ourt may be on that abstract question, still
the right of the people to make a slave territory or free territory is
perfect and complete under the Nebraska Bill."

It was with great vigor and adroitness that the two great combatants
went over the ground at the remaining five places of debate, all of
which were attended and listened to by immense concourses. On both sides
the speeches were able, eloquent, exhaustive. It was admitted by
Lincoln's friends that on several occasions he was partly foiled, or at
least badly bothered, while on the other hand the admirers of Douglas
allowed that in more than one instance he was flatly and fairly floored
by Lincoln. It was altogether about an equal match in respect to
ability, logic, and eloquence. Both of them were self-made men; both of
them were able lawyers and politicians; both sprang from obscurity to
distinction; both belonged to the common people; and both were strong
and popular with the masses.

Though defeated by an unfair apportionment of the legislative districts
for the senatorship, yet Lincoln so ably fought the great Douglas with
such wonderful power as to surprise the nation. Heretofore but little
known out of his native State; this debate made him one of the two most
conspicuous men in the nation, and the excitement was intensified from
the fact that both from that hour were the chosen opponents for the
coming presidential contest.

At the ensuing presidential contest Lincoln was elected to the
presidency, and the gory front of secession was raised. Forgetting past
differences, Douglas magnanimously stood shoulder to shoulder with
Lincoln in behalf of the Union. It was the olive branch of genuine
patriotism. But while proudly holding aloft the banner of his nation in
the nation councils, and while yet the blood of his countrymen had not
blended together and drenched the land, the great senator was suddenly
snatched from among the living in the hour of the country's greatest
need; while the brave Lincoln was allowed to see the end--the cause
triumphant, when he was also called from death unto life.

Lincoln elected, though he was, and admitted to have received his
election fairly and triumphantly, was yet of necessity compelled to
enter Washington, like a thief in the night, to assume his place at the
head of the nation. Lincoln met the crisis calmly but firmly. He had
watched the coming storm and he asked, as he bade adieu to his friends
and fellow-citizens,