The debate of that day was the important one of the series.

Mr.Lincoln had secured an advantage in the national relations of the contest which he held to the end.

At the same time Douglas had escaped a danger which threatened his destruction in the State canvass, and secured his return to the Senate.

As to the respective merits of the contestants, it would be idle to expect an agreement among contemporary partisans.

But a careful reading of the discussion a quarter of a century after it was held will convince the impartial that in principle, in candor, in the enduring force of logic, Mr.Lincoln had the advantage.