A Leader for the World: Chinese Diplomat Wu Ting-fang’s Tribute to Abraham Lincoln:

This photo of Lincoln's statue was taken in 1898. At that time, it was located on the southwest corner of Union Square where Ghandi's statue now stands. It was moved to its current location - the north end of Union Square Park - in 1930. The bronze statue was sculpted by Henry Kirke Brown (1814–1886). The stone and bronze rail fence around the Monument was constructed in 1875. 

Abraham Lincoln's enduring legacy continues to inspire people across cultures and continents. On February 12, 1901 - the ninety-second anniversary of Lincoln's birth - the Union League Club of Brooklyn hosted a commemorative dinner where Wu Ting-fang, the Chinese Minister to the United States at the time, was the principal guest. His words about Lincoln offered a unique perspective, blending Chinese historical reverence with admiration for Lincoln's universal qualities.

Wu Ting-fang compared Lincoln's character to that of Yao, one of China's most respected ancient rulers, describing Lincoln as having "benevolence boundless; wisdom profound; the genial warmth of the sun." He praised Lincoln for his humility, justice, and nobility, calling him a figure who belonged not just to America, but to the world. 

Lincoln's universal appeal was evident even among those who encountered his image far from American soil. Wu Ting-fang shared an anecdote of two Frenchmen standing on the back platform of a Broadway streetcar in New York City, when they passed the statue of Lincoln in Union Square. When one asked his companion who the figure was, his companion replied simply, "Lincoln, Lincoln le hon." ("Lincoln, Lincoln the Honorable") These words resonate deeply, underscoring how Lincoln's values and achievements transcend nationality and language. In his eloquent speech, Wu Ting-fang captured the essence of Lincoln's global significance, reminding us why he is often referred to as "Lincoln the Honorable."

As we reflect on Lincoln's impact, it is clear that his legacy continues to unite diverse perspectives, reminding us of the importance of integrity, justice, and humility in leadership. The Union League Club dinner of 1901 serves as a powerful example of how Lincoln's influence reaches far beyond the borders of his homeland, proving that great leaders truly belong to the world.

Union Square’s Lincoln Statue—NYC's Monument to an International Legacy

Visitors to Union Square in New York City can still experience the legacy of Lincoln in a way that echoes Wu Ting-fang’s story. Whether you’re a historian, traveler, or admirer of great leaders, a visit to the statue - now located at the north end of Union Square Park - offers a moment to reflect on Lincoln’s impact across cultures - in the city famous for its melding of cultures. It is an powerful reminder of an enduring presence that remains as strong today as it was in 1901.

This was another anecdote about Abe Lincoln, Storyteller.

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Lincoln's Statue at Union Park Today

[FYI]: Wu Ting-fang was a Chinese diplomat, politician, lawyer, and writer in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He played a key role in China’s foreign relations during a crucial period of modernization and political upheaval.

Here are some highlights of his notable achievements:

• First ethnic Chinese barrister in history, admitted to the bar in England.
• Ambassador to the United States, Spain, and Peru under the Qing Dynasty (1896–1902, 1908–1909).
• Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of China (1921–1922).
• Acting Premier of China in 1917 during a turbulent political era.
• Advocate for legal reform, pushing for an independent judiciary in China.
• Key figure in the Xinhai Revolution (1911), which led to the fall of the Qing Dynasty.

He was widely respected internationally, especially in diplomatic circles, and was known for his eloquence, legal expertise, and efforts to modernize China’s legal system. [2]

Works Cited

[1] Iglehart, Ferdinand C. (1902). The Speaking Oak and 300 Other Tales of Life, Love and Achievement. New York City, NY: The Christian Herald. p.223.

[2] Historica.fandom.com. Retrieved June 2, 2025.