Lincoln Story Book, The

<h3>"A LUXURY TO SEE ONE WHO WANTS NOTHING."</h3> <p>Senator Depew was secretary of New York State in 1864, under Governor Seymour. He had to wait upon President Lincoln, reelected, to harmonize the calls for men, as his State was split on the accusation that the draft favored one party above the other. His official business finished, Secretary Depew called to bid farewell. Lincoln was not holding a reception, but sitting in that study accessible to the public, that never was a public man's sanctum before--or after. He was intruded upon all the time, as he let the door remain wide open. (Old New Yorkers may recall P. T. Barnum, the showman's, similar habit.) Every now and then some petitioners would make a desperate rush in and, on seeing they were not repelled by order or by the ushers' own initiative, others would be emboldened to do the same. The New Yorker no sooner took this cue than the besieged man perceived him.</p> <p>"Hello, Depew! what do you want?" was his hail.</p> <p>"Nothing, Mr. President, save to pay my respects to you, as I am going home."</p> <p>"Stay! it is such a luxury to see any one who does not want anything!"</p> <p>He had the room cleared and discussed the war, interspersing the dialogue with apposite stories.--(Told by Senator C. M. Depew.) <br/> <br/> <br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />