Under the Dred Scott decision, "squatter sovereignty" squatted out of existence, tumbled down like temporary scaffolding; like the mould at the foundry, it served through one blast, and fell back into loose sand,--helped to carry an election, and then was kicked to the winds.
In his "House Divided" speech, Lincoln uses vivid imagery to describe how the Dred Scott decision rendered the concept of popular sovereignty ineffective.
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Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.
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.
The United States, whatever claim or pretense may have existed heretofore, are now, at least, entitled to claim and concede an entire and friendly equality of rights and hospitalities with all maritime nations.
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