Chicago (IL) Press and Tribune, "The Charleston Debate," September 21, 1858

"The Charleston Debate," Chicago (IL) Press and Tribune, September 21, 1858

In towns across Illinois, the debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas were the highlight events of 1858. The fourth debate at Charleston was no different and the Chicago Tribune reported the presence of a large and enthusiastic crowd. According to the Republican paper, the debate itself was a “great triumph” for Lincoln and his strongest effort yet. The Tribune described Lincoln’s speech as a “wholly new argument” while Douglas’ was old and rehearsed. The paper concluded its introduction to the debate text with a comment on the affordability of Douglas’ speaking practices; although the reporter admitted it was their business. (By Ben Lyman)

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Record Data

Source citation:

“The Charleston Debate,” Chicago (IL) Press and Tribune, September 21, 1858, p. 2: 1.

Newspaper: Publication:

Chicago Press and Tribune

Newspaper: Headline:

The Charleston Debate

Newspaper: Page(s):

Newspaper: Column:

Type:

Newspaper

Date Certainty:

Exact

Transcriber:

Don Sailer, Dickinson College

Transcription date:

05/18/2008

Transcription

The following text is presented here in complete form, as it originally appeared in print. Spelling and typographical errors have been preserved as in the original.

THE CHARLESTON DEBATE.

We print this morning the fourth great debate between Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas. It came off at Charleston, Coles County, on Saturday last, commencing about 3 o’clock P. M. The crowd was enormous beyond precedent for that section of the State – not differing more than two or three thousand, in point of numbers, from Ottawa and Freeport audiences. The enthusiasm on both sides was tumultuous and unflagging, and the whole marks perhaps the greatest political event of the Eastern and Central portion of the State.

We regard this debate as the GREAT TRIUMPH of the campaign for the friends of Mr. Lincoln. It is unquestionably the strongest effort put forth by that gentlemen since the inauguration of the joint discussions, and in its immediate effects upon the audience his concluding half hour surpassed anything yet brought forward in the heated contest. The readers of the debate will perceive whether the storm of applause which followed almost every sentence was property bestowed or not.

We will not comment further at this time than to observe that Mr. Lincoln has again produced a wholly new argument, while Mr. Douglas has again rehearsed, with a few alterations, his Jacksonville speech, and the “same old speech,” which did its last duties at Jonesboro. If Mr. Douglas can afford to give his green-room performance at all the joint discussions as well as all his private gatherings, it is of course his business and not ours.

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