Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 February 1899 — Lincoln's First Speech. [ARTICLE]

Lincoln's First Speech.

Judge Bell of Mount Carmel, 111., has a copy of Abraham Lincoln’s first speech as a candidate. It was made near Springfield. and ran as follows: “Gentlemen and Fellow Citizens: I presume you all know who I am. lam humble Abraham Lincoln. I have been welioited by many friends to become a candidate for the Legislature. My politics are short and sweet, like an old woman’s dance. lam in favor of a national bank ; I am In favor of the international improvement system and a high protective tariff. These are my sentiments and political principles. If elected I shall be thankful; if not it wil’ be all the same."