The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1875-03-12
a1INcoLN,s DENOMINATION.
A Thrilling Episode Short
s. Speech Worked Wonders.



In the summer Of 1854, during the dark
est period of the war, before the renomina-
tionef Mr.. Lincoln, there was a serious ef-
fort made by many prominent Republicans
to put him aside, and to nominate another
candidate for the Presidency. AT dinner
party given by Governor Yates it was dis
cussed, and the Governor himself was in
ellned to favor the project. 80
An immense mass meeting Of the citizens
OF Illinois was held at Springfield shortly
I after, and the Governor, being. called upon
to make the first speech, in mild and gentle
words, but in most unmistakable terms,
broke this matter to the dense mass of pa
triots around him. tS a -
~ Tt was tile largest political meeting ever
/ held is Springfield. Probably over twenty
thousands aaen were present. was seated
upon the stand, and had a full view of the
sea of earnest faces, and at the speakers.
The Governor was received with great
enthusiasm. But when he began to broach
the subject of laying aside Mr.. Lincoln as
a candidate, and substituting some other
man, there was a profound and almost ago.
nizing silence. They gave no cheer and no
expression Of appreciation. Their respect
for Governor Yates was too great to allow
them to give vent to expressions Of disap-
probation; and, as he was in such high po-
sition, they were made to feel by his re-
marks that, perhaps, they might be called
upon to acquiesce in the sad necessity,
much as they loved and honored Mr. Lin
coin. Never shall [ forget the sorrow seen
in each face as Governor Yates closed his
address; 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 | was one of the
party at the dinner, watched every move-
ment and expression of his eountenanee, as
| did not then know whether he joined in
that movement and sympathized with Gov
ernor Yates or not. He looked pale and
nerVous-his broad chest heaving with
emotion and his broad face beaming with
intense earnestness. AS he stepped for
ward on the platform, slowly he began, in
that deep, penetrating and far-reaching
voice of his, which all who have heard cam
not forget. BE- @
Fellow citizens,' said he, lifting his
hand and face toward heaven, II believe in
God" Then pausing, looking around upon
his audience, he added in tone which
reached every ear and filed every heart in
that vast assembly, sUnder him | believe
in Abraham Lincoln" E 4-
That was enough. Then ensued such
scene as | have never witnessed. The ag-
ony was over. The hearts of twenty thou
sand men found utterance in cheers in sobs
and tears, in grasping of hands, embraces
aud salutations.
For some time Mr. Doolttle could not go
on. Never have seen, and [ doubt if in
tile whole history Of the world speech of |
eleven words ever produced greater effect. /
He went on, at length, and spoke for an
hour and q half in the same vein. When |
he finished Governor Yates at once took |
the stand and said he was satisfied the peo-
pie demanded the election of Mr.. lincoln,
and that he would do all in his power to
aid this result. a
Although after the war was over /, with
most of the Republican party, differed with
Senator Doolittle upon the reconstruction
measures, have often recalled his speech
on that occasion, and have often repeated
it to my friends.
Very respectfully yours,
Il. L. WATERMAN.
Ctta1ed, Illinois, Letter to st. Louis Demo-