, 1860-03-05


RailEoad Hall was filled to oyerfowins last
night By an audience to welcome and TO lear
the great champion Of Kepubiicanism in Illi-
nols and to open the campaign Of 1860 with
spirit and earnestness. The roor, was entirely
inadequate to accommodate tile throng who
would gladly hare participated in The meeting,
aud hare testified By their presence their
deep interest in the contest before u.s.
The speaker, on his appearance at the door,
was greeted with the most enthusiastic and
prolonged cheering Of the waiting assembly.
Coz: Hoppln called the meeting to order, and
nominated lion. Thomas A. Jenckes as Presi-
dent, and he was elected, Mr.. John Eddy was
then chosen Secretary.
sIr. Jenckes spoke briefly. but with stirring
words, OF the great responsibility which rests
upon Rhode Island in the coming struggle, and
OF the vast importance Of her preserving that
place which she has 30 faithfully held in the
line Of Republican States, and then introduced
the orator Of the occasion, Hon Abraham Lin.
coin Of Illinois,
Mr.. Lincoln began By alluding good naturedly
to some remarks in the Pres and tho Iott,
which he had read on his way hisher in the cars.
Having, with characteristic humor and wit,
made few comments upon the words in the
Pres, be proposed 10 ,ake as the main subject
Of his speech topics suggested by the quotation
which the Post made from one Of his former
speeches. He defended the position which be
took in that speech, that this country cannot
permanently endure half Stare and half free.
lie gave the context in which lis cited words
were found, and discussed his subject with
great fairness, earuestness aud ability. He
sht wed that be occupied only the ground Thich
was taken By the founders Of our government,
and triumphantlg ndicated himself and the
Republican party against the false charges
them. ty-s
Perhaps the most striking and prominent i'm
precision that Mr. Lincoln makes in his speak
ing, is that Of thorough honesty and ofsincere,
earnest belief in all that he says. lie abouuds
in good humor and pleasant satirc, and Of en-
gires witty thrust that cuts like j Damascus
blade. But he does no. aim chiefly at fun.
lie strives rather to show By plain, simple,
coKent reasoning, that his positions nre inpreg-
nab!e, and be carries his audience with him, rs
| he deserves to.
Upon The conclusion of Nr: 1.;ncolo's speech,
Mr.. Jenckes was loudly called for, and respond
cd in brief but verE earnest address. He was
| followed BY Hon. Thomas Davis, who spoke
warmly OF the issues to be presented to the
| judgment Of every man who has au interest in
the coming State election, aud in the pending
presidential CANVASS.
On motion Of Mr. Geo. L. Clark, the thanks of
| the meeting were tcndered to the Hon. Abra-
| ham Lincoln for his eloquent effort on this oc-
| caSaon and then thrtc rousing cheers we're
| proposed and given to him and to Seth Pedel-
ford, Esq, after which the audience. dispersed.
A1nJ: be0*I*aAGnt " Ino c0ncus1o1 VI AAe
speeches, aEailed themselves OF the pleasure Of
q personal introdnctien to the distinguished
| orator.
| We are glad that tf, campaign Of 1860 has
! seen opened in Rhode Island by 8 meeting 50
enthusiastic and auspieious as that Of last night,
and With the help Of 81 noble q specimen OF tue
vigorous Republteauisr Of the West. The Re"
publicans Of Rhode teland send greeting to
those Of Illinois, and thank them for the pres
euce in our city: for single night, Of their GAL
liant 1eader, Abraham lincoln.