The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1875-03-04
JkNES r. DOOLlTTLE.
In Interesting Renaissance OF the Wars.
Governor Tates.' OF Illinois, and Wisconsin
Eloquent Ex-senator on LlncOln's Win
CTaEai.

IN Interesting Renaissance OF the Wars.
Governor Yaies,-O OF Illinois, and Wisconsin
Eloquent Ex-senator on Lnc0ln's Win
craEai.
OTTAWA, Ill, Jan. %, 1873.
Major Truman q. Wright:
Dear Sir-Since orr conversation upon
the train, the other day, on the way to
Chicago, about your fellow citizen, OF
Racine, the Hon. j. II. Doolittlc, have
recalled an incident in his public life,
which came under my personal know
edge, which may interest you.
In the Summer of 1864, during the
darkest period Of the war, before the
nomination Of Mr. Lincoln, there was a
serious effort made by many prominent
Republicans to put him aside, and to
nominate another candidate for the Pres
idency. At a dinner party given by
Governor Yates, it was discussed, and
the Governor himself was inclined 10 ia
vor the project.
An immense mass meeting OF proml-
nent citizens of Illinois was held in
Springfield, shortly after, and the gov
ernor being called upon TO make the first
speech, in mild and gentle words, but in
most unmistakablc terms broke this mat
ter to the great mass Of patriots around
him.
1t was the largest political meeting
ever held in Springfield. Probably more
than 10000 men were present. i was
seated upon the stand, and had full
view &C the sea Of earnest faces, and at
the speakers.
The governor was received with great
enthusiasm. But when he began TO
breach the subject of laying aside Mr.
Lincoln as candidate, AND Of SUBSTITUTE
ing some other man, there was pro
found and almost agOnizing silence.
They gave no cheer and no expression
OF appreciation. Their respect for Gov
ernor Yates was too great TO allow them
to give vent 10 expressions Of disappro-
baton; ard, as be WAS in such high pc
sitien, they were made TO feel by his re-
marks, that perhaps, they might be call
ed upon TO acquiesce in the sad necessi-
ty, much rs they loved and honored Mr..
Lincoln. Never shall l forget the sor-
row seen in every face, as Governor
Yates closed his address, and never can
| forget the speech which followed it.
Senator Doolittle, from Wisconsin,
spoke next. | sat near him during the
speech Of the governor; and as L was
one of tho party at the dinner, | watch
ed every movement and expression of
bis countenancc, as I did not then know
whether he joined in that movement and
sympathized with Governor Yates or
not. He looked pale and nervous-his
broad chest heaving with deep emotion,
and his broad face beaming with intense
earnestness. AS he stepped forward on
The platform, slowly he began, in that
deep penetrating and far reaching voice
Of his, which ali who have heard cannot
forget.
Fellow citizens!" said he, Lifting
his hand and face toward heaven. al
believe in Cod" Then pausing, look
ing around upon his audience, he added,
in tone which reached every ear and
thrilled every heart in that vast assem-
bly,, "Under him, | believe in Abra-
ham Lincoln"
That was enough. Then ensucd such
4 scene as have never witnessed. The
agony was over. The hearts of 10000
men found utteranre in cheers, in sobs
and tears. in grasping of hands, en-
braces and SITUATIONS.
For some time Mr.. Doolittle could not
20 on. Never have seen, and doubt
t in the whole history of the world, q |
,peech Of eIeYcn words ever produced !!
greater effect. He went on, at length, |
md spoke for an hour and halt in the |
anne vein. When he finished, Govern
'r Yates at once took the stand and SAID |
&c WAS satisfied the people demanded the
election OF Mr.. Lincoln, and that he
would DO all in his power TO aid that re-
ult.
Although after the war was over, / !
With most of the Republican party, off, |
cred with Senator Dooliitle upon the
constitution measures, / have often |
ecaled his speech on that occasion, and
ave often repeated it to my friends.
Very respectfully yours,
+. L. WATERMAN.