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POLITICAL. - THE CANVASS IN ILLINOIS
Close of the Joint Debate.—Progress of Douglas Colonization.—Corn Juice and Corn Stalks.—Douglas's Voice Failing-
Correspondence of the Evening Post
SPRINGFIELD, III., October 16, 1858
The seven joint debates between Lincoln and Douglas have concluded. The last was held at Alton yesterday. These debates have not only been published in nearly all the journals in this state, but they have attracted the attention of the whole country. They have been next in importance and interest to some of the great senatorial debates, when the whole nation has stood still to listen to the voice of its greatest men.
For the rest of the canvass, Mr. Lincoln makes twelve speeches, and Mr. Douglas makes nine. Each is to speak in sections where they deem it most necessary to exert a personal influence.
The Alton meeting, which was the seventh and last joint debate, was not very largly attended, but in many respects it was the greatest discussion yet held. Both speakers applied themselves to their work with new power and energy. The audience was mostly composed of voters, and the Lincoln men took heart from the conflict.
Judge Douglas's voice suffered badly by this out-door speaking. It is very indistinct. He has voice enough, but it cannot be heard any distance. He speaks slowly, and gives every syllable an emphasis, but it seems as if every tone went forth surrounded and enveloped by an echo, which blunts the sound and utterly destroys the word. You hear a voice, but catch no meaning. This peculiar effect has been more marked lately. At Quincy the Judge had to confine his attempts to make himself understood to a small crowd gathered closely about the stand.
Yours, &c.,
BAYOU
