I say, then, there is no way of putting an end to the slavery agitation amongst us, but to put it back upon the basis where our fathers placed it; no way but to keep it out of our new Territories,--to restrict it for ever to the old States where it now exists.
During a debate, Lincoln articulates his belief that the only way to resolve the national conflict over slavery is to return to the Founders' original intent of restricting its expansion.
Share
More from Abraham Lincoln
If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won't amount to anything.
If the end brings me out wrong, ten angels swearing I was right would make no difference.
I do the very best I know how--the very best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.
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.
Other voices in this conversation
