Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1861-06-11
Death of senator Douglas.


In the lest number of this paper, it be-
came our painful duty to announce the
death of Stephen A. Douglas Our sorrow
was too deep then for US to write suitable
notice of the deplorable event, NOR have we
the heart to day to attempt lengthy eulo
ginm.
Every lover of the Union mourns the
loss of Senator Douglas. Death could not
have stricken down a statesman whose
counsels and services were so essential to
the preservation Of our nation. In this ter.
rible crisis in our national history, the
brightest political star Of the Republic has
been blotted out. No man living had such
a strong hold upon the affections of the
people. lie was a Democrat in the broad
est acceptation of the term; and for the
last twenty years has been almost idolized
by the party of this State.
Even since We were boys, we have been
accustomed to look upon Stephen A. Doug
las as our political leader, And since our
connection with this paper, which is now
rising fifteen years, we have been his con-
slant and faithful friends and defenders
We never fvrsook him. In his darkest
hours, when the light of his burning
efigies made the heavens glare and the
three thousand New England clergymen
hurled their mad mnleditions at him, we
stood by him and defended him. When
the shaft Of calumny fell fastest and
thickest about him, we did not desert his
standard. Whatever may have been his
errors, We believe that he was always &C.
tuated by sincere regard for the peoples
rights and the public veal.
1t was our fond hope that we should live
to see Stephen A. Douglas elected Presi-
dent of the United States, but the Omnis-
cient Ruler of the Universe has willed it
otherwise. He is now dead. He sleeps
quietly beneath the sod in beautiful grove
on the margin Of our own mighty lake
We can hardly reconcile ourselves to the
fact that Douglas is dead-that we never
again shall see his towering brow or hear
his thrilling eloquence. A few days ago
he was welcomed to our city by magnif
cent outpouring of freemen, and in return
for the deafening cheers that were given for
him, his clear voice was heard to ring forth
in favor of the country and constitutional
liberty for the last time in Joliet. Little
did we think then, as we looked upon Kim
apparently in the,prime of life and vigor
of health, that we should be called so soon
to record his death. But death is no re-
specter Of persOns-Kings, and Presidents,
and Senators, as well as the abscure and
humble, must 60 at his call. The ways of
an Advise Providence is past finding out,
but in the faith that they are ordered for tho
/ best, let us bow in submission to His will.
The death of Senator Douglas is an ir-
reparable loss to the country. In the halls
of our National Senate, he was most con-
| spicuous. No man ever lived who DOS
sessed broader intellect In debate he
was unconque-ab'e and his arguments over-
towering. When he entered our National
Legislature, he at once took rank with
Clay, Webster, Benton, Calhoun, Cass,
Wright, the great statesm en- of the past
age, and although he survived all but one
Of these great men, he has never fallen
from their rank, but to the end would stand
up and battle for the right in defiance of
opposition that would discourage an army
Of ordinary men.
But it is not necessary to tell our read.
ers who was Stephen a. Douglas. Every
American citizen is acquainted with his
eventful history. His public career has
been so brilliant and useful that his name
and fame have become familiar wherever
there is civilization and newspapers. Like
the eminent statesmen who have gone be
fore, his memory will live when the mems
DRY of his unscrupulous revilers will have
been forgotten. History will do him the
justice to place his fame above official po>
sition or Presidential houors.
1t may well be said Of Douglas, that like
Cass, Benton, Clay and Webster, he twas
too great a man to be President"
TDgrafefuI