The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1895-07-05

learned to love work. The Office of the
firm was in the upper story of building
opposite the northwest corner OF the pres
emit Courthouse square. In the room I'M
derneath the county court was held. The
furniture was in keeping with the preten-
sions of the firm-a small lounge or bed
a chair containing a buffalo robe, IN
which the ltnior member was wont TO
sit and stuCv a hard wooden beach, a fee
Bile attcmt IT a bookcase and table
which ans for a desk. Lincoln's
first attemr. settlement in Springfield,
which preceueQ a few days his partnership
with Stuart has been graphically de-
scribed by his friend, Joshua f. Speed,
who generously offered to share his quar-
tiers with the young legal aspirant. Speed,
who was a 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 Dor
rowed horse" relates Speed, and en-
gagged from the only cabinet maker in the
village a single bedstead. be came into
my store, set his saddlebags on the coun-
ter and inquired what the furniture for
single bedstead would cost l took slate
and pencil, made a calculation and found
the sum for furniture complete would
amount to ST in all. Said he: 1t is prob
ably cheap enough, but want to say that,
cheap as it is, l have not the money to
pay. But if you will credit me until
Christmas and my experiment here as a
LAWYER is a success, will pay you then.
If fail in that, l will probably never pay
YOU at ALL The tone of his voice was so
7 FOL i'm, lpOl-nH
up at him, and thought then, as think
now, that never saw so gloomy and mel
ancholy face in my life. l said to him,
SO small a 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 o very large double bed in
it, which you are perfectly welcome to
share with me If you choose. Where is
your roomf' he asked. Up stairs, said l,
pointing to the stairs leading from the
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.
A Reply to Douglas.
One evening, while the usual throng OF
Ioungers surrounded the inviting fireplace
in Speeds store, the conversation turned
on political matters. The disputants
waxed warm and acrimonious as the dis
cussion proceeded. Business being over
for the day, strolled back, and seating
myself on keg listened with eager inter
est to the battle going on among these
would he statesmen. Stephen A. Douglas,
recollect, was leading on the Democratic
side. He had already learned the art OF
dcdging in debate but still he was subtle
fiery and impetuous he charged the
Wings with every blunder and political
crime he could imagine. No Vulnerable
spot seemed to have escaped him. At last,
with great vehemence, he sprang up anu
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
the Presbyterian church. Douglas, Cal
houn. Lamborn and Thomas represe nted
the Democrats, and Logan, Baker, Brown
ing and Lincoln, in the order named, pre-
scented the Wing side Of the question. One
evening was given to each man, and il