The San Francisco call., 1896-10-08

way, and with such tremendous force and su.
perb ability that his effort consolidated the
free sentiment of the country, abolished slav-
cry and saved"the Union. That man was
Abraham Lincoln.
Mr.. Depew followed with concise his
tory OF LiDcoln's life, and showed how
thoroughly he was in sympathy with the
movement to abolish slavery. He re-
counted at length the vigorous campaigns
made by the two great leaders which cul-
minated in the history-making debate at
Galesburg thirty years ago to-day,
dwelt upon the characteristics OF the two
debaters, and showed with consummate
sklll the points of each and tier modes OF
attack. The famous passages ct arms by
the two great men were rehearsed and the
weltremem bered words were cheered to
the echo. In closing Mr.. Depew said:
Upon this platform and on this very spot
thirty eight years ago to-day stood these intel
lectual athletes. Neither they the vast
audience which enjoyed their thrust and par
ries, cheered their effective blows and were
entranced by their eloquence know how rap
idly they were making his story; how ably they
were preparing the most important chapter in
the story OF the nineteenth century. 1t was
the battle eternally going en-. '.often lost, but
never won," between principle and expedi-
ency.
Lincoln was tall, gaunt, awkward and home
ly, with high, penetrating voice which
reached easily to the utmost limits OF the
crowd. Douglas was short corpulent and dig
nlfied, with the grace and courtesy OF Senato-
rial association, and spoke with deep tones and
slow enunciation, as If every word was
weighted with an important argument. Doug
las was the more adroit debater, Lincoln the
more ardent reasoner. Douglas could cap
ture the crowd by those c0urtesies TO his
opponent behind which he misrepresented his
position, while Lincoln, unframed to compli-
ment grew resentful and harsh at these suc-
cessful falsifcatiops. Lincoln could lift his
audience by passionate appeal to their better
nature for the slave, for justice and for Ii b.
erty. Douglas was always the fighter and de-
batter. Lincoln consciously and Douglas
unconsciously were preparing the people
OF the free States for the sacrifices of civil war
and the preservation of the National life. 1t
is 10 the eternal honor and glory of Douglas
tina when the war broke out the partisan be-
came patriot and gave to his lifelong antag-
onist, President Lincoln, his unqualified sup
port.
The famous controversy over the "house
divided against ITSELF" nowhere discussed
more bitterly than here on this platform,
ended at Appomattox. The house did not fall,
the peopled West, the enriched East and the
prosperous North can calmly review the is
sues which so radically divided them in the
past and reverently thank God thatin the final
conflict and its settlement the leader of the
forces OF union and liberty was the great
hearted, broad-souled. wise Drained man of
love and country-Abraham Lincoln.
Hon. Robert T. Lincoln delivered brief
duuTeSS, W0lch was followed Dy Lne un-
yelling of the tablet. The tablet is of
bronze with raised letters, and is about
18x24 inches in size. The inscription COM
memorative of the debate is as follows:
This memorial tablet is placed here to recall
the joint debate between Abraham Lincoln
and stephen A. Douglas, whose words these
walls echoed October Z, 1858.
Equality among the different States Is q
cardinal principle upon which all our institu-
tions rest."-Douglas.
''He is blowing out the moral lights around
us who contends that whoever wants slaves
has right to.hold them."-Lncoln.
The unveiling address was then deliv-
cred by Senator Palmer.
After the exercises reception was held
at the college until 6 o'clock, and tonight
the greatest political demonstration of the
year was held in honor of Chauncey Nj.
Depew, who addressed crowd of 10000
in the large tent recently erected by the
Republicans. Preceding the address there
was parade participated in by 5000 peo-
pie from different parts of the country.
Mr.. Depew spoke for more than two
hours. The speech from beginning to end
was most logical one. The speaker was
frequently interrupted by applause and he
arraigned Mr.. Bryan and some of his
statements regarding the benefits of free
silver to the workingman of the country.
The address was one of the best ever de-
Hvered in this city.