On the recordSeptember 15, 1858
Another form of his question is, "Why can't we let it stand as our fathers placed it?" That is the exact difficulty between us.
Source
gutenberg.orgAbraham Lincoln: “Another form of his question is, "Why can't we let it stand as our fathers placed it?" That is the exact difficulty…”
Editor's note · Context
In a debate, Lincoln identifies the fundamental disagreement with his opponent as differing interpretations of the Founding Fathers' original stance on slavery.
Share
More from Abraham Lincoln
Apr 11, 1865
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?
Apr 11, 1865
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.
Apr 11, 1865
He said, with a great deal of emphasis, and with an expression of countenance I shall never forget: "When a man is sincerely penitent for his misdeeds, and gives satisfactory evidence of the same, he can safely be pardoned, and there is no…
Apr 11, 1865
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.
Other voices in this conversation
