and hundreds were here from remote parts of the state. From the south a train of twelve cars were filled with people from Madison, Macoupin, Jersey, Greene, Montgomery, St. Claire, Monroe and other counties—one of these cars bearing a conspicuous pledge, in bold lettering—"Madison for Douglas!"—Another, "Jersey all right for Douglas!"—with a sixpounder on a platform car in the rear, this train came thundering into town at noon.
From the east a train, decorated with national banners, bearing delegations from the counties along the line of the G. W. Road, Macon, Piatt, Champaign, &c., arrived at 12, and simultaneously, from the west, another train of ten cars, with delegations from Morgan, Scott, and Pike, covered with the stars and stripes, and a cannon to tell their coming, arrived.
From our own county, notwithstanding the busy time of our farmers, and the rainy day, the people poured into town from all directions—The town was alive with the masses, who wanted to see and to welcome Douglas. From the state house flag-staff streamed the national flag across the streets around the square hung immense banners, many of the buildings fronting the square were tastefully ornamented with flags, interspersed with mottoes, all speaking the one idea—"welcome to Douglas."
SPEECH OF SENATOR DOUGLAS
Mr. Edwards having introduced Senator Douglas to the audience, Senator Douglas said:
"I will not recur to the scenes which took place all over this country in 1854 when that Nebraska bill passed. I could then travel from Boston to Chicago by the light of my own effigies, in consequence of having stood up for it. ["It did not hurt you." "Hurra for Douglas," etc.] I leave it to you to say how I met that storm, and whether I quailed under it: ["never," "no"] whether I did not 'face the music,' justify the principle and pledge my life to carry it out." ["You did," and three cheers.]. . . .
Meanwhile Lincoln had returned to Springfield and although he was not present at the Douglas meeting in the afternoon, he took advantage of the presence of many
