The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1867-02-01
HaEpres. Ills. Jan'v 3oth. lae

To EDITOR OF DAILY ARGUS That the
world still moves, and that democratic doc
trines and democratic truths are vet preg-
nant with strength and vigor was fully dem
Onstrated at two late meetings of our Iyce-
nm in this little town. With commendable
zeal to discuss such questions as would bring
into play the best powers of their minds. the
members comprising the organization, after
adopting a new constitution, permitting the
discussion of political and religious subjects,
selected the following question to-wis,
"Resolred, That representatives elected to con-
gress from the southern states should be immedi-
ately admitted TO seats in that body.
As was anticipated, lively excitement at
once ensued, not only among the members,
but among those who claimed no connection
with the organization. The evening came,
the disputants entered the contest, and after
close and protracted debate, the judges
rendered decision in favor OF the atfirma-
five.
The radical side of the house discovered,
with amazement, that, though numerically
stronger than the other, sound argument and
reasoning were, to use vulgarlsm, too many
for them" But not content with this signal
defeat they proposed re-discussion of the
question at the next weekly meeting. We
accepted the challenge. though with senti-
ments of pity for those who were second
time subiecting themselves to defeat. They
feeling the deep necessity of gaining victo-
ry, wasted no time and spared no efforts.
For days there was a steady marshaGng of
hosts, numerous consultations and an lncipi-
ent perusal of Old documents and musty rec
ords. An observer would have thought that
events of mighty import were about happen
inf, from the mysterious countenances that
met him at every step; and should he have
pursued his Investigations, would surely have
said, "these persons are bent upon some
measure with remarkable fervor and inter
est However, the evening at last came,
and with it an assemblage of Hampton's en-
tire population. Hiram Rhodes ESQ.,, in the
absence of the president, was called to the
chair. William DeVinney, Esq. and Mr..
Parker were appointed judges.
Major G. Apply, that stanch old democrat
opened for the affirmative, in a forcible and
characteristic speech, in which were enunciat.
ed arguments which H.C. Twining Esq, who
followed for the negative, was unable to
refute in a few remarks prefacing has taking
q seat.
-- l.. Wells Jr., young man of most prom
Using ability, followed on the part of the af
tirmative. The mastery manner in which
he showed up the iniquitous doctrines of the
opposition excelled anything | have, for a
long time, listened to-
Following this able debater, on the part OF
the negative, came NJ. j. Ringler Esq. This
gentleman may be called the erratic genius OF
the town. But the twinges of pain which, on
rainy days, he experiences from certain
wounds he received during the war, has so
embittered him, that his remarks solely tended
towards humiliation.
The regular disputants having now been
heard, the debate became open to miscellan-
iops speakers. The most notable of these
were Ira Crawford Esq, in the affirmative, and
Mr.. Fullerton and Mr.. Freeman in the
negative. On these two latter gentlemen
the hopes of our enemies were placed, for
MIR. Fullerton enjoys the enviable reputation
Of being the best debator in the place; while
Mr.. Freeman is the4yillage sehoolmaster,
fresh from the shades of Harvard, and believ-
ed to be completely educated in the peculiar
ideas of the times.
The confidence, however, of the oppesi-
.,tion, was sadly misplaced; for these two per-
sons, after foundering amid a mass of in
consistencies, and contradictions in their fin.
tile efforts to evade the truths of the affirma-
tive, took their seats, to abide by the deci-
sion of the judges. And it .came-came in
manner least expected, for, confident in
numbers and sentiment, strong in belief OF
ability to becloud the minds of the judges
with their sophism, they expected favorable
verdict, and-did not get 1t.
Thus they have a second time been de-
feated, and Us yet have manifested no dispo-
sition to discuss other political issues of the
zxday. can hardly hope you can find space