His quick eye discerned an opportunity to exclude from the canvass the disagreeable features in his own political career by arraigning Mr.Lincoln as an enemy of the Union and as an advocate of an internecine conflict in which the free States and the slave States should wrestle in deadly encounter.
Douglas presented his indictment artfully and with singular force.
The two speeches were in all respects characteristic.

Each had made a strong presentation of his case, but the superior candor and directness of Mr.Lincoln had made a deep impression on the popular mind.
THE LINCOLN AND DOUGLAS DEBATE.
In the seven public debates which were held as the result of these preliminary speeches, the questions at issue were elaborately and exhaustively treated.

The friends of each naturally claimed the victory for their own champion.

The speeches were listened to by tens of thousands of eager auditors; but absorbing, indeed unprecedented, as was the interest, the vast throngs behaved with moderation and decorum.

The discussion from beginning to end was an amplification of the position which each had taken at the outset.
The arguments were held close to the subject, relating solely to the slavery question, and not even incidentally referring to any other political issue.