On the record
The clause begins with the descriptive words, “No person held to service or labor in one State under the laws thereof.” Now a slave is not a “person,” with the rights of persons, but a chattel or thing.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
He argues that the legal definition of a slave fails to recognize their status as property rather than persons.
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Far above any flickering light or battle-lantern of party is the everlasting sun of Truth, in whose beams are the duties of men.
Out of this pernicious prejudice have proceeded that persecution and neglect which are the too frequent lot of the world's pioneers.
It is clear that the only question of present practical interest arises from the usurpations of the Slave Power and the efforts to extend Slavery.
Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.
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