When Mr. Douglas discovered the unpopularity of his famous bill, he hastened to Springfield and other places in Illinois, to explain matters. On the 4th of October, 1854, he spoke in the State House at the time of the State Fair. It was expected that Lyman Trumbull, a noted Whig politician of Illinois, would reply, but he did not appear. Seeing the coast clear, Mr. Douglas spread himself, and made a great speech. He was small in stature and somewhat bombastic in his style of delivery. He was popularly known among his friends as the "Little Giant." Mr. Lincoln had been urged to reply to Mr. Douglas, and, after some persuasion, consented to do so. That day he made his first great political speech. It is stated that "all the smothered fires of his broody days and nights and years burst forth in a power and with an eloquence which even those who knew him best had not so much as hoped for." Among other things, he said: "My distinguished friend, Douglas, says it is an insult to the emigrants to Kansas and Nebraska to suppose that they are not able to govern themselves. We must not slur over an argument of this kind because it happens to tickle the ear. It must be met and answered. I admit that the emigrant to Kansas and Nebraska is competent to govern himself, _but I deny his right to govern any other person without that person's consent_." I now introduce to my readers one who heard Mr. Douglas and Mr. Lincoln on that occasion, fifty-four years ago. It is Rev. R. L. McCord, now in his seventy-ninth year. He is an intelligent and highly-respected citizen of Lake City, Iowa, and one of my most valued parishioners. I shall let Mr. McCord speak for himself: