Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-10-08

was not lighted here, but 1t famed forth
with broader. brighter, holder light as
it was lighted by the strong arm of Abra-
ham Lincoln.
Three years-only three years-interven-
ed and the debate was removed from the
arena of peaceful discussion 10 that of war
and carnage. And then Lincoln and
Douglas stood no longer divided. Sumter
was fired upon April IL, 1861. On the 18th OF
that month Lincoln issued his call for 10
600 troops. The position Of Douglas at this
critical puncture was that of patriot.
Without hating or hesitating he aligned
himself upon the side OF the national gov
eminent and threw the force of his great
personality in support Of the executive
Upon the occasion of his memorable visit
TO Lincoln Immediately after the first call
for volunteers, he dictated to the repre-
sentative of the Associated Press dis
patch in these words: Senator Douglas
called on the President and had an inter-
esting conversation on the present condi-
ton Of the country. The substance of it
was on the part of Mr. Douglas. that
while he was unalterably opposed 10 the
administration in all It's political issues,
he was prepared to fully sustain the Pres
ident in the exercise OF all his constitu-
tional functions TO preserve the Union,
maintain the government and defend the
Federal capital
"A firm policy and promp action was
necessary. The capitol was in danger and
must be defended at all hazards and at
any expense of men and money He spoke
of the present and future without any
reference to the past. He no longer con-
sidered party. His sole concern was for
his country. He had no sympathy with
our enemies in the north who openly or
secretly counseled the dissolution of the
Union. He was for the flag and for its
cause, and the brave men who carried It
had his blessing and prayers. His patriotic
course was mighty factor in mo.ding un-
ion sentiment and in uniting the patriot
ism of the country and should serve as an
example Of good citizenship and an inspi-
ration TO a duty
Though Douglas espoused cause
doomed to defeat. yet his name was cher
ished by patriots everywhere because
when the test came he was found support
ing the government and advising his fol-
lowers TO uphold the constituted authori-
ties. 1t is the cause which lives and Il is
the cause which makes the men idenu-
fled with it immortal in history Lincoln
was the leader Of the triumphant cause.
Douglas, though opposed to him for a life
time, supported and strengthened his arm.
Both will be remembered longest. not for
the debate, but for their part ia the
mighty events which ensued. They will
live because the Union which was saved
and the liberty which was established will
endure to perpetuate their names
ITO Lincoln who in 1855 was struggling
here against the encroaehment of slavery.
not for its destruction where It existed.
but against its further extension, was I'm
ally given by the people under the provi-
denee of God. the opportunity and the
power to enthrone liberty in every part or
the republic
Then followed an Grafton by Postmaster
General ChaFses Emory Smith. Mr..
smiths eloquent tributes 10 the character
and services Of both Lincoln and Douglas
ard his "reminiscences OF other days ii IL
linois political arena were appreciated
by the immense crowd OF listeners. some
OF whom had been among the audiences
which, in 1858, witnessed the polemic war
fare between the great emancipation and
the champion Of popular sovereignty.
At the conclusion Of the exercises. short
ly before noon, the Presidential party
boarded the train for Chicago.