On the recordMay 19, 1856
But however much you may argue upon it, or smother it in soft phrases, slavery can only be maintained by force--by violence.
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gutenberg.orgAbraham Lincoln: “But however much you may argue upon it, or smother it in soft phrases, slavery can only be maintained by force--by…”
Editor's note · Context
Lincoln asserts that despite attempts to rationalize or soften its image, the institution of slavery fundamentally relies on force and violence for its existence.
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