Bedford inquirer. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1857-1884, 1860-06-08
LINCOLN VS.. DOUGLAS.

The Providence (R. IL Post deems Mr.. Lin
coin inferior as debater to Mr.. Douglas-at
least, it says so. Let us hear what it has to
offer on this point
'sOur impression is, that We read all the discus
sions in which the two candidates engaged, in
that memorable controverSy-Mr.L .Lncoln's speech
es, well as Mr.. Douglass. We felt deep inter-
est in the canvass, as did every Democrat and
We naturally wanted to know what was being aid
by the combatants. We shall not be charged with
surrendering our judgment to blind prejudice, or
TO admiration of man, when repeat what we
said at the time, that in point of abttthat ability
which we seek for in the statesmaD-Ju udge Douglas
stood far ahead of his competitor. He exhibited
more of polrer-very much more than Mr.. Lincoln.
His points clearly stated; his facts were never
of questionable sort; his conclusions could not
possibly be avoided. They were fortified on all
sides, and so well fortified that no Court in the
civilized world would have permitted further ac-
cumulation of evidence in their support. And
then they were forced home. They were fastened
upon the Republican party; they were fastened
upon Lincoln; they were burned into his very flesh.
There was no reply to be offered. And none acas
offered. Lincoln had marked out his course, and
he followed it. He never met, squarely, the argu-
ment of his opponent. He repeated his story, as
good-naturedly as possibly; and, with admirable
skill, labored to make his hearers forget most of
what had been said and proved on the other side--
All the while, and even after impartial witness
would have said that he had been fayed alive, he
manifested complete confidence in his cause and in
himself and he succeeded in imparting a portion
of this confidence to the excited Republicans who
listened to him."
Let us just put one fact-a most incon-
trovertible oDe-in opposition to the above as
sertions this namely Long before Mr.. Lin
coin acas regarded this side of the Wabash as
probable candidate for the Presidency, the Re-
pubLicans of OHIO had engaged heartily IN
disseminating that series of debates betwsen
.MeSsrs. Lincoln and DougtdS-not one side
meraty, but BOTH Sides-as a campaign decv-
menf foo 1860. Witness the following circu-
lar to Republicans, advertised in our columns
several weeks ago
DEBATES BETWEEN MEssRs LINCOLN AND DOUGLAS.
To the Members of the Republican Party:
The undersigned have arranged with the Publish
ing House of FoLLETT Il Co., of Columbus, to pub
liSh the debates between Messrs. Lincoln and Doug
las, in sIllnois, during the exciting campaign of
1858; and the speeches preceding the debates, but
connected therewith; together with the two great
speeches of Mr.. LincolR in Ohio, in 1852
Through out the Union the contest was regarded as
the most spirited and important that had been wit
messed for many years. The peculiar doctrines of
Mr.. Douglas, which had given him SO much prom-
nence are here set forth by him, in their most at
tractiYe forms; while the eminent ability with which
they were analysed, and their sophistry held up to
the attention of the American people, by Mr.. Lin
mendations. The distinctive features Of the Re-
publican party, the friend of Free Labor and
Free Institutions, in contrast with that of Slavery
and its incidents, we're neversmore fully and ably
presented than by Mr.. Lincoln, in these speeches.
1t is not too much to say, that in no other form
have the vital principles of the two great parties of
the country been found condensed, and so ably set
forth, as in this volume.
No man can justly claim 30 be thorough and in :
tellgent politician who has not studied these de-
bates and made himself familiar with the arguments
of the advotes of Squatter Sovereignty. The book
should be in the hands of every voter.
These debates are authentic, having been report
ed by the friends of each-Mr. Douglass in The
Chicago Times, and Mr.. Lincoln's in The Chicago
Press and Tribune" The volume will make $50
pages, large octive, printed from type, clear
white paper, at the following rates
so cents Copy, Bound in Muslin.
$3.50 per Thousand, Bound.
S35 per Hundred, unbound.
$3.50 per Thousaad, unbound.
They will be boxed and sent by express to all parts
OF the country. Committees and individuals will
please write Foett, Foster & Co., Columbus, Ohio,
and designate how many copies they will want
This should be done at once, that the edition may
be large enough to supply all orders.