We stick to, contend for, the identical old policy on the point in controversy which was adopted by "our fathers who framed the government under which we live"; while you with one accord reject, and scout, and spit upon that old policy, and insist upon substituting something new.
In his Cooper Union address, Lincoln asserted that Republicans upheld the founders' original policy regarding slavery, while their opponents introduced novel ideas.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks made on me, this shop might as well be closed for any other business.
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.
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