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Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

"The Writings of Abraham Lincoln - Volume 2: 1843-1858"

It is not possible to know what he
will or would do in every imaginable case, because many questions have
passed away, and others doubtless will arise which none of us have yet
thought of; but on the prominent questions of currency, tariff, internal
improvements, and Wilmot Proviso, General Taylor's course is at least as
well defined as is General Cass's. Why, in their eagerness to get at
General Taylor, several Democratic members here have desired to know
whether, in case of his election, a bankrupt law is to be established.
Can they tell us General Cass's opinion on this question?
[Some member answered, "He is against it."]
Aye, how do you know he is? There is nothing about it in the platform,
nor elsewhere, that I have seen. If the gentleman knows of anything which
I do not know he can show it. But to return. General Taylor, in his
Allison letter, says:
"Upon the subject of the tariff, the currency, the improvement of our
great highways, rivers, lakes, and harbors, the will of the people, as
expressed through their representatives in Congress, ought to be
respected and carried out by the executive."
Now this is the whole matter. In substance, it is this: The people say to
General Taylor, "If you are elected, shall we have a national bank?" He
answers, "Your will, gentlemen, not mine.


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