Mr. Henry Watterson, the distinguished and scholarly editor of the
widely-read Louisville Courier Journal, once delivered a lecture on
“Lincoln.” The following is part of what he said:
“After he was inaugurated President, Mr. Lincoln evinced four great
qualities of mind and heart so great indeed that it is doubtful if such
a combination of kingly talents was ever before or since concentrated
in the same man.” Mr. Watterson then elaborated from historical facts,
incidents, and conclusions, as also from quotations from Mr. Lincoln’s
speeches and letters, his direction and management of generals and
cabinet officers, his knowledge of law, diplomacy, and military affairs,
his firmness for the right, his great kindness of heart, and love of
humanity, the following propositions: