But where is the philosophy or statesmanship which assumes that you can quiet that disturbing element in our society, which has disturbed us for more than half a century, which has been the only serious danger that has threatened our institutions?
In his final debate with Stephen Douglas, Lincoln questioned the wisdom of any political approach that sought to suppress discussion of the nation's most enduring and dangerous problem.
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Or, if one out of four will, for his own freedom fight to keep the other three in slavery, he ought to be a slave for his selfish meanness.
In answer to the Senate's resolution of the 6th instant, requesting the return of a certain joint resolution, I transmit a report from the Secretary of State.
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds.
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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