Remarks in Illinois Legislature
Concerning Payment of Interest on the Public Debt1Jump to section
Mr. LINCOLN said he was already committed to the principle contained in the amendment proposed by the gentleman from Morgan.2Jump to section The only difference between the measure he had formerly proposed, and that now proposed by the gentleman, was that by his plan, a provision was made for increasing our means for defraying the ordinary expenses of the State, as well as to meet our accruing interest. It was just as bad to be bankrupt in one respect as in the other, and while we were adjusting the one, the other had as well be attended to at the same time.
Annotation
[1] Sangamo Journal, December 15, 1840. Lincoln's remarks also appear in Illinois State Register, December 18, 1840.
[2] John J. Hardin had offered an amendment to Lincoln's bill (vide supra, December 7, 1840), calling for a direct tax exclusively to pay interest. The amendment was tabled.