The Jasper news., 1922-01-05

speech. Often bis hands were locked
behind him. he gesticulated more
with his head than his hands. He
stood square-toed always. He never
walked about on the platform. He
scored his points with the long. bony.
index finger OF his right hand. Some
times he would, hang a hand on the
lapel Of his coat as II to rest II. Per-
spiration dripped from his face. His
voice, high pitched at first, mellowed
into a pleasant sound.
| One sentence In Lincoln's speech at
| Ottawa thrust 'The Little Giant" OF
Illinois out Of his way forever. It was
this pregnant query:
"Can the people Of a United States
territory In any lawful way and
against the wish of any citizen Of the
United States exclude slavery from
its limits prior to the formation of
state constitution
He knew that Douglas would an
swer yes and that, doing SO. he would
ALLEVIATE the South and destroy his
chance to be President two years later.
Tint is exactly what came to pass.
"The Little Giants" answer was the
famous "Freeport Heresy." He was
elected to the senate, but was no long
er possible as a candidate for the
presidency.
/ come now to the last step In the
career OF my friend and beloved mas
ter. 1t was the Republican conven-
ton of 1850 In Chicago, was a
| doIorota Tsho NJau, Vnri,o-. .....z A..
white beaver hats. enthusiastic for
Seward, their favorite son. he was
the man we dreaded most. Many In
the great crowd were wearing his col
ors. The delegations were IN earnest
session the night before the balloting
began. The hotel corridors were
thronged with excited men. My fa-
ther had become man Of wealth and
great influence in Illinois. i was with
him when he went into the meeting Of
the Michigan delegates and tnlked to
them. He told hbw he came West In
wagon and saw the spirit OF Amer
ica in the water floods Of Niagara and
saw again the spirit Of America In the
life of the boy, Abe Lincoln, then
flowing toward its manhood. When
he sat down, the Honorable Dennis
the Traylor party at the Falls. when
he was driving an ox-team, In a tall
beaver hat; how he had remembered
their good advice and cookies and
jerked venison.
Gentlemen" he said, 'I am willing
to take the word Of q man whose name
is hallowed by my dearest recolIec-
tions. And believing what he has said
of Abraham Lincoln. l am for him on
the second ballot"
The green Irish lad. whom remem.
Der dimly, had become a great pollti-
cal chieftaln and his words had much
effect. There was a stir among the
delegates. turned and saw he tall
form of Horace Greeley entering the
door. His big. full face Nooked rather
serious. He wore gold-bowed specta.
cles. He was smooth-shaven save for
the silken, white, throat beard that
came out from under his collar. His
head was bald on top with soft. sil.
vered locks over each ear. They called
on him to speak. He stepped forward
and said slowly in a high-pitched
drawl:
Gentlemen, this is my speech: On
your second ballot vote for Abraham
Lincoln Of Illinois"
He bowed and left the room and
visited many delegations. and every
where expressed his convictions II
this formula. Backed by his tremen
dous personality and influence, thu
simple words were impressive. / doub
not they turned scores OF men from
Seward to the great son Of Illinois
Then-the campaign with Its crowds
. Its enthusiasm, its Vesuvian mutter
lngs. There was curious touch O
humOr and history In its banners. Herr
are three Of them:
"Menard County for the Tai
Sucker"
y, 1--WE are for old Abe the Giant
D Killer"
" Link on to Lincoln"
e Then-those last days In Springfield
e He came to the Office the Afternoon
n before he left and threw himself Of
the lounge and talked OF bygone day
: with Herndon.
{ BILLY, how long have We been to
e gether?" he asked.
e sixteen years"
$ "Never a cross word"
D Never"
G ''Keep the old sign hanging. A III
J. tie thing like the election Of Pres
y dent shonld make no change In IN