True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-09-08

cOnVeuuou' DuUGLAs lnlpIoVeu lIhHleuse-
ly in his manners, and in consequence
LINCOLN also. We think these face to
face encounters are Of great use in redu-
cling the number and supplying the issues
Of political campaign. Pitts. Jour.
The Illinois Canvass-Douglas and
Lincoln at Freeport.
A large portion of the space in the
news columns of this paper, this morning
is devoted to the debate which took place
at Freeport, ILL.,, on Friday last, between
Senator Douglas and would be Senator
Lincoln-"Dug, the little Giant" and
"Old Abe" Both champions on this
occasion exhibited rare extraordinary
power and candor. In the whole history
Of tho American stump, we do not recol-
lect that there is record of a discussion
so searching and comprehensive, so tho
rough in its analysis Of issues, so absorb.
ing in its scope, as this al Freeport. The
country owes thanks to the Chicago
papers for reporting it so well. AT Olta-
wa Douglas opened and closed, speaking
an hour i'll opening and half an hour in
closing, Lincoln occupying the middle
place in speech of an hour and half.
At FIeeport the order of exercise was
reversed, Lincoln opening and closing,
and his adversary firing his broaeside full
in the centre. The half hours rejoinder
Of Douglas at Ottawa was very formida-
BILE. He pressed Lincoln to the wall for
direct and distinct answers to several
inserrogatories ingeniously aimed al points,
The rugged issues" of which "Abe"
seemed willing to evade. Now "Old
Abe" opened at Freeport by answering
those interrogatories formally and fully,
and simplifying his answers with method
and clearness at once careful and bold,
Having stated his position, Irotted out his
principles, in The classic language of
Douglas, "given down his milk" he
gave his adversary series of hard ques-
tions, ransacked his (D's) record for ante
cedents at variance with his present posi-
tion, furnished up the conspiracy" which
he had before charged upon Douglas and
Showed how Dug had likewise charged
tina. conspiracy was in existence to de-
prive the States of their rights, and his
time expiring, closed. Douglas, in
replying made, perhaps the most able
effort Of his life. He is distinguished as
a debater, and those qualities that have
won that distinction were never more
strikiugly manifest. He never before so
unequivocally laid down his principles,
nor in their behalf exhibited to greater
advantage his brilliant powers. Nor did
he ever before appeal with more skill to
the prejudices of The white people against
the African race, to the political self.
righteousness OF American citizens, or 10
the love of Conquest snd Dominion, the
passion for the extension OF Territory and
National and self aggrandizement, Of
which the Anglo Saxon blood is so full.
And Lincoln's half hour speech in reply
was perfect tomaha,0ker-with the
exception of a few OF those mumbling
and hestating phrases that mark and mar
his efforts, the very best thing that could
have been done in that time and place.
Douglas was triumphant in tearing to
pieces the Republican platforms adopted
a: various times in Illinois, using Lincoln
and other leaders of the party, as his in.
struments in his work of demolition.
Lincoln gained a great advantage by quo.
ting from Douglas speech in the Senate,
attacking the Washington Union Gol
advancing the doctrine, that il was mol
according to the Constitution of the
United States, for any State to exclude
slavery. Douglas treats the Administra.
ton with outward respect, but that he is
inwardly bitter and hostile to Mr.. Blu.
chanan, is apparent and patent. Lincoln
found the weak place in his disguise, and
cody pierced him to the quick. Douglas
did this time screw out of Lincoln, as he
said at Ottawa that he would, his opinion
on the Consii'utionality of the dogm;
behind the cry Of "no more slave State. .
Lincoln said that there might be circum
stances under which he would vote fol-
the admission into the Union of a slave
Slate-but he would be sorry, if les
case should arise, involving the necessity
of such vote. The declaration, say
the Times, dismayed the Abolitionists a
Freeport, which is in region where tn,
most ultra Free Soilers abound. Lincoln
in maklngit, remarked that he understoo,
the character of the crowd he was ad
dressing, and the responsibility he assu
med. And Lincoln screwed out of Doug
las his opinion regarding the power of
people off Territory 10 exclude slavery
Douglas assumed that he had hundred
of times avowed his sentiments on lhs
point, but he never before was so une
quivOcal as this time. He says, in sui
stance, that the people of territory ma
exclude slavery, notwithstanding tn
absIrac! dogmas of The Supreme Court Q
the U. s., to the contrary, Politician
will understand the significance of lhi
avowal.