The Elbert County tribune., 1920-02-06

stirred him deeply and he was soon again making
political addresses the slavery situation. He
and Douglas quickly engaged in forensic
duel In 1886 at the organization of the Repuh-
lican party at Bloomington H.. Lincoln made an
impressive speech. which fixed his position as
leader of the 1ntslavery forces in Illinois. There
was civil war in Kansas and slavery was the issue
of the day In June of 1857 at Springfield. ILL.,,
Douglas made an elaborate address on the Kansas
Nebraska act and the bred Scott decision. Two
weeks later Lincoln made telling reply
Thus the two great protagonists were in fighting
array the 1858 election Of successor to Sen
ator Douglas drew near. Douglas was unopposed
in his own party and the Republican state conven-
ton of June 6. 1858. nominated Lincoln.
The battle In full swing Douglas
assumed the offensive and Lincoln dogged his foot
steps After each had made speeches Lincoln. with
his unfaing political shrewdness. challenged
Douglas to formal debate the questions at
issue. He wanted chance to pin the elusive
Douglas down to facts. Douglas made the mistake
of accepting the challenge. The terms provided
that the men should meet in seven congressional
disricts-they had already spoken in the districts
in which Chicago and Springfield located.
The meeting places and dates were: Ottawa. All
gust 81 Freeport August p; Jonesboro Septen-
ber Is; Charleston, September IS Gaesburg. Oc
tober Z Quincy. October IL Alton, October Is
Douglas insisted schedule that gave him four
openings and closings and Lincoln only three. Lin
coin agreed he wanted chance at the Demo
Gratis who would be sure to stay to the end of at
least four of the debates.
Under these circumstances ana conditions. there
fore. Lifcoln's question at Freeport put Douglas
on the horns of awkward dilemma If he an
swered NO he would be going back on his own
doctrine of popular soveregnty"-which his
enemies called 'pro-slavery' and considered his
bid for Southern votes at such time as it might
please him to run for president. If he said "Yes,
he would place himself record denying the
doctrine of the Dred Scott decision that slaves
were property.
Lincolns reading IF the situation that
Douglas would not dare to say mo" and would
choose say yes" And If he denied that slaves
property and could be handled like any
other property he would antagonize the slavery in.
terests ALLEVIATE the Southern democracy and
make 1t possible for him to achieve the presidency.
Douglas said "Yes.' Lincoln had foreseen
In the election for senator the Republican ticket
received 123,43O votes and the Democratic ticket
21,609. But by virtue of unfair legislative ap-
portionment the Democrats had "a votes on Joint
ballot in the general assembly and the Republicans
46. So Douglas reelected senator.
In the presidential election of 1860 the South
turned against Douglas and the Democratic party
split in two. Douglas nominated by a
faction of it.. With Douglas of Illinois as the can.
ddate of the Northern Democrats. the Republicans
compelled to nominate a candidate from Hi.
nois The logic of the situation forced the nomi.
nation of Lincoln.
Douglas defeated for the presidency as
Lincoln had foreseen
Out of Lincoln's election came the Civil War.
Out OF the Civil War came Lncolns Emancpa
tion Proclamation. Thus Lincoln fulfilled his owr
prophecy:
"A house divided against itself cannot stand
1 believe this government cannot endure perma
nently half-slnve and haf-free. l do not expect
the Union to be dissolved; do not expect the
house to fall but do expect it will cease TO he
divided"
And all this straight hac fO fbot
asked by Abraham Lincoln and answered bx
Stephen A. Douglas August %. 1858, at Free
port, Ill