The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-02-08

and can safely say that, unpopular as
he was with the bar when he came to
Chicago, he went away the most popular
Judge We ever had in that circuit.
We met again, and that was in the
American Congress, to which my collea-
que Mr.. Ficklin) has alluded L shall
never forget the hour-that great hour to
me, when he arose on that floor and made
the speech concerning Jackson's fine
that greai effort, wi h reference to which
General jackson afterwards took his
hand and complimented him, by saying,
that he had never found his own full
justification till he read it in the speech
of Judge Douglas. That speech made
him a leader in the House of Represen-
tatives.
And we'll do remember the great
celebration of the democracy on the Sth
of January, 1874, in honor of the pas
sage of the bill refunding General jack
sons fine. 1t was the last time the
United States democracy of America
ever assembled in full glory on festive
occasion, think see the s'ars that
composed that galaxy of talent and
patriotism now shining before me-
There were Silas Wright, Col. Ben on,
Levi Woodbury., General Gaines, the
late Vice President King, Judge Will
kins, Senator Sewer, General Dodge,
and, in fine, every one of that glorious
old band of Democrats who adorned that
day: but the most of whom have. with
General Jackson, preceded Judge Dou-
glas to their final DIES nation. On that
occasion, ever to be remembered, there
was no man more highly complimented
by all present than Judge Douglas for
his efforts in the halls of Congress-
The Elijahs marked him out as the
Elisha upon whom the mantle was soon
to fall. | knew Judge Douglas we'll at
the time of the passage of the Illinois
Central Railroad bill. There was money
at that time in that bill, but not for
him or for his emolument. Illinois
stocks had previously gone down very
low, and our 5 ate been almost brought
to the very verge of reputation.
1t was understood that the bill was to
pass the next day. A stir was made in
lobbles and among hangers-on about
Congress, with the idea that a good
time was coming, and many started
to New York to speculate in stocks
Judge Douglas had the same opportu-
nifty through moneycd friends as others,
but it was his boast that he never would
make cent through his political posi-
ton
Douglas was naturally great man,
as much so as any man that ever adorn-
ed American history. He was ambi-
tlous, but it was not so much as the
ambition of his friends in his behalf. E.
With them there was no man like Dou-
glas. With them there was no place
that ought not to be filled by Douglas.
With them the old proverb that there is
a time and place for all things was
entirely set aside. With them here was
always the place for Douglas, and noar
was always he time for Douglas. Many
have asserted that he would have been
President bu for his own anxiety. In
his own case. as that of the gallant Clay,
it was not his over-anxiety, but that of
his friends. Scarce was one Presidential
election decided before they began the
contest in his name for the next.
Mr.. President | make these remarks
as due from one who opposed Judge
Douglas in the latter part of his career,
so far as RELAXED to the exten ion of
human slavery, but from one of his most
ardent friends and admirers in all those
measures in which he walked in the foot
steps of the fathers of our Consttu ion.
Indeed, he may be said, to be the only
man whom personally, over and above
all others, ever desired to see made
President. never wish to become so
strongly personally attached to anyother
man. 1t is dangerous to be so, for we
should always follow principles rather
than men. But when l almost adorcd
him | agreed with him in principle
Our separation continued for several
years, upon our disagreement touching
the propriety of the extension of the
Ordnance of 'S7, to all new territory.
But when he made his last speech in
this Hall and in the Wigwap at Chicago,
| recognized him no longer as partizan,
but as a patriot, fighting for the same
constitution, the same flag and the same
country as myself. After those speeches
the last particle of anmosity in my
bosom and in the bosoms of my political
associa es died out. | thought l saw
that the enemies of our Republics exis-
fence reasoned we'll for The furtherance
Of our designs, when at Charles on they
declared it necessary to destroy Douglas
before they could dcs roy the eonstitu-
ton of their country. From the pro-
pcrty of mere party, Judge Douglas,
by these speeches, became the property
of all the loyal people of the country
His speeches, like those of Patrick
Henry in the Revolution, reused his
countrymen as one man to the defence
of their flag. He at once eliminated in
the zenith of universal! admiration but
in the mysterious workings Of that Prov
dence who overrules all things for good,
that cuLninalion was of short duration.
He died the great man of the time, and
whom have we, as popular leader, to
take his place :! And to recur again to
that sentiment upon which my remarks
have been predicated, may the good that
Stephen A. Douglas did live after him !;
may his dying advice to his children be
enpraycn unOn all our haarts ond be tho