In his comment on my last posting, Shawn Bannon raised the interesting question of how Lincoln's Cooper Union speech might have fared today, in the age of the Internet. In reply, I said that Lincoln was a shrewd politician who mastered the media of his era, and would probably have done the same in our own time.

But, as I considered the matter, it occurred to me that speed of communication might have produced some embarrassments for "Honest Abe" had communication been faster during his first campaign for President in 1860.

The story goes that Lincoln was campaigning in southern Illinois when he was asked, "If Congress passes an abolition bill, will you sign it?"

This was a loaded question, because the economy of southern Illinois was tied closely to the South. The farmers of that region shipped their produce down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. Any interruption of commerce with the southern states would have serious economic consequences for the local people. So they were by no means in favor of abolition.

Lincoln replied, "If Congress passes an abolition bill, I will be the last man to sign it!" And he departed amid loud and sustained cheers.

News traveled a lot more slowly back then, but eventually, one of Lincoln's friends in Springfield -- a militant abolitionist -- found out about Lincoln's declaration. In high dudgeon, he took himself to Lincoln's parlor and berated him. "How could you, Abe?" he demanded. "How could you possibly say such a thing?"

Lincoln flashed a conspiratorial smile and told his friend to simmer down. "Think about it," he said. "When Congress passes a bill, who is the last man to sign it? As I recall, it's the President."