Patriot-News retracts 1863 editorial calling Lincoln's Gettysburg Address 'silly'

Fox News ^ | Published November 14, 2013 | Karl DeVries

[jmcenanly]

When it comes to correcting the record about a timeless speech, no retraction is too late.

One-hundred and fifty years after Abraham Lincoln passionately appealed for the preservation of the union in the Gettysburg Address, the Patriot-News of central Pennsylvania, known back then as the Patriot & Union, is retreating from its stance in 1863 that Abe’s Civil War speech was “silly.”

“In an editorial about President Abraham Lincoln’s speech delivered Nov. 19, 1863, in Gettysburg, the Patriot & Union failed to recognize its momentous importance, timeless eloquence, and lasting significance,” the paper wrote on its editorial page Thursday. “The Patriot-News regrets the error.

[jmcenanly]

Better late than never

[muir_redwoods]

It isn’t necessary to restate the obvious but it is a remarkably beautiful example of spoken eloquence.

[exDemMom]

I wonder how many of their readers actually remember reading the editorial?

[colorado tanker]

This is cute. A witty way to celebrate the anniversary of the Address.

I have forgotten (again) the name of the guy who gave the main speech and have never even read his speech.

Whenever I'm in Washington, I make it a point to go to the Lincoln Memorial and read the Gettysburg Address and Second Inaugural, carved into the walls. Some of the most moving speeches ever given.

[Publius]

Edward Everett.

[lightman]

Ping.

[ConservativeInPA]

It is pretty interesting reading the Patriot and Union News issues in 1863. The Patriot News was running excerpts earlier this year. Many folks in South Central PA were against Lincoln and the war.

[Rodamala]

But the Patriot & Union, a “Copperhead” newspaper in the 1860s, vigorously supported the Democratic Party and, the newspaper says, was still seething after several top editors were arrested and jailed a year earlier by Union troops for suspicion of sedition.

I can think of more than one publication TODAY that ought to have their editors arrested and jailed for sedition.

[P.O.E.]

Took 'em long enough

PA Ping!

If you see posts of interest to Pennsylvanians, please ping me.

Thanks!

Thanks lightman for the heads up

[Cen-Tejas]

intriguing way to boost circulation a few days for a member of the dying “paper” news media.............

[Ciexyz]

Well Lincoln was a little verbose when he said, fourscore and seven years ago. Brevity is valued, clarity is esteemed. He wouldn’t get away with such obfuscation today, by golly! hehe.

[Joe 6-pack]

Today, it would be The Gettysburg Powerpoint Presentation.