Democratic Sentinel, Volume 20, Number 45, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 November 1896 — PROUD DAY FOR KNOX [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PROUD DAY FOR KNOX

GREAT LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE COMMEMORATED. Monument Unveiled in Honor of the Historic Event—Palmer and Depew the Principal Orators Exercises Held Under Auspices of the College. Tributes to Noted Men. The entire population of Galesburg, DL, United Wednesday to commemorate history »nd exalt educalon. Thousands

came from the surftrtrudihg c o u n t ry and assisted in making it a day of enthusiastic, noblespi'“ed celebration. These were the features of this most noteworthy day in the history of Galesburg: Celebration of the thirty-eighth anniversary of the fa-

mous debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. Unveiling of a bronze tablet, built into the walls of Knox College, to commemorate that event. Formal announcement of the establishment of the Abraham Lincoln School of Arts and Sciences in Knox College. Dedication of a monument to the soldier dead of Knox County. Finally, lest the day should seem too one-sided,

too much given to the things that, live mostly in the recollections of the old, the day dosed in genuine college style-with a football game. This manifold, many-sided occasion sprang from'the desire of old Knox College to emphasize its adherence to the doctrine that true education combines care for citizenship and patriotism. The veteran soldiers who had poured out their blood in expression of their patriotic t creed joined hands in the endeavor. Men who

lived in the days when the deeds commemorated were wrought and who knew, with the knowledge that comes from personal contact, the emotlons that ruled men's souls at that time, came to read the lesson of the past, and apply them

to the future. c ' Other men, whose part It is to apply-dn the present the lessons of the past, joined their voices in the chorus. There was Chauncey M. Depew, strong in the knowledge of what has made his country great a“id superb in ability, to tell the story of that greatness. There was Senator John M. Palmer, soldier and statesman, best qualifisd of all men in Illinois to throw the flashlight of personal experience upon the mighty struggle of forty years ago, when two lllinoisaiis were die champions, the American people were the spectators, and the unity of the nation, the fate of the nation, was the ground of battle. There was Robert T. Lincoln, famous'son of a world famous father, and thl-re were the-'dozens who*' cheered on the fight'iiv the old days, and the other dozens and scores who have given their lives since that time t» put-

ting Info enduring form the decision then rendered. Nature smiled on the efforts of her children and gave a perfect day, and a gorgeous setting for their undertaking. Galesburg, clothed for a holiday, receiv-

ad a holiday crowd. Every railroad brought in special train loads. Long lines of vehicles—carriages, buggies, family carrjalls and plain springless farm wagons—rolled over the country roads in seemingly endlosststreams. Each was piled high with old peopie, young people, babies and lunch baskets. Galesburg houses were opened early, and emptied before 10 o’clock in the morning. Thirty thousand people thronged the making progress on sidewalks well-nigh impossible, blocking street cars and possessing the roadways for pedestrianism. Every single individual was in holiday attire and in holiday humor—a combination of barbecue, circus day, county fair and graduation day spirit. The seller

of official souvenirs, tin horns and campaign badges found a ready market. The erowd found the firs outlet for its enthusiasm in the morning parade preceding the soldiers' monument dedication, and kept the supply steadily on tap until after the Knox boys had trounced the young football players from Parsons, Kan., in the afternoon. The ceremonies on the campus of Knox College, were, of course, the event of the day. The crowd commenced to gather at noon on the historic spot where “Honest Abe” and the “Little Giant” wrestled in

debate thirty-eight year* ago. Old Knot had put on festal garb. The college colors. purple and gold, were everywhere. Three significant.dates were displayed on big banners—lß37, the date Knox College was founded; 1858, the year of the debates, and 1890. Tft history of Illinois could have been written from the personal recollections of the men in the crowd. John H. Finley, president of Knox College, presided. He is the youngest college president in America. - Addresses were made by Dr. Nash, president of Lombard University; Chauncey Depew, Senator Palmer and Robert T. Lincoln.*

C. M. DEPEW.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

J. M. PALMER.

R. T. LINCOLN.

STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS.