Some think that Lincoln died fortunately for his fame,—­that had he lived he might have made mistakes, especially in the work of reconstruction, which would have seriously affected his claim as a great national benefactor.

On the other hand, had he lived, he might have put the work of reconstruction on a basis which would have added to his great services to the country.  The South had no better friend than he, and he was incapable of animosity or revenge.  Certain it is that this work of reconstruction requires even yet the greatest patriotism and a marvellous political wisdom.  The terrible fact that five millions of free negroes are yet doomed to ignorance, while even the more intelligent and industrious have failed to realize the ideals of citizenship, makes the negro question still one of paramount importance in the South.  The great question whether they shall enjoy the right of suffrage seems to be disposed of for the present; but the greater problem of their education must be solved.  The subject is receiving most serious consideration, and encouraging progress is already making in the direction of their general and industrial training:  but they are fast increasing; their labor is a necessity; and they must be educated to citizenship, both in mind and in morals, or the fairest portion of our country will find their presence a continuous menace to peace and prosperity.

These questions it was not given to Mr. Lincoln to consider.  He died prematurely as a martyr.  Nothing consecrates a human memory like martyrdom.  Nothing so effectually ends all jealousies, animosities, and prejudices as the assassin’s dagger.  If Caesar had not been assassinated it is doubtful if even he, the greatest man of all antiquity, could have bequeathed universal empire to his heirs.  Lincoln’s death unnerved the strongest mind, and touched the heart of the nation with undissembled sadness and pity.  From that time no one has dared to write anything derogatory to his greatness.  That he was a very great man no one now questions.

It is impossible, however, for any one yet to set him in the historical place, which, as an immortal benefactor, he is destined to occupy.  All speculation as to his comparative rank is worse than useless.  Time effects wonderful changes in human opinions.  There are some people in these days who affect to regard Washington as commonplace, as the lawyers of Edinburgh at one time regarded Sir Walter Scott, because he made no effort to be brilliant in after-dinner speeches.  There are others who, in the warmth of their innocent enthusiasm, think that Lincoln’s fame will go on increasing until, in the whole Eastern world, among the mountains of Thibet, on the shores of China and Japan, among the jungles of India, in the wilds of darkest Africa, in the furthermost islands of the sea, his praises will be sung as second to no political benefactor that the world has seen.  As all exaggerations provoke antagonism, it is wisest not to compare him with any national idols, but leave him to the undisputed verdict of the best judges, that lie was one of the few immortals who will live in a nation’s heart and the world’s esteem from age to age.  Is this not fame enough for a modest man, who felt his inferiority, in many respects, to those to whom he himself intrusted power?