''Abe'' Lincoln's Yarns and Stories - University of Macau Library

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 216"I believe I know that much; but if you find me knowing anything moreyou may take my head.""Good morning," said the stranger.LINCOLN BELIEVED IN EDUCATION."That every man may receive at least a moderate education, and thereby beenabled to read the histories of his own and other countries, by which hemay duly appreciate the value of our free institutions, appears to be anobject of vital importance; even on this account alone, to say nothing of theadvantages and satisfaction to be derived from all being able to read theScriptures and other works, both of a religious and moral nature, forthemselves."For my part, I desire to see the time when education, by its means,morality, sobriety, enterprise and integrity, shall become much moregeneral than at present, and should be gratified to have it in my power tocontribute something to the advancement of any measure which might havea tendency to accelerate the happy period."LINCOLN ON THE DRED SCOTT DECISION.In a speech at Springfield, Illinois, June 26th, 1857, Lincoln referred to thedecision of Chief Justice Roger B. Taney, of the United States SupremeCourt, in the Dred Scott case, in this manner:"The Chief justice does not directly assert, but plainly assumes as a fact,that the public estimate of the black man is more favorable now than it wasin the days of the Revolution."In those days, by common consent, the spread of the black man's bondagein the new countries was prohibited; but now Congress decides that it willnot continue the prohibition, and the Supreme Court decides that it couldnot if it would.