It was an important event, not only to himself, but to his party; not only to his party, but to the country.

Rarely, in our history, has the action of a single person been attended by a public interest as universal; by applause so hearty in the North, by denunciation so bitter in the South.

In the debate which followed, Douglas exhibited great power.

He had a tortuous record to defend, but he defended it with extraordinary ability and adroitness.

From time to time, during the progress of the contest, he was on the point of yielding to some compromise which would have destroyed the heroism and value of his position.