Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 March 1881 — Lincoln and Sumner. [ARTICLE]

Lincoln and Sumner.

The following story of Lincoln, like many others, may or may not be true. Senator Sumner called one day to advise the president. He talked along, learnedly, and, as usual, rather dlctatorially. Lincoln heard him through, smiling occasionally, but making no remark. When the stream of senatorial eloquence finally stopped, he said, to the utter amazement of his distinguished guest: “Stand up, Sumner, and let us measure backs.” Sumner stood up, with all the reluctance of offended dignity, and the two backs were brought in contack. “Ah,” said Lincoln, when the measuring was ended, “my back is a good deal longer than yours, Sumner; yes, a good deal longer.” The interview, as might be supposed, was speedily terminated; and, as the door elosed upon the tall form, Lin, coin remarked, as if soliloquizing to a friend present: “Sumner’s a smart man; a mightv smart man What an education he's got! I wish I had such a one. Sumner ought to be king of Prussia; the plaoe would just suit him.”