Today Marks the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Stephen Douglas-- Part 1

From the April 13, 2013, Springfield (Il) Journal-Register "Stephen Douglas: patriotism over partisanship" on editorial page.

Even though he was not much involved in the war itself, he definitely had a play in events leading up to it.  Not to mention the Union Army training camp on his land in Chicago which eventually became an infamous Union prison.

Illinois' own "Little Giant," standing at just 5 feet 4 inches, but the man had a booming voice as well as high ideals

Four years ago, there was a huge statewide and even national celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday.

But, "If it wasn't for Douglas and their famed debates for the U.S. Senate seat, Lincoln would not have had the national recognition to secure his party's nomination for the presidency in 1860."  His victory led to the Civil War.

Then, Douglas was nominated for president by the Democratic party where his views on allowing citizens of new states to decide whether or not to allow slavery alienated the South and led to their putting up their own candidate, this splitting the Democratic party and assuring Lincoln's victory.

A Man Whose Birthday Should be Noted.  --Old Secesh