The Cecil Whig., 1885-06-20

more persuasive and simple IN style
stronger in his convictions, more earn.
est in presenting them, and more fami-
liar with the character of those whom
he was wont to call plain people, than
his opponent.
1t can hardly be said that he was a
victor in the debate, but it cannot be
denied that when it closed the advan-
tage was not on the side of Mr.. Doug
las.
MR.. LINCOLN BECOMES A POPULAR LEADER
Mr.. Lincoln's speeches were not
only very able, but they left the impress
sion upon my mind that he possessed
the elements of great personal popu-
larity. So strong was this impression
that, happening to be in Chicago in
1860, when the Republican Conven-
ton was in session, and being asked by
some of the delegates (when it was
certain that either Mr.. Seward or Mr..
Lincoln would be nominated) to which
| thought their votes should be given,
| did not hesitate to say that "that de-
pended upon what they wanted to do
If they wanted to vindlcate the prin-
ciples of the party they should vote for
Mr.. Seward if they wanted to elect a
president, they should vote for Mr.
Lincoln"
Mr.. Lincoln's election precipitated
the Rebellion, but the time had come
sooner than had been expected and in
a different way for the settlement of the
question whether the United States
were a nation to which allegiance was
due by the people or a confederation
of states, from which any state or num-
Der of states, might withdraw by their
own independent action; and of the
equally important question whether
slavery or freedom should dominate
throughout the Union. These questions
were settled by war, and it is now quite
certain that they could not have been
settled by any other means.
That the election of Mr.. Lincoln was
fortunate for the country and the whole
country is generally admitted. 1t would
have been quite impossible for either Of
the other distinguished men whose
names were before the Convention for
nomination for the presidency to have
retained the confidence of the people
through the protracted struggle to the
extent that he did.
THE MOST PECULIAR CHARACTER.
Mr.. Lincoln's character is difficult to
analyze, so rare and seemingly incon-
gruous were its combinations. Instead,
therefore, Of attempting an analysis, l
must conline my remarks to a descrip-
ton of his appearance, and of his
prominent and singular, if not incon-
siStent, characteristics.
In forn. Mr.. Lincoln was tall and
angular, lacking in compactness, but
strong and sturdy, with great capacity
for work and power Of endurance. His
features were coarse, and to strangers
uncomely, but progressing to those
who become his friends. His face,
dull and heavy when in repose, was al
alight with intelligence when in con,
versation.
Il thought" said a lady, "when /
first saw him that he was one of the
ugliest of men. Now that I know him
well, he seems to me to be perfectly
charming" Grave and sedate in
manner, he was full of kind and gentle
emotions. He was fond of poetry
Shakespeare was his delight. Few men
could read with equal expression the
plays Of the great dramatist.
The theatre had great attractions fol
him, but it was comedy, not tragedy,
he went to hear. He had great en-
joyment of the plays that made him
laugh, no matter how absurd and gro
tesque, and he gave expression to his
enjoyment by hearty and noisy ap-
plause. He was man of strong re.
liglous convictions, but he cared moth.
ing for the dogmas of the churches
and had little respect for their creeds
As lawyer and advocate Mr.. Lincoln
had no superior in Illinois and few SUI,
periors in the older states. His prac.
tice was not broad or varied enough tc
require constant study Of authorities
but his mind was keen, clear, discrimi,
mating, and he was well grounded in
the elementary principles of the law.
His arguments before the court were
always carefully prepared, pointed and
cogent.
Before jury he was especially ef-
fective. One of his most distinguished
characteristics as an advocate was the
suppression of himself in his arguments
to the jurors. 1t was his aim to fix
the facts, and the facts only, upon
their minds. Comprehending perfectly
the points upon which the case 1e-
pended, TO them he directed the at
tention of the jury; wasting no words
upon unimportant matters; never
wearisome by long speeches with
great aptitude discovering the charac-
tiers Of jurors; always ineligible and
earnest, he never failed to interest and
rarely to convince. The same quail,
ties were displayed in his public spec.
ches-models they were of clear
simple and consequently of forcible
speaking.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF LINCOLN.