HE good city of Peoria is rich in

T

varied products. Among other

things she produces spirits. She

has furnished us for this occasion her most attractive sample.

He is not a neutral spirit. Amid the cares of responsible official duties, he finds time for much literary work. Those of us who know him are always glad to hear him for he is one of the sweetest spirits of Illinois. Gentlemen, Mr. Rennick.

R. CHAIRMAN, Ladies and

Gentlemen: Patriotic hearts

have been warmed and quick

ned by countless eulogies whose themes have been, The Martyred

President, The Great Emancipator, The RailSplitter of Illinois. And though his body has rested in the tomb for nearly fifty years, his

spirit still lives, and his name remains powerful to sway the hearts of men. Lincoln lived to save a nation, and it may be that through celebrations in his memory a loyal legion shall be aroused who will preserve that which he saved.

We realize that we are in his old home, and in the presence of men who were his neighbors and friends, and loved him and appreciated him. We know that there are many here assembled who, with keen comprehension of men and governmental affairs, have diligently studied his life and character, and bow the lower, the more they study, to his greatness and kindness.

So we, who cannot claim the honor of having been born while Lincoln yet lived, can hardly find an impulse to speak of aught else than the impressions received, the lessons learned from the story of his life, and the love

1

that lingers around that hallowed name, the kindliest memory of the land.

Above a busy harbor of an old seaport, there stood a mighty beacon light that shone with such tremendous power that it made bright the whole sky. It had been placed there to guide all craft, both large and small, through the perilous waters into the channels that led to safe moorings. And to those who have sought liberty and freedom, the man who freed a people and saved a nation, has been as this beacon to the craft that sailed the sea. Yes, from the higher heavens his character, his deeds, his kindness, have made a light to guide, not only the people of America, but the people of all lands who love liberty and would be free.

I recall how, in the early days of this country when men were finding their way across the plains and over the ranges, the leader of a pioneer party climbed a rugged mountain side

to gain a better view and determine the path to take. And in my fancy I could see this leader as a tall, strong man, with bronzed cheek and powerful form. I could see him starting on the common level of the plains and climbing up and up, hand over hand; planting his feet on the jagged rocks; digging deep his fingers into the solid places; gaining strength by each succeeding grasp; never faltering, but going steadily upward until he reached the summit. Then with uplifted form, he breathed the pure air of the mountain-top and surveyed the plains below. He could see far and marveled at the greatness of the plain. And from that lofty eminence he saw more greatness in the plain than from the plain, he thought the mountain-top possessed. But as he stood there in his strength, he was not vain of his achieve ment. He was thinking only of the use he might make of that eminence to find out a safe