A GREAT PUBLIC CHARACTER. 87 



we must achieve an equality in the more exclusive circle 

 of culture, and to that end must submit ourselves to the 

 European standard of intellectual weights and measures- 

 That we have made the hitherto biggest gun might ex- 

 cite apprehension (were there a dearth of iron), but can 

 never exact respect. That our pianos and patent reapers 

 have won medals does but confirm us in our mechanic 

 and material measure of merit. We must contribute 

 something more than mere contrivances for the saving 

 of labor, which we have been only too ready to misapply 

 in the domain of thought and the higher kinds of inven- 

 tion. In those Olympic games where nations contend for 

 truly immortal wreaths, it may well be questioned whether 

 a mowing-machine would stand much chance in the 

 chariot-races, whether a piano, though made by a chev- 

 alier, could compete successfully for the prize of music. 



We shall have to be content for a good while yet with 

 our provincialism, and must strive to make the best of it. 

 In it lies the germ of nationality, and that is, after all, 

 the prime condition of all thorough-bred greatness of 

 character. To this choicest fruit of a healthy life, well 

 rooted in native soil, and drawing prosperous juices 

 thence, nationality gives the keenest flavor. Mr. Lincoln 

 was an original man, and in so far a great man ; yet it 

 was the Americanism of his every thought, word, and act 

 which not only made his influence equally at home in 

 East and West, but drew the eyes of the outside world, 

 and was the pedestal that lifted him where he could be 

 seen by them. Lincoln showed that native force may 

 transcend local boundaries, but the growth of such 

 nationality is hindered and hampered by our division 

 into so many half-independent communities, each with its 

 objects of county ambition, and its public men great to 

 the borders of their district. In this way our standard 

 of greatness is insensibly debased. To receive any na- 



