However strictly the citizen may exclude from his premises all foreign luxuries, fine cloths, fine silks, rich wines, golden chains, and diamond rings,--still, for the possession of his house, his barn, and his homespun he is to be perpetually haunted and harassed by the tax-gatherer.
In an address from a Whig committee, Lincoln argues against direct taxation by illustrating its pervasive nature.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?
As a general rule I abstain from reading the reports of attacks upon myself, wishing not to be provoked by that to which I cannot properly offer an answer.
I believe that it is not only possible, but in fact easier, to do this without deciding or even considering whether these States have ever been out of the Union, than with it.
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
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