The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1899-10-08
THE PRESIDENT ON
HISTORIC GROUND
lcontlnued lrom IIrst 90


las are inseparably connected In the pub
he mind. Their association began in con-
fict and ended in corporation. They were
in antagonism for more than generation
over the Interpretation Of the constitution
and were united at last when the consti-
tuition Itself was assaed. They might
differ. as they did over the meaning or
some OF It's provisions but when the crisis
came they stood together for It's inviola-
bility and for the inseparaollity o. the
Union II established. The one asserted
The right Of slavery under certain con-
dit.ons TO enter the territories, the other
disputed that right under any conditions.
but both agreed that the slave power
should not divide the Union.
The debate was national and historical
II commanded profound attention. II in
terested all sections. u made the issue
impossible OF escape; It could 10 longer
be avoided or eyaded IL united the friends
Of liberty as we'll as those Of slavery. II
has ended the conflict. II was not the
beginning of agitation. but it carried Il
into the lives and home Of the Republic
and no issue IS ever rightly settled until
II Is settled there. II IS no little source
OF satisfaction that upon the great ques-
lion presented in these debates while
Douglas carried the Legislature Lincoln
had a majority OF the peopie.
Tree years-only three years. interviewed
and the debate was removed from the
arena Of peaceful discussion to that OF
war and carnage. and then Lincoln and
Douglas stood no longer divided. Sumter
was fired on on April Eth ISL. On the
18th OF that month Lincoln issued his
call for 10000 troops The position OF
Douglas at this critical juncture was that
OF a patriot Without hating or hesltat-
ing he aligned himself on the National
government and there with the force OF
his great personality in support OF the
Constitution.
On the occasion OF his memorable visit
TO Lincoln Immediately after the first
call for volunteers he dictated to the
Associated Press dispatch in these
words:
April 18th. 1861.
senator Douglas called on the Pre- dent
and had an interesting conversation on
the present condition of the country. The
substance Of it was. on the part OF Dir.
Douglas, that while he was uuait -rably
opposed to the administration N an its
political issues. he was prepared 20 fully
sustain the President in the exercise OF
all his Constitutional functions 20 pre-
serve the Union, maintain the govern
ment and TO defend the Federal capital.
A firm policy and prompt action was nee
essary. The capital was I'm danger and
must be defended az all hazards, and at
any expense OF men and money. lie
spoke Of the present and future without
any reference to the past. He no longer
considered party, his sole concern was
for his country. lie had no sympathy
with our enemies IN the North. who
openly or secretly counscllod The disso-
luton OF the Union. lie WAS for the fiaE,
and for its cause, and the brave men
who carried IL had his blessing and pray
ers. His patriotic course was factor in
moulding sentiment and uniting patriot
ism OF the country and should serve as
an example of good citizenship and in
spiration to duty.
DOUGLAS EULOGIZED.
Though Douglas espoused cause doom
ed TO defeat. yet his name was cherished
by patriots because when the test came
he was found supporting the government
and advising his followers to uphold the
lie no