Major Harris— the Douglas anti-Missouri Compromise candidate for Congress— opened the canvass in this (Sixth) District, on yesterday, In a speech of about two hours, he defined his position as a decided opponent of the Missouri Compromise, and labored hard to defend its repeal by the Kansas-Nebraska bill. His speech ought to gratify the most ardent friend to the universal extension of slavery. He spoke fluently, and with much apparent frankness and sincerity, as if desirous that there should be no mistaking that a vote for him would be a full indorsement of the repeal of the Missouri Compromise. He went further— denouncing the original planners, introducers and supporters of the Missouri Compromise as the old “broken down Federalist party, led by Rufus King”3 Is it so? I have not so read its history.

Mr. Yates, his opponent, could not be present; he, it is hoped, will be able to meet the gallant Major at Carlinville next Monday. While Maj. Harris was speaking, Mr. Lincoln of Springfield, arrived in the stage, and by request he addressed the crowd assembled in defense of the Missouri Compromise, and in opposition to so much of the Nebraska bill as repeals it— speaking more than two hours. I need only to say, in reference to his speech that Lincoln was himself. He did not attempt to answer Harris— as he had not heard any of his speech.4 Both were listened to with marked attention.