And the world listened; Abraham Lincoln: Lincoln-Douglas debate

With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right lead to strive to finish the work we are in to bind up the nation's wounds to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan to do all which may achieve and cherish just and lasting. Among our sick. Nation. Abraham Lincoln spoke and the world listened. And the world listen program.

The men that created. These programs are produced by a radio station in the University of Wisconsin. Under a grant from the educational television and radio operation with the National Association of educational broadcast consultant for the series is Frederick W. Habermann chairman of the department of speech at the University of Wisconsin. Here is Professor Habermann Abraham Lincoln was 51 years old at his personality ration. His life is the stuff that the American dream is made on. It is a story of the frontiersman become president and one who could hold his own with any competitor in the forest wrestling in the village square arguing in a court of law already baiting on a campaign platform. I'm one who could tell tall tales or speak in parables that recall the solemnity of biblical utterance. Lincoln is one of America's great orators. Yet he did not possess the imposing physical traits that we

associate with orators the Imperial appearance of the god like Daniel Webster the big voice of Brian the graceful gesture of Edward Everett the vehement power of Chatham. He was six feet four inches tall overly thin and with an overly high pitched voice. He was a masterful orator because he was a great stylist a British critic said of him. He is among the greatest masters of prose ever produced by the English race. He was masterful because he was a logician quick stabbing to the heart of a problem. Third he was a profound and wise yet simple and sympathetic man. And finally he was masterful because of the wisdom of his words and the magic of his personality transformed his appearance when he delivered the speech of his law partner William Herndon says of him. As he proceeded with his speech his voice lost in the Major its former acute and shrilling pitch. His gray eyes flashed with the fire of his profound thoughts

every lineament of his face so ill formed grew brilliant and expressive. And you had before you a man of rare power and strong magnetic influence. About two weeks before his first inaugural Lincoln described himself as the humblest of all individuals that have ever been elevated to the presidency. Lincoln's wondrous quality of humbleness while doing greatly was with him still in undiminished measure four years later at his second inaugural it may best be expressed by saying that Lincoln found genuine pleasure and profit in talking with a neighbor from home. When I'm miserable I'm tired and I wish I was home well choro you coulda stayed in the hotel after coming all the way from Springfield to see what good's come in if I stay settin in a hotel what do you want me to do. I don't want you to do nothing. And I started touring on the sides what's a spring rain matter

look at all the other folks who don't seem to be bothering them none. I heard one fellow say he was here all night just as he'd be sure of getting a spot close to the swearing in platform. Everybody's in the same boat. Sure wish me a boat right now. Where one of these days I'm going to melt you down for good. But look just just look at but I work three months in the making of a gym just look at the crib stiff as a wilted leaf a tobacco and every time I take a step I'm just sure I'm going to keep right on sinking in the mud until I come out and talk like we don't have anywhere you expect in Springfield. But I think for the swearing in of the president of the United States they could at least well know what I know but I'm just a little disappointed maybe not making some arrangement Well I reckon I got plenty on his mind right now without

worrying about your Quinlan petticoat Kora look over there. Ain't that him. Where by them soldiers. Sure. Martial law over here. What is it I can do. How the hell with me is good and nice to see Mr Layman If martial law it's no such thing not to my friends from Illinois. I thought I recognized you over there but four years can change a man and I. I wasn't quite sure it was you know I don't reckon I really changed much have I still look like you got a raft of the ground throughout every time. At least I bet I could throw a scare into him when you all get here. We come in yesterday we figured quite near but he could have a chance to see old friends sworn in to be president of the United States so we just take advantage of it. I'm sure glad you did.

I reckon he's pretty good numbers Gorham. What has he been sick care you've got no idea the strain a man's under in this aspect even in ordinary times the president find it rough enough go on but this war sure has hit him hard. But from what we hear it's almost over. We're daring to hope Korra you see well I guess everybody around here knows it anyway so it don't matter telling you. It looks like we got them ribs in a noose for sure. We got armies closing in from all points coming north out of Savannah. One for General Grant's pounding down on me every day. I figure when we take Petersburg Richmond and when we get Richmond that should be welcomed. Surely we'll hear of. I didn't even think misc or I bet you're soaked to the skin. Don't bring one of them umbrellas over here already as wet as I can get.

Might keep you from catching the cold anyway thank you. Yes or I thank you too young man. I never thought of bringing an umbrella with us. It's a real shame about the weather. Don't seem to kept anybody home. Just look at this. How many just say was here here. We figured on something like forty thousand but it looks like there's that many here already and it is still two hours before the ceremony. I just hope we got enough food for what you need so many soldiers for a couple reasons. One is just to see that the crowd stays orderly. You never can tell when these many people get in one place where you know war still ain't over. Oh now you don't mean there's any danger from the red dot to your man but when you see Washington's actually pretty much Southern territory or sometimes he'll be an marshal of the District of Columbia is like trying to rule an enemy camp. Well what do you think they'll do. Nothing really here. I didn't mean to get you upset actually. Most of the people here are just as loyal as you and me but there's still a goodly number of feel

for the South and they get some ideas sometimes. Of course they blame the president for everything that's happened. You mean that they might try to hurt. I wouldn't be surprised at him. Try and sometime is what I think that's for fools don't even realize the president's probably the best friend they got in the government every week or so we get wind of some story or other about a plot. You never know what story and what's the truth. But we have to be as careful as we can. Well that's no thing to be talking about on inauguration day is it. When you going to see the president. Well we didn't figure we would here. We're going to have to talk back this afternoon and we know he'd be busy as everything to come all this way for just one day. We think it'd be worth it just to see the president be mighty hurt if you didn't even stop by to say howdy. Honest sometimes I think the only enjoyment he gets these days is when somebody from back home stopped in to see him. He misses Illinois. Why don't we go see him

right now. He come to the Capitol early this morning to read over some of the bills from Congress place here in the crowd. I have one of my men keep your place Where do you think he has have time to see us this morning. Everybody seems to think that being president has made him somebody else. Now you really think that Abe Lincoln could ever be anybody but just plain blink and no sacks. I want you to hold this place open until we get back. To go. Here's where the president works when he is Mr. Lincoln is still in there. Yes sir but he didn't want to be disturbed. Well let's not bother him tell him you really won't be bothering you

Mr. President. I got some folks here I think you'd like to see. How do you Mr. President for goodness Kura. Mr. President my it's good to see you. Come on we didn't want to take up your time my hill said we should at least drop by and say howdy. I would never forgiven you if you had. How is everything at home just fine. Another good crop this year is fine. Everybody said to tell you how the. Course you've probably been seeing a lot of Springfield folk the last few days. As a matter of fact I was wondering if anyone from home was coming for the inauguration olders a whole bunch of people here will be sure and see me. Well I'll do that. How has Mary in the boy.

They're just fine thank you Cora. Mother will be up later this morning for the ceremony. I suppose little Tad's getting to be a fine young man. He is indeed we are awful proud of the way the election turned out. It was gratifying care almost as much as when I ran for the legislature after the Black Hawk War. You were beaten in that election. No I was but in New Salem I got 200 votes out of 211 kest. I didn't know whether to thank the town for its support or pity it because it only had three person cages. If your hero was telling us a Washington ain't the safest place for you these days going oh well I'm sorry I just want to tell you to be careful what he eats all right. Our friend ward heeler layman here was hired to be marshal of the district but he's also assumed the role of my guardian protector. He can't even sleeps outside doors. It's a wonder he doesn't have terrible backache all the time.

Matt hard floor all right all right but when you don't take no mind for your own safety somebody has got to. I even heard you went to the theater only other night and I wasn't alone. Charlie summer and summer in that FOREIGN MINISTER Yeah. Neither one of them could defend themselves against an assault by any able bodied woman in the city. He's a man's obsessed. Well I'm not going to worry as long as I have him around. I'm sure you go live that had my frame and Hill's muscles there. Well it never would have been a King Day the way Hill always was a strong one and on top of that when he gets to that banjo and sing in the Blue Tail Fly is a regular court minstrel aren't you Hill. Why don't I heard of them corks. There was usually twice as smart as most of the nobleman so I reckon I won't take offense. I'm sure you're right about that. I think we really should be going to. We haven't talked at all we appreciate your hospitality but we know all the things you got to do it would

matter what I did Mr President you don't have very long for Mr Johnson ceremony the two of us sworn in together will be the presiding officer take his oath in the Senate and then we come outside for my little piece so everybody can gawk at the creature they elected for their favorite. It's been nice seeing you. It's it's been a joy for me call and good luck finishing up the war ought to be over real soon I hope. I'm afraid when the war's over the real jobs just going to begin are so much bitterness and hatred afoot in the land. It's going to take real work to try to settle things so we can live in peace again. I'm going to say a few words about that in my speech after a while. I just hope they listen. Here now I see your spots all say for you surely do appreciate it.

Oh not just getting this in the sea but the tour of the building and it was mighty nice to you here. You're going to miss the swearing in the vice president. It's already started. I don't care much. I can do without one. Johnson's Tennessee's stump speech. Morning Mr. Whitman the capital is lovely this morning isn't it. My husband like to look at it it gives me comfort. I know what you mean Mr. Strange. You see all kinds in a big city like this. He's a writer and you know how they're harmless. Looks like it's going to quit raining soon I hope but I'd hate for the rain and the weather. Well when the lady wasn't talking to me to apologize for my companion Madam you must understand that Mr. PENA lost two brothers fighting for the Confederacy so his views are understandably different from those that you and possibly I myself might. Well I suggest that I take him elsewhere even though it

deprives us of the pleasure of being such a charming lady as yourself. Good day madam. You were right here. Oh you sure do meet a fellow as an actor. They're almost as bad as writers. His name I believe. Didn't we see him in a play down St. Louis once. That was probably his brother or even his papa. This spell is usually more interested in making time with the ladies than act and I hear Marshall Marshall a man I think you better come inside. What's the matter sergeant. You're having a big to do in the Senate chamber martial I guess Andy Johnson's drunken spouting off and they can't get him to sit down hunks of fire. I better get in there. Excuse me folks. Come on Sergeant let's go. Senator Henderson what's going on.

Vice president just gave a stirring inaugural address soaked in the influence of what he said something about the fact that all the distinguished officials in the audience sold their last vestige of power to the common man. Well of course it's the truth. But he didn't say it while he ranted on and on and said it over and over and actually tried to pull the coattails but he paid no attention. It's a disgrace the man should be impeached. Oh Mr. President if you're not aware that he's been winter that caused him to become intoxicated for one of the few. I'm sure you know how one feels the morning after being intoxicated senator. Yes Mr. President now I believe you're supposed to support me. Yes Mr. President he will see that and he doesn't get a chance to speak when we're outside. I

don't see to it. It sure is a shame this happened just before you go out there to tell him something you feel is important. Everybody will be talking about this. And I've made speeches in competition with runaway community. So I guess a competition of a little gossip shouldn't frighten me too much. I see Mr. Jase is ready. Senator HENDERSON I think perhaps we should probe. Food. I see some stirring up there Cora I think they're about ready to come out right there in them center doors. There they come. He walks like his feet. Yes that's our Lincoln

people cheering for. Reckon they come to know what we knew. Abe Lincoln is a good man. What else can you say cept that he's good now. At this second appearing to take the oath of the presidential office there is Mansell cation for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued. It seemed fitting and proper no. At the expiration of four years during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point in praise of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation a little that is new could be presented.

The progress of our arms upon which all else chiefly depends is well known to the public as to myself and it is I trust reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. We have high hopes for the future no prediction in regard to Eddie's venture. On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war all dreaded all sought to avert while the inaugural address was being delivered from this place devoted altogether to saving the union without war. Insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy without war seeking to dissolve the union and divide the facts by negotiation. Both

parties deprecated war but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive and the other would accept war rather than let it perish. And the war came. One eighth of the whole population were colored slaves not distributed generally over the union but localized in the southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war to strengthen perpetuate an extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union. Even by war. Well the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement dummy. Neither party

expected for the war. The magnitude or the duration which it is already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself you would see each look for an easier try on and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and prayed to the same God and each invokes his aid against the other. It may seem strange that any man should dare to ask a just God just systems in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces. But let us judge not that we be not judged by the prayers of both could not be answered that of

neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has his own purposes. Woe unto the world because of offenses for it must needs be that all fences come but warped of that man by whom they all fans comment. If we should suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which in the providence of God must needs come but which having continued through his appointed time he now wills to remove and that he gives to both North and South this terrible war as the wode do to those by whom this often came shall we discern there in any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a Living God always ascribe to him.

Fondly do we hope fervently do we pray that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bomb two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil should be sung. And until every drop of blood drawn with the lash should be paid by another drawn with the sword as was said three thousand years ago so still it must be said the judgments of the Lord are true and right truth all together. With malice toward none with charity for all with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right let us drive on to

finish the work we are in to care for him. Bored in the bath and forties widow and his orphan to do all which may achieve and cherish. I just and lasting peace and with her. Here again is Professor Habermann there is evidence to believe that John Wilkes Booth was in the crowd that day on March 4 1865 along with hundreds of Americans like Cal and Cora just 41

days later and only five days after Lee's surrender that a matic Booth shot Lincoln in Ford's Theater. What fearful irony it is that after leaping to the stage she would shout seek SEMPRE tear on the boss always with tyrants of the man who had said with malice toward none with charity for all. And the world listened.

Program 9 in a radio series on great orations. The men and the age that created. These programs are produced by Radio Station W.H. at the University of Wisconsin under a grant from the Educational Television and Radio Center. Frederick W. Habermann gemman of the department of speech at the University of Wisconsin is the consultant production by Carl Schmidt. Music by Don vaguely. This program was written by Gerry McNealy. These programs are distributed by the National Association of educational broadcasters. This is the end AB Radio Network.