The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1873-08-07
MR.. LINCOLN.
A Reminissence Of Him.

A correspondent Of the Boston 1rau
eter writes as follows of the late Presi
dent:
l assert that Mr.. Lincoln was q fai
representative of his section, as mucl
SO as Mr.. Douglas or Mr.. Benton
We never hear Mr.. Douglas-ano.he
unsuccessful Presidential candidate
deprecated. And yet. il the intellect
ual contest between Douglas aud Lin
coin did not prove the superiority 0
the latter, the Republican party Of th,
West was strangely infatuated, and il
80 to this day. There were few men II
the Senate who cared to break lane,
with the little giant. On the stuml
he was in his element. An obscur,
country lawyer attacked the champion
of Democracy and literally shredi
squatter sovereignty into pulp. Thi.
was the issue before the country
With all his personal popularity-and
you have only to recall Mr.. Webster.
hold on the people of MassacE usetts t
find parallel-Douglas was near los
ing his election.
Mr.. Lincoln's fame in the contest
accumulating as it rolled on, at las
reached us on the banks OF the Mis-
souri,. Much to our surprise he &C
cepted an invitation to make som,
speeches in Kansas. On tho day ht
was to arrive gentleman sent Ii
quest Of him found him TRANQUILITY
seated on the bank of the Big Muddy
carpet, bag in his hand, and his owr
genial smile on his angular counten
ance. Mr.. Lincoln wore no gloves
and / have forgotten the color OF hi.
coat, but he stretched out q big
brawny hand, and appeared, as be
said, right glad to see US. There was
no formality. Some Of our party had
endured imprisonment and privatiou
In the cause OF Free Kansas, and Mr.
Lincoln greeted them with especia
friendliness. 1t was arranged that hi
should speak at the principal hall III
l. the next afternoon.
We had still among US the old leav.
en- OF the Border Ruffian Democracy
This element was in AN insignificant,
minority in the State, but a majority
in l.. by amalgamation with its old
enemies, the Douglas men. They
were Kentuckians and Missourians,
with fair sprihkling OF the hottest
blood in the Union. These men said
Lincoln should not speak, and that
they would prevent it. I will do
them the justice to say that the were
vicious enough to attempt to perform
anything they threatened.
AS the time OF the meeting drew
nigh our friends began to be feverish,
though not dismayed. We had al
ready passed through many similar
experiences, but always with misgiv-
ings as to the final result. l am not
sure that Mr.. Lincoln was informed
of the storm gathering around him !:
but l think at late hour he was Of
fered the alternative Of Withdrawing
from his engagement, and declined to
do 80.
The hall was crowded, both parties
in force. Every man was
armed, and there We're many pale,
resolute faces. In the whole assem-
bly, Mr.. Lincoln appeared to be the on
ly person unconscious OF any unusual
agitation. The pro-slavery gang post
ed themselves at the head OF the stairs
In body, thus taking posse ssion Of
the entrance. This they were allowed
to do without opposition, but some Of
our "Old Guard" watched their every
movement
The charm in few remarks, in
troduced the distinguished guest and
then Mr.. Lincoln arose. Old Abe
was not graceful, and 1t was some mo
ments before he had planted his tall
figure solidly on his feet. To me the
hush was painful, but we could only
wait; 1t was never our cue to begin
an afiray. Lincoln began to speak
with power I have never heard
equalled except by Mr.. Webster,
though ! have listened to many a
more eloquent speaker. He did not
declaim, nor gesticulate much, but he
made every point tell /; clinched every
proposition. He was very quiet, his
voice raised but little above the tone
Of ordinary conversation, but there
was such an air OF sincerity, Of kind
ness, and such downright charm IN
what he said, that for my own part, l
declare to you Mr.. Editor, forgot all
about the expected outbreak, and
thought Mr.. Lincoln q handsome
man-which you know he was not.
What were the adverse faction
About? At first they fidgeted little
and exchanging glances. Now and
then one would interect an insolent
remark or denial of some statement
made by the speaker. But Lincoln
met these attempts to carry out their
programme with such perfect bon
homnaie and self-possession, that they
gave up the game and allowed him to
proceed without further interruption.
Mr.. Lincoln was the first man before
whom these ruffians had quailed.-
They had laughed at Greeley, sneered
at Seward, and as for Burlingame
why, with one of his cartridge-bo1
speeches, he had set the whole swarm
buzzing about our ears, and had seer
knives drawn, aye, and used, too, .
no great distance from his own apart