Abraham Lincoln: “The doctrine of self-government is right,--absolutely and internally right; but it has no just application as here…”

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.

The question is, will it be wiser to take it as it is and help to improve it, or to reject and disperse it?

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 all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.