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Today in History:

1890 - US stops minting $1 & $3 gold coin & 3 cent piece

1892 - 1st public appearance of John Philip Sousa's band (NJ)

1938 - Hitler issues ultimatum to Czech government, demanding Sudenten Land

2000 -  Lynn is born!

 

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Better to illuminate than merely to shine,

to deliver to others contemplated truths than merely to contemplate.

Thomas Aquinas

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Lessons from the Greats

 

James Madison

Recently, historians have begun to pay more attention to Madison, seeing his handling of the war as similar to Lincoln's wartime management. Madison's government marshaled resources, faced down secessionist threats from New England, and proved to the British the folly of fighting wars with the Americans. He established, once and for all, respect for American rights on the high seas and emerged from the war with more support than he had when he was first inaugurated in 1808. Had Madison been assassinated by a British sympathizer a week after the Battle of New Orleans or killed by the British in resisting their attack on the White House, he would have died a national hero.

Also, historians note in Madison a flexibility of temperament—equaling Jefferson's practical mood—which did not undermine his basic principles.

http://millercenter.org/president/madison/essays/biography/9