But considering the great probability that the framers of those laws were wiser than myself, I should prefer not meddling with them, unless they were first attacked by others, in which case I should feel it both a privilege and a duty to take that stand which, in my view, might tend to the advancement of justice.
In his first public speech, Lincoln outlines his cautious approach to altering existing laws, balancing respect for tradition with a duty to justice.
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I am considering, and shall not fail to act when satisfied that action will be proper.
I believe that it is not only possible, but in fact easier, to do this without deciding or even considering whether these States have ever been out of the Union, than with it.
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?
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