I have said very many times in Judge Douglas's hearing that no man believed more than I in the principle of self-government; that it lies at the bottom of all my ideas of just government from beginning to end.
Speaking in a debate, Lincoln asserts his fundamental belief in the principle of self-government as the basis for all just governance.
Share
More from Abraham Lincoln
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.
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
Other voices in this conversation
