A Tribute To Abraham Lincoln

A fair sized audience gathered at tlie Unitanan church last evening to listen to Ex-Gov. James M. Ashley's lecture upon "Keminiscences of the times of Lincoln," which was given in the Unity club course. The Governor, though well along in years, still retains a commanding presence, and although having been in feeble health for the past two years yet gives evidenceof reniarkable vigor, both mentally and physically. Having been one of the active and influeutial members of congress during the great rebellion, and having helped shape the course of events at that time, Mr. Ashley's memory is replete witti scènes ml events of those days that stinvü men's souls. He had prepared himself thoroughly for this lecture and gave considerable inside history that had not been generally known. He began with the slavery question and the auction block where traman beings were bought and sold. Born in Kentucky, as was Lincoln, he early in life, although reared as a Democrat began to hate slavery and everything appertaining thereto. As a consequence he loved to seek congenial socid y, and this led him to a personal acquaintance witli the early anti-slavery leaders, ftarrlson, Phillips, Chase, Beecher, Lovejoy, Miss Anthony, Jlrs. Stanton and others, of whom he drew a fine picture. Then be followed Láncoln from early manliood to tlie day the assassin's bullet ended liis Ufe, and it ivas a grand, noble panegyric of a Mena to a great man. The speaker said he was no hero worshipper, but at time he grew eloquent and rnanifested iiuK-h of the fire and impetuosity that carried him to the front in those days and made hlm a companion, it not. a leader, arnong such men as Chase, Sunmer, Thad. Stevens, Grow, Chandler, and the long list of war statesmen and patriots. Mr. Lincoln was cornpared witli Torn Corwin, whom he considered the most eloquent man he ever heard upon the stump, and the difference between the two men illustrated. Then Douglas and Lincoln- the one who said he cared not a fig whether slavery was voted up or voted down; the other who did care and who believed that in a question of right and wrong, the wrong should be eternally condemned. The lecture is one that ought to be preserved. It deserves a place in our libraries and a wide circulation among the people because of its excellence and historie interest. Those who heard it will never forget it.