The Courage of HIs Convictions
Adapted
Mr. Lincoln made the great speech of
his famous
senatorial campaign at Springfield, Illinois. The
convention before which he spoke consisted of a
thousand delegates together with the crowd that
had gathered with them.
His speech was carefully prepared.
Every sentence was guarded and emphatic. It has since
become famous as "The Divided House" speech.
Before entering the hall where it was to be
delivered, he stepped into the office of his law-
partner, Mr. Herndon, and, locking the door, so
that their interview might be private, took his
manuscript from his pocket, and read one of the
opening sentences: "I believe this government
cannot endure permanently, half slave and half
free."
Mr. Herndon remarked that the sentiment was
true, but suggested that it might not be GOOD POLICY
to utter it at that time.
Mr. Lincoln replied with great firmness,
"No matter about the POLICY. It is TRUE, and the
nation is entitled to it. The proposition has been
true for six thousand years, and I will deliver it
as it is written." |
Other
Short Stories
Legends
and Short Stories About Abraham Lincoln 
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