Day is devoted to discussion of suspension of specie payments by state bank. Amendment by Daley of Greene to legalize suspension is tabled, Lincoln voting nay. Many members declare that bank should wind up its affairs when 60-day period of suspension expires December 21, 1839.House Journal.

Lincoln opens debate on fiscal policy, Democrats having accepted challenge "after many efforts on the part of the Locos to get off." He attacks Democratic subtreasury.Speech at Springfield, Illinois, 18 December 1839, CW, 1:157-58.