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Show MADE PRESIDENT HIS DEBTOR. Citizen's Interview Short, but He Twice Saved Lincoln, During the civil war Noel P. Aldrlch of Croton, Iowa, visited tho Whlto House for tho purpose of presenting his claim for an appointment In the army. Although much younger than the President, he resembled Mr. Lincoln Lin-coln In height and breadth, as well as facially. Upon entering tho reception room, Mr. Aldrlch observed thnt flfteon or more Individuals wero ahead of him, and, concluding that ho would bo obliged to wait for some time, ho sought a chair, placed It at tho other end of the long table, facing tho President, Pres-ident, nnd became n very much Interested Inter-ested looker-on. Ho noted tho eager looks of hope or apprehension ns tho Individuals had their turns, nnd ho I no'ted the fnct thnt, for somo reason or other, Mr. Lincoln snld "No" to them, but In a very engaging, pleas-nut pleas-nut nnd deprecating way. While this play was going on befcro him. tho Spanish minister entered, c-companled c-companled by a cotiplo of admirals or other high olllcers of tho Spanish navy, to pay their inspects to tho President, Pres-ident, and they walked directly toward Mr. Aldrlch. Tho President saw what was going on, and ho nodded his head earnestly, so that Mr. Aldrlch understood under-stood his meaning, and ho arose, greeted greet-ed tho visitors, said a few words expressing ex-pressing appreciation for the call, and they departed, under tho Impression that they had spoken to President Lincoln, tho latter having cniefully screened himself (sitting down), bo-hind bo-hind tho squad of olllce-Beekcrs at his end of tho table. When It camo his turn Mr. Aldrlch said: "I came hero. Mr. President, to ask you for an appointment In tho army, but, nfter seeing that you nro obliged to Bay no to everybody, I bavo concluded that I will not trouble with my request, but will bid you good-by, and wish you lots ot good-lucl;." "I thank you very heartily," said President Lincoln. "You havo thus done mo two favors In u very brief time. I thank you for entertaining tho Spanish visitors, and 1 thank yon for not asking for nn olllee. Now run home quick, or you may repent tho latter fnvor." Los Angeles Times. |