The real issue in this controversy--the one dressing upon every mind--is the sentiment on the part of one class that looks upon the institution of slavery as a wrong, and of another class that does not look upon it as a wrong.
In his final debate with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln identified the fundamental disagreement over slavery as the core issue dividing the nation.
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More from Abraham Lincoln
Unlike a case of war between independent nations, there is no organized organ for us to treat with,--no one man has authority to give up the rebellion for any other man.
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.
Grant that he desires the elective franchise, will he not attain it sooner by saving the already advanced steps towards it, than by running backward over them?
I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.
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