New York Times, March 1, 1860
Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 29.
The Senate Yesterday.
The report that Senator Seward would speak to-day, crowded the immense galleries, and by noon it was impossible to procure standing room within hearing of the chamber, although the proceedings did not commence till 1 o’clock.
The great leader of the Republican Party was in fine condition, and exhibited unmistakeable consciousness of his own power to meet the expectation of his party and his country. With the calmness of a May morning he approached the subject, and for more than an hour riveted the attention of all. The Democratic side of the chamber bore the excoriation administered to secession and disunion, though it was restless under the expose of Southern fanaticism.
Mr. Douglas followed in reply, and ably espoused the cause of the South, and defended the Democratic Party against the charges preferred by the great “Irrepressible” leader. Every one was commenting on the fact, that whenever the “tug of war” came, Mr. DOUGLAS was put forward to fight the battle for Slavery, while his rival aspirants for the Presidency draw back, and retire from the field. The speech of Mr. Douglas to-day drew upon him flattering compliments from Gen. Jeff. Davis, and will go far towards securing him the Charleston nomination by acclamation.
Gen. Davis, the Cicero of the Senate, followed Judge Douglas, and explained the great Doctrine of State Rights.