The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1895-04-28

rIEFHEN A. Doo1LAS. He had not yet
learned to love work. The office of the
firm was in the upper story of building
opposite the northwest corner of the pres
ent Courthouse square. In the room I'M
derneath the county court was held. The
: furniture was in keeping with the preten-
sions of the 1rm-a small lounge or bed,
a chair containing buffalo robe, in
which the junior member was wont to
sit and study, hard wooden BENCH a fee
BILE attempt at bookcase and table
which answered for desk. Lincolns
first attempt at settlement in Springfield,
which preceded few days his partnership
with Stuart has been graphically de-
scribed by his friend, Joshua T. Speed,
who generously offered to share his quar-
tiers with the young legal aspirant. Speed,
who was u prosperous young merchant,
reports that Lincoln's personal effects con-
sisted of pair of saddlebags containing
two or three lawbooks and few pieces
of clothing.
He had ridden into town on a Dor
rowed horse" relates Speed, land en-
gagged from the only cabinet maker in the
village single bedstead. He came into
my store set his saddlebags on the coun-
ter and inquired what the furniture for
single bedstcad would cost. l took slate
and pencil made calculation and found
the sum for furniture complete would
amount to SIT in all. Said he: 1t is prob
ably cheap enough, but Iwant to say that,
cheap as it Is, have not tho money to
pay. But If you will credit me until
Christmas, and my experiment here as a
lawyer is q success, will pay you then.
If l fail in that, l will probably never pay
you at all. The tono of his voice was SO
melancholy that l felt for him. l looked
up at him, and thought then, as 1 think
now, that never saw so gloomy and mel
ancholy face in my life l said to him,
So small q debt seems to affect you so
deeply, l think l can suggest plan by
which you will be able to attain your end
without mourning any debt. have very
large room and very large double bed in
1t, which you are perfectly welcome to
share with me if you choose. Where is
your room2 he asked. Up stairs, said l,
pointing to the stairs leading from tho
store to my room. Without saying word
he took his saddlebags on his arm, went
up stairs set them down on the floor,
came down again, and, with face beam
ing with pleasure and smiles, exclaimed,
We'll, Speed, I'm moved"
Reply to Douglas.
Oue evening, Wnll6 Un6 usual CDrO0R OF
loungers surrounded the inviting fireplace
In Speeds store, the conversation turned
Oh political matters. Tho disputants
waxed warm and acrimonious as the dis
cusson proceeded Business being over
for the day, I strollod back, and seating
myself on keg listened with eager inter
est to the battle going on among these
would be statesmen. Stephen A. Douglas,
Irecollcct, was leading on the Democratic
side. He had already learned the art of
lodging i'll debate but still he was subtle.
fiery and impctuous. He charged the
Wings with every blunder and political
crims he could imagine No vulnerable
spot seemed to have escaped him. At last,
with great vchemence he sprang UP and
abruptly made a challenge to those who
differed with him to discuss the whole
matter publicly, remarking that this
store is no place to talk politics.
In answer to Douglas challenge the
+, contest was entered into. 1t took place in
tho Presbyterian church. Douglas, Cal
houn, I.amborn and Thomas represented
tho Democrats, and Logan, Baker, Brown
ing and Lincoln, in the order named pro-
sciited tho Wing side of the question. One
evening was given to each man, and it
therefore required over a week to complete
the tournament. Lincoln occupied the
last evening, and, although the people by
that time had necessarily grown Il little
tired CT the monotony and we'll worn rope
tition, yet Lincoln's manner of presenting
his thoughts and answering his Democratic