamphlets, and other Sesquicentennial participa- tion, all constitute evidences of the intensive activity throughout India. Emphasis on Lincoln means emphasis on individual freedom, human rights, and respect for all men. Reiteration of these qualities, as values worth venerating, can do much to bind together the countries of India and the United States. Three principal objectives and themes were employed in carrying out the coordinated observance in India : ( 1 ) The mutual interests shared by Lincoln's America and Gandhi's India which led to the use of many programs emphasizing their common qualities. The similarity of Lincolnian ideals and Gandhian principles was the nucleus around which many program activities revolved. (2) To show that Lincoln and his ideals comprise a symbol of the United States today. (3) Stressing the applicability of Lincoln's democratic principles to contemporary conditions, with emphasis on reverence for the in- dividual and demonstrating the identical beliefs of Lincoln and Gandhi. In January 1959, 33 delegates from all over South India convened in Madras to explore the potentialities of holding year-long Lincoln celebra- tions. The 2-day seminar was attended by former exchange students and specialists, office bearers of Indo-American associations, prominent Indian Government officials, leading journalists and educators, philosophers and cultural representatives. Considerable tangible results materialized from this conference. An immediate outgrowth of the seminar was the estab- lishment of the Madras Lincoln Celebration Committee. The core of this committee's efforts was centered around a week-long celebration in Febru- ary which included: a mass meeting inaugurating Lincoln Week; a com- memorative program staged at Tamil; and climaxing of the week's activities with a large public meeting in Madras featuring an elaborate program. Early in the year a "Lincoln-Gandhi Exhibit" was constructed and for- mally named "They Belong to the Ages." It pointed up the similarity of the two men and was modified from time to time as facilities and cere- monies permitted or deemed appropriate. Displayed throughout India, the exhibit was accompanied by special observance ceremonies in the various cities. At the opening in Shillong, the Minister of Education was so impressed he requested \JSIS to provide him with 10,000 copies of a coordinating "Lincoln-Gandhi" pamphlet for distribution throughout the entire Assam school system. Several books on Lincoln were translated and published in English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam. A 45-minute program was aired fea- turing speeches by prominent Indian Government officials delivered at the 1 14 inauguration of the Sesquicentennial ceremony and special program on February 1 2. An appropriate ceremony was arranged for the presentation of 34 books on Lincoln to the Gandhi-Lincoln Institute of Human Rela- tions at Gandhigram, India. One hundred daily newspapers and peri- odicals, both in English and regional dialects, published many Lincoln features. A few quotes taken from news stories, editorials, and magazine comments indicate the scope and effectiveness of the Lincoln Sesquicen- tennial observance in India : In celebrating the birth anniversary of Lincoln, Indians only discharged a debt of gratitude, still owing, still to pay. The memorable utterance in Gettysburg on November 19, 1863, is not only an imperishable part of the American heritage but the definition of the faith of free men everywhere, valid in every clime and at every stage of the his- torical process. From an editorial headed "A Wreath at Lincoln's Feet" — Today when democracy is threatened throughout the world either by diabolic weapons or by the callousness of demagogues unwilljng to shoulder responsibili- ties, the shining example of the rail-splitter from Kentucky is a reliable guide and reassuring inspiration. IRAN Many programs were carried out during the year in Iran in cooperation with the Iran-American Society in Tehran. Outstanding among these was the February 12 ceremony renaming the USIS-Tehran Information Center the "Abraham Lincoln Library." An impressive ceremony was conducted with American and Iranian governmental officials speaking on the theme, "What Lincoln Means to Us." Texts of the speeches were published in Farsi and English and widely distributed to press and radio. A skillfully made bas-relief of a Lincoln head was placed in the library. ISRAEL In Israel a very successful Sesquicentennial program was carried out which demonstrated an increased interest in all matters concerning the Civil War President and the historical background of the United States. The ready response and interest of Israelis, official and private, in the personality and achievements of Abraham Lincoln are best described by the remarks of an official from the Ministry of Education and Culture : This is an event commemorating not one of the most outstanding human beings in the world, but the most outstanding. It is an event honoring a man whose writings we should all consult when we talk of freedom, sacrifice, and the re- sponsibility of the individual. A highlight of the observance in the country was the dedication ceremony of Bar-Ilan University's new Abraham Lincoln Science Building in February which coincided with the opening of a special Lincoln exhibition, which was later transferred to Hebrew University in Jerusalem for a 2-week showing. As the plans for the dedication of the new building were finalized, Dr. Truvia Bar-Ilan, president of the university, made the following statement: Bar-Ilan University is proud of having its new Science Building named for Abraham Lincoln. We hope it will be a constant reminder to those who study there of those qualities which have made Lincoln not only the most beloved American President but also a noble inspiration for all mankind. His honesty, sense of humor, wisdom, magnanimity, and love of humanity as well as his historic deeds make him one of the greatest men in the annals of civilization. OfHcials from the Ministry of Education and Culture responded imme- diately with cooperative efforts planned for the Sesquicentennial obser\-ance. The Director General issued instructions to all teachers that the week of February 1 2 should be devoted to the study of the life of Lincoln, and that the teachers should encourage an essay contest on this subject in their class- rooms. Teachers' requests for Lincoln material exceeded all expectations. ITALY Beginning on February 12, a flood of Lincoln material appeared in the Italian press. An incomplete check shows that 31 daily papers carried items on Lincoln and 6 devoted an entire page to the anniversary. A press reception in Rome Cultural Center to draw attention to the Lincoln exhibit resulted in coverage in the entire Rome press and out-of-town papers as far away as Sicily. Nightly nationwide radio and TV news reports covered the exhibit. Catholic Illustrated Weekly with 100,000 circulation had 4 pages of Lincoln photos and texts, including a color spread in the February 22 issue. The exhibit, result of months of research in archives of Italian institutions by Mrs. DeRuette of Rome Area stafT, showed contemporary Italian interest in Lincoln. Its core consisted of 16 editorials, illustrations, and other items on Lincoln that appeared during 1863-65 in 9 newspapers published in Italy's principal cities. Subjects included the Emancipation Proclamation, a message from Garibaldi to Lincoln on the importance of the proclamation, and picturesque illustrations dealing with participation of the Garibaldi Brigade in the Civil War. The opportunity to link such names as Mazzini and Garibaldi to that of Lincoln established a most important community of interest. The anniversary of the delivery of the Gettysburg Address was celebrated on November 19 with a commemorative program presented to capacity crowds in the Embassy Theater. The afternoon audience was made up of high school students accompanied by their teachers. A repeat performance was given in the evening for an adult audience which included journalists, officials and professors, distinguished diplomatic and Government officials, and representatives of the Supreme Court. The program included the reading of the Gettysburg Address by Italian Actor Sergio Bargone; showing of the MGM documentary "Battle of Gettysburg" ; and showing of the film "Abe Lincoln in Illinois." Another highlight program, which brought to an end Italy's Sesquicen- tennial observance activities, was held on December 10 at the Campidoglio 116 in Rome, under the auspices of the Italo-American Association, the Center of Latin Action, and the International Committee for Unity and Univer- sality of Culture. Featured speaker was Supreme Court Justice Gaspare Ambrosini, well known throughout Italy for his interest in American affairs, who spoke on the thoughts and works of Lincoln. A film was made of the program and featured on the Italian television network. A report from USIS-Rome stated that "one rather unexpected by- product, certainly a positive one, emerged from the nationwide telecast of the film 'Four Bitter Years' on RAI-TV. Upon hearing the casualty figures, the RAI-TV oflficials were at first totally incredulous and then very greatly impressed at the fearful magnitude of our Civil War. This television pro- duction afforded the appropriate rejoinder to the many who claim that the United States cannot comprehend or sympathize with the Europeans' long- ing for peace because Americans have never had a real war in their backyard." JAPAN In addition to the "Mission to Japan" discussed under the State of In- diana's activity in this report, many other observances and activities took place in this Far Eastern country. A mass meeting in honor of Lincoln's Birthday was arranged by a prominent pro-American Japanese leader with assistance from USIS and featured a lecture-concert-movie program. Sev- eral books on Lincoln were translated into Japanese. Wide distribution was made of a Japanese original publication, "Lincoln: The Embodiment of Democracy." Cultural centers throughout the country were provided with a do-it-yourself Lincoln exhibit and six major Tokyo bookstores featured Japanese citizens viewing Lincoln exhibit in Tokyo department store. 117 Lincoln exhibits during the month of February. One of the three largest national dailies, Yomiuri, serialized Dr. Paul Angle's 1 0,000-word article on Lincoln. A letter to the Commission written by M. Mochizuki, president of Japan Publications Trading Co., Ltd., requested copies of the "Lincoln Line-a- Days" and contained the following information: It may interest you to know that my collection of material on the great Pres- ident is growing, thanks through friends in the United States, and especially through the courtesy of the Lincoln Tomb State Memorial, Springfield, 111., from which body I received a good batch of material. Drawing on this material, I prepared a booklet in Japanese called "Lincoln and Books." Hundreds of copies were given out free at the celebration here the other day on the occasion of Lincoln's 150th birth anniversary. KOREA In Korea the assistance of all media in the commemorative activities developed a new awareness among leaders and students throughout the country of Lincoln's achievements in behalf of human freedom. For example. News Review, a weekly publication prepared specifically for Korea's 4,000 top leaders, devoted cover photos of two consecutive issues to the Sesquicentennial. Dongwha News Agency devoted a two-page lay- out of photos and text to Lincoln's boyhood and political highlights in its new magazine Dongwha News Graphic. Three pamphlets printed in both Korean and English and directed to key audiences were released. Thirty thousand Lincoln wall calendars were distributed and drew unexpected praise from all quarters of the nation because of the inspiring quotation which hit a strong emotional chord with the people. A radio commentary broadcast by a prominent Korean on the significance of Lincoln to the development of democracy proved so popular it was published in Korean and required a second printing. One of the most outstanding events was the Lincoln display featured at the Seoul Exhibition Hall from February 9 through 23 which was visited by more than 1,000 visitors each day, almost triple the usual number of daily visitors. News- reels of this exhibit and some of the other important events were distributed to 1 36 commercial theaters and viewed by approximately 500,000 people. LIBERIA The highlight event of the year in Liberia was an intensive month-long celebration in March, winding up the Lincoln essay contest in which students from Liberia's university and the various high schools participated. Judges consisting of Government officials, educators, and USIS representatives chose the three winners who were awarded scholarships to the University of Liberia varying from i to 4 years. During the month 7 lectures were presented to students of the various schools and to the general public; 24 Voice of America taped programs on Lincoln were rebroadcast; 8 movies were shown on the life of Lincoln; press coverage included daily stories on Lincoln in the Daily Listener and a special supplement on Lincoln in the Liberian Age. 118 MEXICO A distinctive contribution to the Sesquicentennial aims was made by Mexico all during the year. Among the many observances held in this country these are outstanding : On his state visit to Mexico early in 1959, President Eisenhower presented to the President of Mexico a Leo Cherne bust of Lincoln as a symbol of freedom and friendship. In the following months there was much Lincoln Sesquicentennial activity in Mexico City, including a special awards cere- iHUMll. ^^bi8i^2zz^'>,MMimA Mayor Dr. Juan I. Menchaca plants one of the four maple trees near the Lincoln bust on the Avenue of the Americas, Guadalajara, Mexico, as a symbolic tribute to Abraham Lincoln. 119 mony held by the Ministry of Education at the conclusion of the Lincoln essay competition. The Mexican Minister of Education, Governmental officials, professors, and the USIS stafT members participated in the presenta- tion of awards to the 14 winners chosen from 2,600 entries by students rang- ing in age from i o to 1 5 years. At Monterrey a Lincoln's Birthday celebration was held in the University of Nuevo Leon featuring the rector of the university, representatives from the American consulate, and educators as speakers; music by the university's chorus and chamber orchestra ; color guard and band from the 7th Mexican Military Zone. On the following day a 5-week lecture series was launched, with community leaders speaking on such subjects as: "Did Lincoln Emanci- pate the Slaves"; "A Parallel Between Juarez and Lincoln"; "Lincoln, A Politician and a Democrat" ; "Lincoln, the Man." These programs were tape recorded and broadcast in other sections of the country. A local Monterrey artist completed an oil painting of Lincoln and presented it to the binational center, saying he "hoped the painting would demonstrate the respect and affection that the Mexican people feel for Abraham Lincoln." In Guadalajara a brilliant ceremony was held at the foot of the Lincoln bust which stands on the Avenue of the Americas just outside the city. The wholehearted cooperation of State and city officials, military establish- ments, leading civic and cultural institutions made this one of the most colorful and impressive ceremonies ever dedicated to the United States in this city. A chorus of 400 schoolchildren, a neighboring State band, avia- tion school, and American Legion guards of honor, all participated. Chil- dren carried the flags of 21 American Republics. Among the many speeches relating to the life and work of Lincoln there was one which iden- tified Lincoln, Whitman, and Eakins with Jaurez, Nervo, and Orozco, pointing out "that these men were products of their respective peoples and as such serve us today as guides toward the ideals we all mutually share." Highlighting the ceremony was the mayor's dedication of "Abraham Lin- coln Street" at the unveiling of a bronze plaque mounted on a stone base commemorating the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth. Radio Gua- dalajara broadcast the entire ceremony and also produced and broadcast twice during the afternoon and evening a 20-minute program relating to the association of Lincoln to Mexico. The program was based on corre- spondence which was exchanged between Juarez and Lincoln. Commissioner John Fisher received the following letter from U.S. Ambas- sador to Mexico, Robert C. Hill: The Abraham Lincoln sapphire heads which you and your associates were kind enough to send me were received here with great appreciation. Several of them have been given to high Government officials and to other prominent Mexicans. As you are, no doubt, aware Abraham Lincoln is one of our historic figures who commands great admiration throughout Latin America and especially here in Mexico where he is placed side by side with Benito Juarez, one of Mexico's national heroes. Your plans for the commemoration of Abraham Lincoln throughout the world is, in my opinion, a wonderful idea. Lincoln is as much admired abroad, especially in this continent, as he is in the United States. This is only just. He stands for those enduring and eternal principles and values of our demo- cratic system of Government : equality and justice. 120 MOROCCO Half a million Moroccans gained some knowledge of Lincoln and what he stood for through films, exhibits, lectures, press coverage, and special radio broadcasts. Radio Maroc actors made tape recordings of lo voices reading the Arabic abbreviated version of Drinkwater's play on Lincoln. Eight thousand Lincoln calendars and a similar supply of pamphlets were distributed. A special one-page sheet of Lincoln's life and sayings was freely distributed. Bookmarks bearing cleaned, polished, and mounted new Lin- coln pennies and the simple legend in Arabic "Souvenir of the 150th Anni- versary, Abraham Lincoln, 1809- 1959" were distributed to audiences at the many Lincoln lectures throughout the year. These lectures stressed Lincoln as a man whose life symbolized courage, virtue, and high national purpose over selfish whims, and emphasized the similarity between Lin- coln and Morocco's Mohammed V. USIS Rabat's listing of cultural events carried a small print of the Brady photograph of Lincoln on the front cover and the text of the Gettysburg Address in English and Arabic on the back. SAN MARINO Lincoln has been a hero of San Marino since he wrote a letter to the Captain's Regent in 1861 accepting an honorary citizenship which con- tinues to be preserved in the national archives. On February 16 Ambas- sador Zellerbach visited the tiny republic for a Lincoln celebration. A national holiday was declared and walls were plastered with manifestos, including many inviting the citizens to rejoice "al nome di Abramo Lin- coln." A forthcoming issue of a series of postage stamps bearing Lincoln's likeness was announced by Foreign Minister Federico Bigi. In addition to being a great occasion in San Marino, the visit stimulated attention to Lin- coln throughout Italy. RAI-TV twice broadcast films of the event in its news roundup and both AP and UP carried stories on their wires. SOUTH AFRICA The National Network of the South African Broadcasting Corp. broad- cast a 4-minute speech by the Consul General in Johannesburg on its "Topic for Tonight Program" commemorating Lincoln's birthday. Three news- papers cooperated on Lincoln contests: The Globe Newspaper, published for English-speaking boys and girls, ran an essay contest; Die Jongspan, a weekly Afrikaans publication, carried Lincoln material weekly in coopera- tion with the contest among non-English-speaking people ; and The Golden City Post, a Sunday paper, ran a series of True Tales Cartoons containing quiz contest information. Other participation by the press included feature stories such as: Sandburg's "Small Town American Belongs to the World," carried in the Pretoria News; "Abraham Lincoln Was a Natural Democrat," in the Argus Chain; and "The Man Who Made Them a Nation," in the Rand Daily Mail. 121 THAILAND A celebration to launch the Sesquicentennial Year was held in Thailand on January 28 under the joint sponsorship of the USIS, the Fulbright Foundation, and the American University Alumni Association. The com- pound was decorated with a motif of Lincolniana featuring a life-size Lincoln statue sculptured by the staff of the USIS Arts and Exhibit Section, an exhibition of posters depicting highlights of Lincoln's life, and a realistic log cabin. Each guest was presented with a key chain which held a plastic- encased Lincoln souvenir penny. The distinguished guest of honor was the King of Thailand whose presence attracted nationwide publicity to the afTair, since it was said to be his first acceptance of an invitation to a social event sponsored by a foreign mission. The nationwide publicity given to this occasion established an awareness of the significance of the Sesqui- centennial and provided a basis for the additional Lincoln observance events carried on during the remainder of the year. Thai staff of the USIS Bangkok Art Department fashion a statue of Lincoln in plaster for display during the Sesquicentennial celebration in Thailand. 122 WEST GERMANY A dispatch from USIS West Germany received at the close of the Sesqui- centennial Year stated that "The Lincoln Sesquicentennial fell upon fertile ground in West Germany where Abraham Lincoln undoubtedly is the most widely known and respected American statesman. The Germany today is apt to find much immediate significance to him in the ideals and problems of freedom and national unity with which Lincoln was so intimately and prominently associated." West Berlin, Bonn, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Dusseldorf all participated extensively in the observance along with other cities and vil- lages of West Germany. American soldiers stationed in Frankfurt built a duplicate of Abe Lincoln's log cabin birthplace in front of the American Cultural Center with timber donated by a Taunus mountain village. Cere- monies were held on Lincoln's Birthday and plans formulated to make the log cabin replica a permanent exhibit. Men of Company C, 299th Engineering Battalion, shown building the replica of Lincoln's birthplace cabin at Frankfurt, Germany. In West Berlin presentation of an actual-size replica of the Lincoln cabin was made to Mayor Willy Brandt on March 13, to be on permanent display in the city. The ceremony, attended by many Government officials, edu- cators, and representatives from cultural institutions, received wide publicity 123 Minister Bernard Gufler {at microphone), Deputy Chief, U.S. Mission Berlin, presents to Mayor Willy Brandt {far left) for the city of Berlin a replica of Lin- coln's birthplace. and the cabin exhibition was visited by more than 45,000 people during the Lincoln Year, many of whom were from the Russian sector. As a commemoration of the Sesquicentennial the U.S. Embassy and consulates used letter-size envelopes which were imprinted with a Lincoln portrait. More than 1/2 million envelopes carrying the Lincoln imprint were produced and used throughout the year. Mayor Brandt's visit to the United States and the text of his Lincoln dinner address at Springfield were given wide distribution throughout Germany. A film of his Springfield visit and U.S. tour was made and pre- sented in many public showings. One showing at a Berlin sports palace attracted some 10,000 viewers. The USIS branches in West Germany in cooperation with the German Society for American Studies sponsored one of the most successful of the Lincoln essay contests in the high schools. The contest received enthusi- astic support from cultural and educational authorities at the local and State levels who acted as screening panels for the 5,000 entries. Winners were flown to Berlin for a presentation ceremony on September 14 where an address by Mayor Brandt was a feature of the program. Extensive coverage by newspapers, radio, and newsreels resulted. The national prize-winning essay was one submitted by an 18-year-old Hamburg student, Christa Reinecke. In addition to monetary and literary prizes, Miss Rei- necke was awarded a month's tour of the United States as the guest of the U.S. Information Agency and the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. While in this country durina; October, she visited historical sites and Lin- 124 Rhodesia Pakistan Spain Peru Iraq Republic of the Philippines Ecuador Portugal Ethiopia Sweden Malaya Syria New Zealand Uruguay coin Memorials in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, New York, and Michigan. The excellent cooperation given to Sesquicentennial activities during the year resulted in more than 2 million people throughout West Germany being constantly aware of the many programs, exhibits, contests, and cere- monies being conducted in commemoration of this anniversary observance. Many Other Countries Paid Tribute It is impossible to record here all of the observances in all of the coun- tries. It is clear, however, from the brief samplings of activity recorded above that it would be difficult to find a country or island in the most remote part of the world that was not made aware of the Sesquicentennial Year. Commission headquarters does not have records to show the partic- ipation in all of the countries. There are records to show, however, that in addition to those countries mentioned heretofore in this report, there was active participation in the countries listed below : British Guiana Burma Canada Chile Cuba Cyprus Dominican Republic Egypt In the U.S.S.R., Lincoln was hailed with articles in: Izvestia, official Soviet Government newspaper; Trud, trade union paper; Literaturnaya; Gazeta; and the New Times, a weekly magazine. People To People The President's People to People Committee in cooperation with the USIA and the State Department also gave valuable assistance to the foreign program. To name just a few of the projects sponsored by this group: The International Friendship League, Inc., of Boston, a member of the People to People Letter Writing Committee, planned a celebration on February 12 in Hingham, Mass., where Abraham Lincoln's ancestral home is still standing. Press, television, and radio coverage of this event was spread around the world; American children were asked by the league to write about Lincoln and the anniversary celebration and to enclose Lin- coln pennies in their letters to children overseas. The Common Council for American Unity issued a press release to approximately 600 foreign-language newspapers and 700 foreign-language radio stations in the United States on the international significance of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and urged that letters to friends and rela- tives abroad emphasize Lincoln and the ideals for which he stood. The chairman of the Advertising Committee wrote a circular letter to 125 committee members suggesting ads on Lincoln by international advertisers and stimulating stories in industrial house organs. The Stamp Subcommittee of the Hobbies Committee cooperated closely with foreign governments on special commemorative Lincoln stamp issues. The Cartoonist Committee produced a "Life of Lincoln" in comic-book form prepared by the famous cartoonist Al Capp. This booklet was repro- duced in the major foreign languages and used extensively in many countries. The Service Organizations Committee urged each of the member organ- izations with counterparts overseas to celebrate Lincoln's Birthday by holding special luncheons and meetings with speeches on Lincoln by members or American Government officials. The Fine Arts Committee raised funds to supply Lincoln statues to foreign cities and the Music Committee encouraged U.S. symphony orchestras tour- ing abroad to play the "Lincoln Oratorio" and suggested special concerts commemorating Lincoln's Birthday. A large bust of Lincoln was donated by the Lions International of the United States to the Lions Club of Guayaquil, Ecuador. U.S. Consul Gen- eral Ward P. Allen delivered the bust to the Guayaquil Lions Club president on March 23, i960. The statue was placed on the Avenida de las Americas in a prominent place among other busts and statues lining the avenue and unveiled in formal ceremonies on April 14. All facets of the People-to-People program actively participated in Lin- coln Year and gave wholehearted cooperation to the Commission's endeavors. Radio Free Europe Another organization whose assistance was of inestimable value in spread- ing the Lincoln story throughout the world was Radio Free Europe. Pro- grams were broadcast behind the Iron Curtain to Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria, and Rumania throughout the year. A few examples of their participation are listed here. Lincoln Birthday celebrations through- out America were given full coverage. The voices of Mark Van Doren, author of the new play "The Last Days of Lincoln," and Carl Sandburg were heard in a program combining translation with recorded voice excerpts of the English-language interview's. A radio adaptation in Hungarian of "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" was given with Eve Soreny and Sandor Szabo, theatrical stars in Hungary until 1956 when they escaped after the revolu- tion, in the leading roles. A third feature of Radio Free Europe's "Lincoln Festival" was statements on "Lincoln the Emancipator" by prominent Amer- icans including: Judge Harvey Stephens, American jurist; A. Philip Ran- dolph, AFL-CIO labor leader; Louis Armstrong, jazz musician; and Jackie Robinson, from the world of sports. All of these organizations, agencies, and individuals worked prodigiously and enthusiastically on Sesquicentennial projects throughout Lincoln Year, and the overwhelming results show that on the international level interest was remarkably keen and extensive. Looking at this extensive participation and interest in countries around the globe, one can only feel that the name "Lincoln" is almost as familiar to the schoolboy in Calcutta as it is to the one in Des Moines, Iowa. 126 National Organizations , Agencies Business and Industry IMMEDIATELY following the organization of the Lincoln Sesquicen- tennial Commission, a communication was sent to national and regional organizations, Federal agencies, trade associations, business and industry groups throughout the country informing them of the plans for the Sesqui- centennial observance and inviting their cooperation. The response from these groups was overwhelming. Hundreds of national associations took part in the observance in ways and means appropriate to their organizational structure and program. Through this preliminary contact, a compre- hensive mailing list of some 10,000 names was developed for distribution of news material. Commission publications, and special advisories. Many organizations such as the American Society of Association Executives, Gov- ernment Directory of National Organizations, the National Association of Broadcasters, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, the American Newspaper Publishers Association, the Magazine Publishers Association, and the Civil War Centennial Commission made their mailing lists available to the Commission. Others requested the material in bulk and then distributed it to their membership through regular organization mailings. Many pub- lished articles, editorials, feature stories, and news items in house organs or trade publications. A large number developed special Lincoln projects for their locally affiliated groups. The national radio and television networks. Public Relations Society of America, National Association of Manufacturers, and others used "Lincoln Sesquicentennial" postage meter-slugs. A "how-to-kit," prepared and dis- tributed by the Commission to national organizations giving program sug- gestions for year-long participation, was used extensively. The examples given here are merely indicative of the cooperation ex- tended to the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission by the many organiza- tions. It is far from complete, but short of a complete listing it is no exaggeration to say that practically every national civic, fraternal, educa- tional, religious, women's, youth, media, club, society, business and industry association, or other organizations of national scope in some way took note of the Sesquicentennial and joined in honoring the memory of Abraham Lincoln. BROADCAST MUSIC, INC., PARTICIPATES Broadcast Music, Inc., music licensing firm of New York, enthusiastically entered into the Sesquicentennial observance with a diversity of programs 127 planned to recall and perpetuate Lincoln's memory. Their contribution was perhaps the most outstanding one made by any single business organiza- tion. BMI's extensive collection of Lincolniana was made available on several occasions for display in connection with celebrations and ceremonies. President Carl Haverlin seized every opportunity to speak to groups on Lincoln, attend seminars and symposiums, and personally participate in Lincoln activities throughout the country. Four major projects were under- taken by BMI to honor the memory of Abraham Lincoln. Radioscript Series In past years BMLs public service radio script series "The American Story" had been widely honored, including awards from the American Association for State and Local History, the Ohio State University Institute for Education by Radio-Television, and the Freedoms Foundation. This, then, was seen as an excellent vehicle for spreading the Lincoln story and BMI chose "The Abraham Lincoln Story, 1809- 1959" as the title for the series during the Sesquicentennial observance. Seventy-four 15-minute radioscripts were prepared and made available as a public service to radio and television stations, to local public libraries, educational institutions, and civic organizations for use in connection with broadcasting, and to the USIA for distribution to their USIS posts around the world. "The Lincoln Story" reexplored every aspect of the President's life and age, providing new insight into why he endures as a dynamic force in contemporary American thought and action. Each chapter was written by a leading Lincoln or Civil War scholar. The entire series was broadcast by more than 1,000 stations in this country and by hundreds more in foreign countries. Each program in the series began with the same introduction which included the following paragraph : This year, the world marks the 1 50th anniversary of the birth of the man who fulfilled a destiny without parallel in our history. , To provide new and pene- trating insight into the man — and into ourselves as custodians of a still-enduring democracy — Broadcast Music, Inc., has prepared "The Abraham Lincoln Story, 1809-1959." The finest creative scholarship of more than 50 eminent his- torians, statesmen, and men of letters has been mobilized to bring you a year- long series of broadcasts upon this important theme. Today, and in the weeks to come, THE EVENTS . . . the personalities . . . the political dilemmas and philosophical torments of his life and age will be reexplored to discover the sources of that gift of magic that impressed Lincoln's image upon the heart and mind of America." Listed below are the titles of the 74 scripts in the series and their authors : Abraham Lincoln: The Wilderness Beginnings, by Carl Sandburg The World of Tom and Nancy Lincoln, by R. Gerald McMurtry Lincoln's Boyhood, by Sterling North Abraham Lincoln Grows Up, by Philip Van Doren Stern Lincoln in New Salem, by Paul M. Angle Lincoln's First Loves, by Olive Carruthers Lincoln Enters Politics, by William E. Baringer Abraham Lincoln : Illinois Legislator, by Clyde C. Walton Lincoln's Marriage, by Marion D. Pratt 128 Lincoln Emerges as a Leader, by Leo A. Lerner Lincoln, the Lawyer, by Willard L. King Congressman Abraham Lincoln, by Donald W. Riddle Lincoln and Herndon, by Albert A. Woldman Lincoln Re-enters Politics, by Allan Nevins The Lincoln Family, by Ruth Painter Randall Lincoln and Douglas, by Paul H. Douglas Lincoln and Laughter, by Mart Reis Lewis Lincoln at the Cooper Union, by Johnson E. Fairchild The Nomination of Abraham Lincoln, by Walter Trohan The Election of i860, by Adlai E. Stevenson The Self-Education of Abraham Lincoln, by Robert L. Kincaid Lincoln's Last Days in Illinois, by Earl Schenck Miers The Face of Abraham Lincoln, by Avard Fairbanks Lincoln Goes to Washington, by Shelby Foote Lincoln Organizes the Government, by Richard N. Current The Six Most Fateful Weeks in American History, by David M. Potter Fort Sumter and War, by W. A. Swanberg Washington in Lincoln's Time, by Herbert Mitgang Turmoil in Washington: Lincoln and the Committee on the Conduct of War, by T. Harry Williams Lincoln and McClellan, by Bruce Catton Lincoln and the South, by Richard B. Harwell The Lincolns in the White House, by James G. Randall The Lincolns in the White House, by Margaret A. Flint Lincoln and the Press, by Louis M. Starr Lincoln and American Foreign Affairs, by Wayne C. Temple Lincoln and the Politics of War, by John Hope Franklin Lincoln and the Emancipation Proclamation, by Jay Monaghan Lincoln, Master Politician, by Roy F. Nichols Lincoln, Commander-in-Chief, by Ulysses S. Grant III Gettysburg and the Few Appropriate Remarks, by Norman Corwin Lincoln and the Navy, by Joseph T. Durkin, S.J. White House Routine Under Lincoln, by Lloyd A. Dunlap Lincoln and Grant, by E. B. Long The War Powers of President Lincoln, by Fred Schwengel Lincoln as a Liberal Statesman, by Ralph W. Yarborough Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis, by Frank E. Vandiver Lincoln in the Archives, by C. Percy Powell Lincoln and the Copperheads, by Wood Gray Lincoln and the Statesmen of Rebellion, by Robert D. Meade Lincoln Remakes the Supreme Court, by Irving Dilliard The Unpopular Mr. Lincoln, by Robert S. Harper The Election of 1864, by Howard K. Beale Lincoln and His Hope for a "Just, and a Lasting Peace," by Carl Haverlin Lincoln and the Family of Man, by Ralph G. Newman Lincoln and the Thirteenth Amendment, by Justin Miller Lincoln and Music, by Kenneth A. Bernard Lincoln and the Advent of Peace, by Otto Eisenschiml Lincoln in Richmond, by Clifford Dowdey Lincoln as a Man of Letters, by Roy P. Basler Lincoln's Plan of Reconstruction, by William B. Hesseltine Lincoln's Humility, by Norman A. Graebner Lincoln as a Dramatic Subject, by Dore Schary 541524 O— 60 10 1 29 A Playwright Looks at Lincoln, by Mark Van Doren Lincoln and the Fourteenth Amendment, by Sherrill Halbert Photographs of Abraham Lincoln, by Roy Meredith Lincoln and the Whole Nation, by Henry Steele Commager Lincoln Goes to the Theater, by Handle B. Truett The Nation Mourns, by Lloyd Lewis The Nation Mourns, by Arnold Gates Abraham Lincoln and the Art of the Word, by Marianne Moore The Faith of Abraham Lincoln, by Richard P. Graebel Reflections While Standing Before the Lincoln Memorial, by Helen M. Newell Reflections While Standing Before the Lincoln Memorial, by Nancy A. Potter Four New Heads of Lincoln Commissioned In connection with the radio series, BMI commissioned four studies of Lincoln at different stages of his life to be created in marble by the noted American sculptor Avard Fairbanks, consultant in fine arts to the University of Utah and resident sculptor on campus. The four heads, 21 inches high, 10 inches wide, and 9 inches deep, depict Mr. Lincoln as "The Young Lin- coln," "Lincoln, the Frontiersman," "Lincoln, the Lawyer," and "Lincoln, the President." Photographs of the statues were included in the covers of the script series and incorporated into BMFs advertising throughout the year. The completed heads were exhibited at various times in public show- ings and on television. When the plaster casts of the heads were unveiled at Commission headquarters in February 1959, Carl Haverlin made the following statement : When we saw these first models, and appreciated fully the importance of the work being done by Dr. Fairbanks, we decided that the final figures should be given to the National Government for display where Americans and our foreign visitors will be able to view them in the years to come. At the close of the Sesquicentennial Year, these four marble heads of Abraham Lincoln were presented to the U.S. Government through the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission and have been placed in the Lin- coln Museum in Ford's Theater on public display. Essay Writing Contest The third major project undertaken by this organization was an essay contest on the theme "Reflections While Standing Before the Lincoln Memorial." This project was carried out with the cooperation of the American Association for State and Local History, and in association with This Week magazine. More than 15,000 entries were received from every State in the Union. The distinguished group of final judges who selected the winning papers — one in the professional writer category and one in the nonprofessional writer category — included : Paul M. Angle, Dr. Ralph Bunche, Bruce Catton, Allan Nevins, Dr. Walter B. Eshelmann, John B. Fisher, Dr. Frederick H. Burkhardt, Howard Mumford Jones, Ralph G. Newman, Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt, Congressman Fred Schwengel, 130 Mark Van Doren, and Dr. Kenneth D. Wells. The two winning essays became the final programs in "The Lincoln Story" radio series. Checks for $1,000 were presented to each of the winners at the District of Columbia Lincoln Group dinner on February 12, i960. Helen Marie Newell of Boise, Idaho, was chosen as winner in the professional writer group. Nancy A. Potter of Voluntown, Conn., had the prizewinning essay in the non- professional writer group. Cooperating in the essay project were State historical organizations from Arkansas, Cahfomia, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Book To Be Published The fourth project of lasting Sesquicentennial significance is the pub- lication of a book based on the above-mentioned script series and edited by Ralph G. Newman. Entitled Lincoln For the Ages, the book will be published by Doubleday & Co., Inc., in the fall of i960. Sales Promotion, Inc., of New York, included a 14-page list of sug- gestions tying in with the Sesquicentennial in the February' 1959 issue of their Sales Counseling Book, which has a distribution of 500 department stores throughout the country. Kirby Block & Co., a New York buying office, put out a similar mailing to some 500 department stores. This re- sulted in Lincoln window displays in major department stores in many cities and towns. The National Association of Manufacturers carried an editorial and a feature stor)' on the Sesquicentennial Year in their February Bulletin urging members to participate in the activities. This bulletin reached Q 2,000 manufacturers in the United States. The American Automobile Association included a story of the "Land of Lincoln" in its February travel kit which goes to a mailing list of 1,100 publications and organizations. The story highlighting spring and sum- mer travel in his "Land of Lincoln" State of lUinois was written by Gov- ernor Stratton. Sons of Union Veterans in cooperation with the Military Order of the Loyal Legion commemorated the anniversary of Lincoln's assassination with a special ceremony at Springfield, 111., on April 15. The American Legion presented a Certificate of Appreciation acknowl- edging the Commission's contribution to their Boys' Nation program in Washington, D.C. Copies of the Lincoln Ideals were supplied to the boys and counselors attending. A letter accompanying the certificate said in part: ... I assure you that every boy and counselor were highly pleased and I am sure that upon their return to their respective states, they will be good-will ambassadors and assist with your planned observances in their own communities. 131 Legion posts all over the country participated in the observance in various ways. State and County Fair Boards in response to a letter circulated by the Commission arranged for special distribution of over a quarter of a million copies of the All Aboard Mr. Lincoln booklet, 60,000 copies of the Abraham Lincoln Said . . . pamphlet, and other Lincoln materials. Many fairs planned special exhibits, programs, parade floats, and cere- monies to observe Lincoln Year. The Veterans" Administration cooperated through its many branches located throughout the United States. For example, the Veterans' Admin- istration of Milwaukee, Wis., carried two-and-a-half pages of Sesquicenten- nial information and "Facts About Lincoln" in the February issue of the Employee Information Bulletin. Camp Fire Girls, Inc., published an article on the observance in their Quarterly Guide magazine along with suggestions as to how Camp Fire Girls might participate in programing for Lincoln Year. B'nai B'rith included a reprint of program suggestions for Lincoln pro- grams in their programs and projects bulletin "Program Keys," accom- panied by a note to "use them — study them — for out of them can come un- usual and stimulating lodge programs." At several times throughout the year, special Lincoln features were carried in this bulletin which goes to some 3,000 lodges. The All State Hobby Club featured a Lincoln cachet at the national convention held in Springfield, 111. While all hobbies were represented at this convention, stress was placed on Lincoln and many Lincoln exhibits were entered. American Library Association actively participated in the Sesquicen- tennial observance throughout the year. One of the outstanding contribu- tions of this organization was a published bibliography of the 10 best children's books on Abraham Lincoln in the April issue of the ALA Bulletin. Selections were made by the Children's Services Division. The National Cartoonists Society marshaled its talents for a year- long program of editorial, educational, and commemorative cartoons created by many of the society's outstanding members. The U.S. Treasury Department's Internal Revenue Service fea- tured a front cover reproduction of the Lincoln Memorial statue and back cover "cut" of a log cabin on the annual information booklet for taxpayers. The Savings Bond Division used a Lincoln Sesquicentennial theme for the 2-day conference of their Industrial Editors Advisory Committee, a group comprised of 21 outstanding leaders in that field. Lincoln posters and a large blowup of the official Sesquicentennial seal were used as a backdrop for the speakers table. Commission publications and Lincoln literature were distributed. Honor guest Richard Boone and retiring Committee Chairman Willis L. Peck of Revere Copper & Brass, Inc., were presented with specially mounted new Lincoln pennies. A reference to Abraham Lincoln was incorporated into the savings bond spot announcements for radio and television during the month of February. 132 The American Jewish Committee prepared and mailed a set of 30- and 60-second spot announcements on the Lincoln Anniversary to every radio station in the country. Immigration and Naturalization Service Employee Bulletin with a domestic and oversea circulation of 7,000 carried Lincoln items in several issues. The National Federation of Republican Women were most coopera- tive. They distributed 3,700 copies of the Sesquicentennial Handbook of Information to key leaders as a guide to local programing, included copies of The Intelligencer in mailings to all local branches, and carried numerous items and articles on Lincoln in their regular newsletter. National Association of Broadcasters offered the full support of its members, which includes most of the radio and television stations in the United States and all of the networks. At the NAB National Convention in March 1959, the members unanimously adopted a resolution to the effect that "the association and its members continue to give support to the local and national Sesquicentennial celebrations which are intended to reempha- size the qualities of tolerance and compassion which personified him who is remembered as the 'symbol of the free man.' " The American Women in Radio & Television, Inc., unanimously adopted a similar resolution at their Eighth Annual Convention in New York City during May 1959. The International Harvester Export Co., as a contribution to the U.S. Information Agency's international observance program, prepared and contributed 5,000 lithographs of the original work by Donald Mills showing the interior of the Lincoln Memorial. National Retail Merchants Association distributed reproduction proofs of the official Commission seal for use by its 2,500 members in their local advertising. Indiana Tobacco & Candy Distributors Assocl\tion devoted a full page of their program for the 1 2th Annual Convention to "Lincoln Ideals" and the Sesquicentennial Year. The Native Daughters of the 'Golden West distributed Lincoln ma- terial including photographs, pamphlets, and other commemorative items to their 275 affiliated State parlors and local groups, encouraging them to plan appropriate observances in their respective club programing at some time during the Sesquicentennial Year. National Restaurant Association in cooperation with the Commis- sion circulated special Lincoln Thanksgiving table tents to its membership for display on restaurant tables on Thanksgiving Day. The table tent fea- tured "A Thought for Thanksgiving" which was an excerpt taken from Abraham Lincoln's first annual National Thanksgiving Proclamation signed on October 3, 1863. The reverse side of the tent carried information relative to the activities being sponsored by the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission. The Washington, D.C, Urban League held a special luncheon on November 13, 1959, in commemoration of the signing of the "Equal Oppor- tunity Day" Proclamation. Members of the Commission were invited to attend the luncheon meeting. The National Bank of Washington actively participated throughout the year in the observance. The Lincoln Sesquicentennial was of special significance to this institution since the organization of the National Bank of Washington took place on September 4, 1809. In celebrating their own sesquicentennial year, they included many tie-ins with the Lincoln observ- ance. New Lincoln pennies were distributed to depositors, 50,000 Lincoln Year Bulletins were sent out, reference to the Lincoln Sesquicentennial was included in the bank's advertising, and many Lincoln items and features were published in their bulletins throughout the year. Special articles of Lincolniana were displayed from time to time in the bank's lobby. A unique observance was an appropriate ceremony held in September 1959, when three reproductions of a historic resolution prepared by the National Bank of Washington on the day of Lincoln's assassination were presented to the Lincoln Museum, the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, and the Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia. The presentation ceremony took place in the office of Congressman Fred Schwengel. Plaques bearing the copies of the resolution were presented by Mr. R. Bruce Keiner, execu • tive vice president of the bank, to Congressman Schwengel, who accepted for the Lincoln Group; Victor M. Birely, accepting for the Commission; and Col. Randle B. Truett, accepting for the Lincoln Museum. Since there is only one other similar resolution passed on the the actual day of Lincoln's death, this document is an important part of Lincolniana. The National Council of Negro Women observed the Sesquicenten- nial Year by launching a 4-year campaign to raise funds for the erection of a statue of Mary McLeod Bethune, famed Negro educator, in Lincoln Park, Washington, D.C. Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. of Fort Wayne, Ind., through its Lincoln National Life Foundation, contributed heavily to the suc- cess of the Sesquicentennial observance. Their extensive Lincoln collection was made available on loan to organizations and groups throughout the United States for special showings. Dr. Louis A. Warren, Dr. R. Gerald McMurtry, and other members of the foundation stafT made personal ap- pearances, gave many lectures, supplied material and program information to hundreds of organizations requesting their assistance. Their monthly publication Lincon Lore published Sesquicentennial information and fea- tured Lincoln articles, feature stories, photographs, and other pertinent material. A small pamphlet entitled Little Known Facts About Thanksgiving pub- lished by the Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. served to acquaint millions of Americans with Lincoln's part in nationalizing Thanksgiving Day. The foreword of the publication reads : There seems to have been little recognition of the part which Abraham Lincoln played in nationalizing Thanksgiving Day, yet in the year 1863 he captured the New England spirit of "fruitful fields and healthful skies" and incorporated it in a proclamation which designated the first annual national Thanksgiving Day. The national observance of Thanksgiving during this past three-quarters of a century has brought good cheer into our homes, quickened our patriotic impulses, and given the nation an unusual opportunity to reaffirm its loyalty to the "benefi- cent Creator and Ruler of the Universe." Relating the historical facts leading up to Lincoln's signing of the proc- lamation on October 3, 1863, the pamphlet featured on its cover Dean Cornwell's painting of Lincoln entitled "Proclaiming Thanksgiving" which shows President Lincoln at his office at the White House. In addition to their own extensive distribution of this publication, the foundation made 10,000 copies available to the Commission for distribution to newspapers, radio, television, and the Department of Defense. This served as the basis for special feature stories and broadcasts concerning Lincoln and Thanks- giving throughout the country. At the request of the Commission, the original Dean Comwell portrait was loaned to them for display in the ro- tunda of the Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., during 2 weeks of the Thanksgiving season. Senator Vance Hartke of Indiana, and Victor M. Birely of the Commission, officiated at the "unveiling" ceremony on November 24. Another major contribution to the American public during the Sesqui- centennial Year by the Lincoln Life Insurance Co. was their sponsorship of the award-winning television program "Meet Mr. Lincoln" produced by the National Bro.\dcasting Co. This outstanding production will be discussed in detail in the "Television Section" of this report. International Salt Co. featured a three-page Lincoln article com- plete with color photographs in one of the monthly issues of its official pub- lication Glen Plant News. The Chesapeake & Potom.\c Telephone Co. of Washington, D.C., carried a "boxed" Lincoln quote in each issue of their official monthly house organ C & P Call which is distributed to all subscribers. The Mountain States Telephone & Telegraph Co. of Denver, Colo., followed suit in their Tele flash publication. The Girl Scouts of America used material in connection with com- memorative observance programs and published an article on Lincoln in their Leader magazine. There was local participation by Girl Scout units all over America. The Dads^ Club of Longfellow School, Washington, D.C., as a commemorative effort during the Sesquicentennial Year, requested and obtained from NBC the film "Meet Mr. Lincoln" for showing to the 800 fathers and students in attendance at the annual football banquet held at the National Press Club on November 25. The Lincoln Savings Bank of Brooklyn, N.Y., was a valued con- tributor to the growing treasury of Lincolniana. This organization pub- lished a special Sesquicentennial issue of their external house organ The Emancipator News, prepared specifically as a tribute to Lincoln's mem- ory. This publication was requested by the Lincoln National Life Founda- tion as part of their Lincoln library and by the Chelsea Vocational High School in New York City for use in instruction of its students. The bank also distributed copies of Newman's Lincoln and the Abraham Lincoln Life Story published by Dell. The Small Business Administration devoted the front cover of the June issue of Small Business Action to the Sesquicentennial, using a repro- duction of the official Sesquicentennial seal and a Lincoln feature story. 135 The Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C., used a picture of President Lincoln viewing his inaugural parade from the balcony of the old Willard Hotel in i860 as the front cover for their dining room menus. Ozark Air Lines imprinted a picture of Lincoln on their flight schedule during the Lincoln Year. KoELBEL & Co., realtors of Denver, Colo., distributed copies of The Lincoln Ideals at the opening of a new shopping center in that city called the Lincoln Shopping Center. The Theodore Roosevelt Association, located in New York City, requested two copies of each piece of Lincoln Sesquicentennial literature published by the Commission for the Lincoln section of their Presidents' Library. The Committee on National Organizations under the chairmanship of Dr. R. Gerald McMurtry carried out the original decision of the Commis- sion to motivate individuals and organizations to initiate support of the program, rather than to spell out and thus limit such support. The re- sults prove that this approach was well taken. There is no effort here to delineate all of the events and participation observing Mr. Lincoln's anniversary that took place during the year, nor to giv^e a cumulative report on the remarkable cooperation of the many organizations. Such an inventory undoubtedly would be impossible since the volume is so great. Surely it would appear to be evident, however, that hundreds of national and local civic, fraternal, and religious organizations, business^ and industry contributed to the Sesquicentennial endeavor. 136 Radio and Television THE MASS MEDIA Committee with John B. Fisher as chairman laid the groundwork for radio and television participation in the Ses- quicentennial observance early in 1958. Initially, advice and cooperation was sought through personal contact with the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Advertising Council, and the networks. The assistance of these organizations was of great value in outlining plans of procedure and securing the cooperation of practically every radio and television station in the United States. The Advertising Council, which acts as a clearinghouse for public serv- ice messages, carries on the schedules of the radio and television plans those subjects which are most applicable to the nationwide audience, most timely and most urgently in the public interest. It was of paramount importance to the Commission when the council included announcement of the Ses- quicentennial observance plans in the January-February issue of the Radio- TV Bulletin. This announcement, distributed to 4,000 radio stations and 500 television stations, encouraged active cooperation by the broadcast media in the program. Early in February a series of spot announcements including an ofTer of a free copy of the Lincoln Ideals to anyone who wrote in were sent to all radio and television stations. Mail received at Commission head- quarters in response to this oflFer indicated the wholehearted cooperation of radio and television stations in using the announcements on a continuing basis. Film slides of the Sesquicentennial seal were offered to television stations for use along with the announcements. One hundred twenty TV stations in addition to the networks requested slides. These requests came from 37 States, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. Special programs commemorating Lincoln were carried on all networks and on hundreds of independent stations. News about the Sesquicenten- nial was widely reported. Announcements were made over national hook- ups and over local broadcast of special commemorative events. An in- formal survey taken by the National Association of Broadcasters following the joint session of Congress commemorative program is indicative of the cooperation from the broadcasting media enjoyed by the Commission throughout the year. The NAB reported that all national radio and tele- vision networks in the United States broadcast all or part of the joint session either "live" or on a delayed basis, or through the scheduling of tape excerpts and film clips on regularly scheduled newscasts. Also that there was conclusive evidence that "tapes" of Mr. Sandburg's remarks were re- broadcast by many stations in the weeks following the February 12 date. The NAB reported that a conservative estimate of at least 60 million 137 Americans were reached through the broadcast media on this one occasion alone. The following is a sampling of what the radio and television stations and networks of this country did to bring to the American public a new aware- ness of Lincoln. National Broadcasting Co. Among the most noteworthy television efforts at the national level was the production of the half -hour historical documentary "Meet Mr. Lincoln" under the supervision of James Nelson, Manager of Special Projects for NBC. Mr. Nelson worked closely and conferred frequently with the Com- mission and its public relations counsel in preparation for the production which was one of the NBC "Project 20" series. Written by Richard Hanser and produced and directed by Donald B. Hyatt, the program was over 7 months in the making and required the full time of a staff of 1 7. With a wealth of Americana never before adapted to television use, "Meet Mr. Lincoln" brought to life the 4 tremendous years in the life of Abraham Lincoln which saw the Civil War fought and the obscure railsplitter from Illinois achieve immortality. Utilizing a new camera technique of lending action and movement through the use of still pictures, the story was told almost wholly with photographs of the time and in words of the time based on Lincoln's writings and speeches. Pictures used were selected from some 25,000 photographs and prints gathered from archives and private collections all over the country. An exciting musical score was woven together by Robert Russell Bennet from songs and marches of the North and South. This program was broadcast over the NBC tele- vision network at 8:30 p.m. on February 1 1, 1959, under the sponsorship of the Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. Later in the year NBC generously loaned the film for showing to various clubs and organizations on request. By popular request, "Meet Mr. Lincoln" had a repeat showing over the NBC-TV network on February 12, i960, at the close of the Sesquicenten- nial Year. The program received a television "Emmy" Award for the ex- cellent editing techniques of Silvio D'Alisera; was named a recipient of one of only seven Robert E. Sherwood Awards honoring television programs that deal "most dramatically and effectively with the subjects of freedom and justice" ; and was the only television network program representing the United States at the Prix Italia Awards in Sorrento, Italy. Among the many programs and news broadcasts on NBC during the year that featured Lincoln or Sesquicentennial events were "The Dinah Shore Show," "The Pat Boone Show," Garroway's "Today," "Monitor," and "Network Time." Columbia Broadcasting System To point up the opening of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Year, the "Ed Sullivan Show" on CBS featured actor Richard Boone, in a scene from the Broadway play "The Rivalry," on February 8, 1959. Mr. Boone played 138 the role of Mr. Lincoln in the play which is based on the Lincoln-Douglas debates. A special hour-long program on Lincoln was broadcast over CBS-Radio beginning at 9 a.m. on February 12. A replay of the "Young Mr. Lincoln" was a feature of one of the February "Omnibus" programs. Columbia Broadcasting System gave extensive network coverage to special Sesquicentennial events and incorporated "Lincoln" features in many pro- grams on both radio and television throughout the year. American Broadcasting Co. ABC, too, made extensive use of radio and television announcements and special Lincoln material in its programs throughout the year. Outstanding among these was the appearance of Carl Sandburg on the "ABC Open Hearing" televised on February 8, 1959. Mutual Broadcasting System Excellent cooperation was given by MBS in disseminating news material of special events to its many affiliated stations. Local Stations Supplementing the public service announcements and news commentaries of special events which were broadcast, many individual programs were generated by the stations at the community level throughout the country. WMCA, New York, produced a special Lincoln show, "Let's Listen to a Story" ; an hour-long Lincoln program was broadcast over WBAB, Babylon, N.Y. ; St. John's high school students presented a "Life of Lincoln" program over WICA, Ashtabula, Ohio; and during the month of February, KHFM, Albuquerque, N. Mex., presented programs each Thursday and Friday dealing with articles, addresses, debates, letters, orders, proclama- tions, notes, and poetr)' of Lincoln. WOWO, Fort Wayne, Ind., reproduced and dramatized the only official eulogy in honor of Lincoln rhade by the State of Indiana in June 1865 in the Indiana Supreme Court. To comply with the many requests received, the station made the tape of this program available to universities, clubs, and other organizations on a loan basis. It was also made available for use on other radio stations throughout the country. WKCB, Berlin, N.H., conducted a citywide high school project in con- junction with their Lincoln programing. The four students judged to most exemplify the characteristics and morals of Lincoln were given an all- expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to visit historical and educational places of interest. WKCB news director, Charles Ross, accompanied the students to Washington where they made tape-recorded interviews with the New Hampshire congressional delegation and members of the Lincoln Commission for broadcast. They were also interviewed on the Voice of America for oversea broadcast. Since the State of Nebraska had no official Lincoln Sesquicentennial group, KETV, Omaha, telecast the motion picture "Young Mr. Lincoln" as a commemorative tribute on February 1 2. Advance notice was sent to 139 all public schools in the viewing area so schoolchildren would have an opportunity to see the Lincoln program. WGMS, Washington, D.C., carried Carl Sandburg's address from the Coolidge Auditorium in the Libran- of Congress on February 1 2 and due to the overwhelming response it was rebroadcast on March 14. Richard Bales' Lincoln Sesquicentennial concert at the National Gallery of Art on February' 15 was broadcast over this station in stereophonic sound. Radio station WTAX, Springfield, 111., was particularly active during the entire Sesquicentennial Year. Prior to Mayor Willy Brandt's appearance at the Lincoln Birthday dinner in Springfield, this station sent a reporter to Europe to interview the West Berlin mayor and the taped interview was broadcast over WTAX. Ceremonies at the airport when the mayor arrived in Springfield and ceremonies at Lincoln's tomb were broadcast. All reg- ular programing on WTAX was canceled the evening of the dinner in order that the entire dinner proceedings could be carried. Tapes of this program were made available to other radio stations. WBNS-TV, Columbus, Ohio, in cooperation with the Ohio Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, telecast an hour-long documentary, "The Vis- itor." The program was based on Mr. Lincoln's visits to the State of Ohio. KDKA-TV, Pittsburgh, Pa., participated with Lincoln programing throughout the year, with particular emphasis on the period from April 14, the day Lincoln was assassinated, to May 4, when he was buried including : commentaries on Lincoln supplemented by film scenes from "Abe Lincoln in Illinois" presented on Jim Gerard's daily morning show; from April 20 to 24, the characters on the morning children's show, "Josie's Storyland," rehearsed and presented a humorous play about Lincoln; from April 27 to May I the characters on the afternoon children's show, "Kaydee Kartoons," told the life story of Lincoln, using film sequences from Encyclopaedia Bri- tannica; on April 27, the "Faye Parker Report" inteniewed Pittsburgh's Ad Woman of the Year, Virginia Trimble, whose hobby is collecting Lincoln- period dolls which were shown and discussed; on May 2, a program in cooperation with Carnegie Institute of Technolog\^ explored Lincoln's char- acter; and on May 3 a special half-hour program "Lincoln at Little Rock" was telecast. Many stations sent in reports to the Commission on the use of spot an- nouncements such as: WJW, Cleveland, Ohio, reported the use of 35 an- nouncements during the month of August; WYLD, New Orleans, La., reported 8 announcements, 8 programs during September; ^VCKR, Miami, Fla., cited the month of July as an example with the use of 17 spots in that month; WLOL, Minneapolis-St. Paul, reported 165 announcements made during the Sesquicentennial Year. The number of references to Lincoln and the Sesquicentennial Year on radio and television is impossible to record. Items in the news, interviews, commentaries, use of Lincoln quotes, special programs and program features, the rerunning of Lincoln films, spot announcements of Commission activi- ties, and presentation of exhibits of Lincolniana reached millions of Amer- icans through the facilities of the broadcasting industry. The Commission gratefully acknowledges the cooperation extended by the Nation's radio and television industr)^ 140 Three-panel exhibit showing cross section of radio, television, newspaper and maga- zine participation in State, national, and international Commission activities. 141 Newspapers and Magazines THE MASS MEDIA Committee was fortunate in securing the coopera- tion of the newspaper and magazine publications of the Nation to an extraordinary degree. They met with top media representatives from the Magazine Publisher's Association, the American Society of Newspaper Editors, and the American Newspaper Publishers Association to give them background information on the plans being developed for the celebra- tion and to solicit their attention to the need for a continued efTort through- out the Sesquicentennial Year. Press coverage of both national and local events was overwhelming. Seldom has there been a finer example of public service by the Nation's printed media than that evident in the support given the observance of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. Press coverage both in the general and periodical fields continued all during the year, abetted by special activities at the Library of Congress, the Lincoln Museum, materials initiated during National Coin Week by numismatic societies, by various articles appearing in print from coast to coast relating to publication of the "Lincoln Douglas Debate Scrap Book," the selection of Abraham Lincoln by visitors to the U.S. exhibit at the Brussels World's Fair as the world's leading statesman, and by the introduction of various items of Lincolniana such as busts, papers, portraits, new Lincoln stamps, books, and plays. The value of this press attention and interpretive material is beyond calculation. News stories, special features, editorials, letters to the editor, picture spreads, and articles by syndicated columnists in papers and {>eri- odicals all over the United States made up the huge bundles of clippings and tear sheets which arrived at Commission headquarters throughout the entire Sesquicentennial Year. The "Lincoln Line-a-Day" fillers, over 150 brief, pithy quotes from the written and spoken words of Abraham Lincoln, were used extensively by hundreds of newspapers. Press releases and background information sent out from Commission headquarters were used as the basis for numerous stories, articles, and special supplements. In many cases editors localized the story relating the observance directly to the experience of their own readers. Special sections of the press reported on special activities: travel sections carried stories on Lincoln landmarks and historic sites; philatelic sections published articles on the four new Lincoln stamps; book sections reviewed the many new Lincoln books published during the Sesquicentennial Year, including the Commission's own research project "Lincoln Day by Day" ; and numismatic publications carried items on the Lincoln penny. 142 The wire services — Associated Press, United Press International, and the North American Newspaper Alliance — serviced their subscribers with edi- torial material, Sesquicentennial news coverage, and photos. King Features Syndicate incorporated Lincoln items in cartoons appearing in daily and periodical publications throughout the country. The following examples of the variety and initiative displayed in news- paper stories gives testimony to the widespread participation in the observ- ance by large and small papers. The Boston Globe ran an article on "Lincoln Rediscovered." The Rhode Islander, a Sunday supplement circulated by 60 newspapers, carried a cover picture in color of "Mr. Lincoln and His Secretaries," a rare hand-colored photo from the Lincoln collection in the John Hay Library at Brown University, together with a feature story. Walter Winchell wrote in his syndicated column, "No man in histor)' ever won the admiration and affection of foreigners to the degree that Abraham Lincoln has." New York's Daily News carried a color spread of postcards which were put out 50 years ago commemorating Lincoln. The New York Times Magazine devoted the cover page to a picture of the Lincoln Memorial statue and carried an article by Carl Sandburg en- titled "For All Men, in All Lands, Everywhere." The Washington Post & Times Herald, Washington, D.C., carried a full- color reproduction of the official Sesquicentennial seal on page i. The Washington Evening Star and the Post featured a color picture and story on the unveiling of the Fairbanks busts of Lincoln. A special Sunday supplement of the Chicago Daily News featured a four- color cover reproduction of a famous painting of Lincoln and a story cover- ing Lincoln's entire career, with emphasis on the local angle. Foster's Democrat, Dover, N.H., ran a series of five weekly articles under the auspices of the New Hampshire Lincoln Commission, beginning on February 26. A series of articles in the New Center News, Detroit, Mich., by William Springer carried this heading by the author: This year marks the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth. Many Sesquicentennial celebrations are in the making throughout the land honoring this "Prince of the Rails." So that we may appropriately pay homage to this "Uncommon Commoner," I am reprinting my selected editorial writings and miscellaneous Lincoln papers from my "Lincolnnook," recalling the memories that took me down the Lincoln Trail during the past 32 years as student and collector of Lincolniana. An editorial appearing in the Worcester ( Mass. ) Telegram contained the following statement in reference to the Lincoln Ideals booklet and the National Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission: "That Commission is doing some fine things in observance of Lincoln's 150th birthday and this 50-page booklet is one of the best." A feature article in the Harriman Record, Harriman, Tenn., written by Betty Magee and titled "Age- Yellowed Paper Tells of Civil War Peace Talks That Failed," related the little publicized circumstances surrounding the peace conference held on February 3, 1865, aboard the steam transport River Queen. The Chicago Tribune, Philadelphia Bulletin, Herald Tribune, and World- Telegram of New York; Times and Herald Express of Los Angeles; and hundreds of other newspapers featured Lincoln stories and items through- out the entire year. The Nation's magazines and periodicals gave widespread coverage to feature stories and articles prompted by the Sesquicentennial activities. A cumulative bibliography of periodical Lincolniana compiled and published by Dick Squire of Bedford, Ohio, under the title "Lincoln in the Magazines During 1959" lists 144 titles of magazine features. Mr. Squire wrote that this listing, not yet completed, already showed about 50 percent more coverage than any other year since he has been compiling the lists. Lincoln's Birthday month of February 1959 saw features in a majority of the major magazine publications of the country supplemented by stories and items in trade papers, house organs, historical publications, teachers' magazines, and newsletters. However, the interest did not end with the passing of the birthday month as Lincoln feature stories continued to be published at various times throughout the entire Sesquicentennial Year. Many of the historical publications ran a Lincoln story in each issue, others listed significant Sesquicentennial events from time to time. An outstanding contribution was made by the National Geographic Magazine in the form of a comprehensive story with color photographs on "Our Land Through Lincoln's Eyes." Writer Carolyn Bennett Patter- son and photographer W. D. Vaughn of the National Geographic staff traveled through the States of Lincoln-land during the year gathering ma- terial for this geographical life of Lincoln and the Sesquicentennial celebra- tion told in color pictures. A full-page color photo of Carl Sandburg speaking before the joint session of Congress and the full text of his address were included along with pictures and continuity from various Lincoln- land spots in the February 1 960 issue. The January 1959 issue of Americas, official publication of the Organ- ization of American States, printed in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, featured "The Uncommon Man," an illustrated article on Lincoln as seen by his Latin American contemporaries written by Jose Antonio Portundo. American Artist carried an illustrated article for children on "Building a Lincoln Book." American Heritage magazine published a story on "Our Two Greatest Presidents" — Washington and Lincoln. Boys' Life, monthly publication of the Boy Scouts of America, ran an illustrated story on "Super Athlete of the Sangamon" by Robert S. Harper and a full-page portrait of Lincoln together with quotes from his letters and speeches. Ebony magazine published a feature written by Ralph G. Newman on the subject "What Lincoln Really Thought About Negroes." Lincoln farm stories were featured in the Farm Journal under the title "Lincoln and the 7 Skunks." "Abe Lincoln's Hallway," a story on his Springfield home written by William Paul Schenk, appeared in the Kiwanis Magazine. Richard Hanser wrote on "Lincoln Loved a Show" in the February issue of Theatre Arts. TV Guide ran a two-page spread on Sesquicentennial 144 activities, the television program "Meet Mr. Lincoln," and emphasized na- tional and world-wide participation in the observance. Life Magazine published "Lincoln's Neighbors: A Dramatic Find," a story of relics which shed new light on early days. Another feature was Dorothy Meserve Kunhardt's "An Old Lady's Memories" written about Mary Edwards Brown, granddaughter of Mary Lincoln's sister. "Abe Lincoln — He Was a Scientist Ahead of His Time" by Fred Blumen- thal appeared in Parade. The Reader's Digest featured short selections from many writers under the heading "The Lincoln Who Lives in Anecdote." The Saturday Evening Post published an article by Jacques Barzun on "Lincoln the Literary Genius," and a fiction pardon story by Paul Horgan titled "Doomsday and Mr. Lincoln." "Fakes and Frauds in Lincoln Literature" by Reinhard H. Luthin ap- peared in the Saturday Review. Lucian Gray wrote in True Magazine of "History's Meanest Little Pistol: The Gun That Killed Lincoln." These are only a cross section of the articles, stories, and features which appeared in the Nation's magazines and periodicals. Junior and Senior Scholastic, Look, Mercury, Coronet, Newsweek, Nation's Business, Army Times, Retirement Life Magazine, Young America, National Jewish Monthly, Catholic News, American Judaism, American Weekly, The Army Reservist, and hundreds of other periodicals all published special Lincoln articles and stories. The all-inclusive newspaper and magazine coverage was striking testimony to the interest among the individual publishers, editors, reporters, and pho- tographers. It is appropriate for the Commission to acknowledge here the wholehearted participation of the printed media which helped in large measure to carry out the Commission's desire to direct attention during the Sesquicentennial Year to the reemphasizing of Lincoln's ideals and to a better knowledge of this great American statesman. 541524 O— 60 11 1 45 Miscellaneous EXHIBITS The Library of Congress opened a year-long Lincoln Sesquicentennial Exhibition on February 12, 1959. The Vice President of the United States, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chairman of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission were the main speakers at the opening cere- mony, presided over by the Librarian of Congress. In cooperation with the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, the Library published a 94-page il- lustrated catalog of items included in the exhibition. Material for the ex- hibit was selected and the catalog entries prepared by Lloyd A. Dunlap and Arthur G. Burton, under the direction of Herbert J. Sanborn, exhibits officer of the Library of Congress. Considered by the Librar\' to be the most com- prehensive display of Lincolniana ever assembled, this outstanding exhibit was viewed by thousands of visitors during the year. The letters, docu- ments, photographs, and other memorabilia included in the exhibit were arranged in four segments: The Formative Years; Early Political Career; Years of Strife; and The Worldwide Lincoln. Another major contribution by the Library of Congress to the Sesquicen- tennial observance was the preparation and publication of the catalog of the Alfred Whital Stern collection of Lincolniana in the Library of Con- gress. This collection of Lincoln literature, the largest ever assembled by a private collector, includes the two earliest printings of the Emancipation Proclamation, a curious and possibly unique copy of a broadside of the Gettysburg Address, newspapers, election tickets, campaign material, photo- graphs and fine prints, accounts of Lincoln's assassination, and other asso- ciation items. The National Archives prepared a Lincoln Exhibit in Exhibition Hall featuring newly discovered documents and photographs that pointed up Lincoln's life and career during the period 18 10 to 1865. The year-long exhibit was op)en to the public. Department of Justice, with the cooperation of the Library of Congress, assembled a very interesting exhibit of documents and photographs relating to "Lincoln, the Lawyer." Located in the foyer outside the Departmental Library on the Constitution Avenue side of the building, it was readily available to departmental personnel and visitors. The Smithsonian Institution featured an extensive exhibit of Lincoln materials throughout the year, including many personal effects of both President and Mrs. Lincoln. 146 The Lincoln Museum in the Ford Theatre displayed a collection of all commemorative stamps issued during the Sesquicentennial Year both here and abroad. The Medical Museum of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology chose the 150th anniversary of Lincoln's birth to add to the rare items of his- torical significance related to Lincoln's assassination which made up a per- manent exhibit. Outstanding among these was the medical diploma of Dr. Robert King Stone, President Lincoln's personal physician. Other items included in this exhibit were: the handmade bullet which killed Lincoln, the probe which removed it, fragments of bone from the penetrated area, a copy of the post mortem report signed by Dr. J. J. Woodward, and the original sketch of the death-bed scene by Herman Faber, a medical artist who was the first person to enter the room after Lincoln's body had been removed. B'nai B'rith presented a special exhibit in its national headquarters building which was formally opened by Senator Cooper and remained on display for several months. Highlighted were original documents and photographs depicting the role that Jewish people played in Lincoln's personal and political life and his association with Jews of the Civil War period. PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURE Nachtrieb Lincoln Paintings Early in its existence the Commission was able to purchase at a modest price four very fine old oil paintings of Abraham Lincoln that deserved to be better known. The portraits, executed by artist M. S. Nachtrieb, who was born in Wooster, Ohio, in 1835 and died in 19 16, were part of the collection of the late Anton Heitmuller, Washington businessman and art collector, and sold after his death. The paintings were not done from life but were based on photographs. One shows Lincoln in 1859, one in i860, one in 1861, and one in 1863. Dimensions of the canvas in each of the above, in the order listed, are approximately 30 by 25, 47/2 by 33, 40 by 30, and 30 by 25 inches. Each is appropriately framed in a gold leaf molding. Osbom H. Oldroyd, whose important collection is now housed in the Lincoln Museum in Washington, described these paintings in a letter to the former owner as being "the most lifelike in expression and color that I have ever seen." The 1863 portrait was on display at the Smithsonian Institution for 1 7 years. During the Sesquicentennial Year these portraits were displayed on the walls of Commission headquarters in the National Archives Building. They have now been presented by the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission to the Lincoln Museum in the old Ford Theatre for public exhibition. Schlaikjer Lincoln Portrait Unveiled A new Lincoln painting by artist Jes Schlaikjer was unveiled on March 9, 1959, in the rotunda of the Old Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., and loaned to the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission for public display during March, April, and May. 541524 O — 60—12 147 The picture depicts Lincoln preparing an early draft of the Emancipa- tion Proclamation in the Anderson summer cottage, Soldiers Home, Wash- ington, D.C., September 1862. Mr. Schlaikjer, a well-known painter of portraits and historic scenes, painstakingly researched the background of the Emancipation Proclamation. Included in his visualization of the scene are authentic items still preserved by collectors and various museums. At the unveiling ceremony. Senator Cooper stated that "This unusual painting shows Lincoln at one of the critical moments of his life, prepar- ing a document which created a major social revolution. The painting has captured the simple dignity, the solemn earnestness and determination of President Lincoln just before the battle of Antietam." Eisenhower Lincoln Portrait to Japan President Dwight D. Eisenhower presented a portrait of Abraham Lin- coln he painted to Japan to be hung in a building erected to the memory of Yukio Ozaki. It was Mr. Ozaki who, as mayor of Tokyo, presented to the United States the cherry trees which bloom every spring in Washington. Healy's Lincoln Portrait The George P. A. Healy portrait of Lincoln painted from life in Novem- ber i860 and frequently called "The Beardless Lincoln" hangs in the Cor- coran Art Gallery at Washington, D.C. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due in large measure to the interest and efforts of Mrs. Katharine McCook Knox, who persuaded the Gallery to allow color prints and postcards of the portrait to be made and sold at modest prices. Many of these were distributed in foreign countries during the Sesquicentennial Year by the U.S. Information Service. The portrait was used on one of the Lincoln commemorative stamps and the original was flown to Russia for exhibition at the Moscow Fair in 1959. In a book published during the Sesquicentennial observance which she calls Healy's Lincoln No. i, Mrs. McCook Knox gives the history of the portrait and her part in bringing it into public prominence. At the conclusion of the book she quotes from observations made by Duncan Phillips, founder and director of the Phillips collection in Washington, D.C. In referring to the Healy portrait, Mr. Phillips said, "This is an inspired Lincoln. It is a disarmingly personal impression of the eyes of true great- ness at a moment when they are lighted with the surprise, the honour and the vision of supreme opportunity." Bronze Bust of Lincoln Presented to France At "Freedom Day" ceremonies in New York on July 4th commemorating the 75th anniversary of the gift of the Statue of Liberty by the people of France to the United States, a bronze Volk bust of Abraham Lincoln was presented by the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission to the people of France. Commissioner Walter Rothschild made the presentation on behalf of the Commission and the people of the United States. The bust was accepted by the Honorable Raymond LaPorte, Consul General of France. 148 Following the formal presentation it was placed on tempHDrary exhibition in the Smithsonian Institution at Washington, D.C., through the courtesy of the French Embassy. Walter Rothschild (left), Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, presents the bronze bust of Abraham Lincoln to the Honorable Raymond LaPorte, French Counsul General, in New York City at ceremonies celebrating the 75th anniversary of the gift of the Statue of Liberty to the United States by the people of France. The bronze bust was modeled after an original done from life in i860 by the sculptor Leonard Wells Volk. At its base it carried the following inscription in French : On the 75th Anniversary of the gift of the Statue of Liberty by the people of France to the people of the United States and on the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States and friend of France, the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission, in the name of the people of the United States, presents to the people of France, this bust of the President modeled from life by Leonard Wells Volk in 1 860. Lincoln in Sapphire Through the cooperation of the Kazanjian Foundation of Los Angeles, Calif., small reproductions of the "Abraham Lincoln in Sapphire" head were used extensively throughout the Sesquicentennial Year as awards and mementoes of the celebration. During the year the original, carved from a rough blue sapphire by sculptor Norman Maness, was placed on exhibition in major cities throughout the country. It measures 2%q inches high, i ^ inches wide, 2 inches deep, and weighs 1,318 carats. The stone from which this carving was made was obtained through a U.S. importer who found it in the collection of a wealthy rancher in Australia. This deep-blue stone, the largest in the world, was transformed into a dedication to a man who is a symbol of the American ideals of democracy to create a perpetual reminder of the opportunities to be achieved by a man of poor means in a country of freedom and refuge from fear. The job of carving was a precarious one requiring almost 2 years to com- plete. Nine plastic models the exact size and shape of the original stone were used for trial carvings. They were then duplicated, step by step, on the original gem and cut with tiny diamond drills. The Lincoln head was the first of the "Presidents in Sapphire" to be completed, followed by George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Thomas Jefferson. All have been put in the custody of the Kazanjian Foundation as a gift to the American people. Funds from the showings of the gems and the sale of reproductions are used to provide scholarships for foreign-born students in the United States and for charitable, scientific, and literary purposes. Lincoln Statue Dedicated in Wyoming Wyoming's major contribution to the Sesquicentennial observance was the dedication on October 18, 1959, of one of America's most spectacular monuments — a large bronze head of Abraham Lincoln at the summit of U.S. Route 30, 10 miles southeast of Laramie. The 12/2-foot, 3/2-ton head was the work of University of Wyoming art professor and sculptor, Robert I. Russin. Resting atop a 30-foot native granite stone base, the head serves as the focal spot in a new roadside park developed by the Wyoming High- way Department and the U.S. Forest Service. Dr. Russin's statue is the realization of a longtime dream he held that a superenlargement of Lincoln's craggy head would be the best way to rededi- cate the significance of one of America's great Presidents and his role in the opening of the West. He began work on the project in 1946 after receiv- ing the support of Dr. Charles W. Jeffrey, Rawlins physician, who home- steaded in Wyoming and has long been a student of Lincoln. Officials of Medicine Bow National Park and Fort Warren Air Force Base agreed to set aside the land for the park. The head itself was 6 months in the making. First sculptured in clay, it was then cast in 63 large plaster sections and sent to the Fundicion Artistica in Mexico City to be cast in bronze. Stories about the statue appeared in both American and Mexican newspapers and magazines, on 150 Sculptor Robert I. Russin standing beside the head of Lincoln erected at the summit of U.S. Route 30 overlooking Wyoming's new roadside park east of Laramie. The statue has been called Wyoming's "greatest manmade attraction." television, radio, and in the movies. The USIA released information on the project to Arabic- and English-speaking countries. The London Times carried a feature story on the monumental bronze bust. Dr. Russin explained that he created a "brooding, contemplative Lincoln" whose face is marked with a deep concern for the future of our country, stressing a quality of simple nobility. "What Lincoln said and stood for in his time," the sculptor said, "is still of great import to our country in today's world of changing values." The dedication exercises with T. A. Larson, of the Laramie Chamber of Commerce, as master of ceremonies, featured Wyoming Senator Gale 151 McGee as principal speaker. Other speakers included Gov. J. J. Hickey; former Gov. Milward L. Simpson; Dr. G. D. Humphrey, president of the University of Wyoming; Dr. Charles W. Jeffrey; Professor Russin; Repre- sentative Keith Thomson; E. C. Smith, executive secretary of the Highway 30 Association; and Rev. John P. McConnell. The university band fur- nished the musical portion of the dedication, which was carried over NBC radio on the "Monitor" program. NEW BOOKS ON LINCOLN It has been said that Abraham Lincoln was the most written-about man in history. It is true that he continues to be written about. The Sesqui- centennial observance inspired the publication of an avalanche of new litera- ture on the 1 6th President. Lincoln Finds a General, by Kenneth P. Williams, Volume V, published posthumously, completes an imp>ortant study of the Federal armies. Lincoln's Youth: Indiana Years, by Louis A. Warren, is a definitive study which separates folklore from fact to establish how important the Hoosier period was in shaping Lincoln's character and career. Web of Conspiracy, by Theodore Roscoe, pursues the author's doubts on the story of Lincoln's assassination. In the Name of the People, by Harry V. Jaffa and Robert W. Johann- sen, records the speeches and writings of Lincoln and Douglas in the heated Ohio campaign of 1859. Crisis of the House Divided, by Harry V. Jaffa, is an interpretation of the issues in the Lincoln-Douglas debates. Lincoln, a New Portrait, edited by Vienna-bom Henry B. Kranz, con- sists primarily of contributions of 22 writers on different aspects of Lincoln's character and achievements. Abraham Lincoln vs. Jefferson Davis, by reporter Irving Werstein, is a story of two men, two cities, and a time in history. The author takes his readers in alternating chapters from Lincoln to Davis covering events in both Northern and Southern cities during the Civil War p>eriod. Lincoln's Favorite Poets, by David J. Harkness and R. Gerald Mc- Murtry, is the first comprehensive treatment of the poets whom the Great Emancipator admired, read, and quoted. The Philosophy of Abraham Lincoln, by William E. Baringer. The Last Days of Lincoln, a dramatic play by Mark Van Doren, pub- lished in book form, is scheduled to open on Broadway sometime in i960. Lincoln and the Civil War: A Profile and a History, edited by Court- landt Canby. Grant Moves South, by Bruce Catton. To Appomattox: Nine April Days, 1865, by Burke Davis. A Rebel's Recollections, by George Gary Eggleston, edited by David Donald. A. Lincoln, Prairie Lawyer, by John J. Duff. Abraham Lincoln Goes to New York, by Andrew A. Freeman. Meet Mr. Lincoln, by Richard Hanser and Donald B. Hyatt. 152 Billy Yank and Johnny Reb: How They Fought and Made Up, by Earl Schenck Miers. Washington in Lincoln's Time, by Noah Brooks, edited by Herbert Mitgang. The Shaping of a Battle: Gettysburg, by James Stuart Montgomery. The War for the Union — The Improvised War, 1861-1862, by Allan Nevins. Toward Gettysburg: A Biography of Gen. John F. Reynolds, by Edward J. Nichols. Lincoln's Journey To Greatness, by Victor Searcher. Secret Missions of the Civil War: First-Hand Accounts by Men and Women Who Risked Their Lives in Underground Activities for the North and for the South, edited by Philip Van Doren Stern. High Tide at Gettysburg: The Campaign in Pennsylvania, by Glenn Tucker. This Infernal War: The Confederate Letters of Sgt. Edwin H. Fay, edited by Bell Irwin Wiley. They Who Fought Here, by Bell Irwin Wiley and Hirst D. Milhollen. The Almost Chosen People: A Study of the Religion of Abraham Lin- coln, by William J. Wolf. 153 Photo by George Tames, New York Times. — First Prize Pictorial and Grand Award in the White House News Photographers 17th Annual Photographic Contest. 154 ^'Let him have the marble m,onum.ent, along with the well-assured and more enduring one in the hearts of those who love liberty, unselfishly, for all men.'' A. Lincoln 155 Appendix LIST OF INSTITUTIONS DESIGNATED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE LINCOLN SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMISSION AND THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO RECEIVE SETS OF THE COL- LECTED WORKS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN Athens College Daniel Payne College Florence State College Alaska Methodist University Sheldon Jackson Junior College Arizona State College Eastern Arizona Teachers College Arkansas A. & M. College Arkansas College Arkansas State College Arkansas State Teachers College ALABAMA Southeast Junior College Tuskegee Institute University of Alabama ALASKA University of Alaska ARIZONA Grand Canyon College University of Arizona ARKANSAS John Brown University Harding College Ouachita Baptist College Southern State College CALIFORNIA Bakersfield College California State Polytechnic College California Western University Chico State College College of San Mateo East Los Angeles Junior College Fresno State College Long Beach State College Mount Saint Mary's College Oakland Junior College Occidental College Pasadena College Pepperdine College Pierce College Sacramento State College San Bernardino Valley College San Fernando State Valley College San Jose City College Santa Ana College Stockton College University of San Francisco University of Southern California Westmont College 156 COLORADO Lamar Junior College Mesa County Junior College Northeastern Junior College of Colorado Regis College Trinidad State Junior College U.S. Air Force Academy University of Denver Albertus Magnus College Choate School Fairfield University Hartford College University of Delaware (2) American University Catholic University Georgetown University CONNECTICUT Trinity College U.S. Coast Guard Academy University of Connecticut Branch) DELAWARE Wesley Junior College DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA George Washington University Howard University (Waterbury FLORIDA Chipola Junior College Edward Waters College Florida A. & M. University Florida Southern College Orlando Junior College Palm Beach Junior College Rollins College St. Petersburg Junior College Stetson University University of Florida University of Miami GEORGIA Atlanta University Piedmont College Georgia Southwestern College South Georgia College Georgia State College of Business Admin- University of Georgia istration West Georgia College Georgia State College for Women The Library of Hawaii College of Idaho Idaho State College Bradley University Carlinville Library Chicago City Junior College Chicago Teachers College Dixon Public Library Elmhurst College Eureka College Freeport Public Library HAWAII University of Hawaii IDAHO Northwest Nazarene College ILLINOIS Galena Public Library Illinois Institute of Technology Knox College Lake Forest College LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby Junior College Lincoln College (2) Lincoln Library Loyola University 157 ILLINOIS— Continued Morton High School Mundelein College North Park College Rockford College Rosary College St. Francis Seminary St. Xavier College for Women Shimer College Southern Illinois University Taylorville Public Library Trinity Wheaton College Wright Junior College INDIANA Butler University Concordia College DePauw University Earlham College Franklin College of Indiana Hanover College Huntington College Indiana Collegiate Young Republicans Club (Library) Indiana Technical College Indiana University Lincoln National Life Foundation Manchester College Oakland City College Purdue University Tri-State College Valparaiso University Vincennes University Wabash College IOWA Coe College Grand View College Iowa State Teachers College Coffeyville College College of Emporia Kansas State University Iowa Wesleyan College Westmar College KANSAS Marymount College Ottawa University St. Marv of the Plains KENTUCKY Bellarmine College (2) Caney Junior College Clear Creek Baptist School Cumberland College Kentucky State College Lexington Public Library Lincoln Institute Lindsey W^ilson College Murray State College Louisiana State University Loyola University Southeastern Louisiana College Oneida Baptist Institute Paducah Junior College Pikeville Junior College Sue Bennett College Transylvania College Union College University of Kentucky University of Louisville LOUISIANA Southern University and A. & M. College Southwestern Louisiana Institute MAINE Aroostook State Teachers College Lincoln Academy Maine Central Institute Nasson College State Librarv 158 MARYLAND Bowie State Teachers College C. Burr Artz Library Goucher College Hood College Loyola College Maryland State College, Princess Anne Maryland State Teachers College, Sal- isbury Morgan State College Mount St. Mary's College St. Joseph College Thurmont Public Library U.S. Naval Academy University of Maryland Washington College Western Maryland College MASSACHUSETTS Boston College Boston University College of Fine Arts Bridgewater College Cambridge School College of Our Lady of the Elms Cranwell Preparatory School Dana Hall School Fitchburg State Teachers College Harvard University — Gift and Exchange Section Holy Cross Merrimack College Milton Academy Mount Holyoke College Pine Manor Junior College Simmons College Stonehill College Tufts College University of Massachusetts Wheelock College MICHIGAN Alma College Aquinas College Central Michigan College of Education Flint Junior College Henry Ford Community College Kalamazoo College Marygrove College Mercy College Michigan State University North Central Michigan College Northwestern Michigan College Port Huron Junior College Suomi College and Theological Seminary University of Detroit University of Michigan Wayne University MINNESOTA College of St. Benedict College of St. Catherine College of St. Thomas-Military Academy Concordia College Gustavus Adolphus College Macalester College University of Minnesota Worthington Junior College MISSISSIPPI Delta State Teachers College East Central Junior College Mississippi College Mississippi State College Northwest Junior College University of Mississippi MISSOURI Cottey College Fontbonne College Hannibal-La Grange College Lincoln University Maryville College Rockhurst College Rolla School of Mines and Metallurgy St. Louis Public Library School of the Ozarks University of Kansas City University of Missouri Washington University Webster College William Jewell College 159 MONTANA Montana University NEBRASKA Concordia Teachers College-Seminary Creighton University Dan College Municipal University of Omaha Nebraska State Teachers College — Chad- ron Nebraska Wesleyan University University of Nebraska NEVADA University of Nevada NEW HAMPSHIRE Cardigan Mountain School Dartmouth College New England College Phillips Exeter Academy Bayonne Library Bloomfield College and Seminary Centenary Junior College College of St. Elizabeth Drew University Fairleigh Dickinson College Monmouth Junior College St. Michael's College St. Anselm's College University of New Hampshire William D. Weeks Memorial Library NEW JERSEY New Jersey State Teachers College — Paterson New Jersey State Teachers College- Upper Montclair Rider College Rutgers University Seton Hall University Union Junior College NEW MEXICO University of New Mexico NEW YORK Ateneo de Manila (Jesuit Seminary and Mission Bureau) Brooklyn College Brooklyn Public Library Convent of the Sacred Heart Cornell University Elizabeth Irwin High School Elmira College Fordham University Gronser Reference Division Hamilton College Junior College of the Packer Collegiate Institute Long Island University — C. W. Post College Manhattan College of the Sacred Heart Maria College Marymount College State University Teachers College New School of Social Research New York Law School New York University Niagara University Poytechnic Institute of Brooklyn Pratt Institute Rosary Hill College Russell Sage College St. Francis College St. John's University St. Joseph's College for Women Sarah Lawrence College State University of New York Agricultural and Technical Institute State University of New York College of Education (New Paltz) State University of New York Downstate Medical Center State University of New York Teachers College (Brockport) 1 60 NEW YORK— Continued State University of New York Teachers College (Oneonta) Syracuse University The King's College U.S. Military Academy Yeshiva University Union College (Schenectady) NORTH CAROLINA Appalachian State Teachers College Ashfield-Biltmore College Belmont Abbey College Chowan College Elon College Lenoir-Rhyne College Livingstone College Louisburg College University of North Carolina Wake Forest College Western Carolina College Wingate Junior College Bismarck Junior College Akron Public Library Ashland College Baldwin-Wallace College Bluffton College Bowling Green State University Capital University College of Steubenville Findlay College Hiram College Langston University Oklahoma Baptist University NORTH DAKOTA North Dakota Agricultural College OHIO John Carroll University Malone College Muskingum College University of Cincinnati University of Dayton University of Toledo Western Reserve University Wittenberg University Xavier University OKLAHOMA Oklahoma College for Women University of Oklahoma OREGON Cascade College Eastern Oregon College of Education Linfield College Pacific University University of Oregon University of Portland PENNSYLVANIA Alliance College Bucknell University Cedar Crest College Clarion State Teachers College Duquesne University Gannon College Gettysburg College Juniata College King's College LaSalle College Lebanon Valley College Lincoln Library Lincoln University Lycoming College Mahanoy City Public Library Mercersburg Academy Moravian College — Women's Branch Mount Mercy College St. Joseph's College Seton Hill College Swarthmore College University of Pennsylvania University of Pennsylvania — Dubois Campus University of Pennsylvania — Johnstown Col lege West Chester State Teachers College Wilson College i6i RHODE ISLAND Academy of the Sacred Heart Brown University Furman University Lander College South Carolina State College Spartanburg Junior College Black Hills Teachers College Dakota Wesleyan University Belmont College Bryan College Carson-Newsman College Fisk University Arlington State College Austin Public Library Blinn College El Paso Public Library Kilgore College Lamar State College of Technology Lon Morris College Midwestern University North Texas State College Odessa College Brigham Young University Providence College Providence Public Library SOUTH CAROLINA University of South Carolina University of South Carolina Exten- sion Center (Lancaster) SOUTH DAKOTA Presentation Junior College Yanktown College TENNESSEE Lambuth College Lincoln Memorial University (2) Memphis State College University of Tennessee TEXAS Pan American College Prairie View A. & M. College Sam Houston State Teachers College Sam Rayburn Library Southern Methodist University Southwest Texas State Teachers College Temple Junior College Texas Women's University University of Houston UTAH University of Utah (2) VERMONT Middleburg College University of Vermont and State Agricul- tural College Vermont Junior College Windham College VIRGINIA Emory and Henry College Fork Union Military Academy Hampton Institute Roanoke College Gonzaga University Grays Harbor College Pacific Lutheran Colllege Seattle University University of Virginia Virginia Military Institute Virginia Union University WASHINGTON University of Washington Western Washington College of Educa- tion 162 WEST VIRGINIA Bethany College Salem College Shepherd College Lawrence College Marquette University Milton College Northland College Ripon College Casper Junior College Sheridan College West Virginia State College (2) West Virginia University WISCONSIN St. Norbert College University of Wisconsin Wayland Academy Wisconsin State College at La Crosse Wisconsin State College at River Falls WYOMING Western Wyoming Junior College 163 541524 O— 60- -13 LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION BY THE LINCOLN SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMISSION Lincoln Sesquicentennial Association of California Connecticut Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Kentucky Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Illinois Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Indiana Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Ohio Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Wisconsin Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Massachusetts Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Dearborn Historical Commission Ann Arbor Lincoln Sesquicentennial Committee New Hampshire Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission New Jersey Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission West Virginia Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission New York State Commission on Historic Observances Washington State Historical Society Lincoln Group of the District of Columbia Lincoln Fellowship of Pennsylvania Lincoln Group of Boston Lincoln Fellowship of Wisconsin Peoria Lincoln Sesquicentennial Committee Rock Island County Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission Delaware County Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission American Numismatic Association American Numismatic Society American Philatelic Society B'nai B'rith Association of American Railroads American Library Association Broadcast Music, Inc. Lincoln National Life Insurance Co. John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co. International Har\'ester Export Co. National Education Association Lincoln Savings Bank of Brooklyn Boy Scouts of America Military Order of the Loyal Legion National Bank of Washington The American Legion Native Daughters of the Golden West National Council of Negro Women Kazanjian Foundation American Association of Land Grant Colleges and State Universities National Association of Colored Women American Heritage Foundation National Association of Manufacturers American Historical Association National Federation of Business & Professional Women's Clubs Magazine Publishers Association 164 American Newspaper Publishers Association American Society of Newspaper Editors National Association of Broadcasters American Women in Radio and Television National Retail Merchants Association The Advertising Council Radio-Television News Directors Association Catholic Press Association The Gettysburg Times New York Times Civil War Times Illinois State Journal & Register Indianapolis Times Indianapolis Star Washington Post & Times Herald Washington Star Associated Press United Press International North American Newspaper Alliance Chicago Daily News Chicago Tribune Foster's Democrat New Center News Columbia Broadcasting System National Broadcasting Co. American Broadcasting Co. Mutual Broadcasting System WOWO WKCB WTAX WBNS-TV Westinghouse Broadcasting Co. KDKA-TV National Geographic Society American Artist TV Guide Louisville Courier Journal Look Magazine Life Magazine Junior Scholastic Magazine Reader's Digest Newsweek This Week Magazine True Magazine International Association of Fairs and Expositions Johnson Publishing Co. New Bedford Standard Times The Jewish Advocate 165 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT At the National Lincoln Sesquicentennl\l Dinner February i i, 1959 Mr. Chairman, Mr. Vice President, and distinguished guests: It is natural, I think, that speaking last in such a program as this, we should expect some duplications and repetition. But I should reassure you as I begin by saying that my talk is only 5 or 6 minutes, so if there are these inevitable duplications I may hope and pray that you do not find them lengthy or too boring. Ninety-eight years ago today the President-elect of the United States boarded a train in Springfield, 111., to start the long journey to his Nation's Capital. That same day a Washington newspaper reported the election in Montgomery', Ala., of another President, Jefferson Davis, and from Fort Sumter came a report of "preparations for attack." In bidding farewell to Springfield, Lincoln shared his innermost thoughts with old friends. In part, he said: "I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail." Four years and two months later Abraham Lincoln was dead — but the Union again united. "Now," said Secretary of War Stanton, "he belongs to the ages." But Abraham Lincoln belongs not only to the ages, but to all humanity. Immortality is his in the hearts of all who love freedom everywhere in the world. Each year 2 million people visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. In New Delhi, a Lincoln Society is establishing a museum in his honor. High school students in Tokyo last summer ranked him as the most respected of all world figures. "Of all the great national statesmen of history," Russia's Tolstoy thought, "Lincoln is the only giant." In the Caucasian mountains, a wild chieftain asked of a visitor, "Tell us about the greatest ruler in the world. We want to know something about this man who was so great that he even forgave the crimes of his greatest enemies and shook brotherly hands with those who had plotted against his life." The first President of modem China, Sun Yat-sen, found his three basic principles of government in Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. For many years India's Prime Minister Nehru has kept, on the study table, a brass mold of Lincoln's right hand. "I look at it every day," Nehru tells us; "it is strong, firm, and yet gentle ... it gives me great strength." The birth, 150 years ago, which we here honor, gave the Nation a son who a half-century later was summoned to lead our Republic through the tragedy of civil war. And as Lincoln fought for union and liberty, he in- sisted always that "the struggle of today is not altogether for today — it is for a vast future also." 166 As we turn our eyes to that future, other words of his seem applicable. He said: "The tendency to undue expansion is unquestionably the chief difficulty. How to do something, and still not do too much, is the ques- tion ... I would not borrow money. I am against an overwhelming, crushing system. Suppose, that at each session. Congress shall first deter- mine how much money can, for that year, be spared for improvements; then apportion that sum to the most important objects." That the spirit of Lincoln be close at hand as we meet each successive challenge to freedom is the earnest hope of all Americans — indeed it is the hope of freedom's sentinels wherever they stand. Pushing always ahead in our quest for a just peace and freedom for all men, we can do no better than live by his prescription : "By the best culti- vation of the physical world, beneath and around us; and the intellectual and moral world within us, we shall secure an individual, social, and polit- ical prosperity and happiness, whose course shall be onward and upward, and which, while the earth endures, shall not pass away." ADDRESS BY JOHN B. FISHER Member, Abraham Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission At the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C, Memorial Day, May 30, 1959 "a eulogy of Lincoln" Gen. George Pickett, a fighting Confederate commander, was to remem- ber all the days of his life that third afternoon at Gettysburg when he led his long, gray lines against the Union barricades on Cemetery Ridge in the bloodiest assault of the war. And Mrs. George Pickett was to remember always that afternoon at the war's end when, in answering a knock at the door of her Richmond home, she opened it to find a tall stranger standing there in the shadow of the porch, asking her if George were at home, m'am? She replied that George wasn't and wouldn't be for some time, but might she ask in turn who the visitor was. The tall man in the frock coat, stove- pipe hat in hand, said simply, "Just an old friend of George's, m'am ; just an old friend from before the war." With that he turned and stepped out into the sunlight and walked slowly down that Richmond street, leaving Mrs. Pickett to the startled realization that the President of the United States had come to call. The President of the United States. Abraham Lincoln was that, of course he was, but really a great deal more, too. For this was a man of many parts, all of them human and most of them great. This was the politician who in 30 long years of devoted service in his party's ranks came to realize that politics, like life, is the art of achieving the possible and who learned, with the decay of the Whig Party, the turbulence of the Mexican War period, and the onset of the Missouri Compromise, that 167 he had nothing whatever in common with political platforms whose planks were platitudes and with men of no discernible principle. This, too, was the husband and father whose home life was torn by strife and dissension and the tragic death of children. Yet it is not for us, now or ever, to judge Mary Todd Lincoln. The heart of a wife and the heart of a husband can best be known only to themselves, and what a woman says to a man or what a man says to a woman should often, as the ancients knew, be written on the wind. It will become us better to remember that Mary Todd and Abraham Lincoln sat fondly holding hands in a darkened box in Ford's Theatre on the night of Good Friday, 1865. But this, too, was the President — the President and Commander in Chief — devoted above all else to preserving the Union "with the dignity, equality and rights of the several States unimpaired." So he said; so he did. And in so doing, he brought freedom to the enslaved. As he wrote in his Annual Message, following the Emancipation Proclamation : "In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom for the free, honorable alike in what we give and in what we preserve." Supported in this objective by the Abolitionists, yes, but fought by them ever)' step of the way, for moderation was a word they never knew. He counseled with them patiently when he could; he blocked them ruthlessly when he must, fondly hoping that in time they'd learn, fervently praying that they'd learn in time. Meanwhile, the war went on, with Jackson and Lee defeating the Union forces at almost every turn, crushing the Northern armies between them like a steelhard finger and thumb, until at last the President came to put his trust in Grant — Ulysses S. Grant, "who astonished everyone in Galena, 111., by turning out to be somebody after all." Agreeing completely with Grant's objective of smashing victory and peace, he occasionally questioned Grant's method but remembered from the old days at Hodgenville and New Salem that you "never cuss a good ax." To keep up with Grant, studying tactics late into the night, but, night and day, studying human nature as well ; taking time out for needed laughter and humor; writing with a wry smile to a woman who had asked him for a sentiment and his autograph : Dear Madam : When you write to a stranger for something which is of interest only to yourself, always enclose a stamp. There's your sentiment and here's your autograph. A. Lincoln. Then, at long last, the tide of the battles and of the war turned under Grant's sledge-hammering — stubble-chinned, stubborn- jawed Grant, in whom the President had such faith — and the President was enabled to think beyond the war to the time of reconstruction, to the binding up of the Nation's wounds, when the road to reunion with the South would, he knew, have to be paved with justice and generosity and good will. Blocked again in this because of his policy of moderation — not alone by many of the Northern States and their leaders, not only by many members of his party, but often violently, profanely, by his very closest advisers and friends — yet knowing, as few men ha\'e ever known, that wisdom as to ends must equal skill as to means or the work would be lost forever. 168 This, finally, was the martyr, the martyr to union, to freedom and to peace. Lincoln had a presentiment of death all his life, but never more strongly or clearly than on the morning of April 14. Yet he knew that death was not the worst of life, that defeat was not the worst of failure, that not to have tried was the true failure and his ceaseless trying to preserve this Union, for us and forever, achieving one of the greatest successes in all recorded time. It was America's darkest hour since Valley Forge when they carried him out of Ford's Theatre and into the little Petersen House across loth Street and Dr. Charles Leale, 23 years old, assistant surgeon, United States Volunteers, who had been the first to attend him when he fell, sat through those long, black night hours and the long, gray morning ones that followed holding tightly to the President's hand, knowing, as he was to write later, that reason and recognition occasionally returned to the afflicted at the moment of departure and wanting the President to understand in his blind- ness that he was in touch with humanity and had a friend. So it was that George Pickett's old friend from the war himself had a friend at hand when the long war years were over. This was Abraham Lincoln, politician, husband and father. President and Commander in Chief, martyr for all mankind. He was a man of such dimensions that he made all others seem small, though he would have been the very last to wish to do so. Those dimensions were not merely physical, not just the 6-feet-4 of him or the gaunt, bony frame of him, but the great soul and heart of him as well. For this was the Bible-reading lad come out of the wilderness, following a prairie star, filled with wonder at the world and its Maker, who all his life, boy and man, not only knew the 23d Psalm but, more importantly, knew the Shepherd. Nov^, in 1959, it seems possible that we shall never see his like again. This is a sobering thought, but it should be a kindling one, for upon us now, as a people, has been laid perhaps the greatest responsibility any nation was ever asked to shoulder, yet certainly not greater than we can bear. Our days are no longer than were Lincoln's, our nights are no darker, and if there is any difTerence between his time and this, it lies in the tremendous advantage that is ours, that he stood so tall before us. In such a time and at such a moment we surely can say then, from hope- ful, brimful hearts : We are coming, Father Abraham, devoted millions strong, firm in the faith that was yours and is ours, secure in the conviction bequeathed by you to us that right does make might and that if we but dare to do our duty as we understand it, we shall not only survive — we shall prevail. We walk beside you now, long-striding, our feet firmly on the ground in this most practical of worlds but with an eye always on the heavens that we might never — never — lose sight of the stars. 169 ADDRESS BY ARTHUR S. FLEMMING Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare Gettysburg Address Anniversary Ceremony, November 19, 1959 It is a high honor and great privilege to have the opportunity of stand- ing on this hallowed ground in order to participate in this very significant program. All of us are indebted to the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission for the outstanding contribution it has made in focusing our thought and attention on our Nation's most inspiring leader. Here today we are commemorating the delivery of one of the greatest orations of all time. It is great because of its content. But it is great primarily because of the fact that it was delivered by one whose life was completely consistent with the spirit of sacrificial dedication to the cause of freedom that permeates the address. And it is with that spirit of sacri- ficial dedication in mind that I want to share with you what has come to be a deep-seated concern — a concern that we in our day will make the maximum possible contribution to a "new birth of freedom." And right at the outset, I want to say that I believe that you and I will make that contribution only if we are truly thankful for freedom — thankful for the heritage that has been left to us by Abraham Lincoln. "But," you say, "Surely it isn't necessary to dwell on that point! We can assume the existence of such a spirit of thankfulness." But can we? The Psalmist in the 11 6th Psalm asks this significant question: "What shall I render unto the Lord for all of his benefits toward me?" And just at little later on in that Psalm he replies to his own question. "I will offer unto Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving." In other words, when we are truly thankful we express our thankfulness in deeds as well as in words — deeds which can be described by just one word, namely, sacrifice. Are we so thankful for freedom that we, like Lincoln, are willing to make sacrifices in its behalf? Are we willing, for example, to make sacrifices in order to strengthen the foundation on which our form of government rests? The citizen who does not exercise the right of franchise is certainly not very thankful for freedom. He is unwilling to expend even a minimum amount of energy in order to maintain and to strengthen our form of gov- ernment. And surely the citizen who does not participate actively in the political party of his choice is turning away from the opportunity of making a major contribution to the strengthening of one of our most important political institutions. Likewise, citizens who turn aside, for purely selfish reasons, from the opportunity of serving in public office are helping to un- dermine the foundations on which freedom rests. We turn the spotlight, and rightly so, on the public official who proves to be faithless to a public trust. We should also turn a merciless spotlight on the well-qualified person who refuses to serve in the office in question, and thus provided the faithless public servant with an opportunity to serve his own selfish ends. 170 Then, to take another example, are we willing to make sacrifices in order to "provide for the common defense" and thus "secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and to our posterity"? The situation that confronts us in this area was clearly set forth by President Eisenhower when he said : We have to go on the assumption that the ultimate intentions of the Russians have not changed, and as the first element of securing and maintaining the peace of the world, we must maintain our own security. The achievement of that objective calls for sacrifices. It calls for ma- terial sacrifices — sacrifices that are reflected in the billions of dollars that we are spending each year for our preparedness program. And I believe that President Eisenhower, the Congress, and the people of this Nation are never going to permit any considerations to stand in the way of our con- tinuing to deal with the forces of international communism from a position of strength rather than weakness. The maintenance of our security also calls for sacrifices of time and energy on the part of the citizens of this Nation. Service in the Armed Forces should not be looked upon as a burden, but rather as a glorious opportunity to make sacrifices in behalf of freedom. Also we should ap- proach in the same spirit the opportunities that are presented to us to make sacrifices in behalf of a strong civil defense program. And let's never forget that if these sacrifices are made, our determina- tion "to provide for the common defense" — a determination expressed in deeds, as well as in words — may very well deter the aggressor and help to preserve the peace. And then, to take still another example, are we willing to make sacrifices in order to help our neighbors, individuals and nations, to realize their highest possibilities? At the very center of our Judeo-Christian tradition is the command- ment: "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." This commandment places upon us a common responsibility. What is it? It is the responsi- bility to help our fellow human beings realize their highest potential. The acceptance of this responsibility provides a center and direction for life and this, in turn, motivates and inspires men and women to make sacrifices in order to fulfill the law in their own lives. If, to use just one illustration, this law is at the center of our lives, we will make sacrifices in behalf of education. We will make these sacrifices because we know that education has just one mission — to help others realize their highest possibilities. We will never engage in a sustained effort to strengthen our educational system because of a fear of any nation. We will engage in such an effort, however, as an outgrowth of our determination to express our thankfulness for freedom by leaving no stone unturned that will help the children and young people of our Nation to realize their highest potential. Finally, let us ask ourselves this question : Are we willing to make sacri- fices in order to strengthen the spiritual foundation on which our Nation rests? This Nation must always live under the judgments of God, if we are to enjoy the blessings of freedom. We are spending billions on defense in the hope that we may be able to deter the possible aggressor. But this is only one side of the coin. We are spending these billions not only to deter 171 aggression, but in order to buy time until spiritual forces can provide us with a spiritual breakthrough that will being us into a pathway that will lead to peace. These spiritual forces will be set in motion only as each one of us is willing to make sacrificial contributions of time, energy, and resources to the church of our faith and choice. We are either a part of the problem or a part of the answer to the greatest problem of our day — the preservation and strengthening of the concept of freedom. If we pass up opportunities to make sacrifices for freedom, we are a part of the problem. If we are willing to express our thankfulness for freedom by taking advantage of the opportunities that are presented to us to make sacrifices in its behalf, then we are a part of the answer. And I believe that an increasing number of our citizens are reaching the point where they are willing to walk in the footsteps of Abraham Lin- coln and to express their thankfulness for freedom in deeds as well as in words — deeds that can be described by just one word, namely, sacrifice. That is why I look to the future — not with a feeling of pessimism but with a feeling of optimism. That is why I believe that this nation, under God, will have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, will not perish from the earth. ADDRESS BY CARL SANDBURG Gettysburg Address Anniversary Ceremony, November 19, 1959 When we say a patriot is one who loves his country, what kind of love do we mean? A love we can analyze, or weigh, or measure? Or is a patriot's love of country a thing invisible, a quality, a human shade and breath, be- yond all measurement or reckoning? These are questions old as the time of man and the earliest tribes and nations. We do know in part that when a society or civilization perishes, it would seem they forget the hard begin- nings, struggles having human cost. We have heard that the dead hold in their clenched hands only that which they have given away. When men forget, if they ever knew, what is at the heart of that sentiment — and it is terribly sentimental — they are in danger of power being taken over by fantastic fools or beasts of prey or men hollow with echoes and vanities. The will and vision that motivated people in Plymouth seeking freedom of conscience, this moved on alive and written on faces at Valley Forge. It was on faces of men who marched from home to the campaign that brought them to Gettysburg. Long before this time of ours, America saw the faces of men and women torn and shaken in turmoil, chaos and storm. Always the path of American destiny has been into the Unknown. And always there arose enough of reserves of strength, balances of sanity, portions of wisdom, to carry the nation through to a fresh start with an ever renewing vitality. In this year of the celebration of the birth of Abraham Lincoln on February 12, 150 years ago, his words are sought for lights and vision. 172 In his senatorial campaign of 1858, his theme one August afternoon was the Declaration of Independence and its phrase, "that all men are created equal," and have unalienable rights to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," saying, "this was their lofty, and wise, and noble understanding of the Justice of the Creator to His creatures. Yes, gentlemen, to all His creatures, to the whole great family of man . . . they grasped not only the whole race of man then living, but they reached forward and seized upon the farthest posterity . . . wise statesmen as they were, they knew the tendency of prosperity to breed tyrants, and so they established these great self-evident truths, that when in the distant future some man, some faction, some interest, should set up the doctrine that none but rich men, or none but white men, were entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, their posterity might look up again to the Declaration of Independence and take courage to renew the battle which their fathers began ... I charge you ... do not destroy that immortal emblem of Humanity — the Declaration of American Independence. In this same year, Lincoln wrote a meditation not made public : The abolition of the Slave-trade by Great Britain was agitated a hundred years before it was a final success; that the measure had it's open fire-eating opponents; it's stealthy "don't care" opponents, it's dollar and cent opponents; it's inferior race opponents; it's negro opponents; and it's religion and good order opponents; and that all these opponents got offices, and their adversaries got none. But I have also remembered that though they blazed like tallow-candles for a century, at last they flickered in the socket, died out, sank in the dark for a brief season, and were remembered no more, even by the small ... I am proud, in my passing speck of time, to contribute a humble mite to that glorious consummation, which my own poor eyes may not last to see. This was 5 years before he wrote, signed and issued that world-renowned document known as the Emancipation Proclamation 106 years ago. His speech on this battlefield has become, we might say, the supreme classic of American oratory and patriotism, a precious psalm of mystic remembrance : Fourscore and seven years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation — or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated — can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We are met to dedicate a portion of it as the final resting place of those who have given their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow, this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our power to add or to detract. The world will very little note nor long remember what we say here ; but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated, here, to the unfinished work that they have thus far so nobly carried on. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us ; that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they here gave the last full measure of devotion ; that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain ; that the nation shall, under God, have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth. Perhaps I can offer lines from a poem published for a wide audience during World War II. A poem called "The Long Shadow of Lincoln: A Litany":* Be a brother, if so can be, to those beyond battle fatigue each in his own corner of earth or forty fathoms undersea, beyond all boom of guns, beyond any bong of a great bell, each with a bosom and number, each with a pack of secrets, each with a personal dream and doorway and over them now the long endless winds with the low healing song of time, the hush and sleep murmur of time. Be a brother, if so can be to those thrown forward for taking hardwon lines for holding hardwon points and their reward so-so-, little they care to talk about, their pay held in a mute calm highspot memories going unspoken, what they did being past words, what they took being hardwon. Be sad, be kind, be cool. Weep if you must and weep open and shameless before these altars. There are dead youths with wrists of silence who keep a vast music under their shut lips. What they did being past words, their dreams like their deaths beyond any smooth and easy telling, having given till no more to give. There is dust alive, cut of granite tomb, cut of bronze sarcophagus. Loose from the stone and copper steps a whitesmoke ghost lifting an authoritative hand in the name of dreams worth dying for, in the name of men whose dust breathes of those dreams so worth dying for, what they did being past words, beyond all smooth and easy telling. ♦From Complete Poems, copyright 1950 by Carl Sandburg. Reprinted by per- mission of Harcourt Brace and Co., Inc. 174 Be sad, be kind, be cool, remembering under God, a dreamdust, hallowed in the ruts and gullies, solemn bones under the smooth blue sea, faces warblown in a falling rain. Sing low, sing high, sing wide. Make ycmr wit a guard and cover. Let your laughter come free like a help and a brace of comfort. The earth laughs, the sun laughs over every wise harvest of man. over man looking toward peace by the light of the hard old teaching: "We must disenthrall ourselves." ADDRESS BY DR. RICHARD N. CURRENT Professor of History and Political Science The Woman's College of the University of North Carolina At a Symposium on "The Current State of Lincoln Scholarship", Library of Congress, Washington, D.C, February i i, i960 THE LINCOLN THEME UNEXHAUSTED AND INEXHAUSTIBLE It is fitting that we should pause to take stock of recent Lincoln scholar- ship, now that the Sesquicentennial is closing and, incidentally, now that a second century of Lincoln studies is beginning. A hundred years ago, in June, appeared the first of the campaign biographies, the first book about Lincoln, the first raindrop in what was eventually to become a torrent of publications. It would be much too much to undertake, at the moment, even the most general appraisal of that whole century of writing. It is rash enough to attempt a review of the last quarter-century alone. This review must be brief. Only the most significant new findings can be noticed, and those but cursorily. A great deal of very valuable work must go unmen- tioned. Fortunately we have a kind of bench mark against which to measure the progress of the past twenty-five years. The American Historical Re- view for January 1936 included an essay by that prince of Lincoln scholars and finest of men, James G. Randall. The title of Randall's essay is familiar — so familiar to historians that among them it often has been the subject of parody and jest [which, it must be said, the author himself had the sense of humor to enjoy]. The title: "Has the Lincoln Theme Been Exhausted?" In the essay, Randall noted the vast quantity of books, brochures, speeches, and miscellaneous effusions already in print and dryly called attention to the variety of topics, among them a number such as this: "Dogs Were Ever a Joy to Lincoln." He remarked upon the "spurious nature of much that passes for Lincoln scholarship," and he ob- served that "among comprehensive biographers who have made Lincoln their main interest the trained historical specialist is rarely seen." His basic argument he summarized in these words: The general reader, vaguely aware of the multitude of Lincoln writings, or the historian who has specialized elsewhere, might suppose that the Lincoln theme had been sufficiently developed. If, however, one finds that in the sources there is both spade work and refining work to be done, that the main body of Lincoln manuscripts is closed to research, that no definitive edition of the works is to be had, that genuine Lincoln documents are continually coming to light while false ones receive unmerited credence, and that collateral studies bearing upon Lincoln are being steadily developed, then any conclusion as to the exhaustion of the theme would appear premature. If the investigator further disco%'ers that there are obscure points to be searched, disputed points to be pondered, lacunae to be filled, revisionist interpretations to be applied or tested, excellent studies yet to be published, others in progress, valuable projects still to be undertaken, and finally, that an adequate, full-length biography (comparable, let us say, to Freeman's new life of Lee) is still in the future, then he realizes that, far from being exhausted, the field is rich in opportunity. When we reread this statement of Randall's- — and the list of particulars with which he accompanied it — we cannot help being amazed at the contrast between the achievements and opp>ortunities in Lincoln scholarship today and the achievements and opportunities of one short generation ago. We now have, of course, Carl Sandburg's magnificent four volumes on The War Years. We have Randall's own four volumes presenting Lincoln the President with unmatched thoughtfulness and objectivity and applying rigorously the "revisionist interpretations" that he had called for. In the Library of Congress we have access to the manuscript treasures of the Hemdon-Weik and, far more important, the Robert Todd Lincoln col- lection, which we are inclined to use without suflficient appreciation, for- getting how recently they were made available. We now possess that "definitive edition of the works" which, when Randall wrote his famous essay, was still nearly twenty years in the future. And at last we have trustworthy editions of those invaluable cabinet diaries that refract the President's image through the very different personalities of Salmon P. Chase and Gideon Welles. Of the specific studies that Randall listed in 1936 as needing to be done, a large number have since appeared in print, among them the following: "an examination of the letters and papers of Lincoln's biographers," "a truly adequate study of Lincoln as President-elect," and monographs on such collateral subjects as William H. Herndon and the war governors. Numerous other phases of the Lincoln theme have been treated in studies that Randall did not happen to foresee. In the light of all this work we must revise our conception of Lincoln at various points in his career. At each of these points we are presented a much more accurate and sharply focused picture, if in some respects a less colorful one, than could be had as recently as 1936. We must clear from our minds the false or dubious conceptions that formerly prevailed. 176 No longer, for example, can we imagine the seven-year old Abraham as spending his first Indiana winter in a "half-faced camp," a kind of lean-to with one side open and protected only by a blazing fire. Very likely his father built such a shelter when marking off the land in advance of the family's arrival, but there is no reason to believe that Abraham and his mother and sister actually lived in this crude structure, except possibly for a few days while a regular cabin was being put up. Thomas Lincoln, by no means the ne'er-do-well he used to be considered, doubtless erected that first cabin in a hurry, with the customary aid of his neighbors. If we must abandon the notion that Thomas was a shiftless man, we must also give up the pleasant fiction that his wife Nancy was a woman of unusual talents, a woman at whose knee Abraham learned his letters by firelight. Indeed, on the whole matter of his early education and his youthful book borrowing and reading habits, we must be guided by a strong and steady skepticism. No longer can we think of Lincoln the lawyer as a person of such exces- sive and unrealistic scruple that he seldom took criminal cases and never did so unless he was assured of his client's innocence. As a very recent authority rather belligerently puts the matter: "Lincoln's showing in the Truett trial, as in numerous other of his cases, where the facts were over- whelmingly against his client, should dispose, with devastating finality, of the patent poppycock advanced by certain of his biographers — even by some of his contemporaries — that Lincoln could only put forth his best efforts when convinced of the justice of the cause which he advocated." It seems that Lincoln, like any capable and conscientious attorney, gave his clients full value for their fees, regardless of what he thought of the justice of their case. And he was a capable and conscientious attorney, one of the very best in the State of Illinois. Yet afterwards his longtime partner William H. Herndon made many ''piddling references" to his legal abilities and showed practically no aware- ness of his real achievements at the bar. Thus we can no longer put much faith in Herndon even when he is dealing with matters presumably within his personal knowledge. He cannot be trusted on the subject he ought to have known the most about — Lincoln and the law. And certainly, as has been realized for some time, he cannot be trusted on things he had no personal knowledge of, such as Lincoln's supposed love aflfairs and his home life. The Herndon view of Ann Rutledge and of Mary Todd has been deprived, within the last several years, of what little credibility it still had left. At last we can see that the issue between the Herndon school of biography and its critics was not one of realism versus romanticism, for Herndon himself was a special kind of romantic, and he often had little regard for factual reality. No longer can we consider Lincoln as a man lacking in money sense, a man so impecunious that, as it has been said, he had to borrow the railroad fare from Springfield to Washington before he could make the trip for his inauguration. Meticulous research has shown that he was worth at least $15,000 at the time of his election, that he saved more than half of his Presidential salary, and that at his death he left an estate afterwards appraised at $83,000. 177 These are some of the corrections that must be made in our knowledge of Lincoln's personal life. When we turn to his public career, we find still more important changes to be made in our thinking. His Presidential years, obviously the most significant, have been until recently the most neglected. It used to be that his greatness in statesmanship was taken pretty much for granted. At last we have been given information and ideas adding sharpness to our vision, letting us come closer than before to behold- ing the true elements of his greatness. Since 1936, Lincoln the politician has been the subject of several in- formative and revealing books. Congressman Abraham Lincoln, a critical account which corrects the classic volumes of Albert J. Beveridge at several points, shows the lone Whig from Illinois busily "politicking" throughout his one term in the House of Representatives. His later growth in political skill stands out sharply against the ineptitude he often displayed during that congressional term. Much of his progress in the art of politics is to be seen in Lincoln's Rise to Power, a realistic study of his nomination in i860, which points the moral that, if we seek the man who made Lincoln President, we should look into the activities of Lincoln himself. Even after his election, as we see in Lincoln and the War Governors, he remained at first something of a creature of the separate State Repub- lican organizations. By the time of his reelection in 1864, he had ad- vanced a long way toward the formation of a unified national or at least all-Northern party, with himself at the head of it. One of the chief sources of his strength, we learn in Lincoln and the Patronage, lay in his control of Government jobs. From day to day, down to the very last day of his life, he kept at his often disagreeable patronage chores, deciding upon a Federal marshal here, a postmaster there. This was a grubby business but a necessary one. His devotion to it strengthens the view, presented in Lincoln Reconsidered, that he depended less than other strong Presi- dents upon direct appeals to Congress or the people. He worked mostly behind the scenes, with other organization men of his party. He was, in short, a "politician's politician." We do not think any the less of him for all this. "In being a competent politician," the students of his use of the patronage point out, "he became a statesman." In a thoughtful essay on The Statesmanship of the Civil War we are informed that Lincoln possessed in high degree the five qualities that go to make up a statesman: intellectual power, moral strength, a feeling for the spirit and needs of the time, an instinctive understanding of the masses, and some kind of passion — in his case, a passion for democracy. Most of the countless new books and articles dealing with Civil War sub- jects involve the wartime President, closely or remotely, and they throw varying amounts of light upon his qualities of statecraft. Indeed, the more thoroughly the war as a whole is investigated, the more conspicuously he stands out as the great "hero of the conflict." The author of The Ordeal of the Union, that projected lo-volume work reanalyzing the whole period of division and reunion, concludes at midpoint in the study: "Well it was for the Republic that out of such a political milieu rose a Chief Executive who combined the noblest qualities of the heart with a singularly lucid intellect and a piercing vision." 178 Lincoln, of course, was a military as well as a civil leader, and his role as Commander in Chief has come to be much better appreciated than ever before. For many years after his death the balance of expert opinion leaned to the view that he had been an ignoramus in military matters and that he commanded best when he commanded least. All along, however, there were those who held that he had directed the war with real com- petence, and a few arose to proclaim that he had been no less than a military genius. Still even his warmest admirers assumed that, early in 1864, he had ceased to exercise his talent actively, had turned the whole responsibility over to Ulysses S. Grant upon the latter's elevation to supreme command. Recently, in the book Lincoln and His Generals, a much more thorough- going thesis has been cogently argued, namely, that Lincoln remained the guiding spirit of the Union armies to the very end of the war. Though the subject is susceptible of difTerences in interpretation and emphasis, there can now be little doubt that one of his most important contributions lav in the field of grand strategy. Lincoln made another contribution that, till a few years ago, was scarcely guessed at. During the war he served as a kind of informal, one-man office of scientific research and development. Inventors and promoters brought him their proposals for new arms and ammunition. He put the more promising ideas to a practical test, sometimes firing an experimental gun, himself, in a weedy lot between the White House and the Washing- ton Monument. If an invention seemed worth using, he urged it upon the Ordnance Bureau or, in some cases, upon the generals in the field. Thus he aided signally in the development and adoption of mortars, ex- plosive bullets, incendiary shells, repeating rifles, and even machine guns. The story is told in Lincoln and the Tools of War, a book written by a scholar who, combining the talents of a historian and an engineer, dis- covered and made use of Ordnance Bureau records that had lain almost untouched. This work is an excellent example of the kind of research op- portunity that was unforeseen in 1936 and that, indeed, is always unforeseen until someone happens to get a bright idea. For all the new information and new insights that have been brought into view, and for all the myths and falsehoods that have been brushed aside, there still remain phases of the Lincoln story with regard to which we have only a rather clouded and fuzzy picture. There still remain unsolved puzzles, unsettled controversies. For instance, is the "Diary of a Public Man" reliable, and who was its author? That diary published anonymously in the North American Re- view in 1879, contains interesting sidelights on Lincoln — interesting if true. Again, was Lincoln wholly right, and McClellan wholly wrong, in their disagreements over the Peninsula campaign? The answer has a bear- ing on our judgment of Lincoln as a war leader, for if McClellan was a comparatively good general, then Lincoln was a correspondingly poor Commander in Chief, at least in 1862. Did Lincoln, in 1864, choose Andrew Johnson as his running mate and use quiet influence to bring about Johnson's nomination? This is a tricky kind of problem in historical detection, for Lincoln had to be secre- tive if he actually did what he is said to have done, and so he would have 179 left no good documentary tracks for the historian to follow. Was Lin- coln, as William T. Sherman afterwards said, the real author of the peace terms that Sherman offered to Joseph E. Johnston? By the time the Sherman- Johnston convention was signed, Lincoln was dead. His views must be inferred from bits and pieces of conflicting evidence. While there are as yet no generally agreed-upon answers to questions such as the foregoing, the search for answers has by no means been wasted effort. At the very least, issues have been sharpened and clarified, facts have been established, fictions disposed of, and the whole discussion has been elevated to a more sophisticated plane than heretofore. We may look forward to eventual arrival at a consensus or a near-consensus on most of the disputes. There are, however, some controversies about Lincoln that may never be put completely to rest. Some controversies are rooted largely in emo- tion, not entirely in reason, and hence are not quite amenable to objective fact or impartial thought. The outstanding example is the question of Lincoln and Fort Sumter. No sooner had Sumter fallen than enemies of Lincoln, especially Con- federate leaders, began to charge that he deliberately had maneuvered the Confederates into firing the first shot and thus had brought on a needless war. Not until 1937 was this charge elaborated, documented, and pub- lished in a scholarly work. Since then, both the attack and the defense have been carried to extremes. On the one side, it has been asserted that Lincoln even faked the need for supplies at Sumter so as to have an excuse for provisioning the fort and thus provoking a fight. On the other side, it has been maintained that he planned and expected a wholly peaceful pro- visioning attempt. No doubt the truth lies somewhere in between those two positions, but much closer to the second than to the first. The truth seems to be that Lincoln, though having no intention of wantonly starting a war, was yet willing to risk one if he had to do so for the sake of the Union. He did only what, in his place, any self-respecting President, sworn to uphold the laws, would have done. This whole Fort Sumter debate has been conducted on an unfair, one- sided basis. The argument centers about Lincoln alone. He is ac- cused — and defended. The pressures and considerations culminating in his decision are analyzed and appraised, this way and that. Yet he did not give the order for the firing of the first shot. Jefferson Davis did. That obvious fact somehow is overlooked. It would help to clear the air and restore our perspective if we were provided with a careful study of the pressures and considerations leading to the Confederate decision. We al- ready have a classic anti-Lincoln essay entitled "Lincoln and Fort Sumter." What we need is a comparable article bearing some such title as "The Confederates and the First Shot." Though there is some waste motion in Lincoln studies, as in much of the arguing about Sumter, these studies as a whole do move on. Sweeping progress has been made. An idea of the extent of the advance can be obtained by comparing a recent synthesis with a couple of earlier ones. A generation ago the finest version of the "public Lincoln" was thought 180 to be Lord Charnwood's slim biography ( 1917) . One of the best accounts of the "private Lincoln" was said to be Nathaniel W. Stephenson's short volume with the long title Lincoln: An Account of His Personal Life, Especially of Its Springs of Action as Revealed and Deepened by the Ordeal of War (1922). Now, compare these books with the one-volume bi- ography written by the late Benjamin P. Thomas (1952). The contrast is startling indeed. Charnwood's life, despite its enduring qualities, seems today rather elementary and uninformative. Stephenson's life, now wholly superseded, appears to be what indeed it is — an expertly writ- ten but mistily conceived and subjective book, one that prefers fact to false- hood only when the one fits as well as the other into the author's preconceptions, and rather fantastic preconceptions at that. Ben Thomas' life, bringing together the best researches, including his own, presents Lin- coln very much as he must have been, and presents him in a well-informed and well-proportioned setting. As we look to the future, however, we can be sure that the ultimate Lincoln biography has not been written. Nor will it ever be. With respect to Lincoln studies, that is about the only thing we can be sure of. Ran- dall's concluding words in his essay of 1936 are still apt for this report of i960: "What further products the historical guild will produce and what advances in Lincoln scholarship will appear fifty years hence . . . can only be imagined." For several years to come, with the more or less artificial stimulus of the continuing Civil War centennial observances, books and articles dealing at least tangentially with Lincoln can be ex- pected to pour forth in unprecedented numbers. Sooner or later the out- put must fall ofT somewhat. But there is no reason to suppose that interest in Lincoln will be any less a quarter of a century from now than it was a quarter of a century ago. In the future, Lincoln studies will be furthered only to a limited extent by the discovery of previously unknown Lincoln manuscripts. New docu- ments in his handwriting do appear from time to time, and they will keep on coming to light. There are crannies in old attics and old court- houses still to be searched. Most of the findings will be of especial value to people with an antiquarian point of view, yet some of the manuscripts may add details interesting to the historian. It would be surprising, though welcome, if any broadly significant batch of Lincoln letters should yet be found. Lincoln scholarship will be advanced mainly by the further exploitation of manuscript collections and other sources whose existence already is known. What is needed in some cases is no more than a careful restudy of materials which in the past have been rather heedlessly used. What is needed in other cases is a historian's instinct that can locate fruitful items in unsuspected places or a historian's imagination that can see new pat- terns of meaning in evidence already familiar. The motives that impel the writer of Lincoln studies are not easy to ex- plain. Perhaps he is after the money or the acclaim that the large Lincoln public can provide. Such an explanation, for all its cynicism, may very well apply to certain individuals, but it begs the more fundamental ques- tion of why the large Lincoln public exists in the first place. Probably 541524 O - 60 - 14 181 both author and public find in the study of the man much the same chal- lenge and inspiration. The essence of this appeal is elusive, yet no one at all acquainted with Lincoln will doubt its reality. As part of the appeal, there are the ex- ternals of his life — his remarkable rise as a self-made man, his association with the grand if not entirely glorious events of the republic's grimmest years, and then his martyrdom at the very hour of hard-won victory. There are the mysteries about him — the strange reticences and silences in the record, the controversies that call for additional study, and for addi- tional controversy. More important, there are his inner qualities— the humor and the sadness, the essential humanity, the basic integrity and un- corruptibility that resist all debunking, all scholarly prying, and genera- tion after generation cause those who know him best to admire him most. Finally, and perhaps most important, there is his aspect as the personifica- tion of democracy — the living symbol, the perfect exponent, whose elo- quence goes to the heart of the democratic dilemma and thus gives him a perpetual timeliness, an eternal relevance to the problems of popular government. His timeless, universal appeal can be seen and felt in the reputation he now holds in lands as remote from the United States, both geographically and culturally, as India is. The American in India soon finds that every educated person, even the most casual railroad compartment acquaintance, knows the name of Lincoln and pays him the compliment of coupling his name with that of Mahatma Gandhi. The American finds Indian states- men and scholars appraising the words of Lincoln, trying to extract the last drop of sense from them, analyzing each of the prepositions in the famous Gettysburg phrases — "of," "by," and "for" the people — and won- dering whether, in an adaptation of Lincoln's philosophy to modern India, one should not add still another prepositional phrase, "with the people"! Certainly Lincoln is remembered wherever and whenever democracy is be- ing given serious thought. Throughout the free world we shall face for a long time the task of maintaining democratic government, by democratic means, against mani- fold dangers that threaten from both outside and in. This is one of several reasons why the Lincoln theme will not soon, if ever, be exhausted. ADDRESS BY DR. ALLAN NEVINS Annual Lincoln Dinner, Will.\rd Hotel, Washington, D.C., February ii, i960 LINCOLN and democracy With those people who think we make too much of the Lincoln anni- versaries, it is difficult for a reflective man to feel any patience- As the an- cient Roman household found inspiration in annually clebrating the natal day of its most illustrious ancestor, our American household finds refresh- 182 ment each year in reverting to the example of its greatest exponent of democracy. For it is as the essential Hero of Democracy that we recall Lincoln. Any just definition of democracy would note the fact that it has a different meaning in America — we hope a richer meaning — than in other lands. Politically, it signifies a form of government in which the machinery is controlled as directly as possible by a majority of all the people. In a broader sense, democracy represents a certain general condition of society rooted in our Anglo-American origins, shaped by circumstances in which the frontier and free immigration have been prominent, and in- volving not only the political tenet of popular sovereignty, but a related group of corresponding tendencies covering the whole field of moral, social, and even spiritual life. In either the narrow or broad sense, democracy denotes a revolutionary movement in human affairs, which has a set of determined opponents ranging from Sir Henry Maine to William Graham Sumner, and a body of ardent champions ranging from John Stuart Mill to Woodrow Wilson. Not for Americans alone, the name of Lincoln best typifies both political and social democracy. Lincoln's life offers a panorama of contrasts as remarkable as any in history, and the author of a recent book. The Lincoln That Nobody Knows, indeed calls it a study in contrasts. Among the facts of his life which conflict with preconceived notions of what is probable, one paradox holds a central place. It is this : That a man who knew democracy so intimately, in a period when it was full of violence, crudity, and corruption, should have been so completely untouched by cynicism as to the system; nay, more, that a man too clear-sighted ever to be fooled by surface pretensions, too realistic and honest to conceal his con- victions, should have said so little in criticism of democracy and nothing in essential derogation of it. More caustic statements on democracy as a form of governmnt can be found in a paragraph of John Adams than in all Lincoln's speeches; more faultfinding with democracy as a social system in a page of H. L. Mencken than in all Lincoln's works. Yet Lincoln knew far more expertly than these men the seamy side of democracy. Lincoln's faith in the people was so simple, spontaneous, and warm- hearted that we tend to accept it as inborn and unchangeable. He him- self — though actually it was changeable — gave it that interpretation with reiterated emphasis. "This is essentially a people's war", he told Congress when it first met after Sumter. It was a contest, he went on, to preserve that form of gov- ernment which would elevate the condition of all men, and he was "most happy to believe that the plain people understand and appreciate this." Throughout the war, even more than before it, the people were foremost in his thoughts. He declared at one point that he could never betray "so vast and so sacred a trust as these free people have confided to me." In his policies, he was anxious to keep the mass of fairmindcd people with him, taking a position neither too conservative nor too radical. "I hope," he informed Zack Chandler, "to 'stand firm' enough not to go back- 183 ward, and yet not go forward fast enough to wreck the country's cause." In keeping the masses with him, he reHed upon the jjersuasive logic ex- hibited in his state papers and letters. His evident object was not to make smart hits, or win rhetorical triumphs, but to reason with and con- vince commonsense folk. "If ever there could be a proper time for mere catch arguments," he wrote in his December message in 1862, "that time is surely not now. In times like the present, men should utter nothing for which they would not willingly be responsible through time and eternity." As he stated in his letter to Greeley on saving the Union with or without slavery, he would correct errors when shown to be errors, and adopt new views so fast as they should appear true views; and when he did so, he would inform the people. Down to Appomattox, he clung to the maxim he had enunciated in Chicago in 1850: "Wisdom and patriotism, in a public office, under institutions like ours, are wholly inefficient and worth- less, unless they are sustained by the confidence ... of the people." Men may believe fervently in liberty but reject democracy; Lincoln's position was a pole apart from that of such thinkers as Burke, a passionate libertarian but no democrat. Burke wrote that he never addressed himself to the vulgar nor to that which alone governs the vulgar, their passions. Lincoln pointedly addressed himself to the vulgar and to their reason. He never abused an honest opponent. He was so anxious not to repress honest discussion that he thought posterity would more likely criticize him for excessive lieniency with copperheads and traitors than for excessive severity. He was proud that the war neither postponed nor muted a single political campaign. "We cannot have free government without elections," he de- clared. Pitt was said to love England as an Athenian loved the City of the Violet Crown and a Roman the City of the Seven Hills; so it was that Lincoln loved the American democracy. His mind had no bent toward abstract thinking, and we look in vain in his writings for any body of gen- eralizations on government. We meet rather an instinctive conviction, which experience never corroded. Yet this man who so completely accepted his identification with the common people had taken laborious pains, from an early age, to raise himself above their level mentally and morally. When Herbert Croly re- marked that the youthful Lincoln was as different from the ordinary Sanga- mon Valley citizen of his day as St. Francis of Assisi was from the ordinary' Benedictine monk of the 13th century, he offered no explanation of the fact. The people about young Lincoln, busy with pioneer tasks, were hostile to intellectual effort ; young men preferred the tavern or grocery to books, and boisterous sport to study. Dueling, Indian fighting and hunting made heroes, and the admired leader was the Davy Crockett type who dis- tained personal restraint. One illustration will exhibit the turbulent side of frontier manners. Andrew Jackson, when in the White House, told a friend how a Tennessee bully had once tried to pick a quarrel with him by treading thrice on his foot. "As quick as a flash," said President Jackson, "I snatched a small rail from the top of a fence, and gave him the pint of it full in his stomach. 184 I It double him up. He fell at my feet and I stomped on him. ... If any villian assaults you, give him the pint in the belly." This was the spirit of too many backwoodsmen who reared log cabins on Congress land, fought Indians with long rifles, and subdued the wilderness with ax, sidemeat, whisky, and calomel. Lincoln completely transcended this environment. Where others proved their manhood by intemperate speech and acts, he trained himself in kind- liness, moderation, and generosity. We need not recall the hundred ex- amples of his magnanimity; he always followed the principle which he finally summed up in his statement that he had never willingly planted a thorn in another man's pillow, and in his letter advising a young man against a quarrel, for quarreling befogged in the mind. Meanwhile, among a rude folk at best indifferent to intellectual efTort, he found means of systematic mental discipline. "Anybody who gives me a book," he said, "is my best friend," and his instinct for books useful in maturing his powers was unerring. He trained himself to think by Abel Flint's System of Geometry and Trigonometry as well as Robert Gibon's Theory and Practice of Surveying; later, he said, he "nearly" mastered six books of Euclid. He nourished his imagination by The Pilgrim's Prog- ress, Robinson Crusoe, and Aesop's Fables, three volumes owned by his stepmother. He corrected his English by Kirkham's English Grammar, for which Mentor Graham said he walked 8 miles — the very copy is now in the Library of Congress — Bailey's Etymological Dictionary, and The Ken- tucky Preceptor with its classic selections. He improved his style and cadence, and enriched his mind, not only by the Bible, but by Shakespeare and Burns, to whom Jack Kelso introduced him. From Blackstone he drew a faculty of exact statement and something of the spirit of English history as well as a knowledge of legal principles. Altogether, he could well admonish a student later in life that any youth can read as profitably in primitive communities as in cities: "the books, and your capacity for understanding them, are the same in all places." How wide his reading actually was in New Salem days, no one can say. F. Lauriston Bullard, a veteran student of Lincoln, hazarded the state- ment that in these years he probably gained as much in intellectural devel- opment as Henry Adams gained at Harvard; and at any rate, he never said that his New Salem years had been wasted, as Adams said of his Harvard sojourn. The important fact is that he trained himself to reflect and to express his well-pondered conclusions with precision. He had a deliberate but retentive mind; like a piece of steel, as he put it — "very hard to scratch anything on it, and almost impossible after you got it there to rub it out." According to a clergyman who rode on a Connecticut train with him just after the Cooper Union address, he remarked: "I am never easy now, when I am handling a thought, until I have bounded it north and bounded it south, and bounded it east and bounded it west." If he did say this, the Cooper Union speech perfectly illustrated the assertion. Actually, no real mystery lies behind the ascension of Francis of Assisi or Lincoln above their fellow men. As Carl Sandburg shows us, the ex- planation lies in native bent and inherent genius. Lincoln resembled 185 the Robert Bums he so much admired in his inborn capacity to distil from meagre materials whatever strengthened the mind and ennobled the spirit. The Scottish ploughboy poring over Pope's Homer and Allan Ramsay's poems at his Ayrshire fireside, and the Illinois railsplitter with his Black- stone and Shakespeare, were satisfying much the same thirst. This kindling of an adolescent flame is happily no uncommon phenome- non. We meet it in the career of the Massachusetts Senator with whom Lincoln worked closely during the war, Henry Wilson. Bound out at lo to a farmer who put him at drudgery, Wilson managed before he gained his freedom at 21, to read a thousand books; he counted them. We find the same natural idealism and desire to excel intellectually and morally in a multitude of other poor lads. Some came to take Lincoln for a model; David Lloyd George, for example, the orphan whose cobble-uncle sent him to a penny school in Wales until he could educate himself by reading Cassell's Popular Educator and a host of other works, among them the life of Lincoln. What is remarkable in Lincoln — what does defy easy explanation — is that he manifested so little consciousness of the superiority he had attained. Among rude, aggressive selfish men, he became urbane, moderate, and generous. Among unlettered, impulsive, and unthinking people he was cultivated, restrained, and deeply reflective. Joseph H. Choate has told us how he and other New Yorkers went in i860 to hear Lincoln at Cooper Union, expecting to be assailed by stump humor, special pleading, and frontier rhetoric, and how they were impressed instead by the sinewy strength of his plain argument. "It was marvelous to see how this un- tutored man, by mere self-discipline and the chastening of his own spirit, had outgrown all meretricious arts, and found his own way to the grandeur and strength of absolute simplicity." Yet of condescension to the vulgar, he never showed a trace. The humblest fellow townsman he treated as equal. In one respect, to be sure, he did assert his superiority to his opponents: in perception of truth. He was scornful of Douglas' sophistries, of Pierce's casuistry, of Buchanan's evasions and cowardices. In every other respect, he took men on his own level. Miss Octavia Roberts of Springfield, gather- ing material for her book on Lincoln in Illinois, talked with a Portuguese woman who had been a servant in the old Globe Hotel when the Lincoln family once stayed there. This woman recalled how quickly Mrs. Lin- coln resented what she thought saucy talk. But there is a world of mean- ing in her comment on Lincoln: "He was common, like someone that is poor." In social life sheer good nature might explain much of Lincoln's outlook; but in politics he was far from goodnatured — he was savagely in earnest. The political paradox in his life is all the more remarkable. He believed firmly in political democracy, but just what was it in his time? In Illinois, Gov. Thomas Ford, whom he knew, wrote a remarkable State history por- traying democracy in repellent hues. Ford flayed such predecessors as Thomas Reynolds with a merciless scalpel; he showed that little men were leaders in the first generation of statehood, how mean their motives, how sordid some of their acts. Nor were the people exempt from acid criticism. 186 The Illinoisans had cruelly maltreated Black Hawk and his Sauk and Fox Indians; they had murdered Joseph Smith and his brother, and driven the Mormons across the Mississippi at the point of the musket; they had in- dulged in wild financial excesses during the internal improvement era, and had wavered on the brink of debt repudiation later. The shabby side of political morals was lighted up by the conduct of Gov. Joel A. Matteson, one of the few men Lincoln despised, who after nearly gaining that Senate seat that Lincoln sought was proved guilty of theft from the State treasury, and compelled to restore nearly a quarter of million dollars. The Alton riots and murder of Elijah P. Lovejoy gave the Illinois shield a sorry blotch. In the Nation, political democracy had equally inedifying aspects. From Lincoln's point of view the Mexican War was impossible to defend. Slav- ery undermined the political integrity of the Government, and a succession of weak Presidents — the commonplace Fillmore, the forcible-feeble Pierce, the timid Buchanan — had no policy but one of dodge and delay. Thaddeus Stevens said that the House of Representatives when he en- tered it, was a place of bowie knives, revolvers, and howling demons. It was a sad light that was cast on democracy by bleeding Kansas, the assault of Brooks on Sumner, the eclipse of civil liberties throughout the South, the territorial greed embodied in the Ostend Manifesto, and the bloody raids of filibusters in Central America. For that matter, how the Civil War itself would have shocked the fathers of the Nation as a negation of all their hopes! Punch published an apt cartoon which depicted the shade of George III poking the shade of Washington in the ribs against a back- ground of fighting troops, and ejaculating: "What d'ye think of your fine republic now? Eh? Eh? Lincoln of course had a large firsthand experience of the demagogic, logrolling, planless side of democracy. As a young legislator, he had played his part in the craze which fastened an almost hopeless debt on the young State for a system of public works vote without surveys, estimates, or care- ful discussion; he had been one of the adroit lobbyists who had removed the capital from Vandalia to Springfield. He had seen all the vicious features of the spoils system in the Jacksonian era, and the bad results of a blind party adherence to a military hero. As he expressed it, the Demo- crats were a horde of hungry ticks who stuck to the tail of the Hermitage lion until after his death. He thought the acts and policies of the pro- slavery administrations just before the war disgraceful. "Our Republican Robe," he said, in his Peoria speech of 1854, "is soiled and trailed in the dust." Nor should we forget that in his wartime dealings with democracy, Lin- coln experienced three painful failures. His passionate desire during his first 5 weeks in office was to avert war, an end toward which he strove at any cost, save the sacrifice of principle; he was thwarted when the hot- headed Southerners fired on Sumter. In the next 1 7 months, his principal efTort, next to the prosecution of the war, was to persuade the Border States to accept his plan of gradual compensated emancipation. He put the ut- most mtensity of feeling into this efTort. "Oh," he said to Isaac Arnold and Owen Lovejoy on July 13, 1862, "how I wish the Border States would 187 accept my proposition. Then you, Lovejoy, and you, Arnold, and all of us, would not have lived in vain!" He believed that acceptance would lead to an early termination of the war. But the very day after his conversa- tion with Arnold, the border congressmen said No. Maryland, Delaware, Kentucky, and Missouri rejected his plan. In the ensuing i8 months his principal aim, next to conquering the South, was to persuade the majority in Congress to adopt a moderate scheme of recon- struction. Again, he failed, and in 1864 had to veto the vindictive Wade- David bill. The policies on which he most set his heart, in short, broke down. Meanwhile, he might well have complained of public impatience, of the failure of the people to keep the armies sufficiently filled to avert a draft, of the widespread profiteering, cheating, and skulking, and of the mis- chievous efTort of the Senate to dictate a new Cabinet after Fredericksburg. He never complained except of individual men, and never lost faith. His best trusted associate, Secretary Seward, did sometime grow utterly discouraged. We who bear the responsibility in Washington, Seward wrote his wife in 1862. see the war as a sad, painful, fearful reality. "To the public, who are not directly engaged in it, it is a novel, a play. . . . They weary and grow restive if the action of the war drags, or loses its intensity. They pronounce the piece a failure, and propose to drive the manager out of the theater. Who could believe that nations could be made or saved in civil war, when the people act like this?" After the elections that year, Seward honestly feared that partisanship might "eflfect the national ruin." On another occasion he wrote his wife that nothing preserved his faith in American democracy but reading his- tory. "Selfishness crops out in everything, everywhere. It ofTends and alarms us constantly; but we learn from history- that selfishness always existed, and always was more flagrant than now." Gideon Welles likewise lost faith. When he watched the defeatist antics of Fernando Wood, he concluded: "But the whole city of New York is alike leprous and rotten." In such vicious communities, he thought, free suffrage was debased, and some outside control was needed. In his youth, he had believed that the popular voice was right, "but alas! experience has shaken the confidence I once had." In short, he doubted that democ- racy could succeed among "the strange materials that compose a majority of the population in our large cities," for demagogs would obtain the mastery. Thaddeus Stevens felt a deeper mistrust. Called the Great Commoner, he was supposed to cherish a special feeling for democracy. Yet during and after the War. he came to a sardonic belief that misgovernment was chronic, and when near his end he sadly commented: "With all this great struggle of years in Washington, and the fearful sacrifice of life and treas- ure, I see little hope for the Republic." These were men whose belief in democracy was shaken by the stormy time; many others never had a real faith in democracy. The planter statesmen of the South in the Era of JefTerson Davis, Howell Cobb, Robert Toombs, and Judah P. Benjamin, were like Calhoun in being natural anti- democrats. Representing a minority even in the Cotton Kingdom, they 188 had to guard a great special interest, and so combated every theory of government and society which weakened their position. By i860, many of them openly repudiated the ideas of Jeflferson. When Alexander H. Stephens, defending the Union before the Georgia Legisla- ture in i860, asked what form of government could be preferred to Amer- ica's, Robert L. Toombs interjected : "England." Of a different type were some of the Northern radicals, humanitarians and egalitarians, but not true believers in democracy. Of Charles Sumner, for example, it was truly said tliat he had unbounded sympathy for the poor Negro, but none to spare for the poor white man. And in a still different category fall those who, reared in Lincoln's gen- eration, turned against democracy as postwar materialism engulfed the land. Henry Adams, writing a novel entitled Democracy, saw little hope for it. Ambrose Bierce, an Indianan sprung from the plain people, decided that popular government was one vast fraud. In The Devil's Dictionary, he suggested his creed. "Politics: The conduct of public affairs for private advantage." "Deliberation: The act of examining one's bread to see which side it is buttered on." "Pocket: The cradle of motive, and the grave of conscience." Mark Twain's disillusionment became so abysmal that in his last years, seeing war, greed, and cruelty rampant, he used to speak of "the damned human race." Doubtless he should not be judged by words he wrote after a long series of private misfortunes and bereavements had deepened his bitterness. But even when fairly young, he was cynical about democracy, as his novel The Gilded Age shows. His approach to pioneer communities, to legislatures, to lobbyists, to business, to Mississippi steamboating and California mining, was primarily satiric. In Life on the Mississippi he wrote a paragraph on the frontier which Lincoln would have thought but wryly amusing: How solumn and beautiful is the thought that the earliest pioneer of civiliza- tion ... is never the steamboat, never the railroad, never the newspapers, never the Sabbath School, never the missionary — but always whisky! Such is the case. Look history over; you will see. The missionary comes after the whisky — I mean, he arrives after the whisky has arrived: next comes the poor immigrant with axe and hoe and rifle; next, the trader; next the miscellaneous rush; next the gambler, the desperado, the highwayman, and all their kindred in sin of both sexes; and next, the smart chap who has bought up an old grant that covers all the land ; this brings in the lawyer tribe ; the vigilance committee brings the undertaker. All these interests being the newspaper; the newspaper starts up politics and a railroad; all hands turn to and build a church and a jail — and behold, civilization is established forever in the land. Of this cynicism, this disillusionment, we find not the slightest touch in all of Lincoln's writings. When he saw our Republican robe soiled and trailed in the dust, he blamed false leaders, not the people. We must purify the robe, he said, and as soon as be became Chief Magistrate, he set himself to the task. While he never defined his concept of democratic government in detail, it was undoubtedly that which John Stuart Mill had enunciated in 1835. "If the bulk of any nation possesses a fair share of 189 • . . wisdom." wrote Mill, "the argument for universal suffrage is . . . irresistible; for the experience of ages, and especially of all great national emergencies, bears out the assertion that, whenever the multitude are reallv alive to the necessity of superior intellect, they rarely fail to distinguish those who possess it." They so distinguished in i860; they chose even better than they knew. They elected a leader whose type of democratic leadership meant a happy blend of Jefferson's profound if rather uncritical faith in the people, and Hamilton's sense of the importance of a construc- tive plan. It would be as hard for us to conceive of Lincoln writing sourly and satirically of the people and popular government as of Walt Whitman so writing. Whitman held that the entire nation shared the guilt of slavery; he pictured the ugly, debasing side of war in contract-hungrv' cities, in Washington, and on the battlefield with relentless pen. But he felt certain the people would emerge from their bloody ordeal with a truer bond of comradeship. With a perceptible degree of purification, Lincoln also felt that. He felt it much more strongly than Whitman, because he had a better understanding of the historic roots of democracy; for as a lawyer and politician, he had given careful study to the basic documents which between 1 1 70 and 1 790 established the American system. From the time he first read them in an appendix to the volume of the Statutes of Indiana which he early acquired, he had steeped himself in these writings of the founders of the nation. To him. they were sacred. Of the Constitution, he said in Congress in 1848, that it should not lightly be touched: "It can scarcely be made better than it is." For the Declaration of Independence he felt a still deeper reverence, and when its spirit warred with the letter of the Constitution, he stood by the Declaration. Every nation, he said in Chicago, in 1856, needs a central idea. "The central idea in our political public opinion was, and until recently continued to be, the equality of men." It is not enough, therefore, to say that Lincoln's spontaneous, optimistic belief in democracy was founded on the same rock as Whitman's, a sym- pathetic appreciation of the virtues of the common man. In part it was. He was a citizen, as Lord Charnwood says, of that far country' where aristo- crat and democrat are judged by simple worth alone; and like Whitman, like Bums, he had a profound sense of the greatness which is often found in men of low as of high station. Mere rank meant little to him, as he showed when he once offended Secretaries Stanton and Welles by sending them a document with the endorsement : "Referred to Mars and Neptune." But an important part of the foundation rock of Lincoln's conviction was his thorough study of the theory and early development of democratic government. How well he appropriated what is valuable in the teachings of Washington and Adams, of Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison is evident in the Cooper Union address and First Inaugural. Compared with Whit- man, he was an expert political scientist. He also had, what Whitman lacked, a powerful sense of ideological world mission of democracy. He knew that democracy might not be so efficient in a brief crisis as a dictator- ship, of which men like General Hooker spoke longingly during the war. But he also knew that in the long run government of the people has greater 190 endurance and stability, and a larger power to call forth and educate talent, than any. other; and at Gettysburg he expressed his long-held confidence that its example would ultimately convert and conquer other peoples. But the largest reason, I think, for Lincoln's fervent belief in democracy reached a little deeper than the considerations just named: it lay in his increasing conviction, from 1848 onward, that the masses of the North were becoming possessed by a great moral idea, which would ultimately regenerate the country. They were rising to meet the demands of a cause larger than any they had known since 1 789. Other men caught glimpses of this ocean heave of American democracy. Carl Schurz, for example, wrote a German relative just after the election of 1856: The last weeks were a time when pubHc matters made much more demands than ordinarily upon the American system. You over there in your decrepit Europe can hardly imagine how a great idea can stir up the masses of the people to their depths, and how an enthusiastic struggle for principle can thrust aside for a certain time all other interests, even the materialistic ones. . . . A general struggle of opinions among a free people has in it something un- believably imposing; and you never see with greater clearness what a far- reaching influence political freedom exercises upon the development of the masses. This German Forty-eighter knew inspiration when he saw it. Just the same view was expressed by the illustrious English liberal, Richard Cob- den, who toured the United States in 1859. He found the North in the grip of stirring emotions. They were a sign, he saw, of vigorous health. "The concentrated earnestness with which political parties were at work in the United States," he wrote later, "inspired me with full faith that the people of the country would, in spite of the difficulties and dangers of their political issues, work out their salvation." Lincoln felt the popular pulse begin to beat with new energy when the Wilmot proviso almost passed Congress. He felt the movement grow in urgency and strength as Mrs. Stowe published Uncle Tom's Cabin, as the underground railroad gave defiance to the Fugitive Slave Act, as millions of Northerners rose in wrath against what they deemed Douglas' betrayal of freedom in the Kansas-Nebraska Act, as the new Republican Party swiftly became a giant of crusading idealism. This popular espousal of a new moral idea gave Lincoln's house-divided speech and his debates with Douglas a grip on the attention of the whole nation. The North was presenting the impressive spectacle which gave the French liberal, Elie Gasparin, his title for the powerful book he published early in the war: The Uprising of a Great People. The war brought the upheaval to its climax. It was no surprise to Lincoln that depressing as was the amount of confusion, selfishness, and limpness revealed by the conflict, far greater was the display of heroism, de- votion, and generosity. The plain people rose to save the Union and vindicate the type of gov- ernment which would elevate the condition of all men. Countless soldiers proved ready to give the last measure of dedication. Countless mothers were proud to lay their costliest sacrifice on the national altar. Proud was the word the mother of Robert Gould Shaw used when she was told that Governor Andrew had offered him the command of the Negro regiment, the 54th Massachusetts: she said, "I would be nearly as proud to hear that he had been shot."' Later she heard that too. There were countless fathers like Commodore Smith, who, said Haw- thorne, uttered the finest short speech of the war. His son commanded the frigate Congress in Hampton Roads when the Merrimac began batter- ing her to pieces, and the old commodore knew that his boy would die before he hauled down the colors. When informed that the Congress had surrendered, he said, "Then Jo's dead'' — and Jo was dead. There were countless public officers as devoted as the much-tried Stan- ton, whom an aide once surprised with his head bowed on his desk, weep- ing and exclaiming over and over, "God help me to do my duty!" In the face of a nation giving so much to a sacred cause, Lincoln would have felt it treason to humanity to utter a word that would be construed as dis- heartened or cynical. When the war ended, the historian John Lothrop Motley wrote from Austria to a Boston friend to say how glad he was that the nightmare of fire and blood had ended. "Believing in no government but that of the people, respecting no institutions but democratic institutions," he felt sure "that the future of the whole world is in our hands if we are true to our- selves.'' He paid tribute to Grant as a master of the art of war — "What could be more heroic than his stupendous bashfulness?" Of Lincoln we wrote that he was afraid to speak for fear of overenthusiasm. "But I am sure that through all future ages, there will be a halo around that swarthy face, and a glon,- about that long, lean uncouth figure such as history- only accords to its saints and sages." We may be certain that Lincoln would have shrunk from this as over- enthusiasm indeed. But the President would heartily have endorsed the statement which Motley sent at the same time to the author of Tom Brown at Rugby. "My dear Hughes," it ran, "the true hero of the whole war — the one I respect and admire even beyond Lincoln and Grant ( although I have not yet found anyone who is willing to go quite as far as I do in regard to both these men) is the American People.'' 192 FISCAL STATUS OF THE LINCOLN SESQUICENTENNIAL COMMISSION, JUNE 30, i960 1. Appropriations $532,500.00 The sum of $37,500 was originally appropriated for operation of the Lincoln Sesquicentennial Commission in the Second Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1958, approved Mar. 28, 195S. A supplemental appropriation in the amount of $350jOOO W3S included in the Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1959, approved Aug. 27, 1958. The sum of $145,000 was appropriated in the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, i960, and approved June 23, 1959. 2. Obligations to June 30, i960: Expenditures: Personal services $131, 464. 58 Travel 7, 265. 45 Transportation 528. 27 Communications services 5, 5i9-8i Rents 27. 50 Printing 24,484. 75 Materials and supplies 30, 572. 48 Equipment 14, 126. 17 Facilitating services 1,901.98 Total expenditures 356,581.63 Estimated unliquidated obligations 128,837.69 Total obligations 485,419. 32 Unobligated balance as of June 30, i960 47,080.68 Returned to Treasury as of June 30, 1959 36, 256. 60 Estimated unobligated balance to be returned to Treasury 10, 824. 08 U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1960 O - 541524 193 I