(Ulpe (Juntutulturalth uf ſilagºariutgeftā.
BY HIS EXCELLENCY
EBEN S. DRAPER,
In 1905 the Legislature provided that the Governor should annually issue a proclamation
setting apart the twelfth day of February as
L IN CO L N DAY
This year is the one hundredth anniversary of Lincoln's birth, and not merely in Massa-
chusetts but throughout the whole country proper observances commemorating his great life are
to be held. In this Commonwealth I am sure much more notice will be taken of the day than
at any previous time and I believe it is well that it should be so. I trust, however, that the
usual services in commemoration of the day will be held.
Abraham Lincoln was one of the greatest men of our country and of the world. Being
denied all the advantages of an early education, he surmounted every obstacle and became
learned in the law, eloquent in speech and a master of classic English ; but what made him
really great was his large heart and marvelous judgment. He realized that this country could
not live half free and half slave and was willing to make any sacrifice of blood and treasure
that was necessary to preserve the Nation. In doing this he was so great that, although the
head of a large army carrying on a tremendous war, he never had an unkind feeling toward
those on the other side.
Had he not been blessed with a great sense of humor, it does not seem possible that he
could have lived through the terrible trials of the great conflict.
It is most fitting, therefore, that exercises in his memory should be carried out in all
proper ways.
It is especially important that exercises should be held in our public schools commemo-
rating his life and career, so that the children who are being educated as the American citizens
of the future may have an opportunity to learn of his character and greatness, that his life may
be an example for them to follow.
EBEN S. DRAPER.
WILLIAM M. OLIN,
Secretary of the Commonwealth.
(§un gaue (Ulpe (Juntmuntutealth mf ſilagáàriutgefta.


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