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Lincoln promises to learn.

In Lincoln's Pittsburg speech he says: "I must confess I do not understand the Tariff subject in all its multiform bearings, but I promise you I will give it my closest attention and endeavor to comprehend it fully." Imagine Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, John C. Calhoun, or even an ordinary member of Congress, confessing to their constituents on their way to Washington, that they did not understand the Tariff subject, but would endeavor to comprehend it after they got to Washington! It would be well if Abraham had nothing else to learn besides the Tariff. When he arrives at Washington, he will have to "comprehend" that "coercion" is easier to talk of than practice, and that a man of half sense can never rule in such times as these over a whole country.

The Daily Dispatch: February 19, 1861. Richmond Dispatch. 4 pages. by Cowardin & Hammersley. Richmond. February 19, 1861. microfilm. Ann Arbor, Mi : Proquest. 1 microfilm reel ; 35 mm.

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