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Speech Backup Chronological Files
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Backup Files
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Chron File, 1989-1993
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13710
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Ford's Theater Gala 3/25/90 [OA 6854]
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26
20
4
5
THE LITTLE, BROWN
BOOK OF
Ba ANECDOTES so
CLIFTON FADIMAN
GENERAL EDITOR
LB
LITTLE, BROWN AND COMPANY
BOSTON
TORONTO
LILLIE
356
London apartment," she told him. "Why don't
anywhere in the United States. He proposed a
you go there and pick it up?"
generous settlement to the defeated Southerners,
hoping to heal the wounds caused by the war,
7 At a reception given for Josephine Baker on
but only a few days after its end he was assas-
one of her trips to New York, many theatrical
sinated while attending the theater in Washing-
personalities were invited. Among them was
ton. The most famous of Lincoln's speeches is
Beatrice Lillie, who patiently waited her turn to
the Gettysburg Address (1863). A vast fund of
greet the fabulous Josephine. Unfortunately,
anecdotes and humorous stories by him or told
Miss Baker chose this occasion to put on her
of him have accumulated under his name. Many
well-known regal air. Holding out her hand for
are doubtless apocryphal.
Beatrice to kiss, she purred, "Ah, Lady Peel, eet
is a great plaisir." Bea Lillie glanced at the prof-
1 As a young man Lincoln was captain of a
fered hand: "Ah likes you too, honey," she
militia company during the Black Hawk War
said.
of 1832. He was not well versed in military
procedures. One day, as he was leading a squad
8 (Clifton Daniel tells the following story.)
of some twenty men across a field, the appro-
"One bright day on Piccadilly I saw an un-
priate word of command for getting them into
mistakable figure approaching- Bea on the
position for marching through a gate went right
arm of a man. She had been abroad entertaining
out of his mind. In desperation, he shouted,
the 'troooops,' as she called them, and I hadn't
"This company is dismissed for two minutes,
seen her for a long time.
and will fall in again on the other side of the
"As she came down the street I maneuvered
gate."
myself so that she could not avoid running into
me. When she did she threw open her arms and
2 When Lincoln was a lawyer, an out-of-
embraced me.
town case required him to hire a horse from the
"Darling,' she cried, 'how are you?' Still
local livery stables. Returning the animal, he
holding me, she leaned back and examined my
asked the liveryman whether he kept the horse
face. 'And who are you?"
for funerals. "Certainly not," said its owner
indignantly. "I am glad to hear it," said Lin-
9 In Hollywood one day, Miss Lillie was ab-
coln, "because if you did, the corpse would not
sentmindedly driving on the left-hand side of
get there in time for the resurrection."
the road when she suddenly noticed another
car bearing down on her. She swerved to the
3 Lincoln's friend and fellow-lawyer Ward
left and crashed, wrecking the car but escaping
Lamon was on circuit in Illinois. While waiting
with a few cuts and bruises. She staggered to
outside the courtroom, Lamon was challenged
the nearest house, which happened to be that
to a wrestling match and in the struggle tore the
of film star John Gilbert. "Why, Bea! What's
seat of his trousers. Immediately afterward he
up?" cried Gilbert as he opened the door.
was summoned into court for a case. His short
"Heard there was a party," gasped Miss Lillie.
coat did not conceal the damaged condition of
"Came."
his trousers. One of the other lawyers face-
tiously started a subscription paper to buy him
a new pair, and it was passed around the var-
LINCOLN, Abraham (1809-65), US states-
ious members of the bar. When the paper
man; 16th president of the United States (1861-
reached Lincoln, he wrote his name and under
65). Born in a log cabin, Lincoln was a self-
the column for the amount the words: "I can
educated man. He became a lawyer and in 1847
contribute nothing to the end in view."
entered Congress as a representative from Illi-
nois. An opponent of slavery, he was elected
4 In his legal practice Lincoln was never
president on an antislavery ticket, an election
greedy for fees and discouraged unnecessary
that precipitated the secession of the Southern
litigation. A man came to him in a passion,
states and the Civil War. In 1863 Lincoln issued
asking him to bring a suit for $2.50 against an
the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing South-
impoverished debtor. Lincoln tried to dissuade
ern slaves, and two years later masterminded
him, but the man was determined upon re-
the Thirteenth Amendment, prohibiting slavery
venge. When he saw that the creditor was not
357
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM
to be put off, Lincoln asked for and got $10 as
"Whatever is the matter with the boys, Mr.
his legal fee. He gave half of this to the defend-
Lincoln?" he asked. "Just what's the matter
ant, who thereupon willingly confessed to the
with the whole world," replied Lincoln resign-
debt and paid up the $2.50, thus settling the
edly. "I've got three walnuts, and each wants
matter to the entire satisfaction of the irate
two."
plaintiff.
9 When Lincoln ran for Congress as a Whig
5 (A clerk of the court relates the only occa-
in 1846, his Democratic opponent was an evan-
sion on which he was fined for contempt of
gelical Methodist, Peter Cartwright. During
court.)
the campaign Lincoln attended a religious
"Davis fined me five dollars. Mr. Lincoln
meeting at which Cartwright, after a stirring
had just come in, and leaning over my desk had
address, invited all those who wished to go to
told me a story so irresistibly funny that I broke
heaven to stand up. A few people rose self-
out into a loud laugh. The judge called me to
consciously to their feet. "Now all those who
order, saying, "This must be stopped. Mr. Lin-
do not wish to go to hell will stand!" The rest of
coln, you are constantly disturbing this court
the audience, with the exception of Lincoln,
with your stories.' Then to me: 'You may fine
stood up. Cartwright saw an opportunity to
yourself $5.00.' I apologized, but told the judge
embarrass his rival. "May I inquire of you, Mr.
the story was worth the money. In a few min-
Lincoln, where you are going?" Lincoln stood
utes the judge called me over to him. 'What was
up and said calmly, "I came here as a respectful
that story Lincoln told you?' he asked. I told
listener. I did not know I was to be singled out
him, and he laughed aloud in spite of himself.
by Brother Cartwright. I believe in treating
'Remit your fine,' he ordered."
religious matters with due solemnity. I admit
that the questions propounded by Brother
6 A New York firm wrote to Lincoln, then
Cartwright are of great importance. I did not
practicing law, requesting information about
feel called upon to answer as the rest did.
the financial circumstances of one of his neigh-
Brother Cartwright asks me directly where I am
bors. The reply was as follows: "I am well ac-
going. I desire to reply with equal directness: I
quainted with Mr.-, and know his circum-
am going to Congress."
stances. First of all, he has a wife and baby;
{One of many Lincoln anecdotes of
together, they ought to be worth $50,000 to
doubtful authenticity.)
any man. Secondly, he has an office in which
there is a table worth $1.50, and three chairs,
10 In 1858 the Illinois legislature elected Ste-
worth $1.00. Last of all, there is in one corner a
phen A. Douglas senator instead of Lincoln. A
large rat-hole which will bear looking into. Re-
sympathetic friend asked Lincoln how he felt.
spectfully yours, A. Lincoln."
"Like the boy who stubbed his toe; I am too big
to cry and too badly hurt to laugh."
7 During his time as a lawyer in Springfield,
{Adlai Stevenson, when defeated by
Lincoln was walking into town one day when
Dwight Eisenhower in 1952, ruefully re-
he was overtaken by a man driving in the same
called this story.}
direction. Lincoln hailed him and asked, "Will
you have the goodness to take my overcoat to
11 Stephen Douglas was attempting to dis-
town for me?"
comfit Lincoln by making allusions to his lowly
"With pleasure," responded the stranger,
start in life. He told a gathering that the first
"but how will you get it again?"
time he had met Lincoln it had been across the
"Oh, very easily; I intend to remain in it."
counter of a general store in which Lincoln was
(This may be a standard joke, attributed
serving. "And an excellent bartender he was
like many others to Lincoln.}
too," Douglas concluded. When the laughter
had died away, Lincoln got up and said, "What
8 On hearing the anguished cries of children
Mr. Douglas says is quite true: I did keep a
in the street, one of Lincoln's neighbors in
general store and sold cotton and candles and
Springfield rushed out of his house in alarm.
cigars and sometimes whiskey, and I particu-
There he found Lincoln with two of his sons,
larly remember Mr. Douglas, as he was a very
both of whom were sobbing uncontrollably.
good customer. Many a time I have been on
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM
358
one side of the counter and sold whiskey to
{This is a rather more plausible version of
Mr. Douglas on the other side. But now there's
a popular story that depicts Lincoln
a difference between us: I've left my side of the
being interrupted by a foreign diplomat
counter, but he sticks to his as tenaciously as
in the act of cleaning his own boots; the
ever."
punch line is the same.}
12 Lincoln was called in as arbiter in many
16 A delegation called on Lincoln to ask that
disputes, serious and frivolous. Two men who
the commissionership of the Sandwich Islands
had been arguing for hours about the correct
be given to a particular man. After setting out
proportion of the length of a man's legs to the
his qualifications they concluded by saying that
size of his body called on Lincoln to settle the
their candidate was in poor health and the cli-
question. Lincoln listened gravely to the points
mate in the Sandwich Islands would be benefi-
on both sides, and then gave his summing up in
cial to him. "I am sorry to say, gentlemen," said
full legal fashion. It seemed to him, he said, that
Lincoln, "that there are eight other applicants
this was a question of the utmost significance
for the post, and they are all sicker than your
and one that had caused much bloodshed in
man."
the past and would doubtless do so again in the
future, so it was not without much mental an-
17 The singer Lillie de Hegermann-Linden-
guish and exertion that he reached his opinion.
crone records in a letter a conversation she had
Nonetheless, he concluded, "It is my opinion,
with Lincoln. Lincoln remarked that if he
all side issues being swept aside, that a man's
heard her sing often he might have to become a
lower limbs, in order to preserve harmony of
musician himself. "But," he added, "so far I
proportion, should be at least long enough to
only know two tunes."
reach from his body to the ground."
"Hail, Columbia" she asked. "You know
that, I am sure."
13 Holding the copy of his speech, his hat,
"Oh, yes," he replied, "I know that, for I
and a cane, Lincoln arrived at the rostrum to be
have to stand up and take off my hat."
sworn in as president. He laid the cane down,
"And the other one?"
but there was nowhere to put the hat. Senator
"The other one? Oh, that is the one when I
Stephen A. Douglas quickly came forward and
don't stand up."
relieved him of it. As he sat down, he observed
See also ULYSSES S. GRANT 11.
to one of Mrs. Lincoln's cousins, "If I can't be
president, I can at least hold his hat."
18 President Lincoln turned down an appli-
cant for a job and gave as his reason: "I don't
14 As Lincoln was walking down a corridor
like his face." One of the members of his cabi-
in the War Department building, an army of-
net indicated that he did not think this was a
ficer in a hurry barged straight into him. When
sufficient and satisfactory explanation. Lin-
the man saw who it was, he offered "ten thou-
coln disagreed: "Every man over forty is re-
sand pardons."
sponsible for his face."
"One is quite enough," said Lincoln, adding,
"I wish the whole army would charge like
19 Lincoln particularly enjoyed a story that
that!"
circulated in Washington during the Civil War
concerning him and the president of the Con-
15 At the conclusion of his tour of America,
federate States, Jefferson Davis. Two Quaker
an aristocratic young Englishman secured an
ladies were discussing the relative merits and
audience with President Lincoln. The talk
prospects of the opposing leaders. "I think Jef-
turning to social conditions, the visitor ex-
ferson will succeed because he is a praying
pressed amazement that many gentlemen in
man," said one. "But so is Abraham a praying
America customarily blacked their own boots.
man," said the other. "Yes," rejoined the first
"True," replied Lincoln, "but would gentle-
lady, "but the Lord will think that Abraham is
men in England not do that?"
joking."
"Certainly not."
"Then, whose boots do they black?" asked
20 A woman once approached Lincoln, de-
Lincoln.
manding a colonel's commission for her son.
358
359
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM
nore plausible version of
"My grandfather fought at Lexington, my fa-
tence and inaction left by his predecessors in
that depicts Lincoln
ther fought at New Orleans, my husband was
the post, though, as it turned out, he was tem-
d by a foreign diplomat
killed at Monterey. I ask the commission not as
peramentally unsuited to supreme command.
ning his own boots; the
a favor, but as a right."
On one occasion he reported his energetic ac-
same.}
"I guess, madam," answered Lincoln, "your
tivities to Lincoln in a dispatch datelined
family has done enough for the country. It's
"Headquarters in the saddle." Lincoln re-
alled on Lincoln to ask that
time to give somebody else a chance."
ceived it and sighed: "The trouble with
ip of the Sandwich Islands
Hooker is that he has got his headquarters
ular man. After setting out
21 When the Confederate forces were at-
where his hindquarters ought to be."
ey concluded by saying that
tacking Fort Stevens, Lincoln made a tour of
in poor health and the cli-
inspection of the Union defenses. He was
25 In September 1862 Lincoln called a spe-
ch Islands would be benefi-
shown around by the general's aide, Oliver
cial session of his closest advisers. When they
rry to say, gentlemen," said
Wendell Holmes, Jr. As Holmes pointed out
arrived, he was reading a book. At first he paid
: are eight other applicants
the enemy lines, Lincoln, wearing his custom-
little attention to their entrance, then started to
ey are all sicker than your
ary tall hat, stood up to get a better view. At
read aloud to them a piece by the humorist
once there was a crackle of musketry fire from
Artemus Ward entitled "A High-Handed Out-
the opposing trenches. "Get down, you fool!"
rage at Utica," which Lincoln found very
lie de Hegermann-Linden-
shouted Holmes, grabbing the president and
funny. At the end he laughed heartily but no
tter a conversation she had
hauling him under cover. An instant later he
one joined in; the cabinet members sat in stony
coln remarked that if he
realized what he had said, and wondered what
disapproval of the president's frivolity. Lincoln
he might have to become a
kind of disciplinary action would be taken
rebuked them: "Why don't you laugh? With
'But," he added, "so far I
against him. As Lincoln was leaving, he bade
the fearful strain that is upon me night and day,
es."
the young officer farewell with the words,
if I did not laugh I should die, and you need this
i'?" she asked. "You know
"Goodbye, Captain Holmes. I'm glad to see
medicine as much as I do." Then turning to
you know how to talk to a civilian."
business, he told them that he had privately
plied, "I know that, for I
prepared "a little paper of much significance."
d take off my hat."
22 In a discussion on the manpower and re-
It was the draft of the Emancipation Proclama-
ne?"
sources in the Civil War someone asked Lin-
tion.
Oh, that is the one when I
coln how many men the Confederates had in
the field. "Twelve hundred thousand," was the
26 The Emancipation Proclamation was laid
S. GRANT 11.
prompt and astonishing reply. Seeing the
before Lincoln for his signature at noon on
amazement and disbelief on the faces of those
January 1, 1863. Lincoln twice picked up the
oln turned down an appli-
around him, Lincoln went on, "No doubt of
pen and twice laid it down. To the secretary of
;ave as his reason: "I don't
it - twelve hundred thousand. You see, all our
state he said, "I have been shaking hands since
of the members of his cabi-
generals, every time they get whipped, they tell
nine o'clock this morning, and my right arm is
e did not think this was a
me that the enemy outnumbered them at least
almost paralyzed. If my name ever goes into
factory explanation. Lin-
three to one, and I must believe them. We have
history, it will be for this act, and my whole
very man over forty is re-
four hundred thousand men in the field, and
soul is in it. If my hand trembles when I sign the
ce."
three times four equals twelve. Twelve
Proclamation, all who examine the document
hundred thousand men, no doubt about it."
hereafter will say, 'He hesitated." He then
ularly enjoyed a story that
picked up the pen again and slowly and firmly
ngton during the Civil War
23 In the later months of 1862 Lincoln was
wrote his signature.
I the president of the Con-
angered by General George B. McClellan's in-
erson Davis. Two Quaker
activity, despite his superiority in numbers over
27 Lincoln was much plagued by people
ng the relative merits and
the Confederate forces. In the end he wrote
seeking offices or favors. He was unwell one
bosing leaders. "I think Jef-
McClellan a single-sentence letter: "If you
day and not feeling inclined to listen to such
I because he is a praying
don't want to use the army, I should like to
requests. One petitioner, however, managed to
it so is Abraham a praying
borrow Lincoln." it for a while. Yours respectfully, A.
get into his office. Just as the man was settling
r. "Yes," rejoined the first
will think that Abraham is
down for a lengthy interview, Lincoln's physi-
cian entered. Holding out his hands to him,
24 When General Joseph Hooker, nick-
Lincoln asked what the blotches on them were.
named "Fighting Joe," was appointed com-
The doctor instantly diagnosed varioloid, a
e approached Lincoln, de-
mander in chief of the Union army, he was
S commission for her son.
mild form of smallpox. "It's contagious. I be-
anxious to dispel the impression of incompe-
lieve?" asked Lincoln. "Very contagious," was
LINCOLN, ABRAHAM
360
the answer. The visitor got to his feet at this
common-looking man." Lincoln retorted,
point. "Well, I can't stop now, Mr. Lincoln, I
"The Lord prefers common-looking people;
just called to see how you were," he said. "Oh,
that's the reason that he makes so many of
don't be in a hurry," said Lincoln affably.
them."
"Thank you, sir, I'll call again," said the visitor,
heading speedily for the door. As it closed be-
32 A guest at a reception told Lincoln that in
hind him, Lincoln observed, "A good thing
his home state people said that the welfare of
about this is that I now have something that I
the nation depended on God and Abraham
can give to everybody."
Lincoln. "You are half right," said Lincoln.
28 Lincoln's secretary of war, Edwin Stan-
33 During the Civil War Lincoln had occa-
ton, had some trouble with a major general
sion at an official reception to refer to the
who accused him, in abusive terms, of favorit-
Southerners rather as erring human beings than
ism. Stanton complained to Lincoln, who sug-
as foes to be exterminated. An elderly lady, a
gested that he write the officer a sharp letter.
fiery patriot, rebuked him for speaking kindly
Stanton did so, and showed the strongly
of his enemies when he ought to be thinking of
worded missive to the president, who ap-
destroying them. "Why, madam," said Lin-
plauded its powerful language: "What are you
coln, "do I not destroy my enemies when I
going to do with it?" he asked. Surprised at the
make them my friends?"
question, Stanton said, "Send it." Lincoln
shook his head. "You don't want to send that
34 A delegation of businessmen from Wil-
letter," he said. "Put it in the stove. That's what
mington, Delaware, came to see Lincoln to give
I do when I have written a letter while I am
him their views on winning the war. Their
angry. It's a good letter and you had a good
spokesman announced pompously that they
time writing it and feel better. Now, burn it,
represented the "weighty men" of Delaware.
and write another."
"So you're the weighty men of Delaware," said
Lincoln when he had heard them out. "All
29 A Prussian nobleman, who had been in-
from New Castle County?"
volved in revolutionary activities in his own
"Yes, all from the same city."
country, came to the United States seeking a
"Did it ever occur to you gentlemen," asked
commission in the Union army. In an audience
the president, "that there was danger of your
with the president, he expatiated on the high
little state tipping up in your absence?"
and ancient nobility of his family. Lincoln
35 When a gentleman called on the presi-
eventually broke in, saying, "That need not
dent, asking for a pass to allow him to visit
trouble you. It will not stand in your way if you
Richmond (the Confederate capital), the presi-
behave yourself as a soldier."
dent replied, "I would be very happy to oblige
you if my passes were respected; but the fact is,
30 Lincoln's mail one day contained a letter
sir, I have, within the last two years, given
from a lady requesting not only his autograph
passes to two hundred and fifty thousand men
but also a "sentiment" with his signature. Irri-
to go to Richmond, and not one has got there
tated by this demand at a time of national crisis,
yet."
the president responded: "Dear Madam: When
you ask from a stranger that which is of interest
36 During Lincoln's visit to Richmond after
only to yourself, always enclose a stamp.
it had been evacuated by the Confederate
There's your sentiment, and here's my auto-
troops, an old black man approached him and,
graph. A. Lincoln."
removing his hat, bowed and said, "May de
good Lord bless you, President Linkum." The
31 (The following story exists in many ver-
president took off his own hat and bowed si-
sions but is usually attributed to Lincoln.)
lently in return.
On the night of December 23, 1863, Lincoln
dreamed that he was in a party of undistin-
37 Just a week before he was assassinated
guished, unattractive people; when they found
Lincoln had a dream that he discussed with
out who he was, they commented on his ap-
several people. It seemed that he was walking
pearance. One of them said, "He's a very
through the silent White House toward the
61
LISTER
ound of sobbing. When he entered the East
they wanted. The spokesman said that they
Room he was confronted by the sight of a cata-
merely wanted to have a look at her. "This is
alque covered in black. He asked the guard on
my face," she said, and then turned around:
luty there who was dead. "The president,"
"This is my back. Now you can go home and
aid the soldier.
say you have seen me." With that she shut the
door.
8 On April 13, 1865, the Civil War being
over, orders were given to end the draft of
oldiers. The following day Lincoln made his
atal visit to the theater to see Our American
LINDEMANN, Frederick Alexander, Vis-
count Cherwell (1886-1957), German-born
Cousin. At one point in the play the heroine,
British physicist, known as "the Prof." He be-
eclining on a garden seat, calls for a shawl to
came personal assistant to Winston Churchill,
protect her from the draft. The actor Edward
who appointed him paymaster-general in his
Sothern, to whom the request was addressed,
wartime government. Some of his advice was
eplied on this occasion with the impromptu
ine: "You are mistaken, Miss Mary, the draft
good, some bad. As his colleague, Sir George
Paget Thomson, said of him, "He was better as
as already been stopped by order of the presi-
critic than as creator."
lent!" Lincoln joined in the audience's appre-
ciation of this remark with what was to be his
ast laugh.
1 In 1931 Churchill was hit by a taxi on Fifth
Avenue in New York and taken to a hospital.
From there he sent a cable to Lindemann ask-
LINCOLN, Robert Todd (1843-1926), US
ing him to calculate the shock, to a stationary
olitician and businessman, son of Abraham
body weighing two hundred pounds, of a
Lincoln. He was minister to Great Britain
car weighing 2,400 pounds traveling between
1889-93).
thirty and thirty-five miles an hour. He also
asked the professor to bear in mind that the
Robert Todd Lincoln was home from Har-
brakes did not operate before he was hit by the
ard on a visit at the time that his father was
car and that he had been "carried forward on
assassinated. After the shooting he sat by his
the cowcatcher" until he dropped off, adding
ather's bedside until he died. He had no politi-
that the information "must be impressive."
cal ambitions, preferring the life of a lawyer.
Lindemann soon sent the following reply,
But President James Garfield called him away
"Collision equivalent falling thirty feet on
rom his practice to occupy the post of secre-
pavement. Equal six thousand foot pounds en-
ary of war in 1881. He reluctantly accepted.
ergy. Equivalent stopping ten-pound brick
Later that same year Robert Lincoln arrived at
dropped six hundred feet or two charges buck-
he Washington railroad station just in time to
shot pointblank range. Rate inversely propor-
ee Garfield shot. Twenty years later, as presi-
tional thickness cushion surrounding skeleton
lent of the Pullman Company, Robert Lincoln
and give of frame. If assume average one inch
vas invited to bring his family to meet Presi-
your body transferred during impact at rate
ient William McKinley. As they arrived they
eight thousand horsepower. Congratulations
heard the news: the president had just been
on preparing suitable cushion and skill in
hot. Robert Lincoln observed, "There is a cer-
bump."
ain fatality about presidential functions when
am present."
LISTER, Joseph, 1st Baron Lister (1827-
1912), British surgeon. Influenced by the work
LIND, Jenny (1820-87), Swedish operatic so-
of Pasteur, he used carbolic acid as an antiseptic
brano. Known as "the Swedish nightingale,"
in surgery and greatly reduced the incidence of
she toured throughout Europe and in the United
infection.
States (1850-52), before finally settling in En-
gland.
1 Lister was once summoned to attend a rich
lord who had a fishbone stuck in his throat.
1 A group of American tourists knocked on
Dextrously the great surgeon removed the
Jenny Lind's door. The star asked them what
bone. Overcome with gratitude, the patient
MAR 16 '90 09:55
P.2
P.1/2
MAR 16 '90 10:59 FTSA
A Festival
at
Ford's
March 16, 1990
1990 GALA
Dear Curt:
Mrs. George Hush
The attached statement sums up what Ford's is all
Hunorary Chairman
about. It will appear in the program Sunday, March
Mrs. Ernest F. Hollings
25. These nationally televised galas, which began
Mrs. Alan K. Simpson
the night the restored Theatre reopened in 1968,
General Chairmen
provide the basic financial support which keeps
Mrs. Charles Wick
this national historic site open as a living
Gala Cheirman
theatre.
Mrs. Howard H. Baker, Jr.
Mrs. Paul Laxalt
Hopefully, President Bush will thank the cast and
Mrs. Thomas P. O'Neill, Jr.
financial contributors for keeping up this
Mrs. Jim Wright
tradition of private support for an important
Past Chairmen
public institution. He might also want to
Ms. Frankle Hewitt
recognize our Co-Chairs Mrs. Alan Simpson (Ann),
Executive Producer
Mrs. Ernest Hollings (Peatsy) and Mrs. Charles Wick
(Mary Jane), who will all be seated in the front
row with him and Mrs. Bush. Since I created the
first gala twenty-two years ago and have been the
guiding force at Ford's ever since, a mention of me
will make my job easier.
This will be the first gala televised by Turner
Broadcasting and Ted Turner will be in the
audience. The show will be aired on July 4th, so a
little patriotic flavor seems called for.
I am working at home this morning (933-2669) if you
need any additional information. If you don't
reach me here, the office number is 638-2941.
Much thanks for your help.
Other Regards, Frankie Executive Hewitt Producer Henrt
Mr. Curt Smith
President's Speech
Writing Office
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
MAR 16 '90 09:55
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MAR 16 '90 10:23 FTSA
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(4)
A SALUTE TO THE HUMAN SPIRIT
This April 14th will mark the 125th Anniversary since President
Abraham Lincoln was struck down by an assassin while watching a
play at Ford's Theatre. For 103 years thereafter, this theatre
stood as a dark, forlorn reminder of that one mad act.
Then, on January 30, 1968, a beautifully restored Ford's Theatre
reopened with our first all-star nationally televised gala.
That night Ford's was dedicated as a living memorial to Abraham
Lincoln's love for the performing arts and it has enjoyed the
warm, caring support of every President and First Lady since.
In memory of President Lincoln, the programming at Ford's Theatre
has consistently saluted the triumph of the human spirit. This
year, when the possibility of freedom shines in almost every
corner of the globe, it seems particularly appropriate that we
rededicate this lovely building to Mister Lincoln's magnificent
spirit.
MAR 16 '90 09:56
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MAR 16 '90 10:59 FTSA
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PERFORMERS FOR "A FESTIVAL AT FORD'S"
Valerie Harper
(host)
Co-Host
(yet to be recruited)
Crystal Gayle
(country)
Gary Morris
(opera and country)
Roy Clark
(country and instrumental)
Vic Damone
(pop)
Tanya Tucker
(country)
Diane Schur
(jazz)
Tony Bennett
(pop)
Queen Esther Marrow
(Broadway-gospel)
Jim Morris
(Impressionist)
Jeff McBride
(magician)
Dick Capri
(comedy)
Jake Johannsen
(comedy)
Kristopher
(novelty dancer)
ALL-STAR GALA / FORD'S THEATER StepaB.
SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 1990 / 9:40 P.M.
ON BARBARA'S BEHALF, Too, LET ME THANK YOU FOR A
STAR-SPANGLED PROGRAM. //
TONIGHT, WE SALUTE THE FOURTH OF JULY -- FREEDOM'S
STAR-SPANGLED BIRTHDAY. A DAY JOHN ADAMS SAID SHOULD
BE MARKED "WITH POMP AND PARADE FROM ONE END OF THIS
CONTINENT To ANOTHER, FROM THIS TIME FORWARD EVERMORE."
WELL, THROUGH THE TECHNOLOGY OF TELEVISION, THIS
SHOW HAS INDEED BEEN SEEN ACROSS THE CONTINENT. //
- 2 -
JUST AS EXACTLY 125 YEARS AGO, ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST
FAMOUS INAUGURAL ADDRESSES ECHOED ACROSS A CONTINENT
TORN IN TWO. //
I REFER TO LINCOLN'S SECOND INAUGURAL THAT URGED
"WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE, WITH CHARITY FOR ALL." ONE
CANNOT FORGET THOSE WORDS. // NOR CAN ONE FORGET THAT
TERRIBLE DAY LINCOLN LOST HIS LIFE IN THIS THEATER. //
BUT WE ARE ALSO REMINDED OF A HAPPIER FACT ABOUT THE
GREAT EMANCIPATOR -- THAT HE LOVED ENTERTAINMENT.
- 3 -
IT WAS ENTERTAINMENT, AFTER ALL, THAT OFTEN BROUGHT HIM
HERE. AND HOW HE WOULD HAVE ENJOYED THIS PROGRAM.
LINCOLN'S FRIENDS OFTEN TOLD OF A PRESIDENT WHO
CHERISHED MUSIC. ((BELIEVE ME, I KNOW HOW HE FELT.
You KNOW, I HAVE TWO HOTLINES IN THE OVAL OFFICE: ONE
IS A DIRECT HOTLINE TO Moscow. // THE OTHER IS A
DIRECT HOTLINE TO NASHVILLE TO KEEP ME UP TO DATE ON
THE LATEST COUNTRY AND WESTERN HITS.)) //
I
- 4 -
WE WON'T SOON FORGET TONIGHT'S MUSIC -- COUNTRY AND
OTHERWISE. NOR ITS HUMOR -- THAT, Too, LINCOLN WOULD
HAVE APPRECIATED. ONCE, HE OBSERVED THAT IF HE
COULDN'T TELL STORIES, HE FELT HIS HEART WOULD
BREAK. // LIKE A STORY HE WAS FOND OF -- AND WHICH
CIRCULATED DURING THE CIVIL WAR. //
Two LADIES WERE DISCUSSING THE MERITS OF LINCOLN
AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERACY, JEFFERSON DAVIS.
- 5 -
THE FIRST SAID, "I THINK JEFFERSON WILL SUCCEED BECAUSE
HE IS A PRAYING MAN." THE SECOND ANSWERED, "BUT so IS
ABRAHAM A PRAYING MAN." // "Yes," REPLIED THE FIRST
LADY, "BUT THE LORD WILL THINK ABRAHAM IS JOKING." //
LINCOLN WOULD HAVE LOVED THIS EVENING'S COMEDY:
It's PRODUCED MORE LAUGHS THAN MY LAST FISHING
TRIP. // INDEED, ALL OF YOU HAVE SHOWN WHY FORD'S
THEATER IS A NATIONAL TREASURE.
- 6 -
AND WHY AMERICA HAS MARVELED AT ITS NATIONALLY
TELEVISED GALAS SINCE THE RESTORED THEATER REOPENED IN
1968. EVENTS WHICH PROVIDE THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO
KEEP FORD'S OPEN AS A LIVING THEATER.
LET ME ESPECIALLY THANK THOSE WHO MADE THIS PROGRAM
POSSIBLE. THE PERFORMERS, OF COURSE. EXECUTIVE
PRODUCER FRANKIE HEWITT. TONIGHT'S CHAIRWOMEN -- ANN
SIMPSON, PEATSY HOLLINGS, AND MARY JANE WICK. // AND,
YES, ITS HONORARY CHAIRWOMAN -- THE LADY AT MY SIDE.
- 7 -
ALL OF THEM -- AND YOU LISTENING AT HOME -- ARE
INHERITORS OF LINCOLN'S LOVE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS.
AND HIS ABIDING BELIEF IN THE TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN
SPIRIT. // THIS EVENING'S PROGRAMMING EMBODIES THAT
BELIEF. AND THE FREEDOM IT HAS CARRIED TO EVERY CORNER
OF THE WORLD.
FOR EVERY PERSON WHO CHERISHES FREEDOM, LET ME
THANK YOU FOR THIS WONDERFUL PROGRAM. GOD BLESS OUR
BELOVED LAND -- THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
# # #
ALL-STAR GALA / FORD'S THEATER
SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 1990 / 9:40 P.M.
THANK YOU, VALERIE. ON BARBARA'S BEHALF, Too, LET
ME THANK YOU FOR A STAR-SPANGLED PROGRAM. //
TONIGHT, WE SALUTE THE FOURTH OF JULY -- FREEDOM'S
STAR-SPANGLED BIRTHDAY. A DAY JOHN ADAMS SAID SHOULD
BE MARKED "WITH POMP AND PARADE FROM ONE END OF THIS
CONTINENT TO ANOTHER, FROM THIS TIME FORWARD EVERMORE."
WELL, THROUGH THE TECHNOLOGY OF TELEVISION, THIS
SHOW HAS INDEED BEEN SEEN ACROSS THE CONTINENT. //
- 2 -
JUST AS EXACTLY 125 YEARS AGO, ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST
FAMOUS INAUGURAL ADDRESSES ECHOED ACROSS A CONTINENT
TORN IN TWO. //
I REFER TO LINCOLN'S SECOND INAUGURAL THAT URGED
"WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE, WITH CHARITY FOR ALL." ONE
CANNOT FORGET THOSE WORDS. // NOR CAN ONE FORGET THAT
TERRIBLE DAY LINCOLN WAS SHOT IN THIS THEATER. // BUT
WE ARE ALSO REMINDED OF A HAPPIER FACT ABOUT THE GREAT
EMANCIPATOR -- THAT HE LOVED ENTERTAINMENT.
3/17/90
Fords Theoter
(Conversition w/Gorden James
Start the program
Take sents
Intermission- - Champogne their sents
After. Stor introduces POTU S
All stors standing behind him
Thrns of shakes all of the stors hands
Mrs B wolks LP w/potus
THE WHITE HOUSE
washington
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT
FOR
WASHINGTON, D.C.
/
:
SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 1990
EVENT:
Ford's Theatre Gala
DRESS:
Men
- Black Tie
Women
- Cocktail Dress
CONTACT:
Office of Presidential Advance
John G. Keller, Jr.
- 202/456-7565
Trip Coordinator
Barbara Jobe
- 202/456-7565
ADVANCE:
Gordon James
- LEAD
Bobby Carr
- PRESS
Walter Burns
- USSS
John Stufflebeem
- MIL. AIDE
Steve Dill
- WHCA
WEATHER:
Mid 60's
BLACK
TIE
SCHEDULE OF THE PRESIDENT AND MRS. BUSH
FOR
WASHINGTON, D.C.
SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 1990
7:20 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush depart White House
en route Ford's Theatre.
MOTORCADE ASSIGNMENTS:
Lead
Spare
T. McBride
Doctor
LIMO
THE PRESIDENT
Mrs. Bush
Follow Up
Control
A. Card
Mil. Aide
Support
M. Fitzwater
J. Parmer
Official Photographer
Medic
Staff I
Staff Van
All Remaining Staff
Press Van I
J. Allison
Press Van II
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
7:25 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush arrive Ford's Theatre
and proceed to Off-Stage Announcement Area.
Met By:
Ms. Frankie Hewit
Executive Producer, Ford's Theatre
Miss Christina Cacciotti
Valerie Harper's Daughter
7:27 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush arrive Off-Stage
Announcement Area and hold briefly.
EVENT:
FORD'S THEATRE GALA
PRESS POOL
RUFFLES AND FLOURISHES
OFF-STAGE ANNOUNCEMENT
HAIL TO THE CHIEF
REMARKS
BLACK TIE
7:30 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush are announced into
Theatre and proceed directly to Seats.
7:35 pm First Act
8:30 pm Intermission
9:00 pm Second Act
9:45 pm
THE PRESIDENT is introduced for Brief Remarks =:
Ms. Valerie Harper, Gala Co-Host.
NOTE: THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush proceed
on Stage at this time.
Page :- -
9:50 pm
THE PRESIDENT gives Brief Remarks.
9:55 pm
THE PRESIDENT concludes Brief Remarks and, with
Mrs. Bush, begins participation in Greeting with
Performers.
:
10:00 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush conclude participation
in Greeting, depart Stage and proceed to Holding
Room.
10:03 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush arrive Holding Room
and hold briefly.
10:04 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush depart Holding Room
and proceed to Motorcade.
10:05 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush board Motorcade and
depart Ford's Theatre en route White House.
MOTORCADE ASSIGNMENTS:
Same as on Arrival.
(Drive Time: 5 Minutes)
10:10 pm
THE PRESIDENT and Mrs. Bush arrive White House
Page :
stoffed
(Smith/Blessey)
3 P.M.
March 19, 1990
ALL-STAR
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ALL-STAR GALA
FORD'S THEATRE
SUNDAY, MARCH 25, 1990
On Barbara's behalf, let me thank you for a Star-Spangled
program. // Being surrounded by so many wonderful performers
makes me realize a little how Ed Sullivan must have felt.
Festirol
Tonight we salute the Fourth of July -- freeedom's Star-
letter
Spangled birthday. A day John Adams said should be marked "with
pomp and parade from one end of this continent to another, from
this time forward evermore."
Well, through the technology of television, this show has
indeed been seen across the continent. And in a year which marks
the 125th anniversary of the second Inaugural of Abraham Lincoln
-- perhaps America's greatest freedom-fighter of all.
I have often talked of every President's kinship with the
man who was shot in this theatre. For it was Lincoln who
abolished slavery and saved the union. And who, incidentally,
would have loved this program.
Diaries of Lincóln's friends tell of a President who
cherished music. ( (Believe me, I know how he feels. You know, I
hingh
have two hotlines in the Oval Office: One is a direct hotline to
Moscow. // The other is a direct line to Nashville to keep me
up to date on the latest country and western hits. )) //
2
We won't soon forget tonight's music -- country and
otherwise. Nor its humor -- that, too, Lincoln would have
enjoyed. Once, he observed that if he couldn't tell stories, he
felt his heart would break. // Like a story he was fond of --
and which circulated during the Civil War. //
Two ladies were discussing the merits of Lincoln and the
300.358
president of the Conféderacy, Jefferson Davis. The first said,
&
559
"I think Jefferson will succeed because he is a praying man. The
second answered, "But so is Abraham a praying man. // "Yes,"
replied the first lady, "but the Lord will think that Abraham is
joking." //
Abraham would have loved this evening's comedy: It's
performing produced more laughs than at any time since my last fishing trip.
// Indeed, all of you have shown why Ford's Theatre is a
national treasure. And why America has marveled at its
nationally televised galas since the restored Theatre reopened in
1968. Events which provide the financial support which keeps it
open as a living theatre.
This marks the first gala televised by Turner Broadcasting.
// Ted, thank you. // And let me especially thank its
executive producer, Frankie Hewitt. And tonight's chairwomen --
Ann Simpson, Peatsy Hollings, and Mary Jane Wick. // And, yes,
its honorary chairwoman -- the lady to my side. //
All of them -- and you listening at home -- are inheritors
of Lincoln's love of the performing arts. And his abiding belief
in the triumph of the human spirit. // This evening's
3
programming embodies that belief. And the freedom it has carried
to every corner of the world.
For every person who cherishes freedom, let me thank you for
this wonderful variety show. God bless you, and God bless our
beloved land -- the United States of America.
# # #
MAR 16 90 09:54
ISH
P.1
Ford's
Theatre
511 Tenth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004 202/638-2941
FAX TRANSMITTAL FORM
TRANSMITTERS
NAME FRANKIE HEwitt
RECEIVERS NAME curt Smith
COMPANY WHitE HOUSE
DATE 3/14/90
/ p.m
TIME
NUMBER OF PAGES (including transmittal form) 4
COMMENTS (if any)