But it is equally clear that it will leave Slavery still alive and on its legs; and just so long as this is the case, there must be controversy and debate, with attending weakness, while Reaction perpetually lifts its crest.

Instead of tranquillity, which we all seek for Missouri, we shall have contention.

Instead of peace, we shall have prolonged war.

Every year’s delay, ay, Sir, every week’s delay, in dealing death to Slavery leaves just so much of opportunity to the Rebellion; for so long as Slavery is allowed to exist in Missouri the Rebellion will still struggle, not without hope…

But let Slavery cease at once and all will be changed.

There will be no opportunity to the Rebellion, which must cease all effort there, when Missouri can no longer be a Slave State.

Freedom will become our watchful, generous, and invincible ally, while the well-being, the happiness, the repose, and the renown of Missouri will be established forever.

Having shown, that, as a military necessity, and for the sake of that economy which it is our duty to cultivate, Emancipation must be immediate, I need not go further.

The whole question is opened between Immediate Emancipation and Prospective Emancipation,--or, in other words, between doing right at once and doing right at some future, distant day.

Procrastination is the thief, not only of time, but of virtue itself.

Yet such is the nature of man that he is disposed always to delay, so that he does nothing to-day which he can put off till to-morrow.

Perhaps in no single matter is this disposition more apparent than with regard to Slavery.

Every consideration of humanity, justice, religion, reason, common sense, and history, all demanded the instant cessation of an intolerable wrong, without procrastination or delay.

It is only when we regard Slavery in its essential elements, and look at its unutterable and unquestionable atrocity, that we fully comprehend the mingled folly and wickedness of this question.

If it were merely a question of economy, or a question of policy, then the Senate might properly debate whether the change should be instant or gradual; but considerations of economy and policy are all absorbed in the higher claims of…

There is no question whether justice and humanity shall be immediate or gradual.

Men are to cease at once from wrong; they are to obey the Ten Commandments instantly, and not gradually.

Senators who argue for Prospective Emancipation show themselves insensible to the true character of Slavery, or insensible to the requirements of reason.

Reason recoils from the wicked absurdity of the inquiry.

Reason insists that every man shall have his own without postponement.

And history, thank God, speaking by examples, testifies in conformity with reason.

There is nothing now to justify letters of marque and reprisal; and when Senators say that Massachusetts is interested in their issue, I repel the suggestion.

Such a marine might justly be called the militia of the sea; but I must protest against the deceptive militia of the Senator.

And I plead also for a policy which, whether traditional or not, will provide for the national defence according to that best economy which takes counsel of prudence as well as of courage.

Let us at all hazards prevent the extension of Slavery and the increase of the Slave Power.