In 1831, or '32, Abraham Lincoln made his maiden political speech at
Pappsville (or Richland), Illinois. He was twenty-three, and timid, and
the preceding speakers had "rolled the sun nearly down." The speech is,
therefore, short and agreeable:
"Gentlemen, fellow citizens: I presume you all know who I am. I am
humble Abraham Lincoln. I have been solicited by my friends to become a
candidate for the legislature. My politics are short and sweet--like an
old woman's dance! I am in favor of a national bank, the international
improvement scheme, and a high protective tariff. These are my
sentiments and political principles. If elected, I will be thankful. If
defeated, it will be all the same!"--(Springfield _Republican_.)
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