Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-02-12

discussion of any important theme. and
he made but little impression upon
national politics. The threatened ex-
tension of slavery. however, aroused
him, and with cause which justified
his best efforts. he threw his whole
soul into the fight The debates with
Douglas have never had parallel IN
this, or, so far as history shows, in
any other country.
Net worthy FOcman.
'In engaging in this contest with
Douglas he met a foeman worthy IF
his steel, for Douglas had gained q
deserved reputation as great debat-
er, and recognized that his future de-
pended upon the success with which
he met the attacks of Lincoln. On one
side an institution supported by his
tory and tradition and on the other a
growing sentiment against the holding
of a human being in bondage-these
presented a supreme issue. Douglas
won the senatorial seat for which the
two at that time had contested. but
Lincoln won larger victory-he help
ed 70 mould the sentiment that was
dividing parties and rearranging the
POLITICAL map of the country. When
the debates were concluded every one
recognized him as the leader of the
cause which he had cspoused, and IT
which he had secured through his pu0-
lie speeches that enabled him. west
ern man, to be nominated over the
eastern candidates-not only west
ern man, but a man lacking in book
learning and the polish of the schools
No other American president has 81
clearly owed his elevation to his ora.
Tory. Washington. Jefferson and Jack
son. the presidents usually mentioned
| in connection with him, were all poor
speakers.
His Equipment Complete.
'In analyzins Lincoln's Characters
tics as a speaker, one is impressed
with the completeness of his equip
ment. He possessed the two things
I that are absolutely essential to effec
tive speaking namely, Information and
earncstness. If one can be called elo
about and means what he says-ant
| [ know of no better definition-Lin
coins speeches were eloquent. He was
thoroughly informed upon the subject
he was prepared to meet his opponent
upon the general proposition discuss
ed, and upon any deductions which
could be drawn from it.
| There was no UNEMPLOYED field int,
which his adversary could lead him
he had carefully examined every foo
of the ground and was not afraid o
pitfall or ambush; and, what wa
lequa!ly important, he spoke from hi.
Town heart to the hearts of those VIII.
listened. While the printed page can
not fully reproduce the impressions
made by voice trembling with emo
Ition or tender with pathos, one cal
not read the reports of the debate,
without feeling that Lincoln regarde,
the subject as far transcending the am
lbitions or the personal interests o
the debaters 1t was of little moment
he said. whether they voted him o
Judge Douglas up or down, buttit wa
tremendously important that the ques
Ition should be decided rightly.
Too Deep for Some.
His reputation may have suffere,
lin the fopinion of some, because h
made them think so deeply upon wha
he said that they, for the moment
forgot him altogether: and yet, is thi
mot the very perfection of speech? l
is the purpose of the orator to pei
lsuade. and, to do this, he presents nc
himself but his subject. Someone, il
describing the difference between De
Imosthenes and Cicero, said that .whel
ICicero spoke people said. how wei
lCicero speaks, but when Demosthene