Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 February 1909 — Lincoln’s English. [ARTICLE]

Lincoln’s English.

On the occasion of the Lincoln centenary more than one speaker referred to the elegance of the language used by the great patriot. That one who saw little of the school room and educated himself should prove such a master of language shows the possession of genius for hard work. Possibly Lincoln was fortunate that he didnt’ have more technical instruction on .the use of words and sentences; he was forced to depend on the foundamental principles and cling to simplicity. His letters, public documents and expressions show a close acquaintance with the Bible which was <me of Lincoln’s best friend of all students. Possibly the feeling that he was handicapped by lack of education forced Lincoln to stick to the simple expressions, Shaking him a master of direct and forceful language. Lincoln more than any other man in American history showed the possibilities of simplicity, the strength contained in plain words and simple sentencse. —Lafayette Journal.