Wrong as we think slavery is, we can yet afford to let it alone where it is, because that much is due to the necessity arising from its actual presence in the nation; but can we, while our votes will prevent it, allow it to spread into the national Territories, and to overrun us here in these free States?
In his Cooper Union Address, Lincoln articulated his policy of tolerating slavery where it existed due to necessity, while firmly opposing its expansion into new territories.
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