“In this case I would change the order of indictment and have it read The State vs. Mr. Whiskey, instead of The State vs. The Ladies; and touching these there are three laws: the law of self-protection; the law of the land, or statute law; and the moral law, or law of God.
“First the law of self-protection is a law of necessity, as evinced by our forefathers in casting the tea overboard and asserting their right to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness: In this case it is the only defense the Ladies have, for Tanner neither feared God nor regarded man.
“Second, the law of the land, or statute law, and Tanner is recreant to both.
“Third, the moral law, or law of God, and this is probably a law for the violation of which the jury can fix no punishment.”
Lincoln gave some of his own observations on the ruinous effects of whiskey in society, and demanded its early suppression.
After he had concluded, the Court, without awaiting the return of the jury, dismissed the ladies, saying:
“Ladies, go home. I will require no bond of you, and if any fine is ever wanted of you, we will let you know.”
AVOIDED EVEN APPEARANCE OF EVIL
Frank W. Tracy, President of the First National Bank of Springfield, tells a story illustrative of two traits in Mr. Lincoln’s character. Shortly after the National banking law went into effect the First National of Springield was chartered, and Mr. Tracy wrote to Mr. Lincoln, with whom he was well acquainted in a business way, and tendered him an opportunity to subscribe for some of the stock.