President Lincoln's Press Conference

Last night, February 12th, President Abraham Lincoln held a Press Conference at the Linn & Benton County Republican's Lincoln Day Dinner in the CH2M Hill Alumni Center in Corvallis, Oregon. It was his birthday. He began the conference with his own remarks and then took questions from the Press (the guests). Due to the seriousness of his message, all present could have heard a pin drop as he spoke. The president contended that the abolition of slavery was indeed the reason for the war between the states. He felt it was biblical, that the country was unable to avoid war and that it was a punishment for the sin of slavery. He reported on the progress of the war and about his choice of disappointing generals to lead the union. One and all could see the great personal toll it took on him over the horrible loss of life as the war wore on. Yet one could see a little colour returning to his gaunt face when he spoke of eventual victories. The President talked about the ugly reception his Emancipation Proclamation received. Some called him a tyrant or worse. The Abolitionists were furious that it did not inclued all slaves. Mr. Lincoln brought out his spectacles to read the brief remarks he'd made at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The gathered press corps could hardly agree with Mr. Lincoln's assessment that his concise words would not long be remembered. Finally, the president explained why, under extreme criticism, he refused to hang the Generals and leaders of the Confederacy in an effort to heal the nation at war's end.

Mr. Steve Holgate of Portland, is the actor who so passionately and truly portrays President Lincoln. A number of guests asked about his next scheduled event. Mr. Holgate will be presenting a longer version of President Lincoln at the Coaster Theater (MAP) in Cannon Beach, Oregon on Friday and Saturday, March 11-12 at 7:30 p.m. (Whichever way you go to Cannon Beach, you'll want to come home via Newport and Corvallis, unless you want to spend the night. The tunnel on Hwy 26 will be closed during night-time hours due to roadwork.)

For the members of the Lincoln Day Dinner Committee, it was a wonderful pleasure to host Mr. Holgate and his lovely wife, Felicia. From the feedback we've received, our guests were impressed.

The Committee offers its gratitude to all the members of the press (our guests) who contributed to the success of the evening. We thank you for generously supporting the 'buy it now' tables, the silent auction and the oral auction. We hope you enjoyed the evening.