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oimic 4 FRIDAY, FEB. 1212 PACES utt PACES NINE TO TWELVE Lincoln Letter Prize Winners and Leaders LINCOLN MEDALS FOR THE 238 WRITERS 55 ft- ySBS-' mill The STORIES OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN Took Firet Prize. It has been atld thatthe grandest heritage of any nation Is the lives and deeds of its noblest sons, who have sacrificed even life itself that the na tion might live. Our country is rich in the heroic men who have toiled and struggled in the cause of patriotism, but in none mora se than in Abraham Lincoln. The story t his life is familiar to all, but there are many anecdotes and Incidents known only to his most inti mate friends, r Lincoln and a. judge were on day joking- each other on horse trades, and Anally agreed to meet next day to make a-trade. The horses were to re main unseen up to that hour. Neither ws to withdraw from the agreement tinder forfeiture of twenty-five dollars. When th named hour approached, the Judge came up first, leading the worst looking animal he bad been able to find. He had been to the appointed place but a short time when Lincoln fame up, bringing a dilapidated wood en saw-horse. When Lincoln had crift loally surveyed the Judge's horse, Jae exclaimed, "Well, judge, I must s.y, this is the first time in my life I ever grot the worsf of a horse trade." . When Mr. Lincoln first began to prac tice law, he had occasion to make use of his ready wit in defense a friend's son, who was accused 'of an.ur Jer. " At the trial one witness anore that he saw the murder committed. Might yon not be mistaken?" a-jked Lincoln. "A dim light is 'deceptive, nd It was a dark night." The "eye witness" hastened to reply that it was moonlight, whereupon Lincoln, taking an almanac from his pocket, sa'id: -"It Is not necessary for me to make a plea, for no jury oan place any.relianoe on a witness who will swear that it was a moonlight night, when the f&lmanac proves it was dark." The young pris oner was acquitted. President Lincoln was ndeei i a "man of sorrows and acquainted wfth grief." Jte once said during the war: "I shall Sever be happy any more." Many peo- rle came to him to ask joardon for heir friends, and ha wa-s al'vays ready to save life if it was possible. Twenty tfotir deserters were sentenced to be shot. The president refused to sign the warrants for their execution. An army officer told him that unless these men were made an exampue of, the Brmy Itself would be in danger. He trep'.led: "Mr. General, there ar,e al ready too many weeping widows In the t'nitd States. For God's sake, don't esk me to add to the number, for I won't do it." One of his last acts was to pardon B young man who had gone out to epend the evening, ha7 fallen into bad company and had failed to reach his regiment before it lefft the city. He a" sentenced to be s-'iot for desertion. As he signed the part'km, while an odd smile lit up his sad, lhomely face. Pres ident Lincoln said: ' Well, I think the fcoy ran do us more l.ood above ground than under ground." .The day after tha capture of Rich mond, Mr. Lincoln set out alone to walk through the city. As soon as this was discovered) a body guard was cidered to escort tiie president, but as lie had h ifood st,i(t and, a long stride lie hid already cirered swveral miles when h was (veffaken. What a con trast between other great eonquerers, m.tri liing at the h-ad of their triumph ant troops Into Hie captured cities of their defeated eritnnies, and this con fluenng leader of a great nation, en tering the capital of the vanquished, Blonr . in as simile and modest a man Tier as the huinbh ist citizen who eager ly waited to see riiin! With-an army to bey him. he preferred to enter the (tates of the snlrdued city as a fellow rounirvman sympathizing with them In their sorrow and dfeat. "with Ice toward none and charity for all." Abraham Lincoln as a Man. (Tools Second Prize.) It is not l:Iif.iH to place a correct .Muriate upon the character of Lin eoln. He vn; t!ie greatest man of his time i specially approved of God tor the work he ie them to do. it is now a hundred years since this American hero was born, but the name f Abraham Lincoln will never cease. IXach generation will have a better un. derstanding of him than we have, ghough he is not far removed from us. He was burn to the blessed inherit ance of poverty anil it is from the soil tf poverty that the highest virtues spring. He did :nt have any advantages, Bnd his surroundings were such in his boyhood da8 that they did not ex alte ambition lor an education, and jbe went.vesy little to common school; but graduuned from that grand col jge of fte-labor whose works were th ftatbonls, the farm and the back roodH lasryar'a office. But he strug- fled to st an education, every book e heard, about he ootained, even fcalking twelve miles to Met ons, and If damaged he split rails to pay for it. The element of his greatness that made him master of the greatest crisis In our history are that he had the true faith of the people. He walked with and among them. In all he did he in cited tivem rattier than evaded them to crittoisin ami examination. Lin coln louiked right Into their souls, and bad that peculiarity which few public men haw attained, of looking away from tte deceptive and misleading sjimgs about him, determining for bimself what the people u anted him to do; rand no one naa a more accurate Judge of their opinions and wishes. He lid not. show his superiority even to Che huimblest negro, but pseply sym pathized with htrn. The poor widow, the sodler on The battlefield, sufferers In hospitals, all knew of his kind love. One of bis most remarkable traits as liis honesty. Honesty was the framework of his mental and moral power. When a clerk in a store he fcad niatde a mistake of six cents and (walked three miles to redeem it. Lincotn was a man of peace, and felt that even In the most righteous cause war was a fearful thing. He fave tha south every, chance possi le, and pleaded with them with an arnentnesB that was pathetic. War came. 3ie accepted it to save the un ion. This was his main purpose nothing else mattered. Haviag a keen insight into the future he foresaw that the country could not remain half-slave and half-free, long before ha became president. Th crowning glory of his presidency and the greatest executive act in the world's history waa the Proclamation f Emancipation. Many long and thorny staps had to be taken to iasue It. fireat and strong men had urged him to issue it long before he did, and equally great and strong men had urged him to delay its issue. He therefore atood alone and acted for feimaeif. To him is given the honor of fulfilling the Declaration of Independ ence. When a boy, ha had visited a Blave suction ia New Orleans, and there re marked: "If I ever get a chance to bit that thing I'll hit Jt hard." He slid htt it hard, when, as a member of tha legislature, he protested that slav ery was founded on both injustice and bad policy. He hit it hard when he woted for tha Wilmot proviso as good s forty times.' Ha hit it hardest in fcis Emancipation Proclamation. Akraham Lincoln had high Ideals and load a dtermination to fulfil them He wag 'honest in all dealings, a pure patriot, of an unselfish nature, full of forgLveness to his enemies. With his kiiMt deeds he won the hearts of the people and became our martyred pres- idevit. To him belongs the credit of working up from the humblest posi tion to the highest one. Let Abraham Lincoln's life make an imprint on each of ours to work up and not down, regardless of surroundings. To be loyal to ourselves and human ity, even the poor slave in his shackles and whatever rank we attain, even the president's chair, be not bribed, for we have no bargains to make. Lincoln tha Emancipator, (Took Third Prize.) ' If we pick up' an American history We see engraved on its choicest pages the name of Abraham Lincoln, What were the traits of this lean, angular, yellow-faced man that made him the best loved president anil the greatest orator of his time?, He was a plain, honest and everyday man, who trusted in the peojde, and in turn was trusted by the people. Lincoln believed with all the strength of his mighty soul in the institutions of his country, and also in the injustice of slavery. When the crisis came Lincoln, although by nature peaceful, threw himself heart and soul into the grand cause. He was a true type of the self-made American. Born in poverty and squalor, Lincoln overcame almost in surmountable obstacles, and when only a boy learned to read and cipher, to think and declaim in a manner far beyond his years. Misfortune only spurred him on to further effort, and although Lincoln might have only one dollar and no prospect of getting more, he would struggle on. and finally won the mastery of English, surveying and the law. "Where did Lincoln master that grand eloquence that enabled him to sway strong minds like reeds in a breeze? Only in the rough school of experi ence. When the great crisis of our country came he did not hesitate, but tried with all his might to force the rebell ing states back to their original places in the union, as he believed in the right of his country to do this. Well did he succeed, for generation upon generation of people will bless the hand that broke slavery's bonds for ever. He expressed these sama thoughts in that immortal Gettysburg address, when he said- that "all men, both, black and white, were created equal, and that the government of the peo ple, by tjie people, would not perish," and so eloquently did he speak that men, roughened by fighting, were mov'ed, and Lincoln, "the uneducated farmer, with all the simplicity of the Bible made these words stanfi out im mortally as the result of American perseverance and pluck. AVhen finally the end came, Lincoln received his chastened countrymen with such mercy and respect that all marveled. The result was that the seceding states were again established in their original places in th'e union and a more perfect confederation was established, without slavery within its borders. In the annals of our country the names of Lincoln and Washington ' stand side by stile as the two .great- ! est 'Americans that our country has ) ever produced. Washington's name is associated w ith the freeing of a eown troddeu people and the establishment of our union. Lincoln's is linked with freeing from bondage of a peepis whose only fault was their color and the reconstruction of that same union which Washington had tried so hard to establish and perfect. Washington was rich, had a good education and a large experience in governing countries in their critical periods. Lincoln was poor, had com paratively litile education and small experience in governing men, let alone countries. Yet when the crisis came Lincoln managed the country so well that made him the equal, If not the superior. In statesmanship, to Wash ington. Lincoln died as he lived, pure and simple, and his example will forever remain a, shining light for every true American to imitate. Two Abrahams. (Took Fourth Prize.) Abraham Lincoln Johnson, his small negro face wearing a look .of the ut most despondency, trudged siowly on ward in the gathering tw iligtt in h-is mind but one thought food, he must have food, for Mammy was dying. "Plenty of nourishment," the doctor hud said that morning as he turned his back on the tumbled -(".own house, pocketing without a nutter of con science the dollars handed him by the boy. With a choking scb, honest young Abe had hurried back to the bedside of his Mammy. For mon,;hs he had laid by every hard-earned penny, for. at some future time, indefinite, mys tical, but always sure, he would go to school and learn about those strange things called "Freedom," and the "Ri gilts of the Black Alan." All hud gone well until his "boss" went "to fight in the Rebellion." and Abraham's services were no longer required. From that day Abe Johnson, too, had fouiiht in a rebellion a rebellion of three for life and flood. And they had fought bravely,- be and his mother, and his four-year-old. brother, but two were down, and Abraham alone remained to fight for all. Tenth street was reached, but the tired young soldier could do no more. With a heart-broken sob. he leaned his starved little frame against a friendly street lamp, the most accommodating thing yet discovered, and burst into tears. All the agony of the pat weeks, all the discouragement of the present moment were poured into that boyish outbreak. But no one stopped. no one bestowed more than a passing glance upon the desolate picture. Not so with a certain figure, tal1. gaunt, and awkward, that, with down cast head and drooping shoulers paced sorrowfully on" in the light of the street lamps. A man, sad in spirit, whose homely face, as it passed be neath a light, plainly bore the signs of a great inward struggle. Ly-ep-set, tired-looking eyes, a great pain and a great sorrow in their depths .gazed out from beneath bushy eyebrows. Awkwardly, with hands hanging loose ly at his sides, Abraham Lincoln the First strode steadily on. Suddenly that weary head is lifted. Straining forward the president listens intently he has caught the sound a sob. He hears another bouI in trou ble calling out to him in the dark ness, and, with a few ungainly strides, he has reached the side of the nego Uad. It is over In a second! The long arms have reached down and gath ered the tiny fragment of humanity up into their close and lovrng embrace. Abraham Lincoln Johnson gazes deep, deep into the eyes of Abraham Lincoln, far beyond the outward features the world beholds down into the heart of the Man. Forgotten is all the hunger, and the pain and the sorrow he has found a resting place at last. Bearing his strange burden away from the rude and inquisitive eyes of the world to one of the rooms of a nearby hotel, the president orders, "Some nourishing food, at once, for the boy!" "Dat's what der doctor-man said," (Continued to Fifth Column.) THE COMMITTEE Were compelled to reject several weil writ ten letters as the writers exceeded the num ber of words allowed. The committee found the letters of above average merit and many of them remarkably good.. After care ful delibe ration the committee awarded the prizes as follows: First Prize Raymond D. Preston, Danielson, $10. Second Prize Florence E. Olin, Mans field Center, $7. Third Prize Frank D. Burke, Nor wich, $5. Fourth Prize Mary R. Gibbs, Norwich. HONORABLE MENTION. A. Alice Finegan, Norwich. Irma Hutzler, Norwich. Florence Weller, Taftville. Florence West, Grosvenordale. John P. Downing, Norwich. Hazel C. Jacobs, Mansfield Cantor. Frank Rinella, Norwich. Marion Sinclair Walker, Norwich.' Harriet B. James, Danielson. Helen C. Sullivan, Norwich. Jennia G. Berriman, Killingly. Mary C. Nolan, Norwich. Mildred A. Smith, Norwich. Albina E. Juneau, Norwich. Marion I. Pray, Attawaugan, Killingly, Conn. , Almira Gladys Frink, Norwich. . Agnes Graham, Taftville. S. Grace Lawton, Putnam. Ruth A. Fowler, Norwich. Grace A. Taylor, Putnam. HIGHLY COMMENDED. John B. Noyes, Norwich.. Willis P. Wildes, Jr., Etgleville. Eleanor M. Harrigan, Norwich. ivS- fkj . X,-f'r- f ' i V'i, LINCOLN Nursed on the rocks and reefs of life, Want and work, his dower, He rose at the call of woe and strife Begirt with power. As from the lowly and the poor One sprang the Great Annointcd He came with mission not less sure And God-appointed. Saviour of a nation's fame, redeemed From taint that stained it At point of sword, where Freedom dreamed Of him who gained it. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. (From an address to an audience of S.Oiju by Rev. Lewis B. Bates. D. IX, Boston, Mass., Feb. 12. I!ii8.) George Washington led the way for independence in the days of our na tion's firt great struggle, and he will live forever in the hearts of all those who love liberty. Abraham Lincoln led the way in the awful days of civil strife, and when one wonderful day he wrote his name on the emancipation proclamation he wrote his name, too, on the hearts of the human race. He took the shackles from four million human beings, and turned those shack les into bands of steel to bind unto himself the hearts of all true Ameri cans. The names of Wendell Phillips, Charles Sumner and William Lloyd Garrison thrill our hearts on this the ninety-ninth anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, but great as are these names, we tealize that these men -were only as John the Baptists to tho miidity Lincoln who followed them. What is there about the character of this one man that today places him in so unique a position in American history? The first thing that im presses us in the study of Lincoln is his wonderful simplicity. In spirit he was always the little child seeking di vine wisdom. Of humble origin, even at the beginning of his political career, with twenty-five cents in his pocket, he was rich in character because he had already "overcome so much." He himself once said: "No man is poor who has had a godly mother and who has' faith in God and1 faith in human ity The honesty of Lincoln was another great element in his character. In private life, in his profession, in ills public life, in the administration of the nation's affairs in the "dark hour" of its history, hewas so perfectly true that at his death not ffne spot of dis honesty could be found upon him! What a lesson for the American na tion of today! We are told that the pure in heart shall see God. Abraham Lincoln once said: "Thi Is. my creed: "Thou shnlt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, mind, soul and strength. Ruth Roode, Jewett City. Hazel A. Thomas, Norwich. Annie Swift, South Coventry. Lincoln Wadsworth, Norwich. Charles B. Palmer, Norwich, Harriet Blackman, Killingly. F. Marjorie Richardson, Putnam. Mary Ansel, Norwich. Blanche Douglas, Danielson. . Carrie Place, Eagleville. Winifred Egan McCaffrey, Norwich. Rosamond McNamara, Norwich, Jhn R. Tracy, Jewatt City. Valerie Shannon, Norwich. Myrton P. Jackson, Willimantic. Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Norwich. Marion Bell Wolcott, Norwich. Albina Boulais, Danielson. Lois' Kebler, Sterling. Maud C. Oehlers, Chestnut Hill. Edith Frissell, Bailouville. Marguerite Shields, Norwich Town. James Kilkenny, Norwich. Lydia S. Morrill, Bailouville. Paul W. Latham, Norwich Town. Millie Lintusky, Norwich Town. Myrtle Lumis, Norwich. Russell N. Hopkins, Norwich. Viola Burr, Hanover. Thomas Halpin, Danielson. Marjorie Bumham, Hampton. Katherine Haney, Uncasville. Eunice S. Ward, Storrs. Timothy Parker Lathrop. Norwich. Fannie E. Wells, Norwich. Rose M. Callahan, Norwich. Clarice E. Woodson, Brooklyn. r Breaker of cl airs! The earth ran red Beneath the awful rending: Prayer cried to God, and hope seemed dead. And then the ending. Giver of peace, that freed a land From throes of affliction; Lincoln, we take it at your hand. In benediction. Whiio. 'bove your quiet bed, oak wreathed. The welded I'nlon, Hand clasped in hand an,! sword lonn- I sheathed. I Bows in communion. and thy neighbor as thyself.' I am in full fellowship with all who keep His commandments in spirit and truth." In private and in public life the purity of his character was above reproach. Abraham Lincoln was simple in his greatness, honest and pure in motive, but above all else he showed his genius in his power of consecration. A great purpose in life will make even an ordi nary life great to a life like Lincoln's it gave immortality. From the dav when as a young man he first saw In a southern city men and women sold at auction as slaves, he became possessed of a great purpose, and that purpose was to help humanity. He said then: "If God gives me a chance. I w ill strike slavery, and I will strike it hard!" God's hour came, and Abraham Lincoln save a blow whose echoes have been heard for over forty years. Today, throughout the schools of our land, the boys and girls are repeating a simple little piece of prose, so simple that the heart ofl a child is thrilled as le listens, so eloquent that it is known to the world as the American master piece. It' ' is Lincoln's "Address at Gettysburg." In the days of Ther mopylae, even to three hundred years after its famous battle, the children were required to recite in its honor the names of all its participants. In America. Instinctively on the 12th of February, the nation- arises and to gether utters forth in glorious voice: "It is for us. the living, rather to be dedicated to tho unfinished work . . . . that government cf the people, by the people, for the people, 3hall not perish from the earth." We rejoice today in the thought of the heavenly crowning of Abraham Lincoln. It is not often given to man to be crowned on earth, but there, was one moment in the life of Lincoln when the most perfect tribute ever given to man was awarded to. him. It was the tribute of perfect silence which greet ed him on the close of this speech. In his humility, for days after, he feK his speech was a failure, and could never be made to realize that this two minute speech, written on the back of an old envelope, hurriedly and wearied ly. had been called great by a world. Abraham Lincoln, the great white ST0R.ES OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN '(Continued from Second- Column.) came a tired voice from the lounge. "Yes, : boy," said Lincoln, bendlnsr down over tils charge and looking him straight In the eyes, "You shall tell me about that when you have rested and eaten. And. servant, send word to the White house that the president will be unable to attend the conference until late this evening .and" but here a cry from the corner stopped him. "Is you de President Abraham' Lin coln, is you? Yes, you is! Afy Mam my done said you was de uglles' man she ever Beed. but she never done seed your eyes like I has!" ."Yes. I is." said Lincoln simply never once imagining any reason for anger, and completely hiding that never-closed wound. Quite used was he to being thus recognized! "And what can I do for you, now that yoti know who I am?" "Oh." said the boy. "my Mammy's rick and so's Charles Jefferson, an' de doctor -man lie done said dey mus' hab nourishments but. Sir President (in deep, husky tone), nobody done gib me work so's I could get dem any!" "You want food?" said the Man. walking to the window and gazing out at the crowds of people passing below. "You, a boy In Washington, the capital of our United States, hun gry, searching for food and finding none!' And the boy, although he heard the break in that deep and won derful voice, could not sae the tears that, for a moment, dimmed the sight of the passers below. "And today I have wondered. I have pondered, whether I was doing r'-'ht! But. now, now" and with firm, quick step, the aakward fisure straightening, he ad vanced toward the boy. "Come." he said, "take me fo your Mammy! Vou have answered my questions. Come, I will answer yours!" And hand in hand Abraham Lincoln, the president, and Abe Johnson, the negro, departed for "Mammy." LETTERS. IN HONORABLE MEN TION CLASS. Essay on Abraham Lincoln. One hundred years ago a little heart began to beat in a log cabin in the backwoods of Kentucky a heart that was destined to swell with the,hopes. and throb with the grief of the great est nrtkn or. ej.ri:,. Who would have thought that from such humble sur roundings and improvident people would conic one of the greatest presi dents the worlrl has ever known. Kven though the dais of Lincoln's childhood were dull and barren, they shone with the warmth and kindness of his heart. His love for his sister did not lessen the Jove for his mother, for many times he quoted the words, "All I am or hope to be I owe to my sainted moth er." What a student he must have been, for h;s boy hi oil ouys belonged to that civilization which the modern people have never known. a His kind heart was sorely wounded by the death of his mother, blit bright ened later by his father's marriage to a Kentucky widow. ' In ins time schools were few and poor, hut young Lincoln took advant age of learning, and when seventeen walked four miles for that purpose. After battling through thick and thin in school difficulties for several years, he began the study of law. Imagine his staiwart figure growing from boyhod to youthhood with always an expression on his face that showed his kindness of heart. Even as a youth he was forever defending the helpless. He did not consider anything in dis tress beneath his notice. But in love affairs he was like most young men. He was disappointed at the death of an attractive and estima ble girl. Ann Rutledge. to whom he was to be married after the completion of his law studies. Iater In life, he married Miss Mary Todd, a young Kentucky lady of good family. Al though she possessed a vigorous and cultured mind, her temper was erratic, which caused, at times, unpleasantness for Mr. Lincoln. Toward his family, which consisted of three boys, he was very tender hearted and proved a lov ing father. v During his married life he continued the study of law and also human na ture. He was a keen observer. In 1853 he received his largest fee. It was not until the repeal of the Mis souri compromise, in 1S54, that Lincoln was really aroused. He had alwa'ys opposed the extension of slavery. Dur ing this time he became a great com petitor of Douglas. After arranging that Lincoln should speak against Douglas, the two met In debate at Pe oria. But it was the campaign of 1S."8 which made Lincoln famous, which fully demonstrated his powers. and which prepared him for the presidency. In 1861 he was Inaugurated for presi dent. As h was a great anti-slavery man the southern people, thinking he would free the slaves, seeded. This brought on the great ctvll war of 1861. During this campaign Lincoln's task was such as no man ever faced before. Imagine his great, stooping figure walking here and there, with his heart torn and bleeding with sorrow for the poor soldiers. At the end of the war, in 1 8 6 r. he was re-elected president. It was on the evening: of April 14. 186r. that Mr. Lincoln was, by steelaj invitation, to witness a play at Ford's theater. With deep regret we have heard of Lincoln's assassination, by John Wikes Booth. Porrow. more deep and universal, cannot be Imagined than enveloped our land on that loth of April. Throughout the country every household felt the loss. The loved re mains were quietly laid away in Springfield. Father Abraham certainly merited the words "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." F. W. Taftville. For the Sake of tha "Step-kind." The president sat alone in his pri vate office. Without, a cold, drissling rain had been falling all afternoon within, the room was dreary, and the gloom of the day was reflected in the president's face. All day long dis couraging reports had been coming in of officers' Incompetency, of yet an other battle, with even (more than usual killed and wounded and still no prospect of ending this cruel war. Presfclent Lincoln's face wore an ex pression of ineffable sadness the bur den of the great work which he had undertaken seemed greater than he could bear. It was not alone the soul of America, what more shall I say of you? When you were living at your greatest, you yourself once said to a friend: "After all, the one meaning of life is simply to be kind. I have tried to be. I have not done much, but this much I have done wherever I have found a, thistle growing, I have tried to pluck it up and in its place I have planted a flower!" And so today we would bring forth our tribute to your greatness, to your goodness, and as we thank God for your life, resolve that we, too, .will endeavor to change our nation's great moral thorns Into flowers, believing that He who has made the desert to blossom as a rose will ever aid us in this great work. C. S. Sentinel. Boston, Feb. 14, 190S. struggle of the north which weighed upon him his sympathies were broad er, more comprehensive than that for with every pang and suffering of the erring south his great heart throbbed In compassion. He looked, as he sat there, as if he could not stand the strain much longer, if he were not diverted for a time from his melan choly thoughts. Suddenly - there came the sound of hurrying footsteps, and a man's angry voice. As the president looked up in surprise, there rushed Into the room, pursued by an Irate White house at tendant, a .little girl, perhaps twelve years of age. She was flushed and breathless from excitement, and her. curly brown hair was tumbled about her face in confusion. "I told this child that she' couldn't see you, Mr. President," cried the angry attendant, "but the impertinent little Imp Just dodged me and ran right in." "So I see,' said the president, calm 'ly, "but .since she has come, perhaps we had better see what we can do for her. You may go. Jenkins. And now, little one," turning to the child, "why did 'you wish to see me?" The audacious youngster, howevar, ' now that she had accomplished her end, and stood in the very presence of the president, was abashed quite speechless from embarrassment. The president drew forward a chair and gently bade her be seated. "Now, my dear. Just 'tell me all about it." he said, so kindly that the little maid was reassured and proceed ed to tell her story. "My name is Patricia Enfield, and I came to ask you to pardon Capt. -Richard Kent. He was, in the rebel army until last week he was captured as a spy. They've condemned him to be shot, and you're the only one who can -save hini. I was sure you would, because I've heard so many times how kind you are, and" oh, do, please. Mr. President! One rebel surely won't make much difference! " "And why are you so anxious that this particular rebel should be let loose, Patricia? Is he a relative of yours'." "Well, not exactly. lie Is my step mother's son, and, oh. you can't Imag ine how much she loves him!" "I think I can imagine," said tha president, in his grave, kind voice. "I have a son myself. But how do you feel about Captain Kent? Are you fond of him, too?" "Oh, Richard never notices me and I've never seen much of blm, because when he's at home I'm at school, and when I'm in, he's out. But it's for mother that I want you to save hiin It would break her heart if anything happened to him. And oh. she Is so lovely! I never saw my own mother, and I'd always thought it would be terrible to have one of the step-kind you know how they are In stories. But then two years ago. when father brought Her home. I loved her from the very first minute. Those two have been so different from all the others! Oh, Mr. President, I wish, vou eoujd see her, for then you'd surely let Richard go. You couldn't bear to grieve her!' - "No." I don't beJIeve I could." said the president. "At any rate, I'll take your word for it, Patricia." He turned to the desk and wrote busily for a few moments; then fold ing and sealing the document he hand ed it to Patricia. "Here you are. Patricia. ' Mr. Jen kins will take you to the secretary of war's office, and this will have Captain Kent freed immediately I hope, Pa tricia, that you will always love that iittle stepmother as you do know. You and I know hat the 'step-kind are all right, don't we?" Long after little Patricia had gone Joyfully on her way, the president sat with a tender smile lighting his kind face. His thoughts were far awav In a rough log cabin in a western state. He saw in memory a little woman go ing cheerfully about her many tasks one whose gentle ways and bright faca had meant very much to him In hie lonely boyhood. "It would have pleased her." lie said softly, and the thought was a pleasant one. For she. too. had been one of tha "step-kind." M. S. W.. Norwich. Lincoln at Horn. The day's work was done and Abra ham had a few minutes before supper to do as he pleased. Climbing up the ladder which led to his loft, he took his book, a speller, and stretching him self out his full length before the fire place began to study. He bad not been studying long before his mother called hirn to supper. All ha had for his supper was hoe cakes, but Abra ham was hungTy and mother's cakes tasted good. After supper the whole family Bat around the fire while A-braham read from the Bible. As he paused in his reading, to hear a remark from one of tin, family, a knock was heard at the door. Atlr. Lincoln went to the door. A neighbor had come to see If Abraham would write a letter for him. Most of the people knew little about writing and Abraham, out of the kindness of his heart, often wrote letters for them. By the time the lotter was finished Abraham was ready to go to bed. I am quite sure that he slept Just as well, if not better, than we do in our nice roomy beds. In the morning Abraham went right to work in the fields as soon as he had his breakfast, his first task being to chop down a large kree. When this was done he got up oh the stump and made a speech. All tne men crowded around him. for Abe's speeches were famous. This hindered very much with the work am Mr. Lincoln did not Ilka It. These pioneer people depended on the rifle to furnish them meat, so Abraham was expected to hunt some of the time. That afternoon Lincofn's cousin, Dennis Hank came for Abo to go hunting. Lincoln had just se cured a new book and preferred to stay at home rather than go. That evening as the family sat around the fireplace Mr. Lincoln brought up the subject of moving; into Illinois, where he heard there were good fields for raising corn and other grains. Abraham was not quite ready to leave the home of his father and mother, so he left the place where he working, to go with them to Illinois. The family could boast of having; more goods than they did when thev came to Indiana. It took them several days to make this Journey, but after they reached Illinois they felt fully repaid. Lincoln helped settle the house and after that was finished his father set him and John Hanks to splitting logs for fences. They fenced off about fif teen acres for the purpose of raising grains. The next day they started the plants ing. which took them a good part of a week. In the evening John Hanxs came over and told Abe of a proposi tion that a man had made him to go to New Orleans on a fiatboat to carrv products. Th- pay waa good and Abraham consented to go. In the morning they talked over the trip and Abe's mother wanted him to go. but as she told him she couldn't hel-p fearing what might hanpen. The trip was made with but one mishap, but aa Abraham said that night as they sat around the Are, e never enjoyed a mishap quite aa aau(h as that one. Lincoln waa fa 'Vina; oil (Continue on par . - : :"; ''; X j, it- -. '---.