The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1899-10-28
LINCOLN "STONED STEPHEN,
"Reminiscences of His Famous Debate
with Douglas.
United Presbyterian.

Professor Smith, for many years superin-
tendent OF the city schools of Burlington.
Ia, related TO the writer a story about Linz
coin which he claimed has never before been
printed and all who knew that good man
will testify to his moral incapacity for COIN
ing such story. His statement 10 the
writer was that he and Prof Newton Bate
man, of Galesburg. ILL.,, with the
speakers on the platform as members OF the
Republican Central committee. or as a
subcommittee to accompany Mr.. Lincoln
on this occasion. The incident occurred at
one of the Joint meetings between stephen
A. Douglas and Mr.. lincoln, during the
memorable senatorial campaign OF 1853.
The two gentlemen referred TO, Mrs.
Douglas and many other persons OF distinc-
ton were with the speakers on the plat
form. Douglas opened the debate with a
speech Of an hour and a half. He seemed
to be inspired by the occasion, the imme,
appreciative audience to surpass himself.
His argument and oratory were convince
Ing ana oyerPowering Hi S;v title 10 the cog.
friends, was fully demonstrated by his elo-
quent performance.
applause of his friends and admirers, they
grew more and more confident and elated.
while Lincoln's friends were corresponding
ly discouraged and depressed. SO eloquent
and convincing was his address that Prof.
Smith leaned over and whispered TO his
friend and colleague, Professor Bateman:
"Bateman, we are licked this time: Lincoln
can never answer this address; the crowd
Is so carried away with Douglas that IL will
De Impossible Tor Lincoln 10 get a nearing.
WAIT and see," was the reply OF Bateman.
During the delivery of his opponents adj
dress Mr.. Lincoln set with legs crossed,
head bowed, eyes partially closed and coun-
tenance as expressionless parchment
When Douglas had concluded his address
and taken his seat Mr. Lincoln remained
seated, allowing the friends Of Douglas to
cheer and shout to their hearts content
He then arose and walked slowly and de-
liberately to the front % the platform,
raised himself TO his full height and looked
over his audience for little without Ut
tering a syllable. He then began to I'M
button and slowly remove Tong linen dust
er which covered a conventional suit OF
black. After folding Il with great care and
deliberation, he handed IL to some one just
back OF him and said In his clear penetrat-
ing voice, that reached every ear in his
now quiet and expectant audience: Young
man. hold that while / stone Stephen"
The effect was electrical and all that Mr.
Lincoln's friends could have desired. Doug
lass eloquence was forgotten. The audi
ence was quick to catch the force and point
Of this play words. They laughed and
cheered and were at once placed I'm that re-
ceptive attitude that was necessary for Mr..
Lincoln's successful rejoinder.
Mr.. Lincoln had, by MS master stroke OF
wit, secured the good will and kindly at
tention of his hearers while he proceeded
10 "stone Stephen" with arguments which
have permanently enriched political litera-
ture and made the speaker the first Re-
publican President of the United States.