The Western news. [volume] (Libby, Mont.) 1933-current, 1935-02-07

"Such was vandalia when on winter day
Int In November 1884, the regular stage coach
mns driven into the capital OF Illinois. Among
the passengers was Abraham Lincoln. one Of
the newly elected representatives from Sanga-
mon county
sHe wore a new suit which, made by tailor
in Springfield had cost him sixty dollars Lin
coin had borrowed from Coleman Smoot Two
hundred dollars In order properly TO equip MINI
self and pay his expenses while away from New
Salem on his first Legislative adventure The loan
was, whimsically declared Lincoln when asking
Smoot for the money, kind Of penalty upon
Smoot for having voted for him. He was better
attired and had more clothes than ever before I'D
his life."
During this session Lincoln played very small
mart and such measures as he voted upon had
comparatively little historical significance. he
was appointed to one minor standing committee
and later to two special committees. The first
bin he introduced providing for private toll
bridge across Salt creek in Sangamon county,
was passed promptly. But when he branched
out into larger fields of legislation he was not
successful.
The disposal OF public lands belonging to the
United States was an important question at tnat
time On January TO- 1885, Lincoln offered
resolution that senators be instructe0- ana
our representatives requested to use their whole
Influence In the congress Of the United States to
procure the passage of law relative TO tne
public lands, by the operation of which the
state OF Illinois would be entitled to receive
annually sum OF money not less In amount
than 20 per cent upon the amount annually paid
into the treasury of the United States, for pub
lie lands lying within the limits OF the said
state OF Illinois" This resolution was laid on the
table without roll-call, where 1t peacefully ex-
pIred.
Even more important than the public land
question was the problem OF the National nank,
the main Issue In the Presidential campaign OF
1892 In which Andrew Jackson was reelected
resolution, supporting Jacksons stand on THIS
question, was introduced In the Illinois legisa-
tnne In January 1895, and precipitated q Wig
orous dispute. Says Beverldge: :. For nearly
three weeks Lincoln heard what was said on all
phases of the National bank and the currency .
hut It does not appear that he took part In the
controversy
-T5ags>4f-I Lincoln played nm observation-disclosures
during his FIRST legislative experience, he was TO
play an active und conspicuous part In the spe-
cia session of the legislature which Gov. Joseph
Duncan called the following December. Cribs
was the same Joseph Duncan who. as one OF
Nal George Crogans boy entenants, had
won vote OF thanks from congress Tor iheir
hprniSm the defense OF f0Tl stephenson uui
ing the War of 1922 During this session the
state was reapnorioneu, the necessary ieGlsla-
ton for starting work on the Illinois and Mich
igan canal was passed, as were the first or the
flood bills providing for other Internal improve
ments which rose to such high tide In the neN'
legislature and played no small part In the panic
of 1897.
But more important, as regards Lincons
career. was the fnct that during this time NJ
was helping pave the way for removing I'M
capital to Springfield an incident which brough
him his first real prominence, Reelected to TN
legislature in 1885. at Its opening session II
December he became the Whg floor leader AM
was recognized on all hands as clever par
lamentary tactician and likely TO become TN
manager In the house. His supreme purpos
now was to achieve the removal OF the capita
to Springfield and upon the achievement OF tina
design he concentrated every faculty during tn
next three months"
In 1929 the legislature had authorized rel
erendum vote by the people on the question
selecting permanent site for the capital nu
no majority was given for any one location. IN
leaders In the voting were Alton, Vandahi