Is it not a false statesmanship that undertakes to build up a system of policy upon the basis of caring nothing about the very thing that everybody does care the most about,--a thing which all experience has shown we care a very great deal about?
During his final debate with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln challenged the notion that a sound policy could be built on ignoring the most pressing public concern.
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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.
I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
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?
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