Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1903-06-03
Monument on the Site of the
Famous Lincoln Douglas
Debate Dedicated
FINE TRIBUTE TO LINCOLN
Roosevelt Refers In Glowing Terms to
the Work of the Martyr President
Fifty Thousand People Gather at
Rockford to See the Distinguished
Guest.

Freeport, June 3.-President Roose-
buque at eight this morning and were
Immediately driven to the site of the
Lincoln Douglas debate in 1858, where
a monument commemorating the event
was unveiled in the presence Of many
thousands of spectators. The president
was introduced by Congressman Hit
and in a brief address he complimented
the Womens Club of Freeport who
erected the monument
The president spoke as follows:
I'VE meet today to commemorate a
spot on which occurred one of those
memorable scenes in accordance with
which the whole future history of the
nation is nodded. Here were spoken
the winged words that flew thru inn
mediate time and that will fly thru that
portion of eternity recorded in the his
tory of our race. Here was sounded the
keynote of the struggle which, after
convulsing the nation, made it in fact
what it had only been in name, at once
united and free. 1t is eminently fitting
that this monument, given by the wom-
en- of this city in commemOration or the
great debate that here took place
should be dedicated by the men whose
c.eeds made good the work of Abra-
ham Lincoln, the soldiers Of the civil
war. The work was mighty, but had 1t
not been for the words the deeds could
not have taken place, but without the
deeds, the words would have been idle
breath. 1t is forever to the honor of
our nation that it brought forth the
statesman who. with far sighted vision
could pierce the clouds that obscured
the sight of the keenest of his fellows
and could see what the future newt
ably held. And moreover that We had
Rack Of that statesman the men to
whom it was given to fight the greatest
war that ever ragged. could not re-
sist the chance that offered me to stop
and dedicate this monument, for great
tho we now regard Lincoln, my coun-
try1nen, the future will put him on even
a higher pinnacle than we have put
him. In all history do not believe
chat there is to be found an orator
whose speeches will last as enduringH
as certain speeches of Lincoln. And in
all history with the sole exception Of
the man who founded the republic, I
do not think there will be found; another
statesman at once so great and so
single hearted in his devotion to the
veal of his people. We cannot too
highly honor him.
Rockford. June 3.-President Roose-
velt reached here at 9:15 and was i'm
mediately driven to Memorial hall, a
100000 structure consecrated to the
soldiers and sailors of Winnebagc
county, where he participated In the
dedication ceremonies. The streets from
the depot to the hall were lined with
cheering spectators and there was a
vast concourse at Memorial building.
Congressman Hit introduced the presi-
dent. who made a brief speech.
The party then enjoyed short drive
thru the principal streets, passing in
review before 1000 school children.
Each child carried an American flag
and the salute given the president was
a most inspiring sight. Rockford was
in gala garb, the day being generally
a holiday. It is estimated fifty thous-
and people are in the city. Following
the visit of the president there was q
public parade, participated in by local
civic and military organizations and
G. A. r. posts from many surrounding
towns.