The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-10-08
eabttsntb Street, Nineteenth Street and Sixth Hvenut

Senator Culom and Congressman Prince who
welcomed the visiting party to Illinois and
to Galesburg.
President Mckinley was then presented to
the audience OF about 10000 people. who
listened to tho following speech:
THE time and place make this meeting
memorable. Forty years ago on this spot Two
mighty leaders. representing opposing ideas.
contended for mastery before the tribune OF
the people. 1t was u contest which history
will not fail to record and some are yet living
to tell it's interesting and thrilling story. 1t
has been recited around the family Preside.
until to the people OF Illinois 1t has become
household tale. inspiring love OF liberty and
devotion TO free institutions. Here therefore.
are sacred memories which will be cherished
by this community for all time. and are per-
mHnently incorporated In the life Of the nation.
"Iincoln and Douglas are inseparab!y con
nected in the public mind. Their association
began in conflict and ended In cooperation.
They were in antagonism for moro than gen
GRAFTON over the Interpretation OF the Constltu-
ton, and were united at last when the Consti-
tuition itself was assailod. They might differ rs
they did over the meaning OF some OF its PRO
visions. but when the crisis came they stood
together for its inviolabillty and for tho inssp-
arabilty OF the Union it established. The one
asserted the right OF slavery under certain con-
ditons to enter the Territories. the other dis
puted that RIGHT under any conditions. but both
agreed that the slave power should not divide
the Union.
Tho debate was national and historical. 1t
commanded profound attention. 1t interested
all sections. 1t was watched with the deepest
anxiety by the followers OF both. 1t was read
and studied as no other public discussion be-
fore or since 1t presented the best OF the two
Ia
making. and marked an epoch In our history
1t touched the public conscience. 1t Influenced
public thought and purpose. 1t made the
aSi.l : :'dsd 'SaS tn.
friends u liberty as well sT those OF slavery cry
carried 1t into tho lives and homes Of tho Re-
public. and NO issue is ever rightly settled until
1T is no little source OF abstraction that upon
the great question presented Ia these debates.
had a majority Of tho people. The torch OF
liberty was not lighted here; but II famed forth
lifted lite up by the strong arm Of Abraham Lin
cold. Three yeers-only three years inter ,n:
ARENA Of S p. ace 10 that Of war and
enrnaGe. and then Lincoln and Douglas stood
no longer divided. , sumter was fred %, or
Lincoln issued his cali for $4,000 troops, The
position Of Douglas Al this critca! JuncSsnre
| WAS tnht OF u patriot. without ndlbluk
tating he lined himself upon tho aide OF the
| National Government and threwth force OF
| his great personality In support OF the f.xecu.
| tive. Il pom the occasion OF his memorable visit
| TO Lincoln Immediately after the first call for
volunteers no dictat edIto the representatives OF
the press a despatch in these words:
| april TX. SGl.-SenatOr Douglas called
on the President and had an interesting CON
yersation on the present condition OF the coun
| try. The substance Of 10 was on the part oil
| Mr.. Douglas, that while he was una ltsrably or.
| posed to the Administration IN all itS political
| issues. he was prepared to fully sustain the
| President in the exercise OF oil his constitu-
| tiona functions to preserve the mon main
tain the Government and defend the Federal
| "A firm policy and prompt action was ncses-
sary. The capital was In danger and must be
defended at all hazards and at any expense n
| men and money. He smoke of the present ano
! future without any reference to tho past. He
| no longer considered party. His sole concern
was for his country. He had no sympAthy will
! our enemies in tho North who opanly or secret
| " counseled the dissolution OF the Union. Ht
was for the flag and for its cause. and thu
brave mon who carried It had his blessing anC
prayers. His patriotic course was mighty
factor in moulding Union sentiment and II
uniting the patriotism OF the country, ant
should sarve rs an example OF good citizenship
and an inspiration to duty.
Though Douglas eBpOused cause doomed
to defeat, yet hiA name will be Cherished h,
patriots everywhere because when the ties
came he was found supporting the Govern
mont and marshallng his followers 10 uphold
| the con Institutional authorities"
The Presidents speech was greeted with tire
| mehd0uB enthusiasm.