"The dominate characteristic of Mrs. Lincoln, as I see here, was her unswerving loyalty to her husband and to that for which he stood. Her relatives were southerners. They naturally did not agree with him on slavery.

"Indeed, I am told by one of your number that her relatives always voted against Mr. Lincoln. One would think her own tendencies would lead her to a southern rather than a northern view. But through all she was most faithful to his ideas.

"I found a letter that she once wrote to Charles Sumner, and with your permission will read a sentence or two. This letter was written April 2, 1866, and says, in part:

'How much misfortunes could be spared as a nation if our faithless and unscrupulous president entertained the same views as yourself and all other true patriots.

'Unfortunately he is trying to ignore all the good that has been accomplished and returning the slave to his bondage.

'The contemptible act of refusing the freedmen of Richmond the priviledge of celebrating the anniversary of their freedom is but too sure an indication of his feelings toward the oppressed race. His wicked efforts will fall and justice and liberty triumph.'

" One sees the spicy side of her nature in her emphatic expressions, but the beauty of her faithfulness stands out with equal clearness.

"And, after all, what is better than loyalty? If we learn this lesson from the life of Mrs. Lincoln, if we are loyal to our families, our neighbors, and our God, will we not have lived the best life possible?

"Ladies, I give you this toast, "To the worthy wife of a great man. A wife who was staunch and loyal and true. May the memory of her grow in sweetness with the growing years."

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