Mr. Lincoln thought that the question had better be gone into now. In
courts of law jurors were required to decide on evidence, without
previous study or examination. They were required to know nothing of the
subject until the evidence was laid before them for their immediate
decision. He thought that the heat of party would be augmented by delay.
The Speaker called Mr. Lincoln to order as being irrelevant; no mention
had been made of party heat.
Mr. Drummond said he had only spoken of debate. Mr. Lincoln asked what
caused the heat, if it was not party? Mr. Lincoln concluded by urging
that the question would be decided now better than hereafter, and he
thought with less heat and excitement.
(Further debate, in which Lincoln participated.)
REMARKS IN THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE.
December 4, 1840.
In the Illinois House of Representatives, December 4, 1840, House in
Committee of the Whole on the bill providing for payment of interest on
the State debt,--Mr. Lincoln moved to strike out the body and amendments
of the bill, and insert in lieu thereof an amendment which in substance
was that the governor be authorized to issue bonds for the payment of the
interest; that these be called "interest bonds"; that the taxes accruing
on Congress lands as they become taxable be irrevocably set aside and
devoted as a fund to the payment of the interest bonds.
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