Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-04-12

HOvs Honest Old Abe Refused % Try
TO Put the Little Giant i'm a False
Position.

From the Chicago Tribune.
The following interesting scrap Of history is
furnished the Tribune by an old resident of Chi
cago, an exjudge, and himself an actor in the
event he describes. It is now given to the
public, 1t is believed, for the first time:
when the opposition to the extension of
slavery had crystalized in the north into new
political party-the republican-it found in the
north itself the most talented and dangerous
enemy the rising spirit of universal liberty had
TO overthrow. In the person of Stephen A
Douglas the south and slavery extension had
giant indeed to fight their battles in the very
strongholds of liberty. In 1858 new Senator
was to be elected from this state, and Doughs
was put forward as the candidate of the SQUAT
ter sovereignty democracy The leaders of the
newly formed republican party instinctively
turned to odd Abe as the fttest man in the
state to contest the position with him, and he
was sent for to meet q few prominent men in
and decide upon the proper course to be pursued
In the inevitable debate in prospect. The meet
ing took place at the old fremont house. and
very full attendance of the principal men Of the
city and state was secured.
1t will ne remembered that Douglas and
Buchanan greatly differed in their views of
democratic doctrine and policy. and after much
debate it was the general sense of the meeting
that, as Buchanan was the head of the demo-
cratic party. his views should be regarded as
tiic u ut ucHioCTdttC QOCCTIne, anu hence III the
coming contest Mr.. Douglas should be held re-
'spOnslble for them And the debate should be
conducted in opposition to these sentiments in
utter disregard Of the fact that Douglas repu-
dated them, and hence could not in fact or in
justice be regarded as holding them. After
much talk had gone round Mr.. Lincoln was
Called upon to give his views of the matter. 1t
is impossible now to quote his exact language
or give any correct statement of the indescrib-
able manner of the man as he slowly elevated his
towering frame above his fellows who filled the
hall. We can only give general substance of
the address: Gentlemen said he, you have
put me forward in this contest without any
solicitation on my part, and / am here at your
request. 1t Is matter do not care particular
ly about, and am of the opinion you have made
a mistake in selecting me as your candidate. l
cannot enter this debate nor conduct it upon the
principles you propose. They are wrong in prin-
clple and false in fact, and | have never yet been
able to advocate cause with any success which
did not believe had Justice and truth upon nv
side. Mr.. Douglas, as matter of fact does not
entertain the principles nor advocate the policy
OF James Buchanan hence it would be unfair
and unjust to him to SO regard him. Resides |
am convinced it would place me in ridiculous
light before the people to be continually reply
ing to arguments and Overthrowing positions
which 1t is notorious my opponent does not as
sumo. Nothing would give Mr.. Douglass SO easy
victory as such a false and dishonest course on
my part. No. gentlemen; l cannot enter the
canvass upon any such grounds as you propose;
1t would not be honest There was no replying
to such arguments, and the upshot of the matter
was that Honest Old Abe was permitted to
enter that memorable contest entirely untrapl-
meled and with what result is well known TO all
the world"