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Whig principles had no boundary sectional line, they were not limited by the Ohio river, nor by the Potomac, nor by the line of the free and slave States, but applied and were proclaimed wherever the Constitution ruled or the American flag waved over the American soil. An old line Whig could proclaim his principles in Louisiana and Massachusetts alike. Both were national and patriotic, advocating principles that were universal in their application. Prior to 1854 this country was divided into two great political parties, known as the Whig and Democratic parties. Lincoln and myself, we are present here to-day for the purpose of having a joint discussion, as the representatives of the two great political parties of the State and Union, upon the principles in issue between those parties and this vast concourse of people, shows the deep feeling which pervades the public mind in regard to the questions dividing us. Ladies and gentlemen: I appear before you to-day for the purpose of discussing the leading political topics which now agitate the public mind. In his rebuttal Douglas concentrated on the charge that Lincoln had been present when a very radical “abolitionist” type platform had been written by the Republican Party in 1854. Lincoln charged Douglas with trying to nationalize slavery. Lincoln during his turn did not respond to the questions and was on the defensive denying the allegations Douglas had made. ![]() Douglas also said Lincoln wanted to make Illinois “a free Negro colony.” Douglas asked Lincoln seven questions. Douglas accused Lincoln of taking the side of the common enemy in the Mexican War. He also charged Lincoln had been present when a very radical “abolitionist” type platform had been written by the Republican Party in 1854. There were no seats or bleachers.ĭouglas charged Lincoln with trying to “abolitionize” the Whig and Democratic Parties. ![]() It was dry and dusty, between 10,000 and 12,000 people were in attendance when the debate began at 2:00 p.m.
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